FlashFiction.Net

In The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Fiction: Tips from Editors, Teachers, and Writers in the Field, Bruce Holland Rogers, soon after he says that “in career terms, anyway, flash fiction is lightweight stuff” (Appreciate the reminder, Bruce!), writes this:

As I begin reading a short short, I am already aware of the approach of the final line. If I don’t like this particular story, the brevity is reassuring. I’m only a few lines from the next story, which I may like better. As a result, I don’t mind if the writer takes risks and even tries my patience with a strange technique or with subject matter I would dismiss if it required more of my time. Thanks to brevity, I’ll try anything. I may even enjoy strange storytelling techniques that would grate in a longer story. (143-4)

So, today’s flash fiction prompt asks you to rely on a strange storytelling technique, one that would grate in a longer story, for your flash fiction piece, 600 words or less. And, as long as you don’t try to make a career of writing these things, all should be fine.

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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