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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/1570-.html
Short Stories: February 28, 2007 Issue [#1570]

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Short Stories


 This week:
  Edited by: darkin
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Short stories are fiction's appetizers, short bursts of entertainment for the senses, to be consumed at the time.

My name is Darkin, and I’m your host this week for the Short Story Newsletter.


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

8 Tips for Writing Flash Fiction


Ever since I was a young girl, I have loved to write. Nothing was as freeing as sitting down and weaving a tale. The feeling of complete control was exhilarating. It still is. It didn't matter if I was writing a long story, or a short one, the feeling was the same. One of my favorite fiction types was, and is, flash fiction.

But what is flash fiction? Depends on who you ask. Some feel a story is flash fiction if it is under 1000 words. Others feel it must be under 500 words to be in that category. Regardless of which one you believe, flash fiction is fun to write.

Flash fiction is similar to writing poetry. Every word must count when you write a poem and the same goes for short fiction. It takes discipline and a ruthless ability to only use the words necessary to tell the tale. You must accomplish a lot of things right away: introduce the main character, set the stage and prepare the reader for the story. And do this in a minimum number of words.

So, how do you accomplish this feat of writing magic? I'm glad you asked.

1. Before you write, know what your story is going to be about. You should have a clear theme in your mind while you are writing. This is not the plot of your story, it is the message you want to pass on to your reader, what they will take with them when they finish your story.

2. Effective flash fiction stories deal with one event or time period in a character's life. This is not the kind of fiction vehicle to write your character's life story. It is one to use to write about one pivotal moment and its outcome.

3. Keep the number of characters down to the bare minimum. Every new character adds a new dimension to your tale and will require words to introduce, describe and resolve any conflicts. Keep only the characters who aid your main character along his journey.

4. Focus your story plot along one subject. Write the theme of your tale down and keep it near you while you write. Refer to it during the entire writing, and editing, time. Do not let your mind stray from that theme.

5. Pick each word carefully. You do not need a long, involved description of the character's bedroom in a flash fiction. More is not better here. Give your reader a quick snapshot of the settings and events, enough to fill in the gaps without wasting your precious words.

6. Do not forget to use emotions to move your plot forward. Emotion is a powerful writing tool, one that writers sometimes forget about. Happiness, sadness, loss and elation are all emotions readers can identify with, so use them!

7. When you edit, do so with a sharp eye. Now is not the time to become sentimental about your "words", now is the time to cut the ones that are not expressing your story theme. Slash overly descriptive scene, remove aimless dialogue, and only keep the words you need to tell your tale.

8. Flash fiction can be used for other things as well. It is a great way to get a better handle on a character from another story or novel you are writing. Take a character you need more insight on, give them a task and let them solve the problem quickly. You can use this type of story to learn more about your character, even if you never use it in a longer story.

Flash fiction stories are fun to write. They test your ability to tell a story concisely. With practice, flash fiction can become a wonderful writer's tool for you.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!


darkin


Editor's Picks

Here are some flash fiction stories I found while traveling the highways and byways of Writing.Com!

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This item number is not valid.
#1223256 by Not Available.


 Fine Dining Open in new Window. (ASR)
"You said you wanted to go someplace special for our anniversary..."
#1220596 by Rasputin Author IconMail Icon


 
STATIC
Last Duties Open in new Window. (ASR)
Anita's job was a tiresome one, but had to be done for Mama's sake...
#1185457 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1049524 by Not Available.


 The Well at Deepwater Open in new Window. (18+)
A wicked witch, a unicorn and a knight.
#1222520 by Tanzenlicht Author IconMail Icon


 My First Kiss Open in new Window. (E)
A tale of a time long ago
#1219072 by J. A. Buxton Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1104512 by Not Available.


 
STATIC
SIR TOM THUMBE Open in new Window. (13+)
re-telling of a fairy tale
#230819 by Joy Author IconMail Icon


Her Violet Eyes Open in new Window. (E)
Tommy Lawkins and his girl-friend Riana Mason attend the auction of the dead Mr. Caraway
#1221707 by Shaile Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1151821 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#579894 by Not Available.


 The Perfect Gift? Open in new Window. (13+)
Tom tries to buy his wife the perfect birthday present ...
#450979 by Sophurky Author IconMail Icon


The Monster Open in new Window. (E)
Story for Writers Cramp about a bunny with bulging eyes.
#837722 by Diane Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#388516 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#778496 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1115385 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1098822 by Not Available.


FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by Sophurky Author IconMail Icon


Daily Flash Fiction Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
Enter your story of 300 words or less.
#896794 by Arakun the twisted raccoon Author IconMail Icon


 
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Ask & Answer

Thank you for allowing me to enter your world. Since I'm a guest editor, I do not have feedback to display. But if you have any comments, or questions, feel free to drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you!

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