FLASH FICTION

21ST CENTURY LITERATURE

EMERGENCE OF FLASH FICTION

Flash fiction, or very short stories, has been around in various forms for centuries. The term "flash fiction" itself gained prominence in the late 20th century, but the practice of writing extremely short stories can be traced back to ancient times.

EMERGENCE OF FLASH FICTION: MODERN CONTEXT

Flash Fiction began to fuse as a distinct genre in the early 20th century, with writers experimenting with brevity and economy of words. The genre gained significant value in the 21st century, particularly with the rise of online platforms and social media, which made it easier for writers to publish and share very short stories.

FLASH FICTION

Is an imaginative literature of extreme brevity. It could range from a few words to a thousand. It is also known as short-short story, micro fiction, or micro story.

FLASH FICTION

Is an imaginative literature of extreme brevity. It could range from a few words to a thousand. It is also known as short-short story, micro fiction, or micro story.

Flash fiction stories are 1000 words or less

CHARACTERISTICS OF FLASH FICTION

BREVITY

Flash fiction presents a story with fewest words possible

CHARACTERISTICS OF FLASH FICTION

COMPLETE PLOT

Flash fiction emphasizes development of plot. It has a clear beginning, middle and ending of the story making the story feel whole and satisfying despite of its brevity.

CHARACTERISTICS OF FLASH FICTION

SURPRISING ENDING

A surprising ending creates a strong emotional impact and makes the story memorable despite its brevity. It engages readers and leaves them with a lasting impression, demonstrating the writer's skill in delivering a compelling and satisfying conclusion within a limited word count.

FLASH FICTION

CAN BE CATEGORIZED INTO DIFFERENT TYPES AND VARIATION OF WORD COUNT

DRIBBLE

A story that consists of maximum 50 words only. A dribble, also called a minisaga.

example

You come home late and slip into bed. I pretend to sleep, so not to confront you. I prefer not to know who you have been with when I put my arms around you and go to sleep, hoping when I awake, you will still be beside me.

DRABBLE

A story that consists of maximum 100 words only. A drabble, also called a microfiction. Extremely short fiction must showcase the same essential components as a longer story: A setting, one or more characters, conflict and resolution.

SUDDEN FICTION

A Sudden Fiction or „Flash Fiction‟ is a fictional story that has less than 5,000 words. Sudden Fiction genres are usually romance, sci-fi, thrillers, and fanfiction. A famous common example is Aesop’s Fables.

SIX-WORD STORY

An entire story told in six words. It is a short narrative that can have all of the emotional themes of longer stories—from funny to dramatic, sad to scary. It can be poetic or straightforward.

example

• He‟s the sky, I‟m thr ground.

example

• He‟s the sky, I‟m thr ground.

• Screaming loud but nobody can hear me.

example

• He‟s the sky, I‟m thr ground.

• Screaming loud but nobody can hear me. • I watched you become a stranger.

example

• He‟s the sky, I‟m thr ground.

• Screaming loud but nobody can hear me. • I watched you become a stranger. • Judge me when you are perfect.

example

• He‟s the sky, I‟m thr ground.

• Screaming loud but nobody can hear me. • I watched you become a stranger. • Judge me when you are perfect. • I was born but never lived.

example

• He‟s the sky, I‟m thr ground.

• Screaming loud but nobody can hear me. • I watched you become a stranger. • Judge me when you are perfect. • I was born but never lived.

• I‟m inlove with a blind man.

What role does imagery and symbolism play in flash fiction, given the limited space for detailed description?