Flash Fiction For Writers and Readers

Today’s guest post is by writer Jason Brick. He has published his work in all sorts of genres and formats, with over 3000 articles, short stories, novels and non-fiction to his name – and about 20 books which are not, because he has ghost-written them. Jason also edits and crowdfunds anthologies. Next to writing, Jason loves martial arts and travel. We’re happy Jason has taken the time to explain flash fiction for us.

There’s an old saying. Every novelist is a failed short story writer, and every short story writer is a failed poet. I don’t know how much I believe that, but the adage leaves out another genre: flash fiction. 

Depending who you ask, flash fiction refers to fiction in the 5,000 words or fewer range, with most falling more into the under-2,000 category. A famous example is attributed to Hemingway, consisting of just six words:

“For Sale: Baby shoes. Never used.”

If you ask some folks, they’ll give you all kinds of subdivisions. A “drabble” is 100 words or so. A “fragment” is under 50….that’s all well and good, but really flash fiction is simply super-short tales.

I like flash fiction so much I started a semiweekly newsletter that sends super-short stories to mailboxes all over the world. It’s called Flash in a Flash. We use a cutoff of 1,000 words, are always accepting submissions, and have come here today to chat about why flash fiction is fun, why authors might want to try some, and some places you can get started when you do.  (more…)

Video-Talk: The Three Most Important People in Your Story and their Emotional Journeys

Stories should take three people out of their comfort zone: The heroine or hero, the audience, and the author.

This is an excerpt from a talk we gave for Jericho Writers. We delve into the idea of taking the protagonist out of their comfort zone, the details behind characters’ wants and needs and how they effect the plot and character transformation, and how all that can relate to plot points and pinch points. Most importantly, we remind authors (whether plotter or pantser) that it is always not only about the protagonist, but also about the authors themselves, and about making the audience experience emotions.

Q and A in The Bookseller with Olaf Wielk, co-founder of Beemgee

Beemgee helps authors develop their narrative material. The founder explains the benefits to authors and publishers.

By Tom Tivnan.
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Beemgee Away

Blogposts and articles by Beemgee

Right here is where we list articles we publish on platforms and websites other than our own.

Writers Write | The Pros (& Cons) of Outlining

CONTEC México | “Fiction without Friction” Call for Story Outlines

Alliance of Independent Authors advice center | How to create better plots by concentrating on the characters

Alliance of Independent Authors advice center | How to structure archetypal stories: Putting your readers’ emotions first  (more…)