2. What is a short story? Shorter than a regular full-length story Not as complicated as a book Less characters Shorter time span in story Few to none setting changes Only one main problem (plot)
3. Main Elements of a Story Setting : weather, place, time, mood, daily life Plot: intro, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution Conflict :internal or external Character: how he/she impacts story Theme All of these elements must be shorter and smaller in a short story
4. Types of Short Stories Fables Flash fiction Anecdote Tale Legend Myth Novella
5. Origin of Short Stories Short stories were originally told orally before being recorded Many were from certain regions and countries Collectors went around recording stories and publishing them Around 14th century recording began in Europe Brothers Grimm- famous story collectors, many books published Anecdotes very popular in Roman Empire, also recorded
8. Flash Fiction Very concise short story Story with exact word count Has classic story elements Creates a strong image in your head while reading Definition is debatable, usually between 300 and 1000 words Can be as short as only 70 words Ancient form of story writing Characteristics are present in Aesop’s Fables http://www.umass.edu/aesop/content.php?n=16&i=1
9. Where is flash fiction? Many online magazines Many printed magazines Many fairy tales and fables Prevalent but not popular Good internet market because stories are short Flash Fiction Online is one magazine
10. Tips on Flash Fiction Pick a small topic Few characters Don’t have a fancy intro Don’t be verbose Start with action Keep reading guessing
11. A Small Topic Big topic: Your first driving lesson Small topic: your first turn on the actual road Big topic: The dinner you cooked for you family The vegetables that were perfectly seasoned Big topic: I went to the beach Small topic: jellyfish you were stung by at the beach
12. Your Turn! In the next 15 minutes, write a flash fiction story that is EXACTLY 50 words!! Have fun!
