Synopsis:

Wanting to write fiction, but don't know how to start? Already creating stories, but having trouble condensing your thoughts down within a word count? Or are you fascinated by very short stories and simply want to try your hand at developing one?

Brevity is the answer to your search! In this hands-on workshop, you will first review what constitutes the elements of fiction in general and flash fiction in particular. Next, you will examine various forms of very short stories and some approaches/styles that writers have used for their flash fiction. Drawing inspiration from these texts, you will then be led through various writing exercises to create your own 6-word story, 3-line novel and other types of flash fiction.

Whether you are a new or seasoned writer, Brevity will definitely spur your creativity. You will leave the workshop with a better grasp of how to handle characterization, conflict, story arc, pace, etc. within a tight word count, thereby allowing you to write very short stories that engage your reader more effectively.

PREPARATION:
Participants must bring their writing materials and/or laptop/tablet.
Please ensure that your devices are fully charged.
Please bring your own portable chargers.

CERTIFICATE:
A Certificate of Participation will be issued to all participants who complete the full workshop.
Certificates will be handed out at the end of the workshop.

ABOUT THE TRAINER:
Verena Tay (www.verenatay.com) has written and published two collections of short stories and four volumes of plays. To date, she has edited twelve-story anthologies, including the popular Balik Kampung series published by Math Paper Press. Since 2011, she has conducted numerous writing workshops for the National Library Board, National Book Development Council of Singapore, the Ministry of Education and other local organizations.

Verena holds three Masters degrees in English Literature, Voice Studies, and Creative Writing and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Creative Writing with Swansea University. An Honorary Fellow at the International Writing Program, University of Iowa (Aug–Nov 2007), she was a Writer-in-Residence at Nanyang Technological University (Aug–Nov 2018). In addition, she is a seasoned theatre practitioner, an experienced teacher of storytelling, speech and presentation skills, as well as an accomplished storyteller that has delighted audiences in Singapore, Scandinavia, Australia, Malaysia, Wales, and the US.

ADMITTANCE RULES:
All patrons are required to purchase tickets for admission.
Admission is subject to proof of tickets purchased.

Duration: 3 hours including a 15-min break
Latecomers advisory: All latecomers must wait for a suitable cue for seating.
All footwear to be left outside the venue door
NO refunds, NO cancellation, NO exchange of tickets.

RECOMMENDED FOR:
Emerging and experienced writers.
People with significant life experiences, who wish to personally record them in a meaningful manner.