Do You Enjoy Writing Really Short Fiction?

Can you tell a complete story in 99 words or less? It’s not as easy as it sounds. I’ve noticed lately that there are a number of sites popping up where you can post flash fiction, but this one seems to be the current leader for short length requirements. It’s a lively site, with all kinds of things to see and do, and I believe it’s going to gain a strong following as the word gets out.

One of the things I like about this site is that you get your own customizable page. You can submit your little stories and even enter monthly contests. They also have set up their format to encourage interaction among their members.

How will this site benefit you as a writer? You’re going to have to think about the importance of each word. Those of us who are fond of adverbs and adjectives are going to have to learn to use a powerful noun instead. Dialog must be cut to a minimum while still moving the story along. In short, this is a way to learn how to create lean, spare scenes.

Whether you write novels or short stories, you can benefit by joining this site. (By the way, this post is over 200 words long. That should give you some idea of how short a 99-word story will be.)

Try it. You’ll find out it’s harder than it looks. Go here to look around.

I Just Found This Great Website

Here’s my new must-see blog by fellow Coloradan Renée Pawlish. I’m recommending it for several reasons. First, her blog is a near-perfect example of what a writer’s website should look like. Second, her content is informative. For example, her latest post (as of June 4, 2013) is a well presented look at what she believes the future of indie publishing will look like in 2014.

In case you can’t quite place her, Renée is a bestselling author (Nephilim Genesis of Evil) and the Reed Ferguson mystery series. She’s a versatile writer who is comfortable with novels, short stories and non-fiction.

If I were you, I’d take a minute to visit her website. Take a look at how she has set it up. It may provide an excellent example for you to follow in setting up your own website. Then take a look at her content. She really delivers.

A New Website Just for Non-Fiction Writers

I’ve been waiting for this. Stephanie Chandler has launched a new website just for non-fiction writers. It’s called "Non-Fiction Writers Association" and I joined it as soon as I found out it had launched on June 7. 2013. As of this writing, at least 56 writers have joined the site.

Stephanie rightly points out that marketing non-fiction books and stories is different than marketing fiction. She has published eight non-fiction pieces herself and knows what those differences are.

Unfortunately, most of the goodies are only available if you upgrade your membership, which costs $19.00 a month or $190.00 for a year. These include the ability to access the forums, downloads, and the other stuff. But you do get access to webinars presented by experts on marketing, branding, and other business-related aspects of publishing. And you get to post your listing in the website’s directory for free.

It’s a little too early to tell whether a paid membership will provide enough benefits to be worth the price. But non-fiction author/publishers should definitely check out this website.