Part-craft guide, part-anthology, this book takes a cross-genre approach to the principles and techniques of writing flash fiction, flash nonfiction and prose poetry

A complete introduction to the art and craft of extremely compressed works of imaginative literature, this book, now in its 2nd edition, introduces both traditional and innovative approaches to the short form and demonstrates how it possesses structure, logic, and coherence while simultaneously resisting expectations.

With discussion questions, writing prompts, flash interviews, and illustrated key concepts, the book covers prose poetry, flash fiction, micro memoir, lyric essay, cross-genre/hybrid writing and much more. Two new chapters explore how to spark inspiration and innovation, and how to take the next steps by collaborating with partners and preparing work for publication. In this revised and expanded edition, H. K. Hummel and Stephanie Lenox present the ultimate companion to writing short fiction, featuring microplays, new short-form tactics, and a dozen fresh anthology pieces by Eve L. Ewing, Ross Gay, Jayne Anne Phillips, Gertrude Stein, and Jean Toomer, along with one-sentence student workshops that spotlight small but powerful moves in the short form.
The extensive anthology showcases sixty short-form works including microplays and pieces by writers from Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Canada, France, Greece, Bosnia, and the U.S., offering a vibrant mix of styles, forms, themes, and voices.

"What a treasure Short-Form Creative Writing is! It's not only packed with inspiring examples but with crystalline prose that unpacks the examples in a way that gives inspiration and direction. Flash interviews, writing prompts, group activities, one-sentence workshops – H. K. Hummel and Stephanie Lenox have provided anything a practitioner of short-form writing could desire, and then some." - Beth Ann Fennelly, Distinguished Professor of English, University of Mississippi, USA