This presentation will first provide an overview of the Spring 2020 ERTL transformation of a traditional paper notebook weekly journal assignment into an inter-classroom e-publication: The University Freshmen Flash Fiction Series. Then, the results of learner self-reflection (N=35) regarding their creative writing assignment experiences in a dedicated Academic Evidence-Based Essay Course will be shared. Finally, a rationale for including creative writing as a part of a university freshmen learners’ writing portfolio will be discussed.