For CW I’ve been reading Flash Fiction Forward, the latest in a collection of super short stories–usually not longer than three pages. While I’ve posted on the class weblog on these, something I’d like to note here is the way these shorties can assist in showcasing some of the elements of writing.
For one thing, it’s usually a lot easier to see the overall story arc–if there is one. But a larger benefit is to note how little setting and description is needed to establish a viable story. It’s obvious that these are sometimes necessary for background or basis, but more likely are enhancements that bring the reader more information and thus make him more comfortable within the storyworld environment.
Not all the stories are good, or even stories, yet there are some outstanding examples that provide both worthy study and exercise in brevity.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology