First off, let’s define flash fiction.

Flash fiction is a story that’s 1,000 words or less. That’s around four pages, 12pt font, double-spaced. But flash fiction’s short word count doesn’t mean that it packs less of a punch.

The challenge of flash fiction is having a complete plot, developed characters, and a fleshed-out storyworld, all in under 1,000 words. And that’s why writing flash fiction is a valuable tool for writers growing their craft.

Flash fiction makes you narrow your focus. It makes you weigh every word and cut the necessary fluff. It challenges you.

From 2021 through 2023, I regularly wrote flash fiction pieces. And my writing grew so much during that time.

Aside from honing your skills, flash fiction lets you play around with new ideas. I’ve written genres and styles I wouldn’t write a full novel of, but I enjoyed writing a flash fiction piece.

Of course, I have stories that started out as flash fiction that I now want to turn into a novel too. 🙂

Havok Publishing is my favorite for submitting flash fiction to. Their editorial team is fantastic. I learned some of my common writing weaknesses through their feedback. I also got experience going back and forth with an editor.

Plus, by the time I got professional editing feedback on my novel, I already knew the best way for me to go through the edits because I’d gone through edits on some of my published flash fiction pieces.

Many anthologies also accept flash fiction stories. And it’s always super exciting to get a story published. 😉

Flash fiction grows your writing craft. It lets you experiment as a writer. It allows you to seek publication and get experience with editors.

Flash fiction is one of my favorite things to write. And it honestly is one of the best ways I’ve grown as a writer.

If you have questions about how to write flash fiction or want some tips, let me know in the comments! And if you want to read some of my published flash fiction pieces, you’ll find the links under the “My Writing” tab at the top. A number of the stories are free!

Have you tried writing flash fiction?