 Drama: August 21, 2019 Issue [#9706] |
This week: Holding a Flashlight at Flash Fiction Edited by: Joy  
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Before Anything, Happy 19th Birthday, Writing.com!
“Short story collections are the literary equivalent of canapés, tapas and mezze in the world of gastronomy: Delightful assortments of tasty morsels to whet the reader's appetite.”
Alex Morritt, Impromptu Scribe
Perhaps the greatest asset for a flash writer is the ability to create character through voice. That skill is well worth exploring, and the best exploration is either through just doing it, or by reading what others do.
Vanessa Gebbie, Flash Fiction, Writers & Artists
Try simplifying your story so that you focus on one idea or emotion.
Richard Thomas, Storyville: How to Write Flash Fiction
Short fiction seems more targeted - hand grenades of ideas, if you will.
Paolo Bacigalupi
‘What’s underneath the plaster, mister? Show us!
They swear he has a third eye under there.
Mike Russell, Nothing Is Strange
Hello, I am Joy , this week's drama editor. In this issue, let us discuss a popular form, the flash fiction.
Thank you for reading our newsletters and for supplying the editors with feedback and encouragement.
Please, note that there are no rules in writing, but there are methods that work for most of us most of the time.
The ideas and suggestions in my articles and editorials have to do with those methods. You are always free to find your own way and alter the methods to your liking.
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Welcome to the Drama newsletter
Wouldn’t we all like to cast a very brief but astounding light beam on events and simple things to provide insight into the human condition while we transform the ordinary? The form to do that with is called Flash Fiction.
Flash fiction is very short fiction that has character and plot development. What cannot be called flash fiction is just any piece of prose, as descriptive as it may be. Short prose describing the beauty of a flower is not flash fiction, for example. On the other hand, an Aesop’s fable is flash fiction.
In addition to plot and character, flash fiction depends on word count. Some flash fiction is so short that it depends on the reader’s mind and feelings to fill in the blanks, such as Hemingway’s six-word story. “For Sale: Baby Shoes, Never Worn.” Although the word-count idea can vary, the limit to word count lies somewhere around 1000 to 1500 words. Usually, a flash-fiction story is somewhere around 50-1000 words.
Usually, flash fiction and short-short story are often used interchangeably since they both refer to a very short work of fiction. Although several people define them separately with differing criteria, it may be a good idea to treat them as one and the same until a general consensus is reached.
Sometimes, in the writing courses and groups, the writers are asked to convert a poem, possibly one with a narrative tone, into flash fiction. This is because like flash fiction, poetry may favor the condensed form and it usually has an implied story in it, which points to a human condition. My personal experience is that discarded free-style poetry can turn into flash fiction more readily than formal poetry; however, through the pens of better poets and writers, any kind of poetry may lend itself to flash fiction.
Still, if you were to write a flash fiction story on its own merit, here are a few ideas on how to go about it.
 Concentrate on one, two, or very few characters. Referring to a large group as if one unit also counts as a single character. Townspeople, Sultan’s army, swim team, a flock of geese, the Congress for example.
Let your main character dive into conflict with something or someone on the outside, then point to their internal struggle or struggles.
Use maximum imagery and actions with a minimum amount of words.
Pick an event or a completed section of an event that casts a great meaning.
Begin your story as close to the climax of the conflict in the plot as you can.
End the story with a punch like a surprising twist or an impressive epiphany.
Later when you edit or revise your story, since a first draft is usually not perfect, make sure:
 that your language and style are clear, vivid, and expressive and every word, every sentence counts and that an interplay exists between the surface meanings and the subtextual implications of your words.
that the story has a powerful plot, strong characters, tension, and possibly symbolism, too, and yet the details are kept to a minimum.
that there is no preaching or excessive sentimentalism.
that the story is complete with an effective, powerful ending.
Then, it is a good idea to keep in mind that flash fiction deserves skillful handling, depth in development and movement, and above all, a certain grandeur tamed with restraint.
May all our stories shine regardless of their length or subject!
Until next time. 
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This Issue's Tip:Pick a key emotion to color your flash-fiction story and a strong images to go with it.
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Feedback for "Dilemmas and Main Characters"
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T-Writer 
Great tips for creating the protagonist I can see several areas within my writings where I need to go back and develop my characters for reality.
Thank you for the feedback, and yes, most writing teachers emphasize the importance of characterization.
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Osirantinous 
Ouch. 'Beat on' - yep, my poor Owen suffered that. I kinda made his life a hell, but he's the one who found himself hope. Then came the second book and he went through hell, round two. I think I nailed your last comment about making things worse!!
Well, you certainly did! Poor Owen! There's a third book on the horizon, I hope.
Now, is there any chance of beating on his father? Since he so unnerved me I want revenge. I may seem calm in real life but as a reader, wow! Do I get involved or what! 
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