How to write Flash Fiction - Genre Fiction

Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, or Thriller Fiction

De: Sally Dickson

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

In this book, we are going to explore the specific challenges of writing genre flash fiction and short fiction, where you only have 500 to 1,000 words to tell a story.
To do this well, you need to master three specific skills of genre writing.

• You need to understand the reader's expectations of the genre—the voice, the story arc, and the satisfying outcomes.
• More often than not, you will need to use familiar locations or settings; after all, you don't have many words to create a whole new world.
• The real skill lies in the twist—after drawing the reader in with familiar genre storylines and backdrops, you need to find an original twist in the tale.

The beauty of writing genre fiction is that you have a vast palette of colors and a wide array of options at your disposal.

When done well, Genre Flash Fiction is the most compelling and memorable short fiction of all.

In Historical Fiction:

• Captures pivotal moments in time, making the past feel immediate and personal.
• Allows for fresh perspectives on well-known events, giving voice to overlooked figures.
• Distills rich settings and complex eras into poignant, memorable snapshots.

In Romance:

• Delivers intense emotional impact through brief, powerful encounters or revelations.
• Explores the essence of relationships, often focusing on key turning points.
• Creates deep connections between characters in just a few words, leaving readers yearning for more.

In Fantasy:

• Introduces imaginative worlds and magical elements with swift, vivid descriptions.
• Captures epic conflicts and mystical moments in a concise, enchanting narrative.
• Provides a platform for original twists on classic tropes, making the impossible feel real.

In Science Fiction:

• Explores futuristic concepts and technologies with sharp, thought-provoking insights.
• Conveys the vastness of space or the complexity of advanced societies in a tight, engaging format.
• Highlights ethical dilemmas and speculative "what if" scenarios in a way that lingers with readers.

Horror:

• Creates a sense of dread and suspense with minimal exposition, relying on atmosphere and suggestion.
• Unleashes terrifying creatures or psychological horrors in brief, haunting encounters.
• Delivers shocking twists or chilling endings that leave a lasting impression.

Thrillers:

• Builds relentless tension and high-stakes conflict in a compact, adrenaline-fueled narrative.
• Focuses on intense, life-or-death situations that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
• Delivers swift, surprising twists that upend expectations and drive the story home with impact.

Never forget, when done well Genre Flash Fiction is the most compelling and memorable short fiction of all.

Happy writing!

Sally Dickson has run the Farnham Flash Fiction competition for over 7 years, and during that time has read and judged over 1,000 competition entries. Sally is also a genre fiction author of the bestselling science fiction series Dodecahedral, written under the pen name Sally Ann Melia. In this book, she brings both her passions together, she maintains.
"Genre Flash Fiction can be the best of all."