I thought, this week, that we’d discuss something we host here on GA, and promote weekly on the blog. Flash fiction, namely in the guise of our prompts. Our anthologies are an extension of that as well. But we’ve never really talked about the art of creating these types of short stories—so today we will! I think there are two main questions most people have: What is flash fiction and why do people write it?

Flash fiction can also run the gamut of ‘regular fiction’. It can be found lurking in all genres and styles. It is often themed or prompted by specific words, phrases, or images. And any one prompt can become any number of story angles, based on how the author sees the image. But what do all flash pieces have in common?

They’re short.

We’re talking 100 to 1,500 words, usually. That doesn’t mean they’re incomplete or lesser in any way from longer novellas or novels. It just means the author must, with an economy of words, unfold their tale from start to finish. Does that mean flash pieces should still have an arc? Well, maybe the longer pieces can, but instead of thinking flash must employ a beginning/middle/end the way most arcs do, think about what makes a reader drawn to a story.
What do they enjoy and take away from it?

Satisfaction.

Whether a flash piece is about an orphan finding a home or a cat, desperate for a taste, knocking the cream off the counter and down the sink or a man getting the nerve up to ask someone on a date but finds his cell is dead… there’s an expectation of something happening and that moment being fulfilled in some way. Thus, satisfaction is achieved. Readers can see this writing element in many of the popular pieces from GA’s prompts, if they look for it. That doesn’t mean authors have to employ a positive outcome, of course. Sadness, disappointment, even loss, can be powerful emotions to leave with a reader.

How is that done? In many ways! That’s the beauty of flash fiction, and why many authors do write it. Authors are free to explore different styles and genres when they’re not looking to fill a notebook or type 100 pages locked into one storyline. A single image or phrase can become a comedy, a tragedy, or a science fiction parody… all depending on skill and desire. It gives authors a chance to stretch their mental muscles, to explore and expand their style and repertoire. But isn’t it lazy to not attempt to make every story idea into the next great novel? Flash is so… simple, right?

After all, it’s just a few words. Not many. Isn’t it easy? Anyone can do it! Well yes, anyone can write a few hundred words. But can they do it well? Do they understand why flash fiction really is its own niche of the writing world? Well, some do. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Explaining a static visual or scene prompt in as few words as possible can be much harder than people think. Authors must avoid bloat words and phrases and often editing is more cut, cut, cut, than removing typos. Ensuring the reader can relate with a scene or character, without having chapters to share all their information, is incredibly difficult. Authors have to find that connection because, without it, their flash just won’t resonate.

Okay, so I like to make these blog posts interactive so you can tell me what you think I have right or wrong, lol. I have a few questions for everyone. Have you thought about writing flash but haven’t for some reason? Spill it! If you do write flash, what aspect of the craft do you most enjoy? What do you find the most challenging?

For those who are interested, how about trying a bit of flash now? It’ll be a micro challenge; that will make it easy… right?

Describe, in 10 words—exactly 10, no more and no less—what is happening in this picture.

Who are they? 3 friends? A ménage? Who is taking the picture? Why? What has their day been like? Are they having fun in the sun or much need relief after a hot summer day slaving away at work? Is the beach winter cold and bad for surfing, so they play Frisbee?

Well?