What the heck is ‘microfiction’? It is, by some definitions, a story or exactly 100 words. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia’s entry on flash fiction clarifying their definitions of all these apparent categories: 🙂
Flash fiction is a fictional work of extreme brevity that still offers character and plot development. Identified varieties, many of them defined by word count, include the six-word story; ** the 280-character story (also known as “twitterature“); the “dribble” (also known as the “minisaga,” 50 words) the “drabble” (also known as “microfiction,” 100 words) “sudden fiction” (750 words) flash fiction (1,000 words); and “micro-story”.
Some commentators have suggested that flash fiction possesses a unique literary quality in its ability to hint at or imply a larger story.
** Apparently the most famous example of a six-word story is Hemingway’s haunting
“For Sale: Baby shoes, never worn.”
SO, LET’S TRY THIS!!
For now, let’s stick to EITHER the 100-word story (use your Word word-counter) OR the six-word story. Give it a try, and submit your entry, if you choose. If I get at least two entries, I’ll share them (authors-willing only), AND I’ll share my own humble attempt at such a thing.
Need ideas? (Always my problem). Try these 30 suggestions for ideas, but you are not required to use them.
So, it’s all an experiment and it’s all in fun. If you’re a writer – or always wanted to be a writer – or never even thought about it – this is for YOU!!
Give it a try and send in your favorite of your efforts (or not!). Give it a title – or not. (Title words don’t count as part of the 100.) We’ll share those (if YOU are willing), and if we get at least two (shared or not), I’ll share my own 100-word version (tentatively entitled “I miss her.”)
(Wouldn’t it be fun to collect enough to do a book our OUR microfiction stories!?!)
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