I promised to preview this panel from two perspectives, here is Sherrie Flick’s voice on the same questions.

Sherrie, BTW has an excellent novel out, and will be doing signings as noted below.

I think our readers might not be familiar with flash fiction. I’m defining it as works under a couple of thousand words that seek to do what we always expected a short story would do, compressed. You’ve published, edited and taught flash fiction. Do you have a definition?

I like your definition, although I think flash fiction–because of its compressed nature–doesn’t always need to contain all of the elements of a short story at once. A short-short story can be dialogue driven or character driven and abandon plot to a degree and still be meaningful and well-crafted. Mainly, I think flash fiction needs to respect the sentence in everything it does. Rhythm and resonance are contributors too.

Who are you reading and following? What panels are on your ‘must see list’ for the conference?

I really wish I had a super smart answer to this question, but I haven’t had time to outline my AWP game plan. Because I run a reading series that highlights authors publishing their first and second books (The Gist Street Reading Series), I’ll be on the lookout for standout debut work both at the book fair and at readings.

I’ll definitely stop by the Dzanc and Graywolf Press tables and also Sarabande and Keyhole. I’d like to see what’s happening over at Wave books, and who knows what else. I’m really excited to explore the Book Fair.

Any thoughts on how your process has changed from teaching? I see you are teaching a number of interdisciplinary courses. How have they informed your work?

I’ve taught in museums over the years. I have a background in adult museum education, and I love using art as a jumping off point for writing. I’ve come up with some of my most inventive exercises while working in museums with general public students and have been able to transfer many of my practices into the undergraduate and graduate classroom.

I notice you have Randall Brown, Kim Chinquee, Robert Shapard, and Lex Wiliford on your panel. What can we expect from such a panel? Give me just a moment to tell me what you want to do.Why out of all the panels at AWP, should someone come to this one?

I can’t wait for this panel (personally). I’ve wanted to meet Robert, Kim, and Lex in person for years (I know Randall already and think he’s great!) and I think there’s a vice versa element to my feelings. These people are my flash heroes, and I can’t wait to hear what they have to say. I’ll be talking about the element of time in flash fiction–that’s what my essay in the Field Guide examines, and I’m sure there will be a great discussion about flash fiction as an art form and as a teaching tool.

Following the panel I’ll be signing copies of Reconsidering Happiness (my debut novel) at Univ. of Nebraska Press’ table. From noon to 12:45. Friday is a busy, busy day for me, and I’m really really looking forward to getting a martini when all is said and done. Or two.