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Any tips for writing Flash Fiction?
We’re focusing on flash fiction and short stories in this week’s newsletter, to spotlight our new Masterclass with Amanda Saint (now live on JW!)
So, what are your top tips for writing flash fiction? Have you had any success entering short story competitions?
Share your tips below!
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4 Replies
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I write flash fiction and I’ve had successes being published in online magazines and placed in competitions.
Main tips:
- A strong opening and closing lines are very important in flash, especially if you can finish with a lingering image, which means the story is likely to stay with the readers
- Every word counts and has to work towards the story so it’s a great exercise in editing and conveying meaning in as little words as possible. It teaches you about cutting the superfluous
- In flash it is as much as what’s not being said than what is being said
- It’s a careful balance between hinting at a bigger picture/life without the story feeling incomplete or feeling merely like an extract from a bigger piece
- Flash is a great place to experiment with form, language, POVs, etc…
- Titles can be very important in flash. Finding the right title to your story can convey a lot and carry the story.
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I have never tried flash fiction before since it highlights almost all areas where I am not confident in myself, but these tips are making me rethink my hesitations. Your fifth point is the motivator for me.
Thanks! Fun post!
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Hey! Fantastic tips there. I’m on the lookout for some readers to share my work with, been working on some flash and shorter fiction at the moment. I would love to begin a symbiotic relationship of work-sharing, detailed commenting and enjoyment! Would anyone be interested in getting this going?
Best
Harvey
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I would be up for sharing short pieces…though I’ve got nothing new to share myself I don’t mind reading someone else’s work. 🙂
