Ficlets

R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure

Some people use ficlets as a notebook for posting their own continuous stories, 1 K at a time. If that’s all you’re using ficlets for, then this tip probably isn’t for you.

If you’re wanting to write something that other people might sequel, however, listen up. You need to do more than just write 1024 characters of story with no real beginning or ending.

Ideally, your ficlet should be a “mini story,” with its own beginning, middle, and end. Start with something happening that leads you into a middle where you can fill out more description and set up the situation.

End the story with a “hook”—a mini-cliffhanger. Something that might make the reader say to himself, “Oooh, I know just what ought to happen next!” and then click the link and write it himself.

For instance, my ficlet “Sioni Decides” starts with Sioni thinking about what’s happened. It then describes Sioni’s dilemma. In the last line she makes a choice—a “hook” suggesting that the next writer could come up with the outcome of that choice.

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R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
THX 0477
Posted 6 months ago

Solid advice. It still eludes me how some ficlets get a sequel and others don’t. There’s a lot that goes into it, I think, and this seems like good food for thought.
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
Blusparrow
Posted 6 months ago

That is how sometimes I write mine. I see your point, and THX is right there is a lot that goes into someone sequeling something you have. Sometimes is just doesn’t inspire them. It is a good tip though.
LoA
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
Storykeeper of Fae
Posted 6 months ago

I like this little tutorial for writers you’re giving here. It’s what Ficlets is for. I’m posting this comment here because I don’t much have anything to say about this ficlet. Sorry.
LoA
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
thebetweenspace
Posted 6 months ago

I get your point, but sometimes I like to write a story to ‘test’ how people react to it. Most of the time, I want to do something that can be interacted with, so I get what you’re saying.
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
Trying to Blend
Posted 6 months ago

Very informative. I am going to have to Tag this as Non Fiction :-)
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
BARomero
Posted 6 months ago

Ending with a hook or a cliffhanger is good advice, even if you plan to sequel yourself. If you look at almost any TV show, it always ends on a cliffhanger right before a commercial break. This is to keep your interest piqued enough to sit through three minutes of ads (for those with TiVo this is a non-issue), rather than switch channels looking for something else. Same thing applies here. The rule goes, “Always leave them wanting more…”
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
Mask By The Moon
Posted 6 months ago

Too much to think about when writing my humble little ficlets!!!!
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
wytherwings
Posted 6 months ago

I think that’s good advice. Bu tyou don’t always have to do that. Most of my ficlets are just random things I come up with. Just random thoughts or creativity. So on those, I can’t realy control it.
But great advice all the same, I will try to follow it!
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
Jenunique
Posted 6 months ago

This is excellent advice. I think this was a good idea.
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
SKermitgorf
Posted 6 months ago

I hate to be a buble burster,and I’m sure you’re trying to be helpful and all, but you come off like you feel superior to the rest of us. some of your advice is good, I mean, what qualifies you to give writing lessons? There are some awesome writers on here that should be published. Your rules of writing are just a buzz kill. Really feels as though your talking down to the ficleteers here.
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
Mask By The Moon
Posted 6 months ago

Hm.. now that I think about it, Kermit’s right(For once, nah, just foolin’ with ya KG). Too many rules, it’s like you’re making us follow ONE straight path, instead of taking our twists and turns that we do so enjoy taking. You do kind of seem condescending.
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
Robotech_Master
Posted 6 months ago

As I’ve said in the introduction, I never claimed these are anything but my own opinions. Just because I don’t put “IMO” in every paragraph doesn’t make them any less so. I believe they’re well-founded opinions, but you’re free to follow them or not, as you see fit.
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
Stovohobo
Posted 6 months ago

It seems like barely anyone sequels my stories, and I value it more than comments or ratings. I know it’s partly my fault maybe, but still. thanks for posting these, by the way. Hits the nail on the head every time.
R_M's Ficlets Best Practices #3: Ficlet Structure
Alexa ♥
Posted 6 months ago

I can say that the first time I was sequeled (off of a poem, not a short story), I felt a surprising amount of pride. Something I had written inspired someone else to write. Can you imagine a better feeling for a writer to have?