Monday 10 February 2014

Flash Fiction

I've been so proud of daughter Vikki's recent success with her creative flash fiction stories that I thought it might be good to mention these opportunities on the blog today. Sometimes, when you don't feel like settling down to a long writing session, or you want to refresh the creative muse, a short piece of fiction is the ideal length to work on. Flash fiction is very popular so look out for the markets available. Even the Bridport Prize now includes this category!

Vikki is using these as creative exercises and her two pieces are published on two different online sites where you can also read other writers' fiction and find out the submission requirements. The first, Empty Orchestra, is in The Puffin Review. This is a very atmospheric and descriptive piece - almost an observation. The second flash fiction, At the Fair, was tweeted as the editor's choice the other day on Postcard Shorts. This is a very poignant and descriptive piece with a twist ending.

I'm certainly inspired to try more of these short pieces as a means of developing my creativity, as well as encouraging observation and descriptive skills - both of which I often hurry past in the eagerness to finish a story. If anyone gets one published, let me know where and I'll tweet it for you!

Have just discovered I'm featured on Jane Riddell's blog today - quite an in-depth interview!

Rosemary

12 comments:

Rena George said...

Fascinating. Vikki has inspired me too, Rosemary. I've never tried flash fiction, but I'll certainly be having a look at it now. Rx

Wendy's Writing said...

I used to write quite a bit of flash when I first started writing but haven't written any new pieces for a while. I might give it another go. You have a very clever daughter, Rosemary.

Vikki said...

Thanks Mum for putting the links to my stories on your blog. Thanks for your comments, Rena and Wendy. I really enjoy writing flash fiction in between longer pieces.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Glad it's inspired you, Rena - good luck!

Thanks, Wendy! I neglect that form too at times.

You're welcome, Vikki!

Mary Smith said...

Two great stories by Vikki and a proud mum moment for you, Rosemary!
Excellent intervew as well.

Jean Bull said...

Well done to you both! I'll have to give flash fiction a go!

survivingbrigittessecrets.blogspot.com said...

It must be a great joy to share your love of writing with your daughter. I like the flash fiction genre myself. It's a great way to hone and focus your writing.

Joan Fleming said...

Two great examples of flash fiction from Vikki, Rosemary. It's so encouraging when recognition comes in the shape of publication or a prize. Well done, Vikki!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thank you, Mary - that's kind of you!

Thanks, Jean - you should!

Yes, it is, Saskia - and it's quite good that we write very differently!

Thanks for that kind comment, Joan!

Vikki said...

Thanks Mary, Jean, Saskia and Joan for your comments. Saskia, it's great to have a very supportive and inspiring writer Mum!

Joanna said...

Vikki's success is so well deserved. Her flash pieces are keenly observed, really moving and come straight from the heart.

I started out with flash fiction and found it a perfect way to exercise my writing brain, especially when I took part in Write-Invite, the timed weekly online contest. To create a tiny story in thirty minutes is a brilliant way to force the muse out of hiding. x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks for your lovely comment, Joanna. That sounds like a great way to hone your creativity - with only thirty minutes!