The writing of a micro fiction is "a challenge, a problem in narrative"(15). Simply put, a micro fiction is a short story that generally contains between 250 and 300 words. Its object is to explore the boundaries of a single typewritten page.

WHY CHOOSE TO WRITE A MICRO?

Micro fictions play an important historical role in literature. Jokes are a traditional form of the short story, serving the universal function of tension relief and injection of humor. Parables, often secular, teach lessons and contain valuable insights in historical perceptions of morality. More relevant to the present though is the notion that the typewritten page, though just 250 words, is an avenue for limitless creativity.

THE METHODS TO MY MADNESS: DEVICES I USED TO WRITE MY MICRONARRATIVES

After reading the anthology of stories in "Micro Fiction," I came away with a few devices that could be useful in the creation of my own micro-narrative. I particularly enjoyed the pieces which contained alot of dialogue, such as "Wrong Channel" and "Worry." The dialogue gave the stories a more personal affect and allowed a greater understanding of the characters through their spoken words. 250 words leaves little room for character development and it was easier to develop a sense of each character based on their dialogue. Also, I found the selections which detailed stories within families to be among the most compelling. Among these are, "A Gentleman's C" and "November." With very few words with which to detail the extent of closeness between two strangers, I felt that the inherent or assumed closeness of a familial relationship allowed room for greater detail in the telling of the story.