Five Approaches to Great Flash Fiction

Flash Fiction writer analyzes five standout works from literary magazines

Welcome to our weekly column offering perspectives on lit mag publishing, with contributions from readers, writers and editors.

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By Mandira Pattnaik

Early 2018. I saw myself as this new-little-edgy-unsure writer, located in the global South, without degree or experience, who wanted to share her stories but had been told by close family that her writing was just good enough, not more nor less, to share at reunions and grandma’s birthday party! I hid in a closet of doubts for months as I knew I had a point to prove.

Slowly, I taught myself three things: reading was empowering, flash fiction was convenient, and to hell with opinions.

My reading of hundreds of flash fiction pieces in literary magazines led me to explore how the more accomplished do it. That was the only option for me as I could hardly afford to attend courses and workshops and fancy retreats. To be honest, I learned a lot.

Today, I’m going to share some specifics and do some microscopic re-examining of five flash pieces that shout style: