On Tuesday my creative writing class dove head first into flash fiction (1,000 words or less). I gave them a few flash pieces that I think are effective. Their first drafts are due tomorrow (Friday), and several of them have hit the ground running with action, as they were taught by yours truly. With flash fiction, there's no room for introductions, backstory, or set-up. The writer must create conflict early on, preferably in the first sentence, definitely in the first paragraph.
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As I plunged down the towering cliff into the churning sea, the last thing I saw was a knife slashing deperately toward me and the murderer's feet as he fell with me.
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Tick. Tick. Tick. Boom!
The American Embassy has just exploded.
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The dull rooftops of Tokyo's deserted skyscrapers protruded in front of Kyoko's small body as she gradually fell closer to them.
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Not bad for a bunch of kids.
Reading: The Wednesday Wars, by Gary Schmidt (second time, it's that good)
On Deck: Charles and Emma: The Darwins Leap of Faith, by Deborah Heiligman
In the Hole: Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell
Writing: Nightmares about giant birds pooping on me. Other than that, it's going well.
I am very intrigued to see what you think of CHARLES AND EMMA: THE DARWIN'S LEAP OF FAITH.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of Charles and Emma. (And I am in the middle of The Graveyard book.)
ReplyDeleteWow. I'd say those are pretty dang great for a bunch of kids. As I've said many times - I wish I could be in your class. :-)
ReplyDeleteI second Shannon. I'd love to hang out in your class. A fly on the wall type of thing.
ReplyDeleteI think I can pass as a new student in your class. Yup, see ya soon.
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