What makes a good flash fiction piece? - guest post by Juneta Key

I'm excited to be swapping posts with the awesome Juneta Key today. Please enjoy her excellent article about flash fiction, and hop on over to her blog to get a peek into my home and find out the little everyday things which helped inspire the Totem series.

 

Thank you so much, Christine, for inviting me to guest post on your blog today and post swap. You ask me.

What makes a good flash fiction piece?

To answer that question, we need to understand what flash fiction is about. It is a short story under 1000 words, generally right at or around 500 words. Flash fiction is the length of one short scene with emotional IMPACT using shocks, twists, irony, OR something deeply meaningful to end it.

Anything less than 500 that is Micro Fiction, which has several sub-categories, or anything more than 1000 words which would still be considered a short story, not flash fiction. The purpose of micro fiction is to express interesting ideas or tell a brief story in as few words as possible differing it from flash which depicts a scene or a “moment or realization” in the life of your character.

• Flash fiction should possess all the qualities of story and scenes with the presentation of character with one problem. (hook & inciting incident)
• At least 1 or 2 possibly conflicts to carry the story forward. (action) (brevity)
• And a brief ending, creating an overall satisfying capsule of the story. The short word limit only has room to capture a meaningful or powerful moment in the character’s life.

Flash fiction should give the reader some satisfaction with its ending. The more complete and self-contained the story the better.

• I try to create a “semblance” of the 3-arc structure when I write flash fiction keeping it loose with word limits.
• One or two descriptive words for character e.g. nervous typist, sarcastic officer, disillusion magician
• One or two descriptive words for setting, e.g. windy sidewalk = city, snowy incline = anything from hill to Everest or ski resort, sweltering heat = anything from the beach to desert, rolling hills = countryside/farmland. The setting can be woven into the conflict with descriptive words. (middle)

The key is to weave in descriptive and action words to create emotion, forward action, intriguing and interesting conclusions. Flash is so brief the most you hope for is to evoke emotion in the reader or leave questions and possibilities.

• Remember conflict= action taken, has consequence for the character: It is not just a sequence of unrelated events.

Make the character responsible for his choices and actions.

• Action = reaction BUT conflict has real consequence for the character to deal with or accept, a lot of times with compounding effects.

I prefer flash fiction that engages me, evocates reaction, thought, curiosity, irony, and/or the shock factor. 

The shock factor must be meaningful, or I won’t read that author again.  It must intrigue or raise a question, not make me feel bad or disappointed.  It must be consistent with the tone of the story.

StorytimeBlog Hop flash fiction by several different authors in 2015 & 2016

Dragon Smoke & Wind by Karen Lynn (This one is one of my favorite from July 2016 blog hop.

 

My gift to you - Team Santa

TEAM SANTA

By Christine Rains

"Team CA-23 is a go!”

The fat man wiggled and slithered down the chimney as if boneless. He popped out of the fireplace with a merry laugh. A puff of soot surrounded him and transformed to sparkling dust as it drifted to the floor.

Bobbo the cat started out of his nap and hissed. His gray fur stood on end and his claws dug into the couch cushion. He raced behind the sofa in a flurry of hairballs.

From the sleigh on the roof, an elf in a green cap flipped a switch for the camera. “CA-23 entry successful.”

The radio response was crisp as the new fallen snow. “Roger that, CA-23. How's he looking, Evert?”

“Doing good. No chimney damage. He's placing the presents under the tree right now.” Evert leaned back, breathing in the cold night air. The images on the screen bobbed as Santa bent and set the many gifts out for the large family of six. “I think we got this one right.”

"Let's hope. Finn's still trying to repair the roof from CA-22's mishap.”

“The mishap was letting Finn pilot anything.” Evert snorted. “But since his father has more stripes on his cane than the rest of us, he gets to do what he wants.”

Santa nabbed a sugar cookie from a plate and stuffed it in his mouth. He hummed and chewed as he started on the stockings. His beard caught the crumbs and sifted them out to appear on the empty plate.

"At least he made Finn do the repairs himself. Maybe he won't ask for his own team next year.” 

Evert chuckled. “Yeah, let him stick with cleaning up after the reindeer.”

As if he'd heard the joke, Santa's belly jiggled as he giggled and packed the treats into the last stocking. He then continued to stick stuffers into a nearby vase and potpourii dish.

"Crap.” Evert straightened and pressed a few buttons on the dashboard. With no response from Santa, he tried another set. “Hugo, we have a stuffing problem.”

Santa moved on to the chair, ripping open a pillow and filling it with gifts. 

"Dammit.” Hugo let loose a colorful string of curses. “What's he doing?”

"Just stuffed some pillows. Moving on to a potted plant.” Evert's fingers danced over the controls. 

Dirt and leaves splatted against the wallpaper.

"Have you tried telling him his job is complete? Or the adult out-of-sight escape command?”

"Both. He's not responding to either. It keeps saying his work is in progress.” Evert growled and hit a fist on the screen. “Come on, Santa. You're done!”

Santa bent and reached down to pick up something.

"The cat! He's going to stuff the cat!” Evert sent the commands again as Hugo frantically yelled over the radio.

Bobbo screeched and kicked, but the gloved hand had a firm hold of him. The other hand raised up, full of peppermints and chocolates wrapped in shiny red paper.

Evert slapped his hand on a large red button. The gleam in Santa's eyes blinked out, and he fell backward on the coffee table. The cat tore free and raced out of the room.

"Situation averted.” Evert groaned and rested his head against the screen. “CA-23 has been shut down.”

"Roger that.” Hugo sighed. “Clean up. A replacement is already on his way.”

A cold wind kicked up the snow and sent it spiraling upwards. The reindeer stomped impatiently. Evert could sympathize. When Santa had been alive, it had never been like this. Deliveries were made quickly and efficiently. No good child was ever forgotten.

"What make? Please tell me it's one of the Mistletoe line. At least the only bug they've exhibited is kissing too many surprised mothers.”

"Nope, the closet available is one of the Snowman clones.” Hugo replied, the apology clear in his tone.

"Great.” Evert grumbled and slid out of his comfortable seat. “He better finish our route before he melts. Team CA-23 leaving the sleigh for clean-up.”

END

Happy Canada Day, Brilliant Flash Fiction, and Nerdiness on Untethered Realms

Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian friends and family!

The very first edition of Brilliant Flash Fiction is now up on their site. My sci-fi piece, "Soulless" is one of their stories this quarter. Let me know what you think.

Click on over to Untethered Realms today where we're celebrating our nerdiness. Find out what nerdy things the UR authors have in their homes. Plus check out our new awesome banner!

The 13th Floor Collection tour & Magna's Plea by Cherie Reich

Today has a theme with my tour post and the guest post I'm hosting.

I'll be talking why you should write short stories on the wonderful Summer Ross' blog.

And on my blog, I'm so excited to have the talented YA fantasy author Cherie Reich with a flash piece. It's a prequel to her short story, "Magna's Plea."

A princess will rise and challenge Fate.

While her father, brothers, and people fight against the Kingdom of Apentha, tenacious eighteen-year-old Princess Magna can only watch the destruction of Amora, her besieged city and kingdom. Her mother, Queen Vyvian, has refused to allow her heir to join the fray.

But Magna won't take no for an answer. She seeks out an end of the war from Prince Cyrun of Apentha, their prisoner. If she can't persuade him toward peace, then Amora may fall.

This short story prequel includes a sneak peek of Reborn, Book One of The Fate Challenges, forthcoming May 2014.

YA Epic Fantasy

The Fate Challenges #0.5

A 5500-word Short Story

Best of all, you can download this short story for FREE at Amazon / Nook / iTunes / Kobo / Smashwords / Goodreads and read online at Wattpad.

Cherie Reich is a speculative fiction writer living in Virginia. For more information about her work, please visit her blog and website.

MORAN’S VICTORY
They couldn’t let the Apenthans win.

Hazy twilight hid the Place of Lordéhi from Moran’s view. His sandaled feet sloshed through the reeds along the river’s bank. He plucked a reed and twirled it through his fingers. Guards carrying torches trailed his family and him. No one would attack them here. The sun had dipped into Hupogaia’s realm. War had gone to bed.

Beside him, his brother Thoran emitted a soft grunt in pain. An Apenthan soldier had slashed Thoran’s arm during today’s battle.

“Is the pain real bad?” Moran worried about the wound. Thoran was his best friend, despite a four-year age difference. They’d play-fought against numerous villains throughout the years.

“No, I’m fine.” Thoran gritted his teeth and clutched his injured shoulder. “I’ll be ready to fight again in no time.”

Father patted Moran on the head and ruffled his hair. “Apenth’s healers will heal Thoran.”

Why did he insist on treating Moran like he was ten? Father hadn’t allowed him out of the war tent. Moran wanted to face the same danger his brother and Father did. “I would’ve taken care of those Apenthans, if I’d been out there.”

He swished the reed in front of him as if it was a sword.

Thoran chuckled, despite his face growing whiter. “They have real weapons.”

“Pfft, I can still fight.” He tossed the reed into the water. Ripples spread out from it, but what was that? The waves skirted a slender piece. As his father and brother walked on, Moran got on his hands and knees and leaned toward it.

“Come along. We’ll visit the healer and then return to the palace.” Father called over his shoulder.

“I see something.” His fingers brushed against the object, and he tugged on it.

Something held it in place.

Moran reached out farther and yanked. The force nearly sent him onto his behind. He studied the thing in his hands. It appeared almost like a branch, but it was smooth. He brought it up to his eye and could see all the way through the hole.

“What do you have there?” Father stomped over.

“I don’t know.” He held it out to his father, but before Father could take it, bubbles erupted from the water.

Father jerked Moran from the river’s edge and unsheathed his blade.

The guards around them did the same.

A head popped up from the water and the rest of his body followed. The man—not much older than Thoran—gasped for air.

“An Apenthan!” Moran recognized the red battle clothes the Apenthans wore.

“Seize him.” Father shielded Moran and Thoran as the guards entered the water.

The boy and the guards fought before they overtook him and dragged him to the embankment.

“Let’s take him to the palace. Mother will decide what we should do with him.” Thoran straightened, as if his wound no longer bothered him.

“This can’t wait, but you’re still seeing a healer later, Thoran.” Father instructed a few guards to search the river for more Apenthans, even though we didn’t see any more. Then, he placed a heavy hand on Moran’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “You stopped this Apenthan from breaching our walls.”

Moran’s heart swelled with pride. He alone could’ve saved their kingdom. They’d have to think he was old enough to battle now, right? With a grin and a light step, he walked with the others from the river’s bank to the palace. He couldn’t wait for Mother and his sister Magna to see what he’d done.

He picked up another reed before he left and pretended it was a sword. Apentha could never beat Amora as long as he was around.

"Red" now up on 365 Tomorrows

My science-fiction flash piece, "Red" is now up on 365 Tomorrows.

I now have 20 short stories published. Wow. I can still remember trying to get one published somewhere. I would've been happy if someone accepted it anywhere! My first accepted and paid submission was a silly sci-fi drabble (a piece of exactly 100 words). I still have that dollar sitting in a frame beside my desk.

I tried getting published in my late teens, but the first rejection destroyed me. I didn't try again for about 15 years. Maybe age toughened me up, but I kept pushing on past the rejections. I kept submitting. Now I have 20 short stories published.

I still get rejected. Some hurt more than others, but I keep pushing forward. Perseverance does pay off.

Never give up on your dreams!

Arrows, Shadows, and Sales

Pop over to Arrows of Anteros and check out my flash piece, "Not Every Story Has A Happy Ending." This is how having a child has affected my writing. I have my little moments!

Today is Groundhog Day! Did the groundhog see its shadow where you live? All this day means to me is the opportunity to watch "Groundhog Day" again and again on television. A Bill Murray classic.

I haven't done a sales update lately. It's out of my curiosity how sales go for other authors that I share mine with you.

1302 - The Alpha
Amazon: 82
B&N: 24
Smashwords: 3
Kobo: 5
Total: 114

1301 - The Marquis
Amazon: 36
B&N: 6
Smashwords: 2
Kobo: 1
Total: 45

L'il Gal Al and the Zombies of Amarillo
Amazon: 1
B&N: 7
Smashwords: 111 (free)
Kobo (no stats as they don't count free downloads)
Total: 119

Fearless
Amazon: 5919
B&N: 3
Smashwords: 1123
Kobo: (I have no idea!)
Total: 7045

Fearless continues to do very well. It was in Amazon's top 100 for fantasy paranormal for most of January. It's free and a great way to hook readers to buy my other books.

Most of my sales for The Marquis came after the release of The Alpha. I'm hoping that with the great interest in The Dragonslayer, readers will buy it and the other book in the series.

Arrows of Anteros and First Acceptance of 2013

If you're looking for a great place to submit your flash fiction, M Pepper Langlinais has started a new site called Arrows of Anteros. She's an award winning screenwriter, a produced playwright, and a bestselling author. She has a bunch of excellent little pieces of fiction already up on the site, and she's searching for more. Instructions on how to submit something to M are at the bottom of her page. She wants flash fiction with a word count no greater than 3,000. She's fine with horror and romance, but she won't portray anything graphic on the site.

I'll be submitting something to M later this week. I managed to squeeze in time to submit three stories last week to a few other sites. I received my first rejection of the year from Tor earlier this month and my first acceptance this week from 365 Tomorrows. I'm not sure when it will be published, but I'll let you know when my story is up and available to the public.

Cherie Reich's 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest

This awesome blogfest is hosted by Cherie Reich. She's a flash fiction genius! The rules are simple, and there's cool prizes.

1. Entries must begin with the two words: Lightning flashed.

2. Entries must be 300 words or less and be in prose.

3. Entries must be posted on your blog between May 21 - 23.

4. You must sign up in the linky list to have your entry be counted.

On May 25, Cherie will announce the six finalists and open voting through May 28th.

On May 29th, Cherie's third year blogversary, she will announce the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners as well as a random winner selected from the participants list. All ties will be broken by Random.org.

Now what are the prizes?

First place - $25 gift card from Amazon

Second place - $20 gift card from Amazon

Third place - $15 gift card from Amazon

Random prize - $10 gift card from Amazon

Here's my entry. A flash piece inspired by some old gods.

SEASONS

 

Lightning flashed and the last demon fell to the ground. The stench of charred flesh was too familiar. Perun lowered his fiery bow and gazed across the field of the dead at his final target. The great serpent roared and uttered curses most foul. The earth shook and the sky grew dark in anticipation.

Perun stroked his beard, finding comfort in the small act. He had already fired upon the serpent. His thunder arrows alone would not defeat it.

The great and hideous beast spread its wings and launched itself off its perch. It sped across the battlefield and spewed blue fire at Perun. He dodged left then right, constantly moving, and firing arrows at what he deemed to be its weak spots. Nothing slowed the serpent down.

Its tail lashed out on one pass and caught Perun off-guard. He flipped head over heels and came to rest on a heap of dead enemies. His body screamed with pain and exhaustion, but he didn't let the cries escape his lips. He could not fail. To do so would leave the world in icy bleakness for eternity.

The serpent landed behind him as he pulled himself up. Perun searched his pack for another weapon, but all he had left were three golden apples. He turned to face his enemy. Three would have to be enough.

Spreading its wings and roaring, the serpent seemed certain of its victory.

Perun tossed the apples into the air and chased away the growing darkness as they began to glow. They sizzled and popped, ballooning into massive balls of lightning as they flew at their target.

The serpent snapped at the first one, unwisely swallowing it. The other two hit it in the chest. The bright light from the explosion hadn't faded when Perun leapt onto the beast and ran one of his arrows through its massive eye into its brain.

It slumped over, dead.

Dead until next year when winter came to the world again, and Perun would be forced to wield lightning once more to bring forth spring.

Flashes of Foxwick

Please join Cherie Reich during the A to Z Challenge for her

Flashes of Foxwick.

Twenty-six great pieces of flash fiction from her Kingdom of Foxwick's fantasy world.

Cherie will be publishing her flash pieces in a collection,

and they will be available mid-April.

It will include a bonus story entitled "Lady Death."

You can mark it to read on Goodreads.

If gifting us with her great fantasy stories isn't enough,

Cherie is also featuring authors participating in the Challenge from A to Z this month.

You can check out the writers at Surrounded by Books.

Thank you, Cherie, for all you do for the writing community.

First Campaign Challenge

The first Campaign challenge is here! Thank you to Rachael Harrie and all her helpers for organizing it. Here's what the challenge is: Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)

For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!

Once you’ve posted your Challenge post on your blog, pop back to Rachael's blog and link directly to it in the Linky List provided.

Entries in the First Campaigner Challenge will close on Friday, September 9th (at 11.59pm EDT), so make sure you get your post in the Linky List before then if you want to be eligible for a prize! As usual, while everyone is very welcome to take part in this Challenge, only Campaigners will be eligible for prizes.

Here's my story. Enjoy!

DEMON HUNTING

The door swung open and I rolled onto the gravel road. My demon hunter training allowed me to find my feet fast, but Soren was quicker. He leapt off the roof of the car and knocked me down.

I kicked with my legs and used the momentum to flip him over my head. He grunted with surprise, landing hard near the ditch.

I readied myself and willed my hands not to shake.

Soren crooked a finger and smiled, slow and sexy. “Drop the sword. You don't want to kill me.”

I hated how he could make me weak in the knees with just one smile. “But I really do.”

“How does that old saying go: she doth protest too much?” He chuckled and dared take a step forward. “Put down the blade, love. Talk to me.”

“Don't call me that!” I heard myself shriek. Taking in a deep calming breath, I could still smell his scent upon me. I shook my head. “No. I can't.”

I charged and was thrown back inside of the car. The gorgeous demon plucked my sword from my sweaty hands and climbed in with me. The door swung shut.

(200 words)