What will be covered in this workshop?

In this workshop, we’ll spend time exploring the hermit crab flash–which is a story that is told in a borrowed, familiar structure, such as a shopping list, recipe, or a quiz. We’ll take a deep dive into a published example and figure out what makes it so evocative and surprisingly emotional. How can we exploit that tension between the hard exterior of a known form and a gutsy, visceral, heart-pounding story? In other words, how can we break the familiar with the unfamiliar? In this generative workshop, you’ll get the chance to write your own hermit crab flash, with three guided prompts, and you’ll have an option to share your fresh work in a supportive, encouraging environment. I’ll also share resources, such as a compilation of hermit crab flash and suggestions for literary journals that accept this exciting experimental form.

What Participants Will Take Away

• An introduction to the hermit crab form
• Analysis of a successful hermit crab flash, exploring what makes it work
• Three fresh drafts
• An extended reading list
• List of journals where you can submit your hermit crab flash

There will be an optional opportunity to share.

This workshop is suitable for all levels.

Who is teaching this workshop?

Cheryl Pappas is the author of the flash fiction collection The Clarity of Hunger (word west press, 2021), and her flash has appeared in Wigleaf, The Chattahoochee Review, SmokeLong Quarterly, and elsewhere. She is a 2023 MacDowell Fellow and the recipient of a 2022 artist fellowship grant in fiction from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. She is working on a novel.

When does this workshop happen?

Saturday, May 11, 2024: 8 AM PDT / 11 AM EDT / 4 PM BST / 8:30 PM IST / 1 AM AEST

This workshop runs for 2 hours.

Scroll down for the time zone map.

How is this workshop presented?

• Online, live, interactive.
• Participants are encouraged (but not required) to keep their cameras on.
• Run on Zoom.
• Has built-in closed captioning.

How will I access my workshop?

To access the online event page, do any of the following:

• Go to the confirmation email and click View the event.
• Visit the event page and click Access the event.
• Log into Eventbrite and go to Tickets. Find your order and click Go to online event page.

Will this workshop be recorded?

No, this workshop will not be recorded.

Are there more workshops?

You bet! Just click here to see the Crow Collective workshops open for registration.

Do you have a mailing list?

Yes - click here to sign up for my free, biweekly mailing list.

What is the Crow Collective?

Crow Collective workshops are by the writing community, for the writing community. The prices are low so they are more accessible, and there are two free spots (if needed).

Why can't I access the ticket button using the Apple Eventbrite app?

This is a decision on Eventbrite's part. You should be able to access the ticket button using the website instead. If you're still having troubles, feel free to get in touch.

Where did the free tickets on Eventbrite go?

No worries, the free tickets still exist. There's a long explanation below, but the short version is: if you can really use a free ticket just write Sage via the Crow Collective site and she will provide them. As always, no questions asked.

Long version: The Eventbrite free tickets are gone within the first five minutes of the workshop opening for registration. The Crow Collective community is spread all over the world, and there's no way to make the moment free tickets come available fair because half of us are asleep while the other half are awake. So from here on out, just get in touch.

2 hour workshops - always eligable, if there's money in the tip jar - and there almost always is.

2 day and 5 week workshops - two free spots built in, I will give these away in the order I receive requests. After those built in spots are gone, you're welcome to get in touch about $19 CAD off the total price.