Do you dream of writing a novella or a novel but find it hard to even start one?
Writing a 20,000-plus-word novella or a 50,000-plus-word novel can be very intimidating and frightening. In addition, there are many hurdles along the way, the most common of which are writer’s block, adulting, time management, and low self-esteem.
Enter FLASH FICTION.
Writing flash fiction is a great way to beat writer’s block, flex writing muscles, and can be a starting point to longer pieces of writing.
IN A FLASH: Flash fiction are complete brief stories. Average word count can range from 300 – 2,000 words. It is also called micro stories, short shorts, or nanotales.
WHAT IT IS: It is a condensed, concise story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. It usually has a twist or a surprise ending.
WHAT IT’S NOT: Flash fiction is NOT a scene, a chapter, or a cliffhanger.
BENEFITS OF WRITING FLASH FICTION:
- It beats writer’s block. Whenever you’re bogged down by writer’s block, step away from your WIP and write an entirely different story in a concise form. Giving your mind a break from your novel can revitalize your brain cells, inspire writing, and give a sense of achievement. Think about this: if you can write and finish a story of 1,000 words, what’s stopping you from writing and finishing a 50,000-word novel? Some writers, after writing flash fiction, find themselves recharged and reenergized to go back to their WIPs.
- It flexes writing muscles. Writing flash fiction can be challenging because you have to practice brevity, or the art of using fewer but precise words. In other words, you have to make every word count. This hones your creative juices by making your imagination work with the end goal of producing a story with a limited number of words. This also sharpens your analytical skills by deciding what word must be retained or cut out. You learn to self-edit. All these teaches a writer the value of discipline.
- It can be a starting point to longer writing pieces. Flash fiction can be a catalyst to a novella or novel. Consider this testimony by writer Alicia Audrey on how a flash fiction piece can be expanded to become a novel.
“At a writers’ retreat last year, I read a flash fiction piece I wrote in response to a prompt in the previous year. After the student reading session, several of my fellow students came to me to talk about the stories. They asked me for the character’s backstory, what ended up happening to him, and whether or not anyone ever recognized him. They asked me about the girls who was kind to him, and if it was because she knew who he was. The questions really got my wheels turning, and also let me know that the story had a life beyond 400 words. It could spread its wings and become a novel. It didn’t have to settle for a spot in my flash fiction collection.”
Writing flash fiction can help you become a better writer. Actually, it helps you make a better novel, too.
Write with us!
SWEETBooks has a Call for Submission for Flash Fiction stories with the Prompt: Love in the Time of CoVid. Here are the details, also posted in our Facebook Page:
* CALL FOR FLASH FICTION SUBMISSIONS *
The reality of the world today is depressing and sorrowful, with instances of small victories and healing.
Fictional stories help people escape reality for a short time. But fiction is so much more.
We believe fiction helps us feel and understand not just other people’s perspectives, but also gives us a better, broader view of the big picture. And if written in an exceptional manner, fiction can be a source of hope and courage in trying times such as we are presently experiencing.
Send us your stories depicting the triumph of love in various situations and circumstances in the face of our invisible enemy. Be it parental, sibling, romantic or whatever kind of love; or whatever ending you imagine it to have, the most important thing is that love triumphs above all—even over CoVid 19.
► All entries will be published online in our Website & Wattpad account
► Best entries will be selected, compiled and published in digital and paperback
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
* Original, previously unpublished Fiction stories of 1000-1500 words
* 1 entry per writer
* Any genre, except Erotica
* Must be written in correct English (grammar, spelling, etc.)
* Deadline of submissions: APRIL 30, 2020
FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS:
* Submit to sweetbookwriters@gmail.com with Subject: Entry for LITCV
* Body of email: Writer’s brief bio and contact details
* Attach your story to email as a Word Document.
* Format: 1″ margin all sides, 12 points, double-spaced, Arial font
THE FINE PRINT:
* Writers retain all rights to their work.
* If selected for ebook/paperback publication, a formal contract will be drawn
Want to learn 5 Best Tips for Writing Compelling Flash Fiction? Click HERE to read.
S.W.E.E.T. Books 
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