Right on the heels of my latest publishing news comes more publishing news. My latest flash fiction story, “Custard’s Last Stand”, clocking in at just 101 words, is up at 101 Words, here: https://101words.org/custards-last-stand/#comments.
Flash fiction is one of my favorite modes of storytelling, for three very simple reasons.
First, it’s fun. Some of my strangest ideas have come to me while coming up with flash fiction stories to write about. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because it’s so short that I feel comfortable taking chances. If the story somehow doesn’t pan out, it’s no big deal. Putting aside a piece of flash fiction that’s not working is much less devastating than putting aside all the time and energy spent writing a novel that doesn’t work.
Second, it’s a challenge. And I love a good challenge. It’s sort of like a puzzle. Trying to come up with an entire story - with a beginning, middle, and end - that fits into such a small space is no easy task.
Finally, it’s a great learning experience for a writer. When you’re restricted on the number of words you can use, it forces you to really heed all the great writers’ advice to avoid unnecessary words. Editing flash fiction stories is a great writing exercise that hones skills you can carry over to anything else you attempt to write, from the shortest flash fiction to the longest epic-length novel series.
For the budding writer that’s just starting out, i suggest trying your hand at getting some flash fiction stories written, not only for the reasons I mentioned above, but also because seeing your work in print after working on a quick story may give you the confidence to try something more meaty. Maybe my story, and the many other 101-word stories on that site, will inspire you to create something of your own.
Happy reading, happy writing, and thanks for following me!
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