Flash Fiction

1. Flash Fiction Warm-Up: What do you know about Flash Fiction? Write everything that comes to mind when you hear the term “Flash Fiction,” and what might a Flash Fiction piece look like?

2. Objective • To compose a flash fiction piece using the necessary literary elements (characterization, setting, and event), and selective vocabulary to meet the constrictive assignment criteria.

3. What is Flash Fiction? • What elements create a fiction piece? • Setting, characterization, conflict, resolution (sometimes), and conclusion (full conclusion, cliff hanger, continuation, etc) • “Flash” Fiction • Shorter version of fiction that is 400 words or less from beginning to end.

4. What Do These Flash Fiction Pieces Have in Common? AT THE AUTOPSY "Victim’s blood is completely drained, apparently through two small puncture wounds in the neck," said the coroner. "Hey … you don’t suppose it’s, you know, the real deal?" asked his assistant. "No, just some psycho." "You sure?" They stared at each other for a moment, then burst out laughing–but stopped when the corpse laughed, too. Ross Lesko Lakewood, OH SHIFT WORK "You’re still here? Where’s Dr. Jones at?" The Emergency Room is busy. I’m pissed at my missing replacement. "He’s late again," I say. "Hey, Doc! Face versus windshield–better come quick!" Cursing to myself, I yell at the charge nurse: "Page Dr. Jones again!" As I intubate, I hear Jones’ pager–on the patient’s belt. Erica Schalow Atlanta, GA

5. A QUICK Brainstorm • You have 30 seconds to come up with a name for a character, or a type of character. • You have 30 seconds to think of a setting. • Where could something potentially happen to your character? • You now have 30 seconds to think of a conflict or event that your character will experience.

6. Write! • Your challenge is to create a 55 word flash fiction out of your brainstorm session. • Introduce the character • Make your reader aware of the setting • The title can help identify setting • The action can be a direct or indirect action