Getting started in Flash Fiction

Does the university give a word count for the contest? Though flash is often 1000 words or less, some places set a lower limit.

Structure it like a normal story, with a beginning, middle and end. It should have a plot. The only difference with flash is economy of words... you can't waste any.

The best way to get a handle on it is to read some. You might want to check out the 'polished and ready' subforum of this one, for stories being critiqued (password is flashed). There are also a few examples in the March FAD entries thread (sticked in this forum), and in flash fiction magazines (there's an index of magazines in the discussion sub-forum... a fair number of those listed under 'f' are flash fiction only, because flash fiction magazines like to start their name with flash).

Not sure what you consider 'flash'. In the horror section a few months ago we had a ton of 100 word flash stories, title included, and most of them were great.

It means you choose your words with great care and I'm not certain that a book could really tell you how to do one. Just jump in and give it a try. They are fun and you will be amazed at how well you can show a whole story with so few words. I love them and they are a blast to do.

Good luck.

Get a copy of SUDDEN FICTION. It's "flash fiction" and has some fine examples.

Good luck with it,

Laurie

For a thriving flash fiction market, with lots of stories and a community forum that can be of further help, have a look at Every Day Fiction