How to write flash fiction
Do you want to write flash fiction but are unsure how to start? Read on to discover more about this fascinating genre that packs a lot into a few words.
What is Flash Fiction?
Flash fiction became popular in the late 20th century, and although interest in it decline, thanks to our busy lifestyles and ability to read on our mobile phones, it is coming back with several dedicated websites and published collections.
It is a form of storytelling that is short, intense, and highly condensed. It typically tells a complete story in only 1,000 words or fewer, although some anthologies, competitions, or writing sites may expand this to 1,500 words.
Whatever word count you choose, as a writer, you can use it to explore a range of creative and story-telling ideas, including character development, plot, and setting. Therefore, it can either be a standalone story, part of a wider universe, or even used a developmental tool for a longer piece of work.
Why write flash fiction?
Flash fiction allows people to write or read complete stories in a short time, and therefore fits in perfectly with our hectic modern lifestyles and commitments.
Going beyond that simple benefit, as a writer, you should experiment with flash fiction because it allows you to explore different styles, tones, and genres without a significant outlay of time.
In this way, flash fiction can be a tool allowing you to develop your skills or lay the groundwork for long form work, while still giving you something finished and publishable at the end.
Oh, and for any naysayers out there, crafting good flash fiction is as hard as writing a novel - only the time commitment is different. The challenge of crafting a compelling story with conciseness sparks creativity and pushes writers to experiment with unique plot twists and imaginative concepts. Anyone can set the scene with a paragraph or page of exposition, but can they do it in just a handful of words?
Rules and characteristics
The rules for flash fiction can be both liberating and challenging. Because of its very nature, you must be concise and effective with your words (brevity is key - and the irony of me wasting words almost spelling that point out is not lost on me). A lot of what you write has to pull double duty.
However, you are helped in that backstory is almost irrelevant. You should rely on your reader filling in not only the blanks but often the context. As a result, a lot of flash fiction leans on both tropes, stereotypes, or standard imagery. A downside of this is that culturally, there may be some misinterpretation or subjective changes, depending on your story.
Here are some key things to remember.
One - focus
Flash fiction is defined by its length, but it is also characterised by its focus. Flash fiction stories are often intense, tightly focused on a single event, image, or theme. They are often a snapshot of a moment, focusing on how a few characters interact in a limited space and time.
Two - start in media res
One of the most important is to begin the story in medias res – that is, in the middle of the action. This helps to draw the reader into the story immediately and sets the tone for the rest of the piece.
Three - brevity
As a writer of flash fiction, you must be careful to choose the right words and write them with precision. You only have a few words to bring the reader into the world, so make them work hard for inclusion. And avoid adverbs, not only do these detract from the overall impact of the story, but they waste previous words.
Not only does every sentence count, but every word!
Four - show don’t tell
Exposition is a waste of words. Instead, create vivid image to allow the reader to image the world and draw their own conclusions. This will help to keep the story interesting.
Five - trust your reader
Trust that the reader will fill in the gaps and piece together the story. Don;t tell them every detail, but allow them to interpret the backstory and draw their own conclusions about the characters and the situation.
Six - Symbolism
Symbolism is a powerful tool for writers of flash fiction. By using symbols, the writer can convey a complex emotion or idea in a single image, or a few words. Symbols can help to tie together disparate parts of the story, and give the reader a deeper understanding of the plot.
Seven - what’s left out is almost as important as what’s included
Remember that not every detail needs to be included. It is often better to leave out extraneous details in order to focus on the key events and characters. This will help to keep the story focused and engaging.
Eight- End with a Bang!
When writing flash fiction, it is important to end the story with a bang. The story should have a satisfying conclusion that leaves the reader with something to think about. We can do this through an unexpected twist, a powerful image, or a clever pun.
Structure
Structuring flash fiction requires careful consideration because of the limited word count. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and we each may have a different writing process, I have provided a common structure to get you started.
At this point I would also like to recommend you check out the book ‘Writing short stories’ by Courttia Newland and Tania Hershman as part of the ‘Writers & Artists Companion’ series, where you will find a few more alternative approaches.
Opening Hook: Start with a compelling opening sentence or hook that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. This can set the tone, introduce a central theme, or present an intriguing situation.
Introduction: Provide an introduction that includes the main characters, setting, and essential background details.
Conflict or Tension: Quickly establish the central conflict or tension that the protagonist faces. This can be a problem, a decision to make, or an obstacle to overcome.
Development: Develop the narrative by exploring the protagonist’s actions, emotions, and reactions to the conflict. Keep the focus tight and avoid unnecessary subplots.
Rising Action: Heighten the tension and build momentum towards a climax. This can involve a twist, a revelation, or a moment of realisation.
Climax: Reach the story’s turning point or climax where the tension is at its peak. This is a crucial moment that propels the story forward.
Resolution: Provide a satisfying resolution to the conflict. This could be a definitive ending or an open-ended conclusion that leaves the reader thinking.
Closing Line: End with a powerful and memorable closing line that lingers in the reader’s mind. This line can encapsulate the story’s theme or deliver a final punch.
Remember though, writing flash fiction allows for quick experimentation and completion of a piece to review. So feel free to break convention, try new things and write what and how you want to write.
Whatever you do and however you do it, remember that successful flash fiction is about brevity. Just make sure you keep advancing the story with concise and powerful language.
Summary
Writing flash fiction is a great way to explore different story-telling techniques within a limited space. It requires its authors to be both concise and effective, and to trust the reader to fill in the gaps.
If you are ready to create your own flash fiction, remember the advice above, grab a notebook and think about these following steps:
What is the concept or image that acts as the foundation of your story?
Craft a compelling opening sentence or hook to grab the readers’ attention?
Who is your central character or what is your central focus on which your narrative flows?
What is your (single) plotline? Is it strong enough?
What is the powerful ending that will leave readers thinking about the story after they’ve finished?
Now, write, write, write.
Then edit, edit and, if you think you are done, edit one more time.
As with every style and genre, the more you read flash fiction, then the better you will understand it. Although, perhaps the best advice one could give comes from the sportswear manufacturer, Nike. Just do it,
Now the only thing left to do is to start writing.
Recommended reading and sites:
Brevity: A Flash Fiction Handbook (David Galef)
The World’s shortest stories (Steve Moss)
Bedtime Story (Jeffrey Whitmore)
The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Fiction (Tara Mashih)
How to write flash fiction (Writers.com)
