Not Nice and Other Understatements-A Journal of Flash Fiction

by Annetta Ribken

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.

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 14, 2010

About the author

Annetta 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.

Reviews

[Eden Baylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.