Writing Flash Fiction Won’t Hurt You
Writing flash fiction won’t hurt you even if you want to be a novelist. And this is why.
Any writer can eat an elephant if the elephant is cut up into small enough pieces.
Ha ha ha ha. I can just see the expressions on your faces. No, the Old Soldier hasn’t finally flipped out. I’m just rappin’ about writin’ flash fiction. Guy Hogan is my name and flash fiction is my game.
So, what’s all this nonsense about eating an elephant? Well, an elephant is pretty big. All right, all right, an adult elephant is pretty big (there’s always one heckler in the crowd) but you or I could eat one if we used the divide and conquer strategy.
Image via Wikipedia
I am getting to the point. I’ve been at this long enough to know what I’m doing. Listen, buddy, why don’t you just sit down and let me finish…Thank you.
Many years ago, when I was trying to learn how to write fiction I wanted to be a short story writer like my hero Hemingway. Then maybe once I had made lots of money and had an international reputation, I could take off a few years and write a great novel.
Ah, I won’t bore you with the details of what happened.
Just let me say what a shock it was when I found out I didn’t have the staying power or the focus to write even a regular length short story let alone a novel.
My talent was for writing flash fiction. And guess what? I took all those flash fiction stories and put them in My Ebook for Serious Writers that reads just like a novel.
Don’t let that elephant intimidate you. Just cut it into small pieces and don’t eat with your fingers.
Sex Videos, Girls Kissing Girls and The Topless Dancer are flash fiction stories.
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November 10th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
nice and funny
November 10th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Nice article.
What exactly is the definition of flash fiction (I know, I know, it’s in one of your earlier articles, I should go look). – Ken
November 10th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
good one
November 10th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
great information and funny way of distributing it
November 10th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Well done!
November 10th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I enjoyed your article. It was really funny. I was surprised to see that you compared writing flash fiction to eating an elephant, but it was a really clever approach.
November 10th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Ken, there are many definitions for flash fiction. One of my favorites is one I made up. Flash fiction captures a moment in time.
November 10th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Flash fiction writing is a great tool for writers to learn about the trade.
Thanks
November 10th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Only flash fiction? just kidding. Anyways, as soon as I get a chance because right now I am dedicated to law, I am going to try to write a flash fiction story. I have a few characters and a good plot in mind but I have to think about it. It probably won’t be anytime soon, but flash fiction definitely sounds a lot better than erotica.
November 10th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Your article is both inspiring and educational, It is reassuring to know that nos story is too big,
November 10th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
I liked the analogy in this piece- the elephant worked well
November 10th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
It might not kill you, but watch out for the dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome.
November 10th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Nice Share.
November 10th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Great Post!
November 10th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Great advice,
November 10th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
I think Flash Fiction may be a challenge for me – the opposite to you. I find it difficult most of the time to shorten articles, poetry and sometimes short stories. I see Flash Fiction as requiring a definite skill. I believe I have attempted it a few times, although I called it prose. Hmmm, I may have to look into this. It has spurred my interest. I like a challenge.
November 10th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
A good idea, putting them all together.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
My hands are used to cutting a cake, so an elephant isn’t a cakewalk.
Seriously I am grateful for the encouragement.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
wow nice share
November 11th, 2010 at 2:35 am
Terrific stuff. Keep it coming Guy.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:25 am
Brilliant! You’re just the inspiration I’m looking for! Got several ideas which I want to put into a short story and publish it but tend to give up half way through because I get bogged down! My old English teacher (about 35 years ago!) always told me to prrecis (cut out the verbal diarrhoea!) in my essays but being young and feckless I couldn’t see the merit in making my best seller into a short story. I’m now going to heed her and your advice and cut to the chase for max impact!!
.
November 11th, 2010 at 4:01 am
Flash fiction is something I would like to attempt one of these days…or have I already? lol. I sense you are going to relocate this article, too.
November 11th, 2010 at 4:24 am
Totally agree chop up the Elephant and sprinkle some spice on it and chow down! LB
November 11th, 2010 at 7:20 am
A book doesn’t get done overnight.
November 11th, 2010 at 7:37 am
Well written.
November 11th, 2010 at 9:06 am
i like this post
November 11th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Grear job!
November 11th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
good,, i want that flash fiction
November 11th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
nice inspirational write Guy. Thanks.
November 12th, 2010 at 10:05 am
What an interesting way to put this message across, Guy.
November 12th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
great share
December 7th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Very interesting and fun to read your stuff.