Last week I sent in a piece called Hello my friend, you have won… which I won't reproduce here because it's on the link.
The story's fundamentally a single idea presented as a tiny scene with a bit of a twist. I didn't think this piece was anything particular, but it ended up listed on Be The Story as one among 7 favourites, so I have to assume it's better than I thought. Anyway, if you'd like to see something from me which has absolutely nothing to do with ancient history, then have a look!
Rammenas by the way is worth a read if you enjoy flash fiction. And if you like to write it I'm sure Anneke would enjoy hearing from you. Among the authors on Rammenas is our very own Scary Azeri, who is much better at flash fiction than yours truly.
19 comments:
To be honest, this is the first I've heard of this flash fiction thing. Fascinating.
Anywho, that was pretty amusing, Gary.
Hi Jorgh,
Glad you liked it. Back in the good old days, I'm fairly sure flash fiction would have been called a vignette. It seems to have taken on a life of its own in these twittery days.
I'm still not sure I understand about flash fiction. I had this impression that it meant writing against the clock.
Hi Robert, variations differ. Most seem to be based on word length. But yes, it's something that's supposed to be written in a flash.
If you click on Gary's name, you'll find his other tiny stories.
As for the name. Flash fiction isn't nescessarily written in a flash, but you can read it in a flash. Some people are fast writers, I myself usually need many hours to write a 500 words story.
Thanks for mentioning the blog Gary! And yes, submissions are welcome.
I'm using Vignette. Somewhere. Thank you for linking yourself. And, do more. Yeah? ;)
Can I have your postal address please?
I am going to do what one of my followers did for me and send you chocolates! I cant believe you mentioned me here, this is such an honor and I am flattered. Thank you!!!!
Clever :)
Hey Scary, chocolates? What about me? ;-)
Of course, of course! Gosh I'd better start saving up. Maybe I should sketch some up and send virtual ones? :)
Hi Carrie. Now I have you and Anneke prodding me. :-)
I guess that'll probably increase the frequency.
Glad you like it, Bane!
Scary, I'm flattered that you're flattered (this could get infinitely recursive...), but I don't know if chocolates would survive London to Sydney. Perhaps if I donate my box to Anneke?
Better yet, Bill Kirton & Anneke are both so close to you that you should all meet some time, which I was very lucky to do when I last passed through London.
I'm very sorry we never managed to meet in New York!
That was wonderful! I write some flash fiction, but it's always on the long side. I really admire those who can tell such a zinging story in so few words.
Here's one it reminded me of: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l51QzYPRNTg&feature=player_embedded
Thanks Rachel. It's not my normal length, as I said, but it can be done. I think the trick, as far as I can see, is to deliver one idea, and not try to be too smart. It's not the sort of format for character development or world building! Though a flash fiction epic fantasy would be kind of cool if anyone could do it.
Yes, there's no room for several explicit story lines and trying not to be too smart is always wise.
The trick is to say as much as you can with less words. Makes you aware of which words are really saying something. This can influence the style, but you also have to cooperate with the reader. The best flash fiction stories, in my opinion, suggest stories and characters. They will develop in the reader's mind.
One of my favourites is Ron Kirton's story Growth: http://www.rammenas.nl/?p=215
I can actually see the couple, what they look like, their lives, simply by the few words Ron uses. He describes a little incident, but behind that is so much more.
Now, start writing you all!
Fine advice!
So funny :)
Thanks for showing me that site. I took a flash fiction course last year, and it was pretty fun.
Hey Judith. So this would be the opportunity to try writing some of your own...?
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