Writer's Block

Fiction writers struggle with character and plot development at the best of times when story length is not an issue. Imagine trying to develop these basic elements in as few as 25 words — the goal of flash fiction writers. In this issue’s feature, Robbi Hess delves into the not-so-new, but increasingly popular realm of flash fiction to tell readers what it is, and how and why we should practise it.

Could you be the next Origins Guy? Read on to learn how you can become author of WB’s most popular column.

	Fitting a Story on the Head of a Pin Flash fiction purists contend the art of the story lies in its brevity — the shorter the better. What flash fiction vignettes lack in length, they more than make up for in content. Robbi Hess highlights the keys to writing effective flash fiction and encourages all writers to practise it.
	Online Vs. Hard-Copy Marketing Material Both Have a Place In the world of promotional materials, hard-copy brochures and corporate web sites co-exist because they are intended to fulfill distinct, non-competing objectives.
	The Art of Nonfiction: A Guide for Writers and Readers Terry Walbert reviews Ayn Rand’s transcribed lectures on writing non-fiction. What he uncovers are a few new pieces of advice for non-fiction writers.
	Poems by J. E. Knowles and Don J. Reardon