Editorial: Issue 100
This January, Flash Fiction Online is celebrating its 100th issue!
Fifteen years and 100 issues are two outstanding achievements in the ephemeral world of digital publishing. The ingredients for our longevity? Outstanding stories distilled to their critical essence by authors from all over the globe, an international team of dedicated volunteers, and our amazing publisher, Anna Yeatts, who doesn’t get enough recognition for keeping Flash Fiction Online up and running. Anna’s commitment and support since becoming publisher in 2013 means everyone can read any (or all) of the approximately 700 flash stories in our archives.
To mark our 100th issue, outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Wendy Nikel, organised an impressive retrospective celebration and a subscription drive including over two dozen interviews with FFO authors and a video series of author readings. Those are available by becoming either a Super Subscriber or a Patron of Flash Fiction Online.
Since we’re talking numbers, in 2021, Wendy Nikel selected and published 48 stories—33 originals and 15 reprints. Twenty-three were authors new to FFO and 4 were authors making their first professional sale. Those excellent stories plus bonus interviews with the authors are available in the Flash Fiction Online 2021 Anthology, available to purchase here.
Speaking of which, we’ve got something else to celebrate. FFO has achieved Semiprozine status. The skill to compress a complete plot and resolved arc in under 1000 words is one thing; including coherent worldbuilding such as an invented biology, alternate universes, ancient, far, or near future scenarios takes those skills to another level! Just a little hint for the next round of Hugo and Nebula nominations.
How did I become Editor-in-Chief? Well, my passion for flash started with FFO where I devoured story after story, amazed that so much can be said in so few words. Linguistic compression appealed to my introvert nature and to my plodding pace as a writer. I decided “short” equalled “fast.”
Yep.
Years later, Anna invited me to read slush. I’d read for other flash fiction magazines, but it was at FFO that I became addicted to discovering stories in the slush queue, editing them (sometimes), and finally seeing them reach publication—the excitement is there every single time. I adore figuring out how stories work, and I love engaging with the brave authors who write and submit. Finally, I have the best job ever!
Enough about me, here are the stories.
We’ll start with Carol Scheina’s “The Hundred Hidden Kisses.” How’s that for a romantic title? This is a poignant account of the deep bond between a wife and husband that survives the unthinkable. To find out what that is you’ll have to read the story. (Available January 7)
Next up, Beth Cato returns to FFO with “The Recipe Keeper.” In this tension-filled story, the forbidden is a way to connect with others and to remember. (Available January 14)
The first day at a new job most of us are thinking about how to navigate the workplace without spilling their coffee or offending anyone. But what happens when history and reality intertwine, and how do you cope? Wen-yi Lee’s “The Lighthouse Keepers Guide to Pulau Belakang Mati,” is probably the most unexpected and unforgettable first day you’ll ever read. (Available January 21)
Our reprint is “Hundreds” by Mari Ness. If you’ve wondered what happened to all the princes who visited Sleeping Beauty, read this beautifully written story. (Available January 28)
Thanks for reading and listening! Thanks for showing us what is possible through your ongoing support.
Emma Munro
Editor-in-Chief; Flash Fiction Online