Is There a Formula for Flash Fiction?

I think of Flash Fiction as pressing the subconscious into duty. It has been rewarding for me. Tomorrow is Flash August Fiction where I will do 30 brand-new stories, podcasted, in 30 days. In February, I did Flash Fiction February, which was 29. Not a lot of notes here. Just going straight to podcast. What I learned from FFF and how a formula emerged. Don’t be cheap. Don’t be lazy. Write a real ending. Don’t end your story with some cheap, traumatic other-worldly ending where a monster or an alien kills everyone, or there’s a car accident and everyone dies. Actually reveal something, go ahead and be clever and articulate. Write as much as you need to make that happen. Not Like a Typical Story It is more prompt-driven, and less premise-driven. Most stories are beginning, middle, ending. FF is different. It’s more like two parts. Either a beginning and then combine the middle and the ending, or, I combine the beginning and the middle, and then have an ending. I’m not sure if there’s a purposeful decision. If my mind is more chaotic, it’s usually the latter. It’s Usually a Two-part Formula * Mystery-Reveal * Problem-Solution * Conflict-Resolution * Obstacle-Removal /Overcoming * Enemy-Victory * Humor: Build-up/ Punchline. What are the prompts for stories? * Anything * Objects * Dreams * First thought I wake up with. * Conversations from anywhere, such as Troubled Minds Newsletter ‘s discord, for instance. * Memories * Relationship Dynamics * Continuations of series’ or sequels from past stories. That’s pretty much what I know about writing flash fiction as opposed to more planned out, premise-driven fiction. There is a lot more detail and nuance in the actual podcast episode that goes with this post. I went on in there about how writing works to help you reveal things in your mind you might not be cognizant of right away. Below is the episode I mentioned. Here’s my second ever podcast, which is about the subconscious mind. pay me, or get my free alerts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit commercialherschel.substack.com/subscribe