How to Write Flash Fiction
Flash fiction is dangerous fiction.
It’s the kind of story that leaves zero room for error. Here, the writer must be at the top of his or her game or risk seeming like a fool.
It’s playing with fire.
Too long and you’re boring.
Too short and you’re just a tease.
You have to titillate the reader in a way they’re not used to.
If they aren’t leaning forward in their seat begging for the next bit of story then the writer hasn’t done his job.
If brevity is the soul of wit, then flash fiction is the wittiest writing of all.
But, you ask? How do you write it?
Well, keep reading.
Keep it Short
Yes. I know. I’m stating the obvious. But occasionally the obvious must be stated.
For the purposes of this article, I’m going to say flash fiction is a thousand words and under. That’s probably getting close to short story territory, but it’s my article and I make the rules.
I see it far too often. There’s a story claiming to be Flash Fiction but moves at a snail’s pace. And there are far too many words, and really it’s just the writer prattling on and on.
