Why You Should Write Flash Fiction

Any story under 1000 words is flash fiction.

At first glance, the task to write a flash fiction piece seems easy. It's the shortest of fictional works. However, this is exactly the challenge. In a minimal time span, you need to get your main idea, a conflict, and a resolution across all while having a character move along as your whirlwind plot progresses. It can be difficult to condense all your ideas in a small word count.

But, it's well worth it. Especially for these reasons:

• YOU CAN WRITE IT QUICK

Have an idea for a story? Write it in the morning when you're drinking coffee. Write it while on your 5 minute break. Write it any time you catch yourself not actively working on something. This isn't a full-length novel that's thousands of words. It's under 1000.

You can even try your hand at micro-flash and write a story in 100 words or less.

• IT CHALLENGES YOU

Your story needs a beginning, middle, and end. If someone told you that you had to write a flash piece that neatly wrapped things up, would you be able to? Sure you could. You'd get straight to the point. You'd write the story, cut away anything that wasn't absolutely necessary, and then proudly read your writing after the fun process of removing fluff was over.

• IT CAN BE EASILY SHARED WITH OTHERS

People will take the time to read a very short story and give feedback quickly. In contrast, if you ask them to read something that's thousands of words long, they may read it but it'll take a while. A flash fiction can be read in one conversation. Whether it's 999 words or 100 words.

Isn't it fun to write something, have your friend quickly read it, and then give you feedback in a timely manner?

So get out there and write that flash fiction story that's been on your mind.

--

If you enjoyed this post, please upvote and follow for more writing tips. Also, feel free to comment with your thoughts or a flash fiction story of your own.

-Chie