First, the Bible, then the novel together with tales and poetry, short stories, flash fiction, flash tales, flash poetry, (flash orgasms),…oh sorry, not that, erased. We enjoy from a long tradition of literature genders, much more complicated that the one in this introduction, we know. But, what is it what they all have in common for the writer? The time, having the proper and delicate time for spending in our work, for changing its status from piece of something to artwork.
These last years, new workshops and contests about, let´s say flash literature started to become normal. And it wasn´t till long ago, due to the use of it that is given by some platforms, that made me think.
It is common knowledge that with the arrival of mobile phones, Internet and technology in general, there has been a tendency of shortening our language. Flash literature inherited something of this, but well written and without spelling mistakes. But it is not only about shortening the language, or better, the message, but also from shortening the vital time for the people. With vital time I mean: that special time that we spent doing things that we like to do and make us happy. Our ‘careers’, so important nowadays for society and economy, deprive us from TRYING, from WANDERING, from staring at a white wall during half an hour and realise that you weren´t thinking of anything, from all those apparently lost moments that provide us the real creativity. Nowadays, we want everything fast, NOW, if shorter better and if it even tells me everything, perfect.
As an exercise, flash literature, in all its forms, is really interesting and not as easy as it seems: to create in a couple of lines or verses an atmosphere, some characters, a beginning and maybe an ending, no, it´s not easy. Also, it is appealing as a spontaneous exercise of creativity and of preparation to something more extensive. I recommend you to try.
Moreover, little by little there are more and more contests of flash literature, what is good for trying in the marvellous, disconcerting and mysterious world of the literary contests. And with this matter, suspicious thoughts came into my mind.
One day, when I was looking to the table while I was eating (without realizing that the content of my spoon was spreading all around), I asked myself:
— So, then, ¿is it flash fiction a creativity exercise reflection of nowadays society or is it more a tool for making money reflection of nowadays society?
It is starting to seem suspicious to me, that there are platforms, associations or publishing companies that they just publish flash literature, that from one thousand people that apply to one contest, they choose six hundred and then, they just do a first print of two hundred copies. I don´t know much about business, but this one seems to be profitable. Because, who doesn´t like to see her or his name printed next to her or his work, at least for once, in a book? Or who doesn´t like to give copies as a present to family members or friends? And, imagine, saying a low quantity, if the selling price is ten euros per book, and from those six hundred people at least half of them (for different and all acceptable reasons) want to get a copy. SOLD. I don´t know, it makes me think, like those contests where your work finish being property of a third party, like others where you need to pay a registration fee, like ghost writers, like self-help books,…
In conclusion, flash literature yes, but without restricting my flash life of your dull business.
