Flash Fiction Collection: The Six Flavors of Life

Flash fiction is a literary form distinguished by its brevity and concision.

1. Definition and other names: Flash fiction, also known as “short-short fiction,” usually runs from a few hundred to two thousand words. It captures slices of life or individual scenes in a cross-section of a story.

2. Its defining qualities: “brief, fresh, compact, and surprising.” It offers an original idea, a tightly woven plot, and an unexpected ending. It uses small details to reveal larger truths.

3. A finely crafted structure: Despite its limited length, it needs a complete beginning, development, turning point, and conclusion. Its language is crisp and direct, with a focus on characters and setting.

4. Artistic effect: By condensing scenes and characters, it conveys profound themes with a brisk pace and a vivid sense of everyday life.