I’ve long been a fan and subscriber to Writer’s Digest. I mean, as a writer you pretty much are obligated to do so, right? Well, a month or so back I received a mailing from The Writer magazine. It looked interesting so I subscribed. I received my first issue the other day and I am just blown away. I think that in a lot of ways it spanks WD. One of the articles in this issue is about Flash Fiction.
No trenchcoats here
What is flash fiction? That’s an excellent question, and you would think that the answer would be straightforward. You would think. Sorry, it’s not that easy. Wikipedia (not that I ever trust anything from that site) says one thing, The Writer article says another, and associated web sites say something different.
It boils down to something like this:
Flash Fiction is a complete story, generally in narrative format in 1000 words or less.
Okay, that works for me.
Flash fiction also includes things like micro fiction. The most famous probably being from Hemingway: “For sale, baby shoes – never worn” Spend any time searching the web and you will find all kinds of micro fiction sites with stories from 6 words to 140 characters.
Make your writing flashy
I think that there are some very good reasons to explore this genre:
- Writing a story in 1000 words or less forces you to cut out every single word, scene and nuance that does not serve to move the story forward.
- Some folks don’t write because they think that they have to write a thousand page novel to be a writer and they’re just too intimidated to get started. Flash fiction makes the elephant easier to eat.
- Flash fiction forces you to do a better job of showing instead of telling.
Okay George, where do I go from here?
Here are some Flash Fiction sites if you’d like to explore this a little further:
I lke this idea a lot. it’s a great way for a new writer to get past the intimidation factor, and I like what it can do for seasoned writers.
George, this looks really interesting.
Only a couple of weeks ago was I looking at some examples of Flash Fiction (I wish I could remember the link now!). I think another great example can be found in the E-Plates Writing Prompt E-book recently published.
I got my story to fit a little over 800 words I believe. As did everyone else, following your guidelines. The result was certainly a nice one, that’s for sure.
The benefits of this are certainly pretty damn awesome. I have done a bit of Flash Fiction in the past, especially when RolePlaying, where an introductory post can act almost like an individual story in giving background to the game. It is certainly something that poses a challenge to any writer. I enjoy it quite a bit.
Matt
Matt Hayward´s last blog post..A Break Can Be A Good Thing
Hi George! I don’t have any experience with flash fiction but it sounds like a great creative exercise. I need to check those links!
Tracy´s last blog post..My values are what motivate me
I love flash and I take submissions from creative moms for publication on my site. This is a new endeavor for me so there are only a couple pieces posted, but they are wonderful.
Just a week or so ago I wrote a “How To” post and shared some links to fantastic sites that showcase the form. I included my link to this post in the comment form….hope that’s ok!
ps – I found you from Tracy’s twitter stream. Hi Tracy!
H.E.Eigler´s last blog post..Children of the Cornflakes – Flash Fiction by Ann Imig
Using Twitter is a great way to spruce up flash fiction writing skills. I don’t ever write fiction but I still like how posting Twitter updates forces me to be concise and to the point. That being said, I don’t mind a lengthy bit of reading once in awhile. As long as it’s extremely interesting and thought-provoking, I don’t mind a few extra paragraphs here and there.
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Cassie, I would agree with you on both points you raised.
One of the great things about writing Flash Fiction however, is it can help you to create brevity. This can be important when looking at such things as pacing.
Often, Flash Fiction can result in a story that is perhaps TOO short with a far too fast pace. I find that stripping away writing is much harder than adding to it and elaborating. Flash Fiction can help you to create a nice outline if needs be.
Matt
Matt Hayward´s last blog post..A Break Can Be A Good Thing
Matt,
I think that those advantages are too strong to pass up. Even if you don’t call it flash fiction, a short short story should (HAS to be) crisp and precise.
George
Tracy,
I would highly recommend flashing for you. Hehe.
George
Cassie,
That’s one of the things I like about Twitter as well. It also causes you to do it under a little time pressure if you’re responding to a tweet.
George
Hi George!
Wayne C. Long here.
Couldn’t pass up an opportunity for a little shameless self-promotion about someting close to my heart … Flash Fiction.
Nearly 30% of my LongShortStories are under 1000 words, and some are even a down-to-the-bone 100 words of the stuff.
Because I’m in a Tumblemoose kind of mood, here’s a free one for you all, titled “6C.” Enjoy!
6C
0056
Flash Fiction
Copyright © 2009 Wayne C. Long
All rights reserved.
Business travel can be a real grind. I try to make the best of it by requesting a window seat in the four-across cabin. The No Smoking and Fasten Seat Belt lights extinguish. Before nodding off, I glance at the guy next to me.
Seat 6C.
Blue blazer. Gray dress pants. Gray hair. Bifocals. Stylish, and all business. Who is he? Wife? Kids? Lawyer? CEO maybe.
Two hours into our flight I feel the need to pee. My seat mate’s eyes? Closed. His laptop? Closed.
Damn, I really have to go. I sheepishly tap him on the shoulder.
“Excuse me. Sorry to bother you, but I gotta hit the john!”
He’s a sound sleeper.
I unbuckle and lean in next to his ear, lightly touching his sleeve.
“Sir, may I get past you?”
Rising from my seat, I make a suitable commotion to get his attention.
Sorry, Mister 6C, but I’m pushing the call button.
Stewardess arrives and we discuss.
6C has apparently changed planes.
H.E.
Glad to see you here, sorry for the delayed response but the spam filter had a hiccup.
Yay! It’s absolutely ok to do linkage.
And by the way, any friend of Tracys…
George
Wayne!
Now that is a REAL contribution to the community.
Folks, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Wayne is a truly entertaining writer.
His site is worth a visit so head on over there today!
George
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Flash fiction teaches a writer you don’t need lots of words to get a point across. In fact, you can tell a story with many layers by using the right words. Some workshops drum in ‘show and not tell’ to such an extent writers are fearful of writing without excessive show, show, show that doesn’t always work. I’m a flash fiction fan.
Great post – thanks
Paisley´s last blog post..Having a Blog Changes You
I was writing flash fiction before I took on my novel. I loved it. You’re right, it forces you to be concise and think hard about your writing. I recommend trying it, if only as a writing and editing exercise.
Iain Broome´s last blog post..How to find your perfect writing partner
Iain,
I’m glad you concur. I like that is is just bite sized enough to not intimidate.
Good to see you here, Iain. Hope all is well!
Cheers
George
By definition, many of my blog posts are flash fiction 8=) And some of my comments!
I like this idea and I think your vanity plates challenge fits into this [I want to say genre, but that isn't right so feel free to fit the appropriate word here] too.
I still have to write my plate story. I haven’t been able to do so due to time pressures, but I’ve got a couple ideas on the burner and I am looking forward to the fun time I can have with them soon. I suppose once the bugs are bad enough that I can’t go outside I’ll have more time for indoor stuff 8=)
Flash fiction is a wonderful art form. It has swept the Internet. Readers like it because it’s entertaining and doesn’t take long to read. Writers like it because it doesn’t take long to write. Editors and publishers like it because it doesn’t take up much advertising space.
[rq=1336,0,blog][/rq]There Are No Boring Stories
Hello Guy,
Thanks for dropping by. I’m really having a great time with the Flash Fiction.
Heading over to check out your site now.
George
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