How To Write Flash Fiction: Top 7 Tips You Can Apply Today

Three yellow lightning bolts against a navy background representing the topic, how to write flash fiction.

Flash fiction is a form of storytelling that challenges writers to create a complete narrative within a very limited word count. Typically ranging from 100 to 1,000 words, flash fiction demands precision, focus, and creativity – so it can be very challenging to write!

Keep reading to learn how to write flash fiction with top tips for your flash fiction stories.

What Is Flash Fiction?

Flash fiction (or microfiction) is like a short story on steroids. Unlike traditional short stories, flash fiction doesn’t have the luxury of meandering through multiple plot points or expansive character development. Instead, it captures a single moment, an emotion, or a unique twist in just a few paragraphs. 

Some well-known examples of flash fiction include Ernest Hemingway’s famous six-word story, “For sale: baby shoes, never worn,” which captures an entire world of emotion and implication in just six words.

Another popular piece, “Sticks” by George Saunders, paints a haunting family portrait in just a few sentences. These stories remind us that, sometimes, brevity can carry the greatest emotional weight.

'Quick Tips' next to some flashing lightbulbs against a navy background.

1. Focus on a Singular Concept or Emotion

Flash fiction shines when it captures one main idea or feeling. Instead of trying to fit a complex plot into a small space, choose a singular concept or emotion to explore. This could be an unusual experience, a fleeting realisation, or a moment of intense emotion.

Example: In Lydia Davis’s flash story “Fear,” she conveys an entire world of anxiety in just a few sentences without explaining backstory or details. Amazingly, the simplicity makes the story’s emotion even more powerful.

2. Begin in the Middle of the Action

With flash fiction, there’s no space to set the scene or introduce characters gradually. Jump right into the middle of the action or a crucial moment. This technique pulls the reader in immediately, capturing their attention from the very start.

Consider starting with a line that’s already full of movement or tension. For example, you could begin with a character halfway through a decision, an argument, or a surprising discovery. Flash fiction works well and it at its best when it feels immediate and urgent.

3. Limit Your Characters

A piece of flash fiction doesn’t have room for a large cast. Stick to one main character, or two at most, and let them drive the story. This allows you to deeply explore a single character’s experience or thoughts without getting bogged down by other perspectives.

In Etgar Keret’s flash piece “Asthma Attack,” the story focuses intensely on one character’s overwhelming fear of a medical episode. By narrowing the story’s scope, Keret makes the reader feel the immediacy and intimacy of the experience.

4. Embrace Ambiguity!

One of the unique aspects of flash fiction is its reliance on implication. Because of the word limit, writers are often forced to suggest rather than explain. Trust your readers to fill in the blanks, using subtle hints and cues rather than detailed backstory.

For instance, Hemingway’s six-word story is a masterclass in implication. With no explanation provided, the reader is left to piece together the tragic implications of “baby shoes, never worn.” This sense of mystery adds depth and invites readers to interpret the story in their own way.

5. Focus on Tension and Contrast

Flash fiction thrives on tension. Because you have such a limited word count, every word should contribute to a sense of urgency or contrast. Think about what two opposing elements you can set up within your narrative. This could be a conflict between two characters, an inner struggle, or even a contrast between the setting and the character’s feelings.

In the flash fiction piece “Bullet in the Brain” by Tobias Wolff, the tension comes from a seemingly trivial interaction that escalates rapidly, leading to a moment of profound insight. 

6. Use Precise, Vivid Language

You need to be concise in this type of short fiction, so choose vivid and impactful language and don’t write an exposition. Aim for verbs and adjectives that create a strong image or emotion instantly. Cut out any unnecessary or vague words, i.e. ‘fluff’, that doesn’t add to the atmosphere or story.

As a flash fiction writer, your goal is to make readers see, hear, or feel something in as few words as possible. Think of how a single, well-chosen word can evoke an entire setting or mood. It’s all about using fewer words for maximum emotional impact.

7. Finish With A Powerful Ending

Endings in flash fiction are critical; they’re often what give the story its lasting effect. Whether you choose to conclude with a twist, a question, or a subtle realisation, your ending should linger in the reader’s mind. It’s not about tying everything up but creating a conclusion that will leave the reader to ponder. 

In Kathy Fish’s flash story “Collective Nouns for Humans in the Wild,” the ending is a punch to the gut, recontextualising everything that came before. The final line isn’t a resolution – it’s a revelation, one that deepens the story’s impact.

Write Flash Fiction With These Tips Today!

Writing flash fiction is an art of precision, focus, and restraint. By honing in on a single moment, embracing implication, and using vivid language, you can create powerful stories that resonate despite how short they are!

So, take on the challenge and discover how a few hundred words can make a lasting impact.

Similar Posts