Allison Symes's Blog - Posts Tagged "flash-fiction"
Goodreads Ask The Author - Allison Symes saying hello!
I've just finished creating my author profile on Goodreads and had a lot of fun answering the six questions posed on the Ask The Author page.
I do enjoy Author Q&As and would welcome questions about flash fiction and/or From Light to Dark and Back Again, my first collection of very short tales.
When not writing flash fiction, I blog for online magazine, Chandler's Ford Today (often on writing related matters). I also blog regularly for More Than Writers, the Association of Christian Writers' blog.
I've recently interviewed other writers on CFT talking about the joys and woes of writing historical fiction and children's writing amongst others. I am fascinated by why writers write as they do. I hope to interview a writer of ghost stories and crime fiction before too long.
I fell into flash fiction as a kind of happy accident. I had submitted short stories to online magazine Cafelit when I came across their 100-word challenge.
I discovered I loved writing these stories and quickly became addicted. So when Chapeltown Books were looking for single author collections of flash fiction, I knew I had to submit what I had written. Much to my delight, they published me (and I hope of course they will do so again!). I am working on my follow-up flash fiction collection and am loving writing it.
I have recently become part of a local writers' group which goes to events/holds their own so we can promote each other's work. This has been good fun so far and I'm looking forward to our Book Fair at the end of October 2017.
I do enjoy Author Q&As and would welcome questions about flash fiction and/or From Light to Dark and Back Again, my first collection of very short tales.
When not writing flash fiction, I blog for online magazine, Chandler's Ford Today (often on writing related matters). I also blog regularly for More Than Writers, the Association of Christian Writers' blog.
I've recently interviewed other writers on CFT talking about the joys and woes of writing historical fiction and children's writing amongst others. I am fascinated by why writers write as they do. I hope to interview a writer of ghost stories and crime fiction before too long.
I fell into flash fiction as a kind of happy accident. I had submitted short stories to online magazine Cafelit when I came across their 100-word challenge.
I discovered I loved writing these stories and quickly became addicted. So when Chapeltown Books were looking for single author collections of flash fiction, I knew I had to submit what I had written. Much to my delight, they published me (and I hope of course they will do so again!). I am working on my follow-up flash fiction collection and am loving writing it.
I have recently become part of a local writers' group which goes to events/holds their own so we can promote each other's work. This has been good fun so far and I'm looking forward to our Book Fair at the end of October 2017.
Flash Fiction Skills
I believe all writers, regardless of their usual genre, would benefit from writing flash fiction from time to time. Why?
Firstly, writing flash fiction really hones up your editing skills. You can kiss goodbye to weak word choices.
In a form where every word has to earn its place in your story, you do learn to select the strongest words possible. No more of the "He made his way quickly up the hill". It will be "He raced up the hill".
The image is so much stronger in the second version (yes, you could use "ran", but I think "raced" is superior. To me it shows more effort being expended).
Secondly, if you can summarise your story or non-fiction work as a flash fiction piece, well you've just written a good basis for your synopsis and/or blurb, which I know most writers dread writing.
Thirdly, you have to have strong, memorable characters. As flash fiction is so short with no room for much narrative, I find the tales must be character led.
Therefore, those characters must stick in a reader's mind. Developing strong characters like this can help you in writing them for longer fiction works too.
Fourthly, you can set your character in any genre or time with flash fiction. You never know but in doing this, you might find a genre you didn't know you liked to write in becomes a favourite. That's exactly what happened to me with flash fiction. I gave it a go and quickly became hooked!
Good luck if you do try writing flash fiction and have fun. It is a great form for experimenting with and that is one of the joys of writing overall: to discover new ways of story or genre you want to explore further.
Firstly, writing flash fiction really hones up your editing skills. You can kiss goodbye to weak word choices.
In a form where every word has to earn its place in your story, you do learn to select the strongest words possible. No more of the "He made his way quickly up the hill". It will be "He raced up the hill".
The image is so much stronger in the second version (yes, you could use "ran", but I think "raced" is superior. To me it shows more effort being expended).
Secondly, if you can summarise your story or non-fiction work as a flash fiction piece, well you've just written a good basis for your synopsis and/or blurb, which I know most writers dread writing.
Thirdly, you have to have strong, memorable characters. As flash fiction is so short with no room for much narrative, I find the tales must be character led.
Therefore, those characters must stick in a reader's mind. Developing strong characters like this can help you in writing them for longer fiction works too.
Fourthly, you can set your character in any genre or time with flash fiction. You never know but in doing this, you might find a genre you didn't know you liked to write in becomes a favourite. That's exactly what happened to me with flash fiction. I gave it a go and quickly became hooked!
Good luck if you do try writing flash fiction and have fun. It is a great form for experimenting with and that is one of the joys of writing overall: to discover new ways of story or genre you want to explore further.
Short Stories Pack a Punch
I've loved short stories for years. Flash fiction has been a fairly recent innovation and I quickly became addicted to both reading and writing it.
As you can imagine, I was thrilled to be published for the first time last year with Chapeltown Books for a flash fiction collection (From Light to Dark and Back Again).
Now I have nothing against the novel. You can't beat the novel for a satisfying, longer story when all is said and done.
But sometimes you just want a glimpse into a character's life (rather than have the whole "spiel") and this is where short stories, and especially flash fiction, come into their own.
They really do pack a punch when you consider their limited word count. (Even the longer short story is still short when compared to your average novel).
I love to write my stories knowing they will have an impact, whether it is to hopefully make readers laugh or, if the tales are darker, to make them shudder!
The big problem with a novel is keeping impact going without it seeming artificial and ensuring the final impact happens at the right moment. It is possible to write a final scene for a book and then decide you've just got to add this, or that, and thaen the final impact is diluted.
You can't really do that with short stories (and you certainly can't for flash). You have the big, final moment and that's it. But to me that is a huge advantage as a writer. I know when to stop then!
As you can imagine, I was thrilled to be published for the first time last year with Chapeltown Books for a flash fiction collection (From Light to Dark and Back Again).
Now I have nothing against the novel. You can't beat the novel for a satisfying, longer story when all is said and done.
But sometimes you just want a glimpse into a character's life (rather than have the whole "spiel") and this is where short stories, and especially flash fiction, come into their own.
They really do pack a punch when you consider their limited word count. (Even the longer short story is still short when compared to your average novel).
I love to write my stories knowing they will have an impact, whether it is to hopefully make readers laugh or, if the tales are darker, to make them shudder!
The big problem with a novel is keeping impact going without it seeming artificial and ensuring the final impact happens at the right moment. It is possible to write a final scene for a book and then decide you've just got to add this, or that, and thaen the final impact is diluted.
You can't really do that with short stories (and you certainly can't for flash). You have the big, final moment and that's it. But to me that is a huge advantage as a writer. I know when to stop then!
What to tell your readers?
I write flash fiction so my first priority is to tell an entertaining story yet keep the word count down.
One great way of doing this is to give the reader the information what they need to know, but no more than that. They are the ones who put two and two together. For example in one of my stories I mention the name of the spacecraft the alien narrator flies. It is all you need to know to get the gist of the story.
Great books across the genres have been doing this for years, long before flash came on to the scene (though I think flash, as a format, is the "flagbearer" for this now).
I love Agatha Christie, as I've mentioned before, for the puzzle element to her stories. I like authors who give me space to work things out (and later in the story I find out whether I was right with my conclusions or not). I also think those books are more memorable because you and me, as readers, are taking an active part in those books as we read them.
I also like P.G. Wodehouse for the details he seemingly without effort puts into his story. He sometimes refers to the meals being offered. I think that's a great way to draw people into the story, it also gives an idea of the wealth and status of the characters.
One great way of doing this is to give the reader the information what they need to know, but no more than that. They are the ones who put two and two together. For example in one of my stories I mention the name of the spacecraft the alien narrator flies. It is all you need to know to get the gist of the story.
Great books across the genres have been doing this for years, long before flash came on to the scene (though I think flash, as a format, is the "flagbearer" for this now).
I love Agatha Christie, as I've mentioned before, for the puzzle element to her stories. I like authors who give me space to work things out (and later in the story I find out whether I was right with my conclusions or not). I also think those books are more memorable because you and me, as readers, are taking an active part in those books as we read them.
I also like P.G. Wodehouse for the details he seemingly without effort puts into his story. He sometimes refers to the meals being offered. I think that's a great way to draw people into the story, it also gives an idea of the wealth and status of the characters.
One Book To Rule Them All?
A good writing diet includes plenty of reading, in and out of the genre you focus on, and should include non-fiction too.
Why? Because ideas for stories spark from all over the place and by reading widely, you are effectively casting your net further. You are giving yourself more opportunities to be inspired. What's not to like about that?
It is also a good idea to read contemporary as well as classic fiction. Again you are mixing up your reading and, especially if you're a writer seeking publication, it does make enormous sense to support the industry you are trying to join by reading some of the books that come out of it!
I also think it a good idea to mix things up still further when reading fiction by reading novels, short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. I love reading things I know I couldn't write myself because the joy of being creative in writing is enjoying the creativity of others. After all, what inspired you to write? Almost certainly something you've read.
So happy reading!
Why? Because ideas for stories spark from all over the place and by reading widely, you are effectively casting your net further. You are giving yourself more opportunities to be inspired. What's not to like about that?
It is also a good idea to read contemporary as well as classic fiction. Again you are mixing up your reading and, especially if you're a writer seeking publication, it does make enormous sense to support the industry you are trying to join by reading some of the books that come out of it!
I also think it a good idea to mix things up still further when reading fiction by reading novels, short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. I love reading things I know I couldn't write myself because the joy of being creative in writing is enjoying the creativity of others. After all, what inspired you to write? Almost certainly something you've read.
So happy reading!
Heatwaves and Reading
Is the hot weather (in the UK at least) encouraging you to read more or less than you would usually?
I find I'm "dipping" into things more, especially magazines, given by the end of the day, when I'd usually like to read for a while before lights out, I'm feeling far too washed out to read much. Oh and I am reading more magazines on Kindle now, which was something I never thought I'd do, but I've got on better with it than I thought I would.
Magazine reading is ideal for that feeling washed out to concentrate much scenario, as are short story and flash fiction anthologies. Quick reads when you feel as if your brain has melted are ideal. The literary fiction can definitely wait for when it is cooler!
Looking at my reading patterns over the year, I tend to read more novels over the autumn and winter months. It's not a conscious thing. I suppose you hone in to the fact that with the nights drawing in, now's the time to get on with a good, LONG book!
Meanwhile it's back to the cool drinks and quick reads for me!
I find I'm "dipping" into things more, especially magazines, given by the end of the day, when I'd usually like to read for a while before lights out, I'm feeling far too washed out to read much. Oh and I am reading more magazines on Kindle now, which was something I never thought I'd do, but I've got on better with it than I thought I would.
Magazine reading is ideal for that feeling washed out to concentrate much scenario, as are short story and flash fiction anthologies. Quick reads when you feel as if your brain has melted are ideal. The literary fiction can definitely wait for when it is cooler!
Looking at my reading patterns over the year, I tend to read more novels over the autumn and winter months. It's not a conscious thing. I suppose you hone in to the fact that with the nights drawing in, now's the time to get on with a good, LONG book!
Meanwhile it's back to the cool drinks and quick reads for me!
Mixing It Up
I like to mix up what I read in terms of genre and word count. I love (and write) flash fiction, likewise short stories, but there are times when nothing but a full length novel will do. There is no way Tolkein could have done justice to The Lord of the Rings in three short stories!!
Having said that, I am still stunned they managed to get three films out of The Hobbit, given it was only one book. Hey ho...
The correct word count for any story, of course, is when no more can be said and when to remove anything would be to the detriment of the tale in some way.
I think as a reader of too many years to count, you do develop an instinctive feeling for when a writer has got the word count right. I want to feel at the end of a story disappointed it has come to an end, but at the same time, know within myself, there really was no more to be said. Naturally that's a challenge to me for my own writing but this is a good thing. It keeps me on my toes!
One of the things I love about creative writing is one of the best tips any writer has to improve their skills is to read widely and across the genres, including non-fiction. You do learn by absorbing what others have done before you. Absolutely no problem with that, then, and bring it on!
Having said that, I am still stunned they managed to get three films out of The Hobbit, given it was only one book. Hey ho...
The correct word count for any story, of course, is when no more can be said and when to remove anything would be to the detriment of the tale in some way.
I think as a reader of too many years to count, you do develop an instinctive feeling for when a writer has got the word count right. I want to feel at the end of a story disappointed it has come to an end, but at the same time, know within myself, there really was no more to be said. Naturally that's a challenge to me for my own writing but this is a good thing. It keeps me on my toes!
One of the things I love about creative writing is one of the best tips any writer has to improve their skills is to read widely and across the genres, including non-fiction. You do learn by absorbing what others have done before you. Absolutely no problem with that, then, and bring it on!
Short Stories and Flash Fiction
I'm glad to see the return of short stories and the development of flash fiction for many reasons. One of these is that I write both so I won't pretend to be unbiased here. But the major reason for loving this development is it expands the kind of reading available.
I love novels but it is great being able to read a collection of short stories or flash fiction after finishing one full length tome. It mixes up what I read. By the time I've finished reading an anthology I'm raring to get on with a novel again!
Also if the novel has been a dark one in terms of mood, there's nothing like a collection of funny short stories to show the opposite side of life and I, for one, find that helpful. I don't want to read "dark" all the time. I also know life isn't always one big laugh so I like to have a balance of dark and light in my reading, as well as my own writing.
I love novels but it is great being able to read a collection of short stories or flash fiction after finishing one full length tome. It mixes up what I read. By the time I've finished reading an anthology I'm raring to get on with a novel again!
Also if the novel has been a dark one in terms of mood, there's nothing like a collection of funny short stories to show the opposite side of life and I, for one, find that helpful. I don't want to read "dark" all the time. I also know life isn't always one big laugh so I like to have a balance of dark and light in my reading, as well as my own writing.
Playing with Genre
With my flash fiction, I like to play with genre a lot. As flash fiction has to be character led due to the strict word count, I can have great fun putting that character wherever and whenever I want. I've written fantasy flash fiction, historical flash fiction, crime flash fiction etc as a result.
I've read excellent collections by other authors too. Some focus on one genre. The Great War by Dawn Kentish Knox is a great example of a themed historical flash fiction collection. Do check it out. The characterisation is very moving.
But it is not just in the flash and short story form that genre can be played with, far from it.
I love the crossover novel. It blends the best of the two (usually) genres it is mixing and gives something unique to the reader as a result. A good example to check out here is Jennifer C Wilson's Kindred Spirits series which crosses ghost stories with historical fiction. Great mix!
I think readers are much more flexible over this than writers/publishers realise at times. I know what I like when I read it even if I can't categorise it! And while categories ARE important, I don't think they're meant to be straitjackets either.
Have fun with your reading/writing and mix those genres!
I've read excellent collections by other authors too. Some focus on one genre. The Great War by Dawn Kentish Knox is a great example of a themed historical flash fiction collection. Do check it out. The characterisation is very moving.
But it is not just in the flash and short story form that genre can be played with, far from it.
I love the crossover novel. It blends the best of the two (usually) genres it is mixing and gives something unique to the reader as a result. A good example to check out here is Jennifer C Wilson's Kindred Spirits series which crosses ghost stories with historical fiction. Great mix!
I think readers are much more flexible over this than writers/publishers realise at times. I know what I like when I read it even if I can't categorise it! And while categories ARE important, I don't think they're meant to be straitjackets either.
Have fun with your reading/writing and mix those genres!
Story Collections
I have got a very soft spot for story collections for several reasons:-
1. My first real reading loves was the Reader's Digest Collection of Fairytales, which I still have.
2. You get a lovely mixture of tones and length of story in an anthlogy.
3. I've been published in such anthologies (and am due to be so again) so am not unbiased here!
4. If you're not sure what to read next novel wise, why not switch to short story collections for a while? I've found reading a collection makes a nice "refresher" before I pick which novel I'll read next. You also get to mix up your reading here (which I think is always a good thing as it can be a great way to discover authors new to you).
5. You can have collections on a single theme or genre so it is easy enough to go with what you fancy here.
6. You can support the indie presses who bring out such anthologies as these give more authors a voice (and readers more choice too).
7. It's my belief short stories and flash fiction can encourage reluctant readers to venture further into the wonderful world of books. You're not asking them to commit to too much at the start. Hopefully by the time they've finished a collection, they'll be hooked and will want to read more.
1. My first real reading loves was the Reader's Digest Collection of Fairytales, which I still have.
2. You get a lovely mixture of tones and length of story in an anthlogy.
3. I've been published in such anthologies (and am due to be so again) so am not unbiased here!
4. If you're not sure what to read next novel wise, why not switch to short story collections for a while? I've found reading a collection makes a nice "refresher" before I pick which novel I'll read next. You also get to mix up your reading here (which I think is always a good thing as it can be a great way to discover authors new to you).
5. You can have collections on a single theme or genre so it is easy enough to go with what you fancy here.
6. You can support the indie presses who bring out such anthologies as these give more authors a voice (and readers more choice too).
7. It's my belief short stories and flash fiction can encourage reluctant readers to venture further into the wonderful world of books. You're not asking them to commit to too much at the start. Hopefully by the time they've finished a collection, they'll be hooked and will want to read more.
