It looks like you're preparing to work on a flash fiction assignment! Since you need to write a rough draft, here are some helpful tips to guide you as you draft your story:
Flash Fiction Tips
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Length: Flash fiction typically ranges from 100 to 1,000 words. Aim for a concise yet impactful narrative.
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Theme: Consider a central theme or message. What emotion or idea do you want to convey?
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Character: Create one or two strong characters. Develop them enough to evoke empathy or interest without overwhelming detail.
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Setting: Establish a clear setting that enhances your story. It should support the mood or the theme.
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Conflict: Introduce a conflict or tension that drives the narrative forward. This could be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or forces).
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Resolution: Aim for a powerful ending that leaves the reader thinking. This could be a twist, insight, or a moment of realization.
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Imagery and Language: Use vivid imagery and precise language to create a strong atmosphere. Every word counts in flash fiction.
Example Structure
Here’s a simple structure to help guide your writing:
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Opening Hook: Begin with a compelling sentence that grabs the reader's attention.
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Character Introduction: Briefly introduce your main character and hint at their goal or desire.
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Build-up: Develop the conflict through a series of actions or encounters that lead to the climax.
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Climax: Present the turning point of the story where the conflict reaches its peak.
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Resolution/End: Wrap up the story in a way that feels satisfying, even if it’s open-ended.
Writing Prompts
If you're looking for inspiration, consider these prompts:
- A lost letter found in an old book changes the course of someone's life.
- A fleeting encounter on a train leads to an unexpected outcome.
- A child discovers a secret about their family through an old photograph.
- A warning from an unknown source disrupts a quiet town.
Example Flash Fiction
Here’s an illustrative example of what flash fiction might look like:
Title: The Last Train Home
As the clock struck midnight, Clara dashed onto the platform just in time to see the glow of headlights pierce through the darkness. The last train home was a lifeline she desperately needed. She boarded, breathless and anxious, clutching the crumpled letter in her pocket – a confession that could shatter her world.
Amidst the softly lit carriage, she spotted an empty seat next to a stranger. Their eyes met briefly, and for a moment, she considered sharing her burden. But the weight of her secret held her tongue.
The train rattled along the tracks, a rhythmic lullaby to her racing heart. She unfolded the letter, its words etched in her mind: "I don't love you anymore." Each line felt like a dagger, twisting deeper with every jolt of the train.
In the dim light, she caught the stranger’s gaze again. He smiled, an understanding warmth that beckoned her to unburden herself. With a deep breath, she opened her mouth, words escaping like the steam from the engine.
“Do you believe in second chances?”
The stranger tilted his head, contemplating. “Sometimes, you just need to let go.”
And as the train sped into the night, Clara realized that perhaps it wasn’t a second chance she sought, but the courage to embrace the unknown waiting at the next station.
Feel free to use these tips and structure as you draft your flash fiction! Good luck, and remember to share the document for feedback before submission!
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