Flash Fiction: In 55 Words
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My 55 Word Flash Fiction
55 word flash fiction was introduced to me on the exceptional Extreme Writing Now website, headed by Alex Crabtree.
So, what is 55 word flash fiction? The writing of short stories has become very popular over recent years, and flash fiction is a big part of this genre. Usually, it is composed of writing which has a 750 word count, developing a story within the confines of this limit. Now, imagine writing a story or a piece of fiction with a beginning, middle and end in just 55 words. It can be daunting.
Daunting though it may be, this style of writing does focus your thoughts and your creativity. Below are five recent examples (or attempts, at least) of my own 55 word flash fiction which are currently published at Extreme Writing Now.
This community is made up of, but not restricted to, many Squidoo members who have authored and published their own wonderful writings. If you would like to read more of my writing, or try some 55 word flash fiction of your own, why not head on over to EWN?
So, what is 55 word flash fiction? The writing of short stories has become very popular over recent years, and flash fiction is a big part of this genre. Usually, it is composed of writing which has a 750 word count, developing a story within the confines of this limit. Now, imagine writing a story or a piece of fiction with a beginning, middle and end in just 55 words. It can be daunting.
Daunting though it may be, this style of writing does focus your thoughts and your creativity. Below are five recent examples (or attempts, at least) of my own 55 word flash fiction which are currently published at Extreme Writing Now.
This community is made up of, but not restricted to, many Squidoo members who have authored and published their own wonderful writings. If you would like to read more of my writing, or try some 55 word flash fiction of your own, why not head on over to EWN?
55 Words: Veil of Destruction
Rising, she scanned the room. Everything appeared normal on this abnormal day. Thoughts of past happinesses flashed through her mind, but it was her angry present which now consumed her.
Minutes later, she nervously shut off the engine and checked the vest, convincing herself this was right. Closing her eyes, she muttered a last prayer.
© 2010, squidrich. All rights reserved.
Minutes later, she nervously shut off the engine and checked the vest, convincing herself this was right. Closing her eyes, she muttered a last prayer.
© 2010, squidrich. All rights reserved.
By Jim Gordon [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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55 Words: Looking Back At Norman
Usually, they try to swat me, but this Psycho was trying to stare me down.
Relatives reported that his mother was extremely tasty. Tied to that chair, she made easy pickings. A veritable feast.
Norman had his mom's eyes - but not for much longer. Another chair awaited, and those eyes would make a fine dessert.
© 2010, squidrich. All rights reserved.
Relatives reported that his mother was extremely tasty. Tied to that chair, she made easy pickings. A veritable feast.
Norman had his mom's eyes - but not for much longer. Another chair awaited, and those eyes would make a fine dessert.
© 2010, squidrich. All rights reserved.
By Muhammad Mahdi Karim (Own work) [GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons
55 Words: Showdown
The Doc knew this was going to be no holiday. He pondered his title for a moment, smiling and appreciating the contradiction. He swigged down another whiskey. Pain came easy to him.
The pistol gleamed in the sunlight of high noon. They were awaiting him. There was a score to settle. Let the killing begin...
© 2010, squidrich. All rights reserved.
The pistol gleamed in the sunlight of high noon. They were awaiting him. There was a score to settle. Let the killing begin...
© 2010, squidrich. All rights reserved.
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55 Words: The Reunion
She exhaled. Her final breath. A new life was beginning.
Her eyes opened, a white light blinding her momentarily. She blinked, trying to focus. Sitting up, she looked inquisitively. This was not her body. She no longer felt pain.
In the distance: movement. Faces she recognized. Her father, brother and niece were welcoming her home.
© 2010, squidrich. All rights reserved.
Her eyes opened, a white light blinding her momentarily. She blinked, trying to focus. Sitting up, she looked inquisitively. This was not her body. She no longer felt pain.
In the distance: movement. Faces she recognized. Her father, brother and niece were welcoming her home.
© 2010, squidrich. All rights reserved.
By Mike Baird from Morro Bay, USA (Morro Rock at sunset on Morro Strand State Beach) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
55 Words: The Horror of It All
He used to write of horror, but now his pen was full of grief. As the tears of ink hit the page, he paused, staring ahead. He recounted that day. The words on the page could never do justice to what was on his mind.
He used to write of horror. Maybe he still does.
© 2010, squidrich. All rights reserved.
He used to write of horror. Maybe he still does.
© 2010, squidrich. All rights reserved.
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Links of Interest
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- squidrich | Extreme Writing Now
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- The writing community goes live with discussion about flash fiction, memoirs, freelance writing, poetry, prose, 55 word fiction and writing in general. EWN is a laid back community of fun and relaxation that caters to the writer in everybody. No pressure, just tons of support and love in a true Bohemian style.
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Lover of 55 Word Flash Fiction
With each article, Richard invites you to step into his world of music, television and entertainment. He will introduce you to The Top 10 Albums in the UK, share The 20 Scariest Film Scores Ever? and even give you an up close look at some classic actors like Christopher Lee as Dracula.
For a complete list of Richard's articles, please visit Waxing-Lyrical on Squidoo.
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Do You Read or Write Flash Fiction?
Your Comments Are Welcomed!
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BuddyBink
Dec 24, 2011 @ 1:08 pm | delete
- I have never heard of Flash Fiction. This is very interesting, I will have to try it. Thanks
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EEWorkouts
Dec 23, 2011 @ 9:05 pm | delete
- Great lens! I really like Looking Back At Norman.
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fightordinary
Nov 26, 2011 @ 11:40 am | delete
- I've never heard of this. Very interesting. My favorite one was 'The Horror of It All'. Keep writing!
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sherioz
Nov 23, 2011 @ 11:22 pm | delete
- Never heard of this before. I can see where writing squidoo lenses would be great practice for flash fiction.
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beadbait
Nov 17, 2011 @ 10:12 pm | delete
- no but i think i will be looking into it.! thank you for the lens
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UtopianDreamer
Oct 23, 2011 @ 3:42 am | delete
- Hi I really like your flash fiction stories. I particularly enjoyed 'The Horror of it all'. I enjoy the inferred meaning shorter flash fiction; I think it can make it particularly profound. I've had a go at some flash fiction myself: http://www.squidoo.com/flash-fiction-story-bus-stop. I've added you as a related lens and am off to have a look at 'extreme writing' now!
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MaxReily
Oct 1, 2011 @ 7:26 pm | delete
- I'd never heard of this--it's a very interesting concept. Your examples are amazing. Great lens!
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agoofyidea
Sep 4, 2011 @ 6:43 pm | delete
- I look forward to trying this expreme fiction. I love stretching my writing muscles. Great lens.
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Heather_Todd
Sep 3, 2011 @ 12:58 pm | delete
- This is really nice lens..
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Aug 10, 2011 @ 4:03 pm | delete
- It takes real talent to write 55-word flash fiction. This is almost like haiku fiction -- strip away everything but the essence. Very creative... you. My favorite piece was "Veil of Destruction."
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Heather426
Aug 9, 2011 @ 1:47 pm | delete
- Wonderful 55 word fiction, if a little sad.
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vbright105
Aug 9, 2011 @ 1:43 pm | delete
- I've heard of Alex' site, but after reading this, I may have to hop on over! Thanks for explaining it.
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CCGAL Aug 9, 2011 @ 1:42 pm | delete
- I have not attempted Flash Fiction yet ... but I sure did enjoy reading yours.
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kimmanleyort
Jul 20, 2011 @ 10:53 am | delete
- Wow, you have done a beautiful job putting together this page on flash fiction, extreme writing now, and presenting your own work. Flash fiction is a great tool for writing. Keep up the great writing, Rich. Blessed.
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Prezewalski
Jul 18, 2011 @ 10:07 am | delete
- Love this concept!! And all five are amazing.....i totally agree that writing short fiction is so very difficult...you just pulled it off here, great!! And thanks for sharing EWN...it is awesome!! :)
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by Waxing-Lyrical
55 word flash fiction has become one of my favourite writing styles.
Originally from the UK where I worked in banking for 25 years, I moved to Ohio,...
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