NESCBWI Virtual Shoptalk: Story in a Snapshot: How to Level Up Your Craft with Flash Fiction

Join New England SCBWI for our May Virtual Shop Talk!

Story in a Snapshot: How to Level Up Your Craft with Flash Fiction  With Melissa Johnston Miles!

The very nature of flash fiction relies on strong, concise language to tell an impactful story with a beginning, middle, and end. This short format encourages readers to fill in some gaps, creating an almost collaborative reading experience. The skills honed in writing flash fiction translate beautifully into picture book format, where every word must carry its weight. I’ll share multiple “kidlit” writing contests that run throughout the year, and the benefits of entering. We’ll look at examples that win top prizes, and analyze the reasons why. Then, attendees will have a chance to craft their own. 

Melissa Johnston Miles is a PAL member of SCBWI, currently serving as the regional advisor for the Southern Breeze Region. Her stories (both fiction and nonfiction) have been published in The School Magazine and Vine Leaves Press. A certified K-12 educator and Registered Nurse, Melissa runs the nonprofit, Superhero Success Foundation, which provides scholarships and donates books to camps, schools, and libraries. In collaboration with Eisner-winning illustrator Rashad Doucet, Melissa publishes picture books featuring a superhero with a tracheostomy. She is represented by Kristen Terrette of Martin Literary Management and currently has both picture books and middle-grade novels on submission. Her debut MG novel, Caught on Camera, is scheduled for release in May 2027 by Moon+Bird/Watkins Media.

May 27th

6:00om-7:00pm

$10 For members

$15 for non members

Everyone who is registered for the event will receive a recording of the workshop that can be watched for up to 30 days after the event.

Please reach out to Bridget Bick with any questions at [email protected]