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Download This Flash Fiction Story Structure Cheat Sheet

Published over 1 year ago • 2 min read

Authors Only List

Hey, it’s Shannon 😎.

I am back from my trip and feeling rejuvenated and ready for 2025. What about you?

Can you guess the most common reason Flash Fiction Magazine rejects a story?

Let me show you some comments from our slush pile readers.

The answer… the writer did not tell a story or give their character(s) a complete narrative arc.

What do we mean when we say “story” or “narrative arc?”

Well, it’s pretty simple: your protagonist must face a challenge, and they must undergo obstacles or conflict to overcome the challenge. Ultimately, the story is about how they learn, grow, or change because of these experiences.

Here is a quote from Robert McKee that puts it succinctly:

“What is a story, precisely? The essential core event in all stories ever told in the history of humanity can be expressed in just three words: Conflict changes life. Therefore, the prime definition becomes: a dynamic escalation of conflict-driven events that cause meaningful change in a character’s life.”
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—Robert McKee

Conflict in a story is essential. No conflict, no story. There is an evolutionary reason for this.

“…stories are simulations that our brains plum for useful information in case we ever find ourselves in a similar situation…”
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—Richard Restak, neuropsychiatrist

When we read or watch a story, we subconsciously ask, “What can I learn from this? How will this help me get through life? What would I do if I were in this situation?”

That’s why this type of story works so well (and Hollywood makes a gazillion dollars): we see ourselves in the tale struggling and looking for answers to help us navigate life.

Finnian Burnett created a flash fiction story structure cheatsheet to guide you. You can download it below.

Thanks for your attention!

— Shannon

EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS THURSDAY

Flash Fiction for Everyone with Finnian Burnett - January 19 & 26

In this workshop, writers of every level will learn the basic structure of flash fiction, how to create deep and authentic characters, and how to revise a flash fiction piece to create stunning stories every time.

Ask Me Anything with Finnian Burnett - February 2

Do you have questions about writing or publishing? This is your chance to ask an industry professional.

Flash Fiction for Everyone THE SEQUEL with Finnian Burnett - February 9 & 16

Building upon the foundational skills taught in “Flash Fiction for Everyone,” we invite you to progress with us in THE SEQUEL.

This workshop delves deeper into the craft, focusing on conflict, point of view, tension, vivid imagery and physicality, and compelling titles.

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Download This Flash Fiction Story Structure Cheat Sheet

Finnian Burnett created a fantastic flash fiction structure handout for our upcoming Flash Fiction For Everyone workshop. It’s an excellent cheat sheet, and I want you to have it even if you don’t attend the workshop.

This is not the only way to write a story, but it is the most common, so you should understand it backward and forwards. Any successful book or movie uses some version of this basic story framework.

Let Finnian and me know if the worksheet helps!

As always, please reply and let me know your thoughts. I ♥️ hearing from you!

PS Here is a non-sequitur photo from my trip.

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Authors Only List

by Flash Fiction Magazine

We help thousands of fiction authors learn more about the craft of writing and publishing short stories. Join us every Tuesday for writing tips and articles.

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