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Not Nice and Other Understatements: A Journal of Flash Fiction
Flash fiction is a literary form dating back centuries. It is a demanding and challenging form -- to write a complete story in less than 1,500 words and often much less to craft a story easy to read and delivering the enjoyment of a novel. In this collection, you will be taken on a wild ride...from the specter of domestic abuse in the title story to a fantasy world where a garbanzo bean can totally transform a life. If you've never read flash, this is a great introduction into a new world of fiction.
This is an updated, second edition with an introduction by best-selling author Patti Larsen and new musical interludes.
"Ms. Ribken combines meticulous form with imaginative story-telling. Her work should be studied for anyone who wishes to write great short stories." ~Eden Baylee, author of "Strangers at Sunset".
"Flash fiction is hard to write. The brief format requires so few words to do so much. And many short-shorts I've read fail by seeming too ordinary. Most of this author's stories hit you in some sensitive place, leaving you wounded and unsure how to protect yourself from the next blow. As you begin to expect, that blow will hurt you in some new place. You finish the collection feeling beaten, satisfied, and somehow ashamed for having spent your time there. And you are amazed that someone had the experience to know such pain and the sensitivity to make you feel it with her.
"Each story hurts. And leaves its mark." ~John M. Ford
The stories in "Not Nice and Other Understatements" are perfect for the fiction fan and will take you places you've never been. Be prepared for a reading experience like no other.
This is an updated, second edition with an introduction by best-selling author Patti Larsen and new musical interludes.
"Ms. Ribken combines meticulous form with imaginative story-telling. Her work should be studied for anyone who wishes to write great short stories." ~Eden Baylee, author of "Strangers at Sunset".
"Flash fiction is hard to write. The brief format requires so few words to do so much. And many short-shorts I've read fail by seeming too ordinary. Most of this author's stories hit you in some sensitive place, leaving you wounded and unsure how to protect yourself from the next blow. As you begin to expect, that blow will hurt you in some new place. You finish the collection feeling beaten, satisfied, and somehow ashamed for having spent your time there. And you are amazed that someone had the experience to know such pain and the sensitivity to make you feel it with her.
"Each story hurts. And leaves its mark." ~John M. Ford
The stories in "Not Nice and Other Understatements" are perfect for the fiction fan and will take you places you've never been. Be prepared for a reading experience like no other.
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First published December 14, 2010
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About the author
Annetta Ribken
20 books36 followersAnnetta has been writing since words were carved on stone tablets with chisels. Not only does she write her own words, Annetta is also an accomplished editor. She lives just outside of St. Louis with her evil feline overlord, a rescued shelter cat named Athena.
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October 21, 2014
I'm a reader and lover of short stories, and I consider Annetta Ribken as the "Queen of Flash" because she simply writes it better than anyone I know.
Starting with the title story, "Not Nice," she sets the tone for a cast of characters who will keep you riveted. "Women Like You" had my blood boiling, and "The Blood is Not Enough" was a most unusual love story -- sensual and tragic at the same time.
There were so many great pieces, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be "The Rose," a beautiful story that moves at a perfect pace to reveal a heartbreaking truth. I found myself in tears.
Ms. Ribken combines meticulous form with imaginative story-telling. Her work should be studied for anyone who wishes to write great short stories.
Starting with the title story, "Not Nice," she sets the tone for a cast of characters who will keep you riveted. "Women Like You" had my blood boiling, and "The Blood is Not Enough" was a most unusual love story -- sensual and tragic at the same time.
There were so many great pieces, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be "The Rose," a beautiful story that moves at a perfect pace to reveal a heartbreaking truth. I found myself in tears.
Ms. Ribken combines meticulous form with imaginative story-telling. Her work should be studied for anyone who wishes to write great short stories.
Displaying 1 of 1 review