I was sitting one day, phone in hand, and my thumb hovered over the Instagram icon. Something inside me said: There has to be a better way to use this time. So I told myself, I’m going to use these few minutes to write miniature stories. Whatever I can. Just short and brief and something creative.And thus, my love for microfiction was born.

Microfiction, while varying in definition within the writing community, is generally categorized as a subset of flash fiction, which is the shortest of short stories. Flash fiction generally ranges from 500–1,000 words, while microfiction sits under 300.

Microfiction is a joy to write (challenging, too!), and I have found the easiest way to begin is to start with one detail. The tiniest, most specific detail you can think of. Then let the story unfold.

Here’s an example template.

• Begin with a detail.
• Add another detail, equally specific, that contradicts or juxtaposes the item you just described.
• Add a motion or character to bring these two details/items together.
• Add dialogue, other details, or movement to complete the story.
• Circle back to the original detail to add a layer of depth or point to the future.

Example:

The piece of mulch was square-like, chipped, a bit frayed around the edges. It fell to the floor even before the bride set the pot beside the mirror. The mirror—oh, the wedding dress, hanging there. With its sequins and blush-colored lace—beautiful, cherished. Ma-ma would have loved this.

A voice behind her, motherly and kind: “She is always with you.”

The bride stood. “I know.”

They stood together, beside the pot with its ceramics and swirls, next to the forgotten piece of mulch. The plant was still blooming, somehow, with its years and years of care and love. The bride fingered the last bloom.

She would wear it on her wrist as she walked down the aisle. (121 words)

Microfiction opens so many doors of creativity. It might even lead you to a new idea for a story, article, or novel. No matter what genre you find yourself writing most, I hope you try microfiction. It will sharpen your skills in detail, description, and storytelling—plus, it’s far more enriching than scrolling through Facebook or Instagram feeds!

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Katie Martin is an author with exceptional interests in creativity and encouragement. She writes microfiction, short stories, poetry, and everything in between. She is currently fascinated with haikus. She loves the art of creativity and teaches writing-related classes, book clubs, and workshops at her local university. She believes everyone has a story in them and that the world needs yours!