18 Comments
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Ben Woestenburg's avatar

I like to read short flashes like this. But I don't write them. I wonder why sometimes. I mean, I enjoy the long stories I put up, and breaking them into smaller snippets makes for easier reading, but I still like the idea of Flash Fiction.

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thank you, Ben. You write such terrific stuff that often feel I'm not qualified to comment on it. But I love reading it!

Ben Woestenburg's avatar

You can comment on anything at anytime. I can never get enough comments. Sometimes, I ask myself if anyone's even reading me because there are no comments.

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

I'm sure most of your subscribers are reading your writing. Not everyone comments for various reasons. But I will. You just gave me a permission :)

Richard Partridge's avatar

Great photos and story Alex - atmospheric and moving. I find it’s a great way to practise writing to take a photo as inspiration either one of your own or one you find somewhere ( I love flickr for this ) Writing short form enables you to concentrate on the moment rather than having to worry about structures and forms too much

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thanks very much, Richard! I once read an interview with the songwriter Rosanne Cash in which expressed her admiration for Twitter's constraint (that was back in the day when Twitter was still Twitter), stating that it forced her to be more concise and precise in her communication. The limitation often inspired her creativity in crafting messages that are impactful despite their brevity. I often tell my screenwriting students "less is more", so I know I'm trying to walk the walk instead of just shooting my mouth off. :)

Kathy Fish's avatar

I think you did a great job with this prompt and with the constraints. Love the shift in the final paragraph, the resonance you achieve with that. Thanks for giving it a go!

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thank you, Kathy! I appreciate your comment.

Love your prompts and exercises!

Kathy Fish's avatar

I'm so glad, Alex!

AugustaPalmer's avatar

Each of the photos is a flash story, too. Great post, Alex.

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thanks very much, Augusta. I'm glad you like it!

Donn Dobkin's avatar

I like the explanation and love the story. It's a wonderful piece. Having cared for my own parents, it resonates. Thanks for sharing.

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thanks very much, Donn! It feels like a full-time job sometimes, but it's also rewarding, so it's never a burden. Thanks for your comment.

Ibarionex  - The Candid Frame's avatar

Lovely.

Pierre François D.'s avatar

Nicely done, Alex: this story contains a lot and delivers it very effectively. Also enjoyed the pictures.

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thanks very much, Pierre!

Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thanks for the restack, Richard.