Flash fiction is a term that is often bandied around, and typically refers to stories weighing in at under 1,000 words. While the form certainly has some things in common with short stories, writing it is a unique task and skill in its own right, and requires a unique approach to deliver well. And it’s certainly true to say that writing something with fewer words doesn’t necessarily mean it’s any easier – in fact many writers find quite the opposite! Sure, the ‘finish line’ may be a bit closer, but with so few words it’s important to use them carefully and make sure they are all achieving something for the story you are trying to tell.
But how do you go about doing it right? In this article we’ll look at some of the key principles to writing your own flash fiction.