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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Anyone interested in writing flash, sudden or short, short stories should have a copy of this book. Not only does it contain a fascinating chapter on the background of the very short form, it also contains highly instructive chapters by Vanessa Gebbie, Stuart Dybek, Robert Olen Butler, Pamela Painter, Robert Shapard and many other luminaries in this genre.
Although it is an American book, it has a very global feel with a chapter by Shouhua Qi on Flash Fiction from Contemporary China and also one by Peruvian native, internationally acclaimed critic, Julio Ortega which includes one of his own flash or sudden fiction pieces.
Chapters are grouped under the following umbrella headings:
1. In Defense of the Exercise
2. Contemporary & Historical Roots of Flash Fiction
3. Finding Freedom and Feeling in the Form
4. Beginnings & Endings
5. Imagery as Inspiration
6. Poetry versus Prose
7. Taking Risks
8. Focusing & Editing
9. The Future of Flash Fiction
10. A Call to Action
There are exercises, examples and prompts together with an extensive list of suggested further reading. One further book I would add to their list is Not So Perfect by Nik Perring as an example of the very best of English contemporary flash fiction witing.
Although it is an American book, it has a very global feel with a chapter by Shouhua Qi on Flash Fiction from Contemporary China and also one by Peruvian native, internationally acclaimed critic, Julio Ortega which includes one of his own flash or sudden fiction pieces.
Chapters are grouped under the following umbrella headings:
1. In Defense of the Exercise
2. Contemporary & Historical Roots of Flash Fiction
3. Finding Freedom and Feeling in the Form
4. Beginnings & Endings
5. Imagery as Inspiration
6. Poetry versus Prose
7. Taking Risks
8. Focusing & Editing
9. The Future of Flash Fiction
10. A Call to Action
There are exercises, examples and prompts together with an extensive list of suggested further reading. One further book I would add to their list is Not So Perfect by Nik Perring as an example of the very best of English contemporary flash fiction witing.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
14 reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Highly Recommended
14 Mar 2011
Format:Paperback
Tara L. Masih's introduction to this book was one of the most engaging, thorough, specific introductions to a book (anthology, guide, or otherwise) that I have ever read. I have a hard time not crossing my eyes when someone starts "talking history" but the combination of her succinct thoroughness and my love of flash, has made me read the 38-page intro to the Field Guide time and time again. As far as I'm concerned, Masih's intro is the best source around for the history of the genre and I think it will continue to be a gift to students, teachers, and writers alike for decades to come.
As a whole, the collection is equally informative. When I am teaching a workshop, I'm rarely able to lead prompts while also participating in them myself. But the suggestions in this Field Guide were so engaging, I couldn't help but also write while I was teaching. What a gift to the genre this book is!
As a whole, the collection is equally informative. When I am teaching a workshop, I'm rarely able to lead prompts while also participating in them myself. But the suggestions in this Field Guide were so engaging, I couldn't help but also write while I was teaching. What a gift to the genre this book is!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
A Must-Buy Book for Anyone Interested in Writing Flash Fiction
8 Jan 2010
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this book as soon as I read a review about it in "The Writer" Magazine (Dec 09, pg 44, by Amy Wallen).
In an irony to the subject, flash fiction, the introduction of this field guide is the longest chapter in the entire book, weighing-in at 26 pages. Despite its length, Ms. Misah provides the reader with an interesting history of flash fiction.
I found the essays within this guidebook to be useful and informative. Each essay ranged from 3-9 pages, which included a writing prompt and an example of flash fiction. As you could expect, the authors had some differences of opinion on what makes an effective short-short story. What they did agree on, was that each story should be thought-provoking and leave the reader with an indelible image.
I found most of the story examples, "thought provoking" alright. My usual responses were, "huh?" or even, "What was that all about?"
I guess I'm not the literary type. I'm not into deciphering an author's meaning and images in his or her story.
My favorite was "Inside Job" by Pamela Painter. In this flash--(warning! Plot spoiler ahead!)--a university couple are attending a party. After noticing her husband hit on another one of his graduate students, Marla goes into the kitchen to grab a drink, but accidently douses her blouse with seltzer water. One of Marla's graduate students tries to help dab off the water and she guides his hand--underneath her blouse.
Whew!
Talk about an "indelible image!"
I rate this book a solid four stars. This is more out of personal bias. With the exception of "Inside Job," it's hard for me to get excited over a how-to book. However, for anyone interested in writing flash fiction, or improving their craft in this niche-genre, this is an invaluable guide.
In an irony to the subject, flash fiction, the introduction of this field guide is the longest chapter in the entire book, weighing-in at 26 pages. Despite its length, Ms. Misah provides the reader with an interesting history of flash fiction.
I found the essays within this guidebook to be useful and informative. Each essay ranged from 3-9 pages, which included a writing prompt and an example of flash fiction. As you could expect, the authors had some differences of opinion on what makes an effective short-short story. What they did agree on, was that each story should be thought-provoking and leave the reader with an indelible image.
I found most of the story examples, "thought provoking" alright. My usual responses were, "huh?" or even, "What was that all about?"
I guess I'm not the literary type. I'm not into deciphering an author's meaning and images in his or her story.
My favorite was "Inside Job" by Pamela Painter. In this flash--(warning! Plot spoiler ahead!)--a university couple are attending a party. After noticing her husband hit on another one of his graduate students, Marla goes into the kitchen to grab a drink, but accidently douses her blouse with seltzer water. One of Marla's graduate students tries to help dab off the water and she guides his hand--underneath her blouse.
Whew!
Talk about an "indelible image!"
I rate this book a solid four stars. This is more out of personal bias. With the exception of "Inside Job," it's hard for me to get excited over a how-to book. However, for anyone interested in writing flash fiction, or improving their craft in this niche-genre, this is an invaluable guide.
15 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Tomorrow Beckons:
22 Jun 2009
Format:Paperback
I got interested in reading, and trying to write, Micro & Flash fiction in 2003 because I sincerely felt it was fiction's future..
Lo, if this book had been available then. Essays, trade tips and prompts by "guys what know"; people who have been in the trenches as authors, editors, teachers and reviewers in a relatively new literary form. Every writer with a serious interest in fiction's future MUST read this book..
Ramon Collins, Micro editor, LINNET'S WINGS
Lo, if this book had been available then. Essays, trade tips and prompts by "guys what know"; people who have been in the trenches as authors, editors, teachers and reviewers in a relatively new literary form. Every writer with a serious interest in fiction's future MUST read this book..
Ramon Collins, Micro editor, LINNET'S WINGS
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