Writing Flash: Narratives of Origin
What does “home” mean when you’ve crossed borders—geographic, emotional, or temporal?
In this intimate, generative writing workshop, participants are invited to explore stories of origin, belonging, and in-between-ness through the lens of flash—short, powerful pieces that challenge and also cross the traditional divisions between prose and poetry, fiction and nonfiction.
Led by writer Karolina Letunova, whose creative work emerges from her own experience of leaving Western Siberia as a young adult, this three-hour workshop is open to writers of all levels of experience. Together, participants will read brief examples of published flash narratives, learn what makes these small forms resonate, and write their own creative work with the support of guided prompts. This community will experience writing as both a private act and as a shared practice—one that helps surface emotional truths, make them speakable, and build a sense of belonging.
Whether you are a foreign-born immigrant carrying an “invisible homeland,” someone with a complicated relationship to your roots, or simply curious about writing as a way to connect to yourselves and others, this workshop offers a welcoming space to reflect, create, and be in community with local writers.
Writers of all skill levels are welcome. No prior writing experience required.
Tickets:
Presale (through 2/21/25): $20
I-House Members & Students: $15
At the door (all attendees): $25
A special thanks to the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs Program and UC Davis Inclusive Excellence for their support of this program.
About Karolina Letunova:
Karolina Letunova grew up in Western Siberia. Her short stories and short shorts have appeared in AGNI, The Cincinnati Review, The Kenyon Review, and The Threepenny Review. She has an MFA from the Helen Zell Writers’ Program at the University of Michigan.
Her writing has received support from Bread Loaf-Rona Jaffe, California Arts Council, The de Groot Foundation, the Elizabeth George Foundation, as well as fellowships and residencies at Good Hart Artist Residency, Monson Arts, Ragdale, Storyknife, Ucross, and VCCA.
Since 2020, Karolina has volunteered at Logos Books, which raises funds for the Davis Public Library.
