Flash Fiction: In partnership with Charm Voices of Baltimore Youth
Madison Mattison (Albert Philips, Whitney Ward Birenbaum)
Suggested for grade range of 7th-12th grade
Constellation Energy Classroom 3rd Floor
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21201

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Master the art of storytelling at the speed of light. In this 90-minute workshop, participants will explore different elements of storytelling while analyzing captivating texts. Using imaginative prompts, they will then craft their own short stories, bringing characters and worlds to life. Participants are invited to explore the art of storytelling in compact prose. They will learn the fundamentals of short story structure and descriptive language to craft their own stories. Together, they will review example texts from George Saunders, Sandra Cisneros, and Ernest Hemingway. Participants will have time to write a story set in Baltimore, share it with peers, and gain feedback. Writing Development Goal: ● Participants will learn and develop skills in creative writing (poetry, fiction). Socio-emotional Goal: ● Participants will gain skills in exercising empathy and taking other perspectives. ● Participants will cooperate and collaborate with others ● participants will show evidence of a growth mindset (belief in their ability to improve and succeed) ● participants will gain self-knowledge. Participant Impact Goal: ● Participants will report a fun and engaging experience ● Participants will leave feeling connected to CHARM’s mission ● Participants will have a completed project of their own. Leading the workshop is Madison Mattison, a filmmaker and writer based in Baltimore City, MD. She received her bachelor’s in creative writing and is working towards her master’s in digital communication from Goucher College. Madison loves spending time in her community and giving back to the youth. She currently works with CHARM Voices of Baltimore Youth, leading creative writing workshops with students across Baltimore City.

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CityLit Project in partnership with Maryland Center for History and Culture present Bearing Witness: Literature as a Revolutionary Act. This celebration of the arts showcases a bevy of leading poets and writers on April 11, 2026. We’re talking fiction, nonfiction, poetry galore, and ways to up the ante on your craft.

Download the CityLit Festival: Bearing Witness flyer with the schedule.

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