Flash fiction: a whole story in 100 words

Flash fiction is a complete story told in very few words, often 100 or fewer. It is excellent practice, because there is no room for anything that does not matter.

Start in the middle

There is no space for background. Begin at the moment of change.

One character, one moment

Focus on a single scene and a single turning point.

Let the title work

In very short pieces, the title can set the scene or add a twist, saving precious words in the story itself.

Imply more than you say

The best flash fiction suggests a whole life beyond the page. Let the reader fill in the gaps.

Count and cut

Write freely, then cut ruthlessly until you hit your word count. Every cut makes the story sharper.

Try it: write a story of exactly 100 words that begins with the line “Nobody noticed the new house on the corner.” Then try a six-word story in our Play zone.