WHAT IS FLASH FICTION?
Flash fiction, sometimes called sudden fiction, or short short stories among other names is a loose term for stories roughly 300 to 1000 words long. Though the term “Flash fiction” was coined in 1992, the art goes back over 2000 years to Aesop’s Fables. Authors around the world have and continue to write these shorter stories and the style has increased in popularity with the advent of the internet and our busy lives. The style lends itself to a variety of styles including literary, science fiction, dystopia, and experimental.
Though readers might think it easier to write a short short story versus a longer story or even a novel, that isn’t always the case. Narrowing the subject to such a small package requires an economy of words, ideas, and description. The key is to tell a complete story without confusing or losing the reader by the omission of information. It requires the writer to choose which details are imperative for the story, leaving other details as implied.
For readers, sudden fiction offers a short story that can be read when there isn’t time for a longer tale. The style also allows the reader to use their imagination to fill in the blanks.
Below you will find some of my own sudden fiction for your enjoyment. Check back, as I will add new ones as the mood strikes. I’ve also included links to various other sites that publish short shorts.
Enjoy these Flash Fiction Stories
Christmas Detour
by Ida Smith
Valerie tightly scheduled her day’s activities before a sapphire scarf led her on an unexpected detour.
Valerie’s day, if not the whole season was meticulously scheduled, there was little if no room for unplanned detours. READ MORE
Not Much Time
by Ida Smith
On a winter’s night, a young woman braves the bitter cold for the most important mission of her life.
Her only comfort was the cold night—it meant Clyde was at the tavern. READ MORE
OTHER SITES WHERE YOU CAN READ FLASH FICTION:
Want to Receive “Jagged Journeys” short stories?
Sign up and join a myriad of characters on their jagged journeys.
Thank you to https://pixabay.com for the lightening and typewriter pictures.