Crafting characters has been on my mind for the last few months. Initially, when I wrote the first draft of my novel, I only touched on the characters' backstories. My primary concern had been to get the 1st draft finished, which I did. At the moment, I am working...

1. Focus on a single moment or idea:  Flash fiction is all about brevity, so focusing on one specific moment or idea is essential. Think of a snapshot in time that captures the essence of your story. This could be a single image, a brief conversation, or a fleeting...

1. Start with a clear idea: Have a clear idea before you begin your story. The idea can focus on a plot point, a character, or a theme.     2. Keep it concise: Short stories are just that, short! Keep your idea as concise as possible. Focus on one central idea or...

At this stage, I have lost count of how many times I have attempted to return to this book. 'Attempted' being the central theme here, I never got past the re-read of the first draft. To rectify this, I have cleared a space, fixed my desk, and ordered my random filing...