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Flash fiction is short-format storytelling. Unlike writing a novel, short-form fiction has preset limits on word count. Writing a complete story under such limitations may be challenging, but learning how to do so effectively is a great way to increase your skill as a creative writer. The following reference guide is designed to be an easy means of maintaining focus on scope while writing short format.
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Structuring a Complete Story Based on Word Count
Flash fiction is a complete story; this means the writing meets definitive criteria. A complete story has a beginning, middle, and end. Every story features both a plot as well as characterization, and that should not change just because the fiction is shorter in length. Flash fiction contains the same story structure as any other format. The only difference is that the writer must capture the full scope of their story using fewer words.
(Insert that quote about brevity being the soul of wit or something along those lines.)
Pacing is the biggest challenge when it comes to writing flash fiction, because writing a complete story in as little as five hundred words is easier said than done. The quickest way to tackle this challenge is to compartmentalize the word count in order to set clear writing goals.
Flash fiction is a complete story; this means the writing meets definitive criteria. A complete story has a beginning, middle, and end. Every story features both a plot as well as characterization, and that should not change just because the fiction is shorter in length. Flash fiction contains the same story structure as any other format. The only difference is that the writer must capture the full scope of their story using fewer words.
(Insert that quote about brevity being the soul of wit or something along those lines.)
Pacing is the biggest challenge when it comes to writing flash fiction, because writing a complete story in as little as five hundred words is easier said than done. The quickest way to tackle this challenge is to compartmentalize the word count in order to set clear writing goals.
The graphic illustrates how many words the writer will have to work with in order to maintain a desirable pace. Although the percentages may vary from one piece of fiction to another, and for a variety of reasons, this example is meant to serve as a reference guide for maintaining proper story structure while writing in short format. A clear set of goals will also provide some perspective when planning/brainstorming the overall scope of a flash-fiction story.
