Flash, Micro, Sudden, 55-Word Fiction–a Mental Disciple

Not many every-day folks know about the world of abridged, compressed or ultra lean writing known to some as the short short story. It is a lovely genre for its intensity, poetry of language, and voice. There are different sub-genres that include exactly 33-word, 55-word or 100-word renditions of a story. A  laxer variation says anything under 300 words qualifies as a shortie.

The concept is to write a story (beginning, middle and ending) with a few, well-chosen words. It’s like smelting ore to refine for gold. Usually, the story, once distilled, packs a wallop.

Practicing writing ultra-short stories is a mental disciple. Take 15 minutes now to try it. Using the words “sentimental,” “pool,” and “sandals,” write a short story of 55-words (exactly).

I did the exercise, too. Here’s what I came up with:

Think of You

by Fay Moore © 2013

 You left. The air is as blistering as my emotions. I turn off the radio as I sit by the pool. No sentimental songs today. Illusory reflections in the water conjure your face. Your sandals, carelessly tossed into the grass, elicit memories of playful times. Damn it. In spite of myself,  I think of you.

Here’s the Link to Preview the Anthology

http://www.amazon.com/Writers-Desert-Cafe-An-Anthology-ebook/dp/B00ARYTOYC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356216202&sr=1-1&keywords=writers+of+the+desert+rose+cafe#_

Clicking on the link takes you to the cover and a brief look inside the first few pages of the new Anthology. Coincidentally, my work appears first in the book, so it is my work that is open to be read as part of  a free preview. Talk about pressure. If my work doesn’t nab a reader, then the rest of the authors may never get read. My work has to convince the site visitor to buy the book.

We priced the book at an affordable $2.99 because we want many people to take the chance to buy the book, then read it.

Remember, if you purchase a copy of the book and have constructive feedback for any of the authors, please share it here. The book is the first product of our writers group, reflecting our growing as writers. You, as reader, matter to us and we want to hear what you think, good or bad. Just make the critique constructive so an author can improve based on what you say.

 

 

Microfiction Response to Prompt

Black Eyed Peas’ song was fun to listen to and suggested to me a happy moment in the lives of a young couple trying to get pregnant with their first baby. My response to the musical prompt is a 33 word microfiction composition. I hope you enjoy it. It certainly won’t take long to read it!

Got a story of your own inspired by the Black Eyed Peas’ song that you’d like to share here? Send me a message via comments.

I’ve Got a Feeling

by Fay Moore © 2012

She takes her temperature. Bingo! Ovulation. She calls him, “Come home early.” She smooths the bed and lights candles. His key is in the door. Tonight’s going to be a good night.

Microfiction: The Sins of the Father

Thought I’d share a noir/ science fiction/ flash-, sudden-, micro-fiction creation of 33 words that I jotted a few days ago after listening to a trends analyst speak. His projections took my mind in a dark direction regarding our future as a species. No pretty picture here.

The Sins of the Father

by F. Moore (c) 2012

Father works secretly on his biological weapon. The plan goes awry. He doesn’t consider the unintended consequences; the creation’s malevolence is greater than supposed. The creation consumes Father’s family, then stalks the world.