Mary Theresa was tired. Tired of feeling out of control; tired of feeling lost. She went out to the porch of her house on the lake and stared at the dark night. She couldn’t help but wonder why she had been put on this earth, particularly now that she was out of a job, out…
Category: Flash Fiction
The Joys of Writing “Flash” and Some Reading Recommendations
I currently am teaching an online course on Flash Fiction and Flash Memoir for Story Circle Network. This subject is close to my heart since flash is one of my favorite modes of writing. For the course, I have read a lot of short-shorts both fiction and memoir and have been reminded of just how…
Flash Fiction Prompt: He Said/She Said
Flash Fiction Prompt: The two “characters” should disagree about an issue or subject and their dialogue should have a subtext, an emotional truth that is operating on a deeper and perhaps hidden level. He said: I thought you were going to the market today. She said: Why do you say market instead of grocery store? …
Computer Woes
I am frustrated because I wrote a post about our garage sale tonight and my computer is messing up and I can’t post. I will post it tomorow I hope! Just going on record I did much more writing than my 20 minutes a day. More tomorrow if my computer cooperates.
Flash Memoir: Words of Wisdom from My Parents
My parents were very different people. My dad was down to earth; my mother was an intellectual. They imparted collective wisdom that influences me every day of my life. Here are the primary messages I learned from them either directly through their words or indirectly through their actions. My father: 1) Care about people and…
Flash Fiction Prompt: What Can I Do?
“What can I do?” I asked and they said, “Nothing.” I didn’t know what to say so I left and headed down to the river where I could hear the waves lapping onto the shore and I could sit in the dark and feel safe for the first time all day. I wasn’t a bad…
Critical Components of Flash Fiction and Flash Nonfiction
Flash fiction and flash nonfiction differ clearly in content, but many of the needs are the same given the conciseness of the form. In an excerpt from The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Flash Fiction, Nathan Leslie in his article, “The “V” Word,” states, “By focusing on language, scene, voice, and character, my students…
I Will Be the SheWrites Guest Editor Beginning Sunday
On Sunday, I will be serving as the guest editor for the week over at SheWrites.com, a blog with over 19,000 members (mostly women, but some men), who are excited about writing. I hope you will come over and visit this week. Membership is free and I could use the support! We will be covering…
Flash Fiction Prompt: The Word “Stain”
“I’m not certain what to say,” Marion Fitzgerald stammered, looking down at the bloodstain on the cushion of her white designer couch. I truly don’t know how that got there.” Joe Francis, a LA homicide detective stared at the middle-aged blonde and said in a tired voice, “Mrs. Fitzgerald, where were you last night at…
Great Post: Take Your Writing Seriously, So That Others Will, Too – She Writes
Take Your Writing Seriously, So That Others Will, Too – She Writes.
20 Minutes a Day 