A Note on Flash Stories

A flash story is a limited writing (500 or 300 words or less) often requiring that the author insert certain words or a phrase. Most of mine are 300 words or less. Flash stories are a great way for a beginning writer to sharpen their skills in the following areas:

1) Write succinctly. Use few words but use them to describe something with the fewest words yet allow the reader to see, hear, touch, taste, smell, or feel what the author wishes to convey. “Tightening” your writing makes the flow that much more enjoyable and gives that “riveting” feeling that readers love.

2) Work on plots and plot lines – Creativity! Any story when written well can be fascinating. The more you practice, the more interesting the stories you create will become. Thinking of outlandish plot lines is a wonderful pastime.

3) Vocabulary. Looking for just the right word to insert to describe a scene is paramount to flash stories. Adding that one word can allow a flash to be memorable. Using higher level vocabulary also tightens your writing and makes it that much more interesting.

4) Habit. Writing – any writing – on a regular basis creates a habit. A habit becomes practice. Practice begets improvement. When a writer reaches a certain level, they begin to create the works of art they desire. Make no mistake; It’s hard work. That’s why you need to habitually write.

5) Enjoyment. What is the point to being an author if you don’t enjoy yourself? The feeling of creating something out of thin air and having people tell you that they “really liked that” is phenomenal.

Flash stories aren’t for everyone. Some readers don’t like the brevity. But that’s OK! Write to be writing. Be creative. Take chances. Push the limits on weirdness. Put twists in there! Enjoy yourself.