Writing flash fiction can be rewarding. When you don’t seem to have a big enough idea for a regular short story (2000-5000 words), Flash can do the trick.
Flash fiction has been defined as a story from 300 to 1,000 words, give or take depending on the source. It is a short form of storytelling that often focuses on a single act. Flash is also known by the names skinny story, postcard fiction, and micro-stories.
Choose a character and a single event in that character’s life. It can be anything and of course other characters can be present. You’re basically writing a single scene from that person’s world. Since your word count is limited, choose your words carefully. Each award should be written for maximum information and impact. There is no place in flash for excessive detail. You must complete your story in a certain number of words for each space to count! Compare it to decorating an apartment or a house with small rooms. Clutter only removes, it doesn’t enhance the space, or in this case, its history.
The beauty, to me, of flash fiction is that, in the future, one of my pieces may become a full story, novella, or even a novel. Try writing multiple flash pieces about the same character. These can be worked together to form a longer item or used as a character sketch. Quite useful!