How to write microfiction
Salutation, DBUzz community!
Yesterday, we challenged you to write a MicroFiction Stoy for the Monday Mission (HERE). Why? Well, DBUZZ can be used for anything, from posts about food, your cat, organization of protests, and life... but also it can be used for explorations of creativity, such as microfiction. So today, let's discuss microfiction and how to write it.
If you’ve ever tried your hand at writing, you’ll know it can be a challenging task. Not only are writers asked to use fewer words than they typically would when speaking or writing in general, but they’re also often restricted by word count and character limits. As a result, microfiction is a type of creative writing that requires the author to get very concise indeed.
What are microfiction examples? Microfiction is also commonly known as flash fiction or short-short stories, and there are many ways to write them.
This article discusses how to write microfiction and provides some valuable tips and tricks for doing so.
What is microfiction?
Microfiction is a wordy form of creative writing that is written in a very short space of time, generally with a very specific word count. The word count can vary from as low as five words up to 1,000. Microfiction is also commonly known as flash fiction or short-short stories. Microfiction is often used for a number of purposes, including as an exercise for writers, as part of a competition, or as an exhibition piece.
Microfiction can also be published in magazines and anthologies or posted on social media. You can write microfiction to test whether you have a story or message worth telling in full. You can also write microfiction as a way to improve your writing skills, become more creative, and exercise your brain.
How to write microfiction
The first step toward writing microfiction is to choose a prompt. It can be as simple as a word, a letter, or a number or as complex as a short story’s premise.
Once you’ve chosen a prompt, begin writing.
Don’t worry about getting it right or wrong — just write. If you get stuck, move on to the next prompt.
Once you’ve written several microfiction pieces, you can come back and choose the best ones to refine and finish. Remember that microfiction is supposed to be fun and experimental, so don’t feel like you’re failing if your first batch isn’t perfect.
Tips for writing microfiction
Word count
- Word count can be a major obstacle for new microfiction writers. How do you get to a certain number of words when writing in a time-limited way?
Focus on key details
- One of the best ways to get to that word count is to focus on key details. What are the most essential elements in your story? What can you leave out? What do you need to make your story work?
Write what you know
- If you’re struggling to get down to word count, write what you know. Keep your story as close to your experiences as possible: what you’ve seen, what you’ve done, who you are.
Organise your story
- Get your story straight in your head before you start writing it down.
Revision
- Once you’ve written a few microfiction pieces, you can come back and choose the best ones to refine and finish.
Microfiction examples
Here are some examples of microfiction:
“The coffee machine spits out steaming hot liquid. I watch it spill into the cup, drop by drop. The brown liquid swishes like a melting chocolate river. I wonder what my week will be like.”
This microfiction example is written from the point of view of someone waiting for coffee.
“He met his wife after a math test. She was waiting for her sister, who was taking the same test. They exchanged notes. He hoped to see her again. He did. He asked for her phone number. She said yes.”
This microfiction example is an imaginative retelling of the origin story of a couple’s relationship.
“It’s a bright day in the city, but the sun doesn’t warm my face. I feel nothing. The city is a maze of concrete and glass. I can’t find myself here. The city holds no answers. The world has no place for me.”
This microfiction example portrays the feelings of alienation and disconnectedness that can accompany urban life.
Conclusion
Microfiction is an excellent way to flex your creative muscles and can be a fun way to exercise your brain. It’s also a perfect way to test your writing skills, become more creative, and get published.
With practice, you can use microfiction to hone your writing skills and increase your creativity. And don’t forget to have fun while doing so!
Do the Monday Mission and try your hand at Microfiction today!
Questions? Concerns? Comments?
Just comment below.
- The D.BUZZ
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