Short-form writing is an exercise of brevity. You need to deliver a powerful story while being constrained by its length.
It’s a way to get your creative juices running, especially when you aren’t motivated to write a longer piece. Flash nonfiction takes this to another level as you aren’t constrained only by words but also by facts.
What is Flash Nonfiction?
Flash nonfiction is where you tell a true story very briefly. Think of it as art in miniature, where you use only the most important details to make your point.
You can tell a whole story without needing to write many pages. This is advantageous in today’s fast-paced world where your audience might not have the time or energy to read longer works.
Flash nonfiction usually runs between 500-1000 words. That’s not a lot of space to work with. This makes it a fun format to test your writing skills, imagination, and ability to deliver a message.
And while flash nonfiction is commonly associated with creative nonfiction, it can also encompass other nonfiction genres. What matters is brevity, regardless if it is a personal essay, memoir, or journalistic piece.
Why Write Flash Nonfiction?
There are a few reasons why you should consider writing flash nonfiction. The best reason, perhaps, is to hone your craft.
Constraining your writing sparks creativity as you must find innovative ways to tell a story. This leads you to more imaginative and original paths. It also develops your clarity and conciseness in writing, allowing for better storytelling.
It’s also useful in building healthy writing habits. You learn to make every word count, edit ruthlessly, and experiment. And when you complete each piece, it gives you a sense of satisfaction that motivates you to keep writing.
Flash nonfiction is also great for publication. They’re sought after by online publications and you can churn them out more frequently. This opens up more opportunities for you while also building up your reputation as a writer.
Tips for Writing Flash Nonfiction
Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to write flash nonfiction.
1. Start strong.
As in most writing, begin your story with a powerful line that catches your audience’s attention. Surprise them with an odd sentence or make them curious.
Your first line should also evoke something about the entire piece. This gives your readers a clue about what they’re about to read. Flash nonfiction may be short but people will still skip it if they aren’t captivated by your opening.
2. Focus on a single idea.
Keep your story centered on one main idea. This makes your story clear and easy to follow. There’s not a lot of space for two or more ideas anyway. It’s better to flesh out one than to go shallow with multiple elements.
For example, if you’re writing about your first kiss, focus on what you felt and build your story around it. Other elements can take a backstep as you zero in on your feelings.
3. Use descriptive language.
Use sensory details to bring your story to life. The more your readers can imagine your story, the better it will be.
It can be tricky when writing flash nonfiction though, as descriptive language can often mean using more words than usual. However, if you select the parts where you are descriptive, you can highlight moments that will stick to your reader’s minds.
4. Use literary devices.
Some literary devices are suitable for brevity. They work like shortcuts, conveying or emphasizing meaning without using up precious words.
Repetition, for example, is a great way to make certain things stick to your audience’s memory. It can also generate emotion and rhythm within your text.
Metaphors are also great in implying meaning. For example, “splitting hairs” is a more convenient way to say someone is paying too much attention to insignificant details.
5. Get straight to the point.
You don’t have much space for flair. Use simple words and short sentences to get your point across. They also help to keep your story easy to read and understand. Big, confusing words will only detract from your message.
6. End with impact.
Finish your story in a way that leaves your readers thinking. Create a twist, a moment for reflection, or a powerful statement.
Let your readers ruminate. This effectively continues the story in their mind and creates a deeper, lasting impact on their reading experience.
7. Edit carefully.
Every word counts and must contribute to your story. Any awkward phrasing, long phrases, or complicated words should be revised or replaced. Read your story aloud to check for such elements.
Less is More
Flash nonfiction may seem like an easy writing exercise but it can be far more difficult than writing full-length pieces. You have to be creative to fit a cohesive and impactful story into such a short format. It’s why short-form writing is great at layering meaning and conveying it most effectively.
What other tips do you have for writing flash nonfiction? Share them below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Constrained Writing: Definition, Examples, and Benefits
- What Is Flash Fiction? And How To Use Short Fiction To Promote Your Book
- How to Find the Right Balance between Facts and Storytelling in Nonfiction
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
