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A Flash of Words
From Scout Media comes A Flash of Words--the fifth volume in an ongoing short story anthology series featuring authors from all over the world, but the first in which the stories are exclusively flash-fiction pieces.
In this installation, no limits were set on genre, allowing the authors to lead the reader to destinations unknown; from ghosts on a flight line, to not-so-cuddly poodles, to finding love in the most unexpected of places. Within these moments of retribution and redemption--along with a slightly confused bear--these flash-fiction length stories will warm your heart, send shivers down your spine, and tickle your funny bone.
Whether to be enlightened, entertained, or momentarily immersed in another world, these selections convey the true spirit of flash fiction.
In this installation, no limits were set on genre, allowing the authors to lead the reader to destinations unknown; from ghosts on a flight line, to not-so-cuddly poodles, to finding love in the most unexpected of places. Within these moments of retribution and redemption--along with a slightly confused bear--these flash-fiction length stories will warm your heart, send shivers down your spine, and tickle your funny bone.
Whether to be enlightened, entertained, or momentarily immersed in another world, these selections convey the true spirit of flash fiction.
222 pages, Paperback
Published January 11, 2019
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Taylor
32 books12 followersLibrarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 9, 2020
How do you jam developed characters and a meaningful plot into a 500- or 1000-word story? It seems a daunting task, to say the least, and probably tougher than long fiction.
I am very pleased to report that this was a solid grouping of stories from some pretty talented writers. It’s as if they figured out how to squeeze a half-gallon of ice cream into a pint-sized container.
A Flash of Words is a solid compilation of Flash Fiction stories … short-short stories.
I've decided only to discuss my favorites. In order to reduce the odds of my spoiling such mighty mini tales, I won't elaborate on the content of each. Consider this a Flash Review, I guess. Here goes...
5-Star Shorts
A Family Thing by Eldred Bird
I enjoyed the idea. Cool story.
For The Want of a Name by Dawn Taylor
Good, clean storytelling. Possibly my favorite in the book.
The Queen's Massacre
Funny story. Good idea. Enjoyed it.
Junk by Adam Bennett
I liked the writing.
Goodbye Daddy by Eddie Hartshorn
Man, this might be my favorite. We’ll see. Really liked the plot.
The Chrome Dream by Marlon Hayes
A very nice short.
There’s No Sunshine in Hell by Laurie Gardiner
Well done Ms. Gardiner. Creepy and excellent.
Takin’ Pictures by Susan Gibbons
Cute story.
Sarah Kaminski – First Thanksgiving
Sad, but good.
Acoustics by Sasha Lauren
I really enjoyed this one … simple yet satisfying, and creative.
Livia’s Daddy Comes Home from the War by Jan Maher
Good story! Very endearing characters despite being a short short.
Albatross by Elizabeth Montague
Solid story. Very good.
Like He’s Seen a Ghost by Michelle Perry
Good plot – enjoyed it!
Fatal Application by KA Rieder
Fun story – I wouldn’t mind seeing a longer version.
Stoplight by MR Ward
If I wrote a blurb about this on Amazon, you might think it would turn out to be a hokey story, but it is not. Not at all. Well done!
4-Star Shorts
Superhero for Sale by Marc Hemingway
Interesting and unique storyline.
Flash by Tom Mohler
Good story. Intriguing.
The Interview by Jared Sizemore
Fun story.
Recognition by Erin Skolney
I liked this storyline. Fun and creative.
Parenting for Sex Addicts by Chase Webster
Humor value – wry wit.
Please Don’t Kill Me by Rayona Lovely Wilson
Pretty good.
Honorable Mention
The Surprise by Gena White
Good idea.
I am very pleased to report that this was a solid grouping of stories from some pretty talented writers. It’s as if they figured out how to squeeze a half-gallon of ice cream into a pint-sized container.
A Flash of Words is a solid compilation of Flash Fiction stories … short-short stories.
I've decided only to discuss my favorites. In order to reduce the odds of my spoiling such mighty mini tales, I won't elaborate on the content of each. Consider this a Flash Review, I guess. Here goes...
5-Star Shorts
A Family Thing by Eldred Bird
I enjoyed the idea. Cool story.
For The Want of a Name by Dawn Taylor
Good, clean storytelling. Possibly my favorite in the book.
The Queen's Massacre
Funny story. Good idea. Enjoyed it.
Junk by Adam Bennett
I liked the writing.
Goodbye Daddy by Eddie Hartshorn
Man, this might be my favorite. We’ll see. Really liked the plot.
The Chrome Dream by Marlon Hayes
A very nice short.
There’s No Sunshine in Hell by Laurie Gardiner
Well done Ms. Gardiner. Creepy and excellent.
Takin’ Pictures by Susan Gibbons
Cute story.
Sarah Kaminski – First Thanksgiving
Sad, but good.
Acoustics by Sasha Lauren
I really enjoyed this one … simple yet satisfying, and creative.
Livia’s Daddy Comes Home from the War by Jan Maher
Good story! Very endearing characters despite being a short short.
Albatross by Elizabeth Montague
Solid story. Very good.
Like He’s Seen a Ghost by Michelle Perry
Good plot – enjoyed it!
Fatal Application by KA Rieder
Fun story – I wouldn’t mind seeing a longer version.
Stoplight by MR Ward
If I wrote a blurb about this on Amazon, you might think it would turn out to be a hokey story, but it is not. Not at all. Well done!
4-Star Shorts
Superhero for Sale by Marc Hemingway
Interesting and unique storyline.
Flash by Tom Mohler
Good story. Intriguing.
The Interview by Jared Sizemore
Fun story.
Recognition by Erin Skolney
I liked this storyline. Fun and creative.
Parenting for Sex Addicts by Chase Webster
Humor value – wry wit.
Please Don’t Kill Me by Rayona Lovely Wilson
Pretty good.
Honorable Mention
The Surprise by Gena White
Good idea.
Read
February 2, 2020Book Review: A Flash of Words (an anthology by 49 authors published by Scout Media)
Flash fiction anthologies offer quick tastes of many authors’ works. They afford the opportunity to sample styles and genres while becoming introduced to new, often experimental, approaches to storytelling. A Flash of Words, published by Scout Media in 2019, includes within its 217 pages 49 distinct, brief stories by unique writers from around the globe.
The stories represent several genres, from horror to heart-warming. Please note: Some of the offerings might trigger readers with their mention of rape (not elaborated upon), war, death, violence, and suicide. However, all of the stories will leave an impression.
Since there are so many titles and artists, I’ll mention some of my favorites instead of giving impressions of them all.
“A Family Thing” by Eldred Bird features an imaginative kid, and I found it delightful.
“The White Poodle” by William G. Edwards proves appearances can deceive. Giggle.
“Superhero for Sale” by Marc Hemingway charmed me with its conversational job interview for a would-be super hero.
“Tooth” by Christine King provides a twisted look into a surprising job.
“Ugly Girl” by Jason Pere delved into teen hatred in an intuitive way.
“Albatross” by Elizabeth Montague visceral exploration of war incorporated the senses.
“Cimmerian Shade” by T.C. Morgan had my heart racing as inhuman creatures stalked a family.
“For the Want of a Name” by Dawn Taylor brought a bitter-sweet nostalgia.
“Barely a Story” by William Thatch, told from an unusual perspective, made a mundane danger darkly amusing.
It’s interesting reading short story anthologies, because truly, each new title brings something different. For those short on time (or attention span), or for those enamored of brief dances with literary partners (like at a square dance or Victorian ball, complete with a dance card - haha!), anthologies are perfect. Collections allow diverse tastes to discover new favorite styles, genres, and authors.
Flash fiction anthologies offer quick tastes of many authors’ works. They afford the opportunity to sample styles and genres while becoming introduced to new, often experimental, approaches to storytelling. A Flash of Words, published by Scout Media in 2019, includes within its 217 pages 49 distinct, brief stories by unique writers from around the globe.
The stories represent several genres, from horror to heart-warming. Please note: Some of the offerings might trigger readers with their mention of rape (not elaborated upon), war, death, violence, and suicide. However, all of the stories will leave an impression.
Since there are so many titles and artists, I’ll mention some of my favorites instead of giving impressions of them all.
“A Family Thing” by Eldred Bird features an imaginative kid, and I found it delightful.
“The White Poodle” by William G. Edwards proves appearances can deceive. Giggle.
“Superhero for Sale” by Marc Hemingway charmed me with its conversational job interview for a would-be super hero.
“Tooth” by Christine King provides a twisted look into a surprising job.
“Ugly Girl” by Jason Pere delved into teen hatred in an intuitive way.
“Albatross” by Elizabeth Montague visceral exploration of war incorporated the senses.
“Cimmerian Shade” by T.C. Morgan had my heart racing as inhuman creatures stalked a family.
“For the Want of a Name” by Dawn Taylor brought a bitter-sweet nostalgia.
“Barely a Story” by William Thatch, told from an unusual perspective, made a mundane danger darkly amusing.
It’s interesting reading short story anthologies, because truly, each new title brings something different. For those short on time (or attention span), or for those enamored of brief dances with literary partners (like at a square dance or Victorian ball, complete with a dance card - haha!), anthologies are perfect. Collections allow diverse tastes to discover new favorite styles, genres, and authors.
August 22, 2019
I read a lot of anthologies, and this is the second one by Scout Media I’ve read. This, by far, is one of my favorites. There is a little of something for everyone with all different genres having been included. The stories are shorter (flash fiction-hence the title), which I prefer.
It starts out with a twisted gripper by JM Ames - The Californian (one of my favorite stories), and continues with 48 more stories. There were two very short stories that I found thought provoking: “The Abortion” by R. Roy Lutz, I had to pause for a moment before reading on, and “Ugly Girl” by Jason Pere. “The Queens Massacre” by Mika Spruill was a good read, I really enjoyed the ending, although a tad sad. William Thatch’s story “Barely a Story” had me chuckling. Dawn Taylor’s story “For the Want of a Name” tugs at the heartstrings. Thanks to Chris Rutland’s “A Vile Vermin of Walsh” I will never look at the squirrels in my yard the same again! These are just a few of the many good stories.
Great job Scout Media for putting together a fantastic flash fiction filled anthology!
It starts out with a twisted gripper by JM Ames - The Californian (one of my favorite stories), and continues with 48 more stories. There were two very short stories that I found thought provoking: “The Abortion” by R. Roy Lutz, I had to pause for a moment before reading on, and “Ugly Girl” by Jason Pere. “The Queens Massacre” by Mika Spruill was a good read, I really enjoyed the ending, although a tad sad. William Thatch’s story “Barely a Story” had me chuckling. Dawn Taylor’s story “For the Want of a Name” tugs at the heartstrings. Thanks to Chris Rutland’s “A Vile Vermin of Walsh” I will never look at the squirrels in my yard the same again! These are just a few of the many good stories.
Great job Scout Media for putting together a fantastic flash fiction filled anthology!
November 13, 2025
A fun, surprising, and wonderfully addictive collection
A Flash of Words is one of those anthologies you pick up just to sample and suddenly you’ve read ten stories without even noticing. The flash-fiction format works perfectly here. Every piece is quick, vivid, and packed with emotion or twists.
What I loved most is the variety. One page gives you goosebumps, the next makes you smile, and the next tugs at your heart. From strange encounters and eerie moments to unexpected romance and pure silliness, there’s always something new around the corner.
It’s the kind of book you can read in small bursts or all at once, and either way, it leaves you wanting more. If you enjoy short, punchy stories that take you somewhere different in just a few paragraphs, this collection is definitely worth picking up.
A Flash of Words is one of those anthologies you pick up just to sample and suddenly you’ve read ten stories without even noticing. The flash-fiction format works perfectly here. Every piece is quick, vivid, and packed with emotion or twists.
What I loved most is the variety. One page gives you goosebumps, the next makes you smile, and the next tugs at your heart. From strange encounters and eerie moments to unexpected romance and pure silliness, there’s always something new around the corner.
It’s the kind of book you can read in small bursts or all at once, and either way, it leaves you wanting more. If you enjoy short, punchy stories that take you somewhere different in just a few paragraphs, this collection is definitely worth picking up.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews