A trend toward shorter forms of writing benefits writers, publishers, website designers, and audiences. The short form exists in almost every genre, from drama to fiction, from poetry to prose. Shorter forms of writing are not only easily squeezed in among longer features, but they cater to the increasingly short attention span of information and entertainment consumers.
The Short Form Writing Process
- Utilize small amounts of time, even 10-15 minutes.
- Try getting up thirty minutes earlier or going to bed thirty minutes later.
- Use part of your lunch hour.
- Keep a writer's notebook.
- Maintain focus.
- Revise for word economy.
The Ten-Minute Play
A shorter form of the one-act play, a ten-minute play is not only one act, but one scene. Ten minute plays consist of 2-3 characters, contain 1,500-1,700 words, and use minimum sets, costumes, and props. When writing a ten-minute play, writers should keep in mind that short forms of writing require an economy of words which must be achieved through showing rather than telling, using snappy, concise dialogue, and minimizing exposition.
Flash Fiction
Also referred to as the short short story, flash fiction is usually 1,000 words or less. Extremely short fiction can be as short as the 55-word short story (see below) and even the six-word short story. Despite its length, flash fiction must have a beginning, middle, and end, just like a traditional short story. Without these elements, it's just a snippet or excerpt.
Flash fiction is usually fast-paced. It hits hard and fast, and like the ten-minute-play it usually skips the exposition and jumps right into the action, breezing quickly through the plot and often ending suddenly. Flash fiction is short, but always complete, and it should have a controlling theme or metaphor, as well as strong imagery, characterization, and dialogue.
Flash fiction can be published in a number of online and print publications, including the website Flash Fiction Online
55-Word Short Stories
The most extreme forms of the short short story, or flash fiction, contain as few as 75-100 words. This form is often referred to as micro fiction. While some argue that a story should be no shorter than 100 words, the 55-word short story has gained popularity. Read a wide variety of examples of the 55-Word Short Story in order to learn and internalize the form.
The Short-Take Essay or One-Pager
Articles and features that fit on a single page are becoming more common as magazine and print journal production costs increase and the internet increases the demand for speed and brevity. The one-page format includes sufficient details about the topic to make the reader feel informed but not bogged down or sucked in for any length of time.
Writers who learn to master the short form will not only increase output but also marketability. There is an increasing demand for the short form in almost every genre. Also, because short forms of writing require an economy of language, they improve a writer's ability to revise, edit, show rather than tell, and use strong imagery, dialogue, and word choice.
Sandra Raymond - Sandra Raymond is a writer, teacher, and new mom living in Flagstaff, Arizona. She has an MA in Literature and a Doctorate in Education ...
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