  Noticing Newbies
This week: Flash is a Good Teacher Edited by: esprit  
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Being an editor of the Newbie Newsletter is one of my favorite 'jobs' on Writing.Com. I do my best to keep them topical and above all, useful. I believe I've succeeded. So whether you're a writer, a reviewer, or a reader, you'll find reams of useful tips and advice written from the POV of one who is working as hard as you to learn everything she can, and simply passing it on.
An urban myth is going around that this newsletter is only for new members, but that's not true. There's no stigma attached to receiving and enjoying the Newbie Newsletter well past the newbie year. Its intended audience are members of any length of time, but especially the new because it answers a few of their questions about WDC. The additional information is universal. You really shouldn't feel you have to hide in the closet and read it in secret. |
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Flash is a Good Teacher
Concise: Writing that uses few words to say much. Concise usually implies that unnecessary details or verbiage have been eliminated from a more wordy statement.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/concisely
Flash fiction is a popular genre for many reasons, I know it's one of my favorites. Some readers don't like the short shorts--the flash. They say they aren't important nor are they real stories. I disagree. I believe it takes as much or more skill to write flash as it does to write novels. There's no room for wandering, for extra details or to wait to 'get to the good part later'. A writer of flash knows what he wants to do and does it concisely. It takes real skill to pull it off and it's admirable.
You might keep flash in mind when you're considering publishing something. Magazine editors like it because it leaves more room for advertisements. It's popular with readers because it doesn't take much time to read. Relaxing with a good story over lunch break is a snap with flash. It's popular with writers because it doesn't take long to write, but more important-it's fun.
Taking advantage of the flash fiction contests is a smart way to get in some writing practice time and have fun with it. Most contests use a prompt so you're a step ahead in the creativity area too.
One of the most common issues I see while reviewing is wordiness. Writing Flash can be a useful tool to combat the clutter and develop the skill of recognizing when a word isn't needed. The low word count is a perfect teacher for learning the ins-and-outs of writing tight. Writers will learn conciseness by avoiding words that only add to the word count without moving the story forward. They learn how to choose one good descriptor instead of five. Adverbs and adjectives are kept to a minimum. The result will be a fast moving, tension-filled story.
A flash story is complete by itself, but it would be an important scene in a novel. In simpler terms, it lets the reader experience a significant event and how it turns out.
Since flash requires the same elements as a regular short story, you can see how important it is to make every word count. The character will be complete, including having a flaw or obvious internal conflict. It needs a beginning to the climax and the end needs to resolve the problem. The character will experience some sort of change. When you can do this in a 1000, 500, and 300 word story, you'll be able to do it in a novel. I suggest you begin with the longer 1000 word limit and as your skill improves, move on to shorter ones. This makes it easier on you.
Getting all of this into a limited word count isn't easy, but it's the most fun way I've discovered to practice writing. You'll improve all your work, from flash to multi-volume novels if you practice. When you're bored or stuck, or you just can't think of anything to write, search out a Flash contest and give it a whirl-you'll love it!
You're learning the Craft of Writing--enjoy the journey!
Thanks for reading,
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Submitted Comment: Hi. I appreciate the newsletter you send out. Thank you. I would like to submit my short story. Thank you.
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Submitted Comment: Please read the following material and recommend it for readers;if it deserves to be recommended.
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Comments on "Invalid Entry"
Submitted By: Acme
Submitted Comment: Smashing advice on how to receive a constructive review, without taking it personally.
Thanks, acme. 
Submitted By: Quick-Quill 
Submitted Comment: Great advice, and not just to newbies. A recent review was returned with scathing remarks because of what you said above. They were too attached to the story to receive any negative remarks. This advice should be included in a newsletter read by ALL writers and readers. Remember, if you ask for a review/critique, you might just get one. Great Job!
Thanks. Negative remarks do hurt, but reviewers aren't immune either. Remember to detach from the review once it's sent--and take a deep breath. Scathing remarks happen.
Submitted By: Author00
Submitted Comment: These ideas are right on.
My problem is that I see the great things others write and consider myself like the old cartoon from world war two, about 'Killroy was here'. I feel like I can peer over the fence at greatness but am never allowed to enter. (Pity party for me!)
Hey, Killroy--find the niches in that fence, dig your toes in and start climbing. That's how the greats got on the other side. Pity parties are like walking across wet cement, it's disabling if you stand still too long. Pull your feet out of your boots and move!
Submitted By: Doug Rainbow
Submitted Comment: In my opinion it is counterproductive to add WILD {warnings, instructions, labels, and disclaimers) to reviews. Of course it is just the reviewer's opinion etc., etc., etc. What we need is to develop a culture of thicker-skinned review recipients.
I agree, Doug, and there's a highly qualified crew of geneticists currently working on that over at
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Submitted By: JACE 
Submitted Comment: I've been a member of WDC for more than 15 months, and I still enjoy this newsletter. Your words are timeless for all members. Keep up the great work, my friend. Jace
Thanks, Jace! We hope you continue to enjoy it.
We always appreciate the feedback, thanks!
Editors:
Cubby 
laurencia
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Noticing Newbies: August 26, 2009 Issue [#3219]
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