Tess, flasher elite from How the Cookie Crumbles, reached in the hat and pulled out a question. Is flash fiction here to stay? Check out her research. (A brief announcement follows the festivities.)
I see the human race bustle around with noses pointed downwards instead of forward as used to be the norm. Everyone seems busy on iPods and iPhones texting or broadcasting the minutiae of their lives to the world as if no-one can hear. To save time and their typing thumbs, they even spell in a short cryptic language (afaic = as far as I’m concerned). See what I mean? Hurry, hurry with everything.
Always with the questions.
Do these harried people have time to read books, magazines or newspapers? Anything?
Books and magazines are still printed and aren’t dead yet, but eZines are springing up like a field of wild flowers. Electronic access by Kindle, Kobo and iReader etc., as well as iPods and iPhones, makes reading available with the push of a button: anytime and anywhere. I wonder who is reading what and why.
Survey Says
I did a survey among friends, neighbors and strangers to get a feel of what they read. (Yep, I asked total strangers; but in broad daylight, so I was safe.) The greater number confided their inclination towards the novel and the majority favored a real paper copy, magazines included. The preference of those on the go and comfortable with electronics, accounted for the lesser percent. They chose their prized gadgets for reading to varied extents.
.
What surprised me was the quantity of die hards who never go anywhere without a (real) book in the car or in a purse. The consensus was that you never know when a traffic tie-up may occur or the doctor / dental office’s offering of magazines might not be of interest and so on. The bulk of those surveyed chose magazines and short story reading: flash fiction (up to 1,000 words) for their entertainment pleasure. Why not use today’s friendly electronic devices? They weren’t interested.
Also, novel readers felt they wouldn’t experience the satisfaction from short stories that a long novel awarded (the ones you don’t want to end). Others said they were content to follow their favourite authors and weren’t interested in anything else. Several people thought the short clips and jokes in Reader’s Digest were the right length. They were always tempted to read all the jokes before anything else in the magazine.
Eureka! A Bright Idea!
The perfect example arrived without prodding. It sounds as if the entertainment expediency and length of flash fiction is a lot like those jokes in Reader’s Digest. When I drew the parallel, a few naysayers—not all—better understood the function of Flash Fiction.
The bottom line: Is Flash Fiction Here to Stay?
In the end, the split was close between the short story and Flash Fiction. Life is demanding, rushed and full of distractions. We are wired, overworked multi-taskers. Even those set in their ways saw the benefits of Flash Fiction and agreed it is gaining ground. Everything around us competes for our short attention spans. What works best to grab our interest and hold on long enough to satisfy?
Put a face with the name.
I like novels too, but years ago, when I became more interested in writing, I appreciated the efficiency and usefulness of the short story because of time: on the bus or train or in a waiting room. And as the clock whirled faster and the days became busier each year, I discovered Flash Fiction. Perfect tidbits for minute relief: a shiver, a giggle, a puzzle to solve.
Flash hasn’t had enough exposure yet, but the signs are clear; Flash is gaining momentum and is here to stay. Even an overworked brain needs a momentary diversion, doesn’t it? Why not reward it a shot of delight?
Tess made the cover of the last three Flash in the Pan series books. Her flash is superlative. Take a few moments to check out her blog and books. Give her a round of virtual applause in thanks for bringing you her survey results today.
When did you start reading flash fiction? Had you considered the parallel between jokes and other microfiction to flash?
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Red’s Announcement: If you are still having trouble commenting or have to fill out your name or email or website below, please follow Mantra’s instructions on the last post to solve the issue. Thank you for persevering. xxx
Laurie
/ September 10, 2013I started reading flash regulary when it live on M3. It’s the bright spot in the week I look forward, a few moments of not having to think, just relax.
Laurie recently posted..All Things Being Unequal
Tess Kann
/ September 12, 2013Me too. I learned it all here!
Tess Kann recently posted..I Wrote a Guest Post
Red of M3
/ September 12, 2013I am so glad it is good for you! xxx
C. Brown
/ September 11, 2013Right here at mommasmoneymatters.com is where I learned of flash.
I appreciate the depth you all manage to put in such brevity. It makes the brain work and wonder.
I love Tess’ flash and her blog. Good to see her over a cuppa with you.
C. Brown recently posted..Just Sit And Stare
Tess Kann
/ September 12, 2013Isn’t this a great playground at Red’s place? I keep learning without trying. Flash was born h.e.r.e. (for me too). Thank you for commenting on my behalf, Colleen.
Tess Kann recently posted..I Wrote a Guest Post
C. Brown
/ September 12, 2013You’re very welcome. I hope this doesn’t qualify as stalking……
C. Brown recently posted..Shadows Above Us
Red of M3
/ September 12, 2013I am glad to have you both. Want the handlebars of M3 for a guest post, Colleen? xxx
C. Brown
/ September 12, 2013You have no idea the goofy grin of happiness I wore when I read this. Please forgive my incompetence, I cannot find an email to write you privately. I would like to share something with you. I went to one place that said “email” you but when I click it it would do nothing. Can I write to you?
C. Brown recently posted..Shadows Above Us
Red of M3
/ September 12, 2013Of course. My email is plastered all over here. Red@mommasmoneymatters.com 🙂 xxx
Grant A. Helms,Jr.
/ September 11, 2013I started reading Flash Fiction when Red handed me a copy of FTP 1.
Red of M3
/ September 12, 2013I thought I smacked you with that book. 😛
Tom
/ September 11, 2013I’ve always liked to read short stories, but always want more from them. However, the same can be said for a good book, so I suppose wanting more is the norm with me. When I write my flashes, I try to fit the tale into the words allowed, but usually leave the story wide open for the tale to go off in a number of different tangents. One day, I’ll get a full story in a flash. One day, but probably not soon… 🙂
Tom recently posted..Full Circle
Tess Kann
/ September 12, 2013Hi Tom. I used to be a diehard for a novel until I stumbled upon short stories. Then, I heard about flash fiction (here, at Red’s) and the fun began.
Who doesn’t like a challenge, right? Stuffing a hundred dollar story into a teeny weenie thimble i.s. intriguing.
Thank you, Tom, for commenting about Flash. You have a natural flair for it.
Tess Kann recently posted..I Wrote a Guest Post
Red of M3
/ September 12, 2013Tom, I think the power of any story of any length is leaving the imagination wiggle room to expand in either or both directions. You have gotten some full stories in flash already! 😉
Tess Kann
/ September 11, 2013Thank you, Red, for the invitation. I enjoyed this latest project as I always delight in any time I come to visit. Exposure to flash is new to me and I learned about it h.e.r.e. when I stumbled upon your blog. Although I cannot recall how that happened, I’m sure glad I did. You organize wonderful soirées.
Jokes and flash are a sweet comparison.
Tess Kann recently posted..Flash in the Pan – Go
Red of M3
/ September 12, 2013You are a welcome addition, Tess. You have terrific flash. Funny how we get to be friends and the “how we met” fades into the realm of “glad we did”. xxx
Debby Gies
/ September 11, 2013Love, love this post. I love how you ‘cut the crap’ and say it like it is! You are very entertaining!
Tess Kann
/ September 12, 2013I’m supposedly mature now. Time’s a-wasting and I’ve lots to do so I cut to the chase.
We’ve only recently met, you and I. Thank you for coming. Have a look around. I think you might like it here. If I’m entertaining, that’s a bonus I won’t turn down. 😉
Tess Kann recently posted..I Wrote a Guest Post
Red of M3
/ September 12, 2013Welcome, Debby. Stop by the Green Room (top menu) and leave a link to your blog! xxx
Paulette Mahurin
/ September 11, 2013Enjoyed this post and reading what Tess had to say. I enjoy her blog site, How the Cookie Crumbles, and like her writing, short tidbits that make me want more. Along the ling of short story, flash fiction, etc. for me, it’s all in the writing, the story content, and how it grabs and holds me. I love a good in my hands novel but also any good story that involves my interest works for me which makes the point that a good story is a good story, the length beside the point. Thanks for having Tess at your site. Paulette
Paulette Mahurin recently posted..Served
Tess Kann
/ September 12, 2013Paulette, thanks so much for coming to this blast. I appreciate your encouragement. You have a generous heart. 😉
Tess Kann recently posted..I Wrote a Guest Post
Red of M3
/ September 12, 2013I am glad you stopped by, Paulette. You need to leave a link to your blog in The Green Room (top menu bar).
Completely agree. I have days where all I want is flash. It stimulates my imagination, makes me smile (more often laugh) and lets me let go of the power deadlines and word counts. Tess happens to be terrific at it. xxx
troy P.
/ September 11, 2013Oh, Tess, I am SO proud of you and this piece! You deserve the praise dear, as I really do hope that I can write like you when “I grow up…” =)
PS: I’m also thrilled to learn that flash is here to stay, as I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get much past a 1,000 on any of mine!
troy P. recently posted..691 Words Plus A Sentence.
Tess Kann
/ September 12, 2013Troy, you’re a sweetie. Thank you for the boost and kind words. What are you talking about? You hold your own in the wordsmith department.
Psst. I have to tell you a secret: I haven’t grown up yet either.
Tess Kann recently posted..I Wrote a Guest Post
Red of M3
/ September 12, 2013Bwahahaha! You are a great flasher, Troy. Just because I am curious… who says you have to write an opus? I rather like the shorts.
Tess Kann
/ September 12, 2013I’m tickled, my blogging friends, for your support and encouragement. This is another experience to add to my list of new endeavours. Because I’m a list-maker, I plan to keep adding more.
Something wicked g.o.o.d. this way comes. If I hadn’t stumbled upon Red’s blog, I wouldn’t be here taking my little bow. Can you see me blush? 🙂
Tess Kann recently posted..I Wrote a Guest Post
Red of M3
/ September 12, 2013You are so cute. <3 xxx *giggles*