FlashFiction.Net

As I’ve begun my exploration into the world of flash fiction, I have found myself constantly bombarded by one question: where do I even begin? The beautiful and perhaps most intriguing thing about flash is that it throws the reader right into the middle of the hustle and bustle of the story. The mastery of throwing a reader into the middle of a conflict is something that fascinates me and causes me to feel rather envious.

With a disposition to being long-winded, I also crave to know my characters inside and out. I thirst for long intricate descriptions of characters, wanting to know every single in and out of their fictional lives.

What impresses me most is the thought of summarizing a character in a small amount of space. As I write, I always am giving details that most readers probably don’t need. I often begin my stories with background information, and explanations, and feel lost if I do not.

Exploring flash fiction has led me to try to condense myself. I write the background, the details in the first three paragraphs. I continue with my story that stems from the details and background. So I will write on, happy and content with my unnecessary paragraphs until I reach the conclusion. Then I go back and delete, without mercy, those first three paragraphs, no matter what I want to keep.

It’s painful for a detail-freak such as myself. I push myself to do it: delete, delete, delete. I am always somehow satisfied after the painful process that I’ve attempted to rush my reader into the up whirl of my story, and my characters as well. Hopefully I’ll be able to develop to the point that I will be rushing myself into the middle of the story without question as well.

About the Author

Heather Vann is nearing completion of her degree in Communications from Rosemont College and taking classes towards completing her MFA in Creative Writing. She writes fictional short stories and novels, and recently has begun exploring the world of flash fiction. During her free time, Heather dapples in various mediums of art, listening to music, and cooking.

For further reading, check out FlashFiction.Net’s suggested readings of flash fiction and prose poetry collections, anthologies, and craft books, by clicking here.

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