My introduction to Flash Fiction came from a borrowed English Lit textbook. The story that grabbed my attention, “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin. At the time, I wasn’t enrolled, but it was something I was sure I wanted. The closest I could get was browsing text books on the subjects I was most interested in.

I still go back to this story, especially when I consider what people expect from flash fiction. What first drew me to it, inspired me to start writing, and what I hope my readers will take away from the stories I have written. Outside of the many writing craft specific things I get out of writing flash fiction; the opportunity to practice different genres, POV, and tense without committing to full length fiction. What is it about flash fiction that I love so much? (If you haven’t yet read, “The Story of an Hour,” it is linked above). In my mind, it has always been the perfect example of flash fiction.

Gotham Writers gives a great definition of flash fiction and Masterclass offers some tips on how to start writing. You can see from their suggestions, the way Chopin meets and sets these standards. The focus of the story, simple timeline, and 1,009 words. While the subject of the story is beautiful and tragic, it is the way the story is told that captures my attention.

I enjoy the misdirection, the exploration of the characters feelings, and the abruptness with which the story ends. That surprise is what is so gripping. That is what brings me back to the story and makes me question the meaning. That, questioning, is the goal of flash fiction.

As you write more and develop your own style, you will find there are many ways to write flash fiction, and many ways to surprise your reader. Maybe you’ll even surprise yourself!

You can read other great flash fiction from Flash Fiction Magazine, The New Yorker, and Reedsy. I’ve also published some of my writing on my Ko-fi page, these include some of the works that I’ve submitted to writing competitions.

For more from writers in the AuthorTube community, check out these links:

Laura Nettles – Flash Fiction 

A. F. Stewart – Drabble Wednesday

WriteNow – Freaky Friday Flash Fiction Competition 

• Part 1 
• Part 2

You can find Chandra online here:

Website: https://www.chandraarthur.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChandraArthur  

IG:https://www.instagram.com/seechanwrite/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@seechanwrite