- Brevity. It doesn't matter what the specific word count is, Flash Fiction condenses the story into the fewest number of words possible. You have to ask yourself if every word is essential to the story. This 'paring to the bone' is an excellent discipline for me as I tend to be very wordy when I start writing a story.
- A beginning, middle and an end. In spite of its concise form, the story structure and plot need to show a complete story.
- A twist or surprise at the end. Not all stories have to have one but it makes the reader think, long after reading. Other people say that the last line of a flash fiction can take the readers elsewhere, to a place where they can ponder about the ideas in the story, making re-reads inviting.
This week I was very pleased to hear that two of my flash fiction entries into the Worcestershire LitFest Flash Fiction competition in June had been selected for the anthology 'A Stash of Flashes' to be launched in November.
Do you like to write Flash Fiction? If so, how do you go about writing it? Do you start with a longer piece and chip away until all the superfluous words have gone or start writing with the tight word count in mind?Thank you for reading and please leave your comments about Flash Fiction. :-)
Now I'm going back to that first draft of a much, much longer piece of fiction, my WiP novel - 75,441 words and rising!
You may also follow me on Twitter @JanBayLit and on my Jan Baynham Writer Facebook page.
Hi Jan Congratulations on having two entries accepted for A Stash of Flash. Interesting how we all respond to writing different forms. I feel most at home in writing (and I mean, trying to write) novels, but I like flash fiction too. I find short stories more difficult. Flash seems to come from a different part of my mind, maybe a more poetic place. I have to work harder to manufacture stories.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine, and for commenting. I like your thought about 'a more poetic place'. Perhaps it's the succinctness and the fact that each word has to 'earn' its place.
DeleteCongratulations, Jan!
ReplyDeleteI do like writing flash fiction - if I can keep the word count low enough. Stories have a habit of running away with me.
I know the feeling, Patsy! That's why writing to such a tight word count is good for me, I think. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteWell done, great news! Onwards and upwards!
ReplyDeleteI love reading and writing flash fiction - it makes an inspiring break from the novel writing.
Thank you, Linda. A number of writers have said they enjoy writing Flash Fiction in between drafts of novels. The forms and skills involved are so different, aren't they? Thanks for calling in to comment.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting post, Jan. I have tried a piece of flash fiction and thoroughly enjoyed writing it. I also love to read them. I'm so pleased your WIP is developing nicely. That's a lot of words - well done. Have a lovely weekend and thanks again for the great post.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nicola. Yes, I enjoy reading Flash Fiction too and am always amazed about how much a writer can make you think in just a few words. Thank you for leaving a comment and your kind words.
DeleteWhat an interesting post, Jan. I must admit I didn't know the rules of Flash Fiction, so I'm glad to have them explained to me. What a marvellous discipline it must be to write in this genre. I'm glad to hear also that your novel is doing well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. I recommend you try writing some Flash Fiction - perhaps in between drafts of your novels. Thank you for popping by to comment.
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