The Last FlashNano 2025: Are you in?

On By nancystohlmanIn flash fiction, flash fiction challenge, flashnano, the writer's life, The Writer's Life, Uncategorized, writing

JOIN US ONE LAST TIME THIS NOVEMBER!

Dear FlashNano Community,

We are approaching November, so you know what that means!

If you’re getting this email, then you have FlashNanoed at least once (and probably many times) in the last 14 years—can you believe it’s been that long?

Which means you are also the first to hear that this will be the Last FlashNano—at least in its current configuration.

SO: If you intend to play along this year, you must add your name here. Even if you have been automatically re-enrolled in the past, you must re-enroll (free, of course), as I am starting a separate list for this final year.

Why is this the Last FlashNano?

Well…all good things must come to an end.

When FlashNano started in 2012, it was the first of its kind. No one was using the online space in this way. Inspired by the NaNoWriMo challenge, FlashNano was the first 30-day flash fiction prompt challenge–and thousands of people have said yes over the last 14 years. 

But alas: where FlashNano once was a new vision that filled a community void, today the online space has a plethora of similar challenge (some even calling themselves FlashNano!). As they say, imitation is the best form of flattery, and I feel confident that there will be no shortage of flash (and other!) prompt challenges in years to come.

But, as an artist and an innovator—I am interested in looking ahead to what is next.

Since 2012, I’ve written over 500 FlashNano prompts!—and we’ve welcomed over 100 guest prompts! What a ride! What an absolute joy it has been. I’ve watched FlashNano stories born on Wednesday become my favorite stories ever on Thursday. I’ve watched many many stories and dozens of books born into the world from the community we create each November. And I’ve gotten to know and reconnect with many of you, year after year.

Of course, when one thing comes to completion, another is born. I look forward to growing, visioning, and innovating with this community for many years to come.

But for 2025? Let’s make this a Final FlashNano to remember!

We’ll go back to where it all started: you, me, and a whole lot of flash fiction this November. And at the end of the month, I will tell you how you can keep working with me.

Remember you must sign up for this final challenge—even if you have signed up in years past.

Let’s make this the greatest FlashNano yet!

Your cheerleader and fellow flash aficionado,
Xoxo Nancy

Preview of the 2026 Open Your Art Retreats!

On By nancystohlmanIn Craft Essays, flash fiction, retreats, Spain, the writer's life, The Writer's Life, Uncategorized, workshops, writing

These will open to the public on October 30!

These are more than just writing retreats–they are truly transformational encounters with your work.

I’d love to have you experience the difference with us in 2026.

Get on the Early Access Announcement List and stay tuned!

All information coming:

Request Early Access HERE

Write your book in Mexico or India?

On By nancystohlmanIn Uncategorized

Dear Friend, 
Making art while the world is on fire is a true act of resistance. 
And this is no ordinary writing retreat.

Ask yourself these important questions:
·        How are you tending your creative relationship, which is always a collaboration with the muse?
·        How are you tending to the creative vessel (yourself) so your antenna is tuned to the right frequency? 
·        How are you listening to the work? Are you allowing it to transform and guide you, or are you resisting?


When we go on retreat, we embark on a journey of listening, collaborating, and building trust with our stories and each other. We will loosen any old habits or belief systems about ourselves and our writing that might be holding us back, and we will courageously write into the mystery: willing to be remade, willing to stay open hearted–and most importantly, willing to take our proper and humble position—as the artistic conduit entrusted to each glorious birth.

Whether you’ve published many books, or you are just returning to writing after a long absence, the special creative container we create while on retreat supports each writer in reaching their next milestone, from starting or finishing their projects to leveling themselves up in their creative life. Each retreat gathering feels like family, and each participant is welcomed, supported, inspired, and encouraged to take creative risks in a safe space. 

February 1-7, 2026, we will be returning to Tulili, just outside of Tulum, Mexico, in the heart of the Mayan Jungle: one of our new favorite venues. Think blue butterflies, soft jungle rains, and food almost too pretty to eat!
(Limited to 12 people)
 MEXICO INFORMATION PAGE


April 1-10, 2026, we will be having our first-time-ever creative pilgrimage into the Himalayan Mountains for a 10-day retreat and very special international collaboration. This retreat will include two days of sightseeing (including a trip to the Taj Mahal), and all registration requests will go directly through the Himalayan Writing Retreat website.
(Limited to 10 people)
 INDIA INFORMATION PAGE


If this sounds like what you need, and you know in your heart that it’s time, then I invite you tojoin me and a small cohort of your colleagues in 2026 for a breakthrough experience of inspiration, creation, motivation and transformation and an unforgettable journey into your most important creative relationship—the one you craft with yourself. 
As always, it is my honor to write, grow, and retreat with you.
xoox
Nancy

P.S. If you have questions: please reach out!