Micro Fiction: Writing 100-Word Stories (Drabbles) for Magazines and Contests

Prize-winning author and instructor Michael A. Kechula delivers tips and techniques to writing for one of the fastest-growing segments of the fiction market... the 100-word micro fiction or 'Drabble.' In this self-study guide, Kechula starts with how to come up with a story idea, describes how to introduce depth and the killing twist, and then goes into detail on delivering the best story possible.

Kechula involves the reader from the start with dozens of questions, opportunities to get started writing, exercises, and examples of what works and what doesn't. For me, Kechula's detailed analysis of one of his own prize-winning stories, starting from the original inspiration, detailing how to make every word count, and how to end with a punch was among the most valuable parts of the book.

Micro Fiction is intended to help writers write ultra-short (100 word) stories and is certainly optimized for this group. Although a few of Kechula's suggestions apply less in writing longer works, virtually all authors will find plenty of useful tips, whether writing a 100 word drabble or the next great American novel.