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Flash Fiction Writing in a flash! 5 Elements of Powerful Flash Fiction Flash fiction contains most of the following elements in every single story: Brevity Flash fiction tells a complete story in 1,000 words or less. Sometimes a lot less words. Many markets want stories that are 750, 500, or 100 words long. With the surging popularity of Twitter, some writers have now exchanged word counts for 140 characters. Character All fiction requires characters, or at least some sort of presence through which the story is told. The reader identifies with the characters in a story. In flash fiction, characters have little time to be developed and described, so you must make the most of your opportunities. Show them in action. Describe the little details that bring the character to life in the reader’s mind. Surprise Endings Flash fiction is famous for its twist endings which often surprise or shock the reader. Think of a punch line to a joke as a good example of this. Rich Language Flash fiction exists somewhere between the realms of poetry and short story and uses poetic language to weave the tale efficiently. The format is fluid, allowing the writer to experiment and play with words and form. Change • Even though flash fiction doesn’t have a lot of words, a lot of action is packed into each story. Something has to happen during the course of the story. Change “A story is a container for change.” •This means that something has to change within course of the story. It can be a physical change to the character, an epiphany that changes the character’s way or thinking, or a change in how the reader perceives that character and/or situation. 3 Reasons Why You Should Write Flash Fiction Low risk, little time investment • If you spend two years of your life writing the Great American Novel that stinks, well, you wasted two years of your life. • Flash fiction is low-risk. If you write a terrible flash fiction story, you might have invested a few hours in it. You can move on to the next story and try again. • It does not involve as much of a commitment as writing a lengthy short story or a novel does. It provides instant gratification. In less than a day, you can have a completed (and possibly publishable) story to show for your efforts. Great way to improve your writing skills • Writing flash fiction makes you aware of every word you choose. You learn to write well using as few words as possible. In flash fiction, you need to know the elements of good fiction and how they work together. • It is far easier to write a long story, wasting words, wandering off on tangents, introducing interesting characters that have nothing to do with the main story. But flash fiction is coiled like a spring. There is no wasted energy in flash fiction. Every word in the story is significant and drives you toward the climactic conclusion. It’s fun! The Beauty of Flash Fiction • Since each word is chosen carefully, and each story is a delicate yet poignant thought process, flash fiction can become a thing of beauty in the eyes of the reader. Hint Fiction • A story of 25 words or fewer that suggests a larger, more complex story. – The reader is forced to look at the context, characters, and word choice to make the story come alive. – “A story that stands in its own little world.” “For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn.” - Ernest Hemingway 1.What is the context of this vignette? 2.What story are these six words telling you? “Visiting Hours” Katrina Robinson She placed her hand over his and pressed the pen to paper. The signature looked shaky, but is should be enough. “Through Tiny Windows” Barry Napier When they opened the cadaver, they found a house. A couple argued inside. There was a rhythm to their words, like the beating of a heart. “Jermaine’s Postscript to His Seventh-Grade Poem Assignment” Barry Napier “Ms. Tyler, the girl part was about Shantell. Please don’t tell anyone.” Your Assignment! • Write an effective Hint Fiction about the prompt randomly assigned to you! – Due at the end of class! (exit ticket) • Homework: – Write three effective Hint Fictions utilizing any prompt of your choice (THREE ELEMENTS or PHOTO PROMPT, located on the website) – Due TUESDAY (entrance ticket)