One of the first known usages of the term “flash fiction” in reference to the literary style was the 1992 anthology Flash Fiction: Seventy-Two Very Short Stories. Editor James Thomas stated that the editors’ definition of a “flash fiction” was a story that would fit on two facing pages of a typical digest-sized literary magazine[1]. Flash fiction is generally described as a complete story that includes characters, setting, a problem or conflict: which the characters must resolve for a satisfying conclusion – all in 1000 words or fewer. Some flash fiction writers do it in far fewer. In this form of literature, the phrase, “Less is more” definitely hits home.
Why Write Flash Fiction?
Flash fiction is very useful for newbie writers who want to develop their story telling skills but lack the confidence for writing long elaborate tales. It is also a great way for experienced writers to learn to tighten their tales and make them more vital. Flash fiction is popular with a growing segment of readers who feel time crunched and prefer to read in bite sized chunks, but prefer not to engage in episodic reading. A complete story in a pint sized package is just the thing for them.
Four Flash Fiction Tips
Here are four things to keep in mind as you attempt to write a flash fiction piece: Continue reading “Four Flash Fiction Fixes”