A Flash of Inspiration

I´ll be brief:  it is thought that Ernest Hemingway wrote the shortest story ever written in order to win a bet. 

For sale: baby shoes, never worn.

In only six words we are given a situation, characters and an atmosphere.  It may be true to say that we are left with more questions than we are answers, but isn´t that what really great storytelling is all about?

This month´s library competition challenges you to become the Flash Gordon of flash fiction, by writing an original story on any theme that is just twelve words long.  With double Hemingway´s word count, you should be able to intrigue, evoke and leave your readers wanting more.  Brevity and precision are the names of the game here – there´s no room for waffle – so be ruthless with yourself.  The best way to get there may be to write a longer version first and then cut cut cut!

This form of fiction is becoming increasingly popular in the age of the internet, and with attention spans getting shorter by the minute, maybe this is the way forward for the written word.  This is a particularly popular form with writers of horror and science fiction, so if you are seeking a theme or genre you might want to start there.  Here are a couple of my favourites:

Fish were falling from the sky. The truck driver stared in awe.

Mr Snowman needed a cuddle, the sun agreed, now he’s a puddle.

Reload, finger on the trigger, aim, breathe, shoot. The turkey is ready.

God said, 'Cancel Program GENESIS.' The universe ceased to exist. (Arthur C. Clarke)

And some more six word ones by famous writers, just to show how easy it is:

TIME MACHINE REACHES FUTURE!!! … nobody there … (Harry Harrison)

Lie detector eyeglasses perfected: Civilization collapses. (Richard Powers)

Computer, did we bring batteries? Computer?  (Eileen Gunn)

Sorry soldier, shoes sold in pairs.

Voyager still transmitted, but Earth didn’t.

Machine. Unexpectedly, I’d invented a time (Alan Moore)

Deadline for entries is Wednesday 19^th March, and you can submit your stories either as a comment under this blogpost, or on paper in the library.  The best ones will be selected for publication in the upcoming Easter edition of Pulse magazine – good luck!