FLASH FICTION

Petra Hadžidaova
2 days ago
3 min read

(1)

Words are the go-to for communication. But we can convey a message through other means too: mannerism, actions, avoidance, …

Silence in itself can tell us more than a thousand words. A multitude of words is not always necessary. Poetry is a great example of this, and so are short stories, and the topic of our post today - flash fiction stories.

WHAT IS FLASH FICTION?

Flash fiction is a brief fictional narrative, typically under 1000 words long. It still offers character and plot development and is a well-rounded story, no matter how short it may be. (2)

Based on the number of words, there are multiple varieties out there:

The six-word story
twitterature, also known as the 280-character story,
The dribble, also known under the name minisaga (50 words)
The drabble, also known as microfiction (100 words)
sudden fiction (up to 750 words);
flash fiction (up to 1000 words)
microstory. (3)

THE HISTORY OF FLASH FICTION

Flash fiction dates back to prehistory, when it first emerged in the form of parables and fables. (3)

In the United States, it made its first appearance in the 19th century. It was known under the name short short story from 1920 onwards until 1992, when it was finally given the name flash fiction. (3)

ELEMENTS OF A FLASH FICTION STORY

Despite its short size, flash fiction is a well-rounded, complete story. It contains all the necessary elements:

characters
plot (beginning, middle, and end)
conflict (a problem the character faces)
setting (often minimal)
theme (a central message or theme)
strong hook or title
economy of words (there is no room for fluff) (2)

WHY CHOOSE FLASH FICTION

As a reader, it is no brainer why one would pick flash fiction. It is short, yet compelling enough. It is perfect for this fast-paced society, where sitting down for a cup of coffee may seem an impossible task to do. Flash fiction can be that moment of respite during a long and grueling day, where you divert your mind to something else than your work and tasks. It is said that we operate better when we take short breaks, as children do in school. (2)

From the perspective of the writers, it is quite a prestigious challenge. To write a compelling flash fiction is no feat to scoff at. It is challenging and can be quite rewarding. It is a test of skill since every word matters. But from restraint, many times come the best and most creative solutions, or in this case, stories. It teaches discipline, sharpens prose, and forces writers to focus on character, voice, and theme with laser precision, and can help with writer’s block. (2)

SOME TIPS FOR WRITING COMPELLING FLASH FICTION

To write a compelling flash fiction, keep the following tips in mind:

Go straight to the middle of the story. There’s no time for backstory. After the initial setting and conflict is set, drop the reader straight into the moment of change or tension.
Focus on one idea. Choose one emotion, one event, or one realization.
Imply more than you say – Use what’s not written to deepen the impact.
Cut away ruthlessly. Cut away all unnecessary words for full impact.
End with resonance – A good flash story leaves the reader thinking. End with a line that lands like an echo. (2)

CONCLUSION

Flash fiction is a brief fictional narrative, typically under 1000 words long. It is a complete story that still includes characters and plot development. It also consists of a theme, conflict, and setting. Flash fiction is quite a feat to write. It is a true test of skill, what with the word count being limited. It teaches discipline, sharpens prose, and forces writers to focus on character, voice, and theme with laser precision, and can help with writer’s block.

SOURCES

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Open AI
Wikipedia. Flash Fiction. Available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_fiction