I’ve been enjoying Julie/Read Handed‘s Monday posts. She’s been introducing us to Flash Fiction. If you’re like me, you’re saying, “Flash what?” Is this fiction that goes so fast I might miss it if I blink?
I’ve learned that Flash Fiction is actually a short short-story. There’s a little controversy as to how many words a story needs to be to qualify as Flash Fiction, but most seem to be under 1000 words.
The best Flash Fiction stories still have the same elements of a good story, but some parts of it must be implied or hinted at. That’s because of the small number of words allowed. It makes for a very tight story and means the writer has to make every word count.
Four years ago author Robert Laughlin established the Micro Awards to annually recognize the best in Flash Fiction. The first winning story was Reconstruction Work by Bruce Holland Rogers. I decided to share that first award winner with you today. You can read the full story at Flash Fiction Online. It’s also in the author’s book, Word Work.
The title, Reconstruction Work, refers to the work mortuary professionals perform on the deceased. One of the professionals is standing next to a casket as the deceased’s granddaughter came in. There is a nice twist to this story. The work this mortuary professional performs is not something to be seen with the eyes.
I hope you’ll give this nice little story a try.
Thanks Julie for introducing me to Flash Fiction. Short Story Monday is sponsored by John at Book Mind Set.