As writers, we’re often stuck in the mentality that our work needs to be perfect, needs to be polished, and needs to be profound. But what if I told you that you can write, publish, and repeat – all within a relatively short span? Welcome to the world of fast fiction, where the goal is to create, share, and move on to the next project.
What is Fast Fiction?
Fast fiction is a term used to describe the process of writing, publishing, and producing chapbooks, zines, or other short-form works at an incredible pace. This approach is all about embracing imperfection, experimenting with different formats, and getting your work out into the world ASAP. It’s about momentum, not perfection.
Fast fiction is not meant to compete with the traditional publishing route. Instead, it’s a way to circumvent the long wait times, rejection letters, and editorial changes that often accompany the traditional publishing process. Fast fiction is an opportunity to take creative control, experiment with different styles, and develop your own unique voice.
The Benefits of Fast Fiction
So, what are the benefits of embracing fast fiction? Here are a few:
- Builds momentum: By focusing on quick turnaround times, you’ll be more likely to stay motivated and driven to produce new work.
- Encourages experimentation: Without the pressure of creating a “perfect” manuscript, you’ll feel more freedom to try new styles, genres, and formats.
- Fosters community engagement: By sharing your work quickly, you can build a loyal following and encourage feedback, discussion, and support.
- Develops your skills: The more you write, and adapt to different formats, the more you’ll refine your skills and develop your unique voice.
As the wonderful writer and artist, Austin Kleon, once said:
“Don’t wait until you’re ‘ready.’ You’ll never be ready. The only way to do great work is to love what you do and do it a lot. The more you do, the better you’ll get.”
Fast fiction is all about embracing this mentality and focusing on the process, rather than the end product.
Getting Started with Fast Fiction
So, how do you get started with fast fiction? Here are a few steps to help you on your way:
First, define your project scope. What kind of chapbook or zine do you want to create? What themes, genres, or styles do you want to explore?
Next, set a realistic timeline. Decide how quickly you want to produce and publish your work. Remember, the goal is to create, share, and repeat – so don’t be afraid to set ambitious goals!
Finally, choose the right tools for the job. You might use Vellum for formatting, Canva for cover design, or even opt for a handmade approach with paper, ink, and love. The most important thing is that you choose tools that fit your style and workflow.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, it might be helpful to revisit some of your abandoned manuscripts or projects. Check out our article on Ways to Revive Your Abandoned Manuscript for some inspiration.
When it comes to publishing, you can opt for self-publishing options like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or even explore DIY book formatting options like our article on DIY Book Formatting for Indie Authors.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Fast fiction is all about embracing imperfection and having fun with the process. So, don’t be too hard on yourself, and remember to enjoy the ride!
As you embark on this fast fiction journey, remember that the goal is to create, share, and repeat. Don’t get too caught up in the end product – focus on the process. Focus on the experimentation, the learning, and the growth. And most importantly, have fun!
Happy writing, publishing, and repeating!