How to Write Flash Fiction for Teens

Flash fiction authors who write for teens tell a quick story, condensing a compelling plot in less than 1000 words. Shorter than a short story, flash fiction can be likened to adolescents racing through their teen years in a flash, as drama unfolds in their lives. However, flash fiction usually focuses on only a bird's-eye view of one brief episode.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Word processor Computer or writing pad and pencil

1. Choose an idea or topic. To write flash fiction for teens, find out what matters to them. Flash fiction writers should ask themselves, "What are teens' fears, hopes and dreams?" If out of touch with teenagers, visit bookstores and libraries, noting titles of teen books and publications. Read postings on teen message boards and study blogs on social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. On the other hand, develop a topic from a word or phrase. Just a one-word idea can help overcome writer's block, jump-starting a flash fiction story. For more ideas, check out the FaithWriters.com Weekly Writing Challenge where they offer different topics each week.

2. Create believable characters, conflict and an outcome. This doesn't mean you have to outline every step before writing the opening paragraph. Just have a basic idea where the story is going and the lesson(s) to be conveyed. But also be flexible if your story takes a different twist than originally planned.

3. Present conflict early, opening with dialog. "Like I've told you before, Dad, I'm not going to college!" This opening dialogue sets the stage immediately, defining the conflict as well as introducing characters.

4. Write authentic teen dialog. First, be a good listener. If you're not the parent of a teenager, hang out with them (or within a listening ear.) Go to a mall and sit close to a group of teens chatting at a café. Besides recording teen jargon, note body language. Sign up to substitute as a high school teacher or paraprofessional. Work with youth groups and other teen organizations

5. Rather than tell what's happening, show information through scenes and dialog. As words are limited, this is done best by using dialogue tags. Tags show what characters are doing, as well as give hints about the characters by showing personality traits, rather than telling about them. In flash fiction, tags can fill in the blanks with only a few words. A writer shows (rather than tells) by using tags such as, "I'm late for my appointment," Mary said, sifting through a pile of dirty clothes on her unmade bed. However, avoid attaching tags to every speaker. Although tags are effective in creating a picture, be cautious not to overuse them.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be predictable. Keep readers guessing, careful only to sprinkle hints of foreshadowing without having them guess the outcome before the story ends. Be careful not to go into too much detail as you're limited in words. Don't preach. Get timely messages across by telling a story, without talking down to kids or giving morality speeches.
• Avoid excessive violence and inappropriate scenes for minors.

Resources

• The FaithWriters Writing Challenge

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