#microficmay2022

[saintlupin]

Draco lost his journal on a Thursday. Harry found it on a Sunday. Read through most of it on a Monday. Paced back and forth all of Tuesday. Finished it on a Wednesday. Debated how to approach Thursday through Friday.

On Saturday, Harry mustered his Gryffindor courage and stood in front of Draco’s panicked eyes, journal raised between them.

“I need to know if you meant what you wrote.”

for @microficmay’s prompt: lost and found

#microficmay2022 #drarry #draco immediately afterwords: yes. unless you don’t feel the same. then. no. #just so we’re clear on that #drarry microfic #drarry fic #drarry fanfic #hp x dm #harco #harry x draco #tzi’s writing

[tenthousandyearsx]

Words: 50 Rating: E Fandom: Harry Potter Relationship: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter Author: tenthousandyears (tumblr | AO3) Challenge: @microficmay Prompt: #31 Why Notes: Thanks to the wonderful @crazybutgood for the beta!

“This is fucked up,” Draco says, and Harry bites down on his thigh.

“Why?”

“Fucking hell, Potter,” Draco whines. Harry adds another finger. “Yesterday, we weren’t even on speaking terms.”

“Mmh.”

“I tried to hex you.”

“Succeeded, too.”

“What the fuck is wrong with – oh, Merlin, right there.”

Harry complies.

— Here on AO3

#microficmay #microficmay2022 #drarry #drarry microfic #drarry fic #drarry fanfic #drarry art #harry x draco #drarry smut #drarry ficlet #drarry drabble #fanfiction #my fics #my wombo art #exactly 50 words #tried something different for the images #last microfic for microficmay! #it's been a ride! #loved every minute of it #:') #(now I can go back to writing longer smut)

[microficmay]

Image by Lindsay Ann Learning 2020

Microfiction: Tips & Tricks

Writing flash fiction may seem like a walk in the park, but it's definitely a lot harder than it looks. Fitting an impactful story into a couple hundred, 100, or even 50 words can be troublesome, frustrating, or just downright inconceivable. Therefore, in honor of Microfic May starting soon (AHHHH), we thought we'd share some useful advice for helping you write the best microfiction possible. Why use more words when few words do trick?

Examples

For sale: baby shoes, never worn. —Ernest Hemingway

He showered her with roses, but never asked her favorite flower.  —Dandelions, Actually by R. Gatwood

“Holes. You were supposed to make holes in them.” —My One Day at the Donut Factory by Bart Van Goethem

Exactly like her mother, who taught her the secrets of the profession, she patches together the cracked axles of their obsolete time machines, and listens to all of their tall tales, and raises her daughter alone in the house on the hill. Maybe a day will come and she’ll say to one of them—maybe the one who doesn’t remember that he already recited a Cummings poem to her, maggie and milly and molly and may went down to the beach to play one day; or maybe the one who always cuts himself more than once while shaving; or maybe to someone else, who still hasn’t arrived at her time—“If time travel were possible, nobody would stay in this time.” —The Woman Who Repaired Time Machines by Alex Epstein

Elements to Focus On

1. Emotion

Pick 1 primary emotion. Readers want to feel something, and with such a limited word count, that can be difficult. It's best for microfiction to just pick 1 emotion and extrapolate from there.

2. Conflict

Start in the middle of the conflict. In microfiction, there isn't time to go into a long back-story with side plots and descriptions galore. Cut right to the chase and start in the middle. Narrow down the conflict as much as possible. Information can always be implied instead of explicitly stated.

3. Character(s)

Limit the number of characters. No more than 2 characters is recommended. Remember, the more characters you have, the more words you need to add to describe them. Speaking of character description, give them a defining attribute (ex: a physical trait, peculiarity in the voice, enigmatic attitude). Make them memorable. If you name your character, keep it short to save on length.

4. Imagery

Use strong imagery. We've all heard the phrase Show Don't Tell, but it is particularly import for microfiction. For such a short story, it's also better to pick 1 or 2 scenes instead of multiple. Use emotion and conflict to set the scene(s). Paint a picture for the reader.

5. POV

Stick to one point of view. We suggest 1st person or 3rd person limited because they stick tightly to the protagonist, the better for conveying emotion or inner thoughts.

6. Title

Utilize your title. Relate it back to the story without giving away the ending. Try thinking up a couple of options on the spot. Usually the first option is not the best option.

7. Hook Ending

Make the last line count. At the end of the day, this is what the reader is left with to remember your story, and you want them to remember. Maybe it's a plot twist. Maybe it's a description of stunning imagery. Just make it resonate. Similarly, if your story is only one sentence long, you can still give the reader something to think about long after they finish reading.

Writing Shorter

1. Start Long

Don't worry about length on the first draft. Get it all out, however many words that may be, then go back and edit edit edit.

2. Adjectives and Adverbs

Be critical of adjectives and adverbs. Do you really need them? Can you replace them with a stronger noun or verb instead? For example, change "she screamed loudly" to "she screamed." Since screaming is already a loud action, we can delete the adverb. Another example, change "he walked angrily" to "he stomped." Find out more about writing with strong verbs HERE.

3. Articles

Cut articles (a, an, and the) from your story. Most of them are unnecessary and don't add anything to the overall plot. If you can find ways to cut them out, you free up a couple of extra words.

4. Filler Words

Similar to articles, consider cutting filler words from your story. Some examples are that, really, very, then, just, and any version of seemed, thought, realized, or felt.

5. Sentence by Sentence

Once you have the main ideas down, go sentence by sentence and see what you can edit. Paying attention to the bigger picture is great and all, but let's be honest. Your story isn't that big, so each sentence is vitally important. Try going line by line to polish it up.

And that's it...

We hope some of these tips and tricks are helpful. Many of them can even be useful when writing longer works of fiction. Because isn't a novel really just a collection of shorter scenes woven together?

If you're interested in trying out those microfiction writing skills, Microfic May is only 5 days away!!! You can view this year's Prompts or check out the Guidelines and FAQ for more info.

And if that's not enough, here are 62 more flash fiction story prompts for inspiration.

Happy writing!

Sources: Flash Fiction: How to Write Mini Short Stories How to Write Micro-Fiction Stories in your pocket: how to write flash fiction 13 Tips for Writing Flash Fiction How to Teach Micro Fiction Like a Pro

← Previous: Fest Announcement | Next: So It Begins! →

#microfiction #writing tips #microficmay #microficmay2022 #mod post

[the-francakes]

@microficmay Day 28: epilogue

Draco closed the book and scoffed loudly. “Pure trash.” 

“What is?” Harry asked, wrapping his arms around his husband’s middle. 

“The ending,” Draco leaned back, still annoyed. “She wrote that you married Weaslette and that I'm balding.”

“Trash,” Harry agreed, kissing Draco’s shoulder. 

“Right?” Draco muttered, “balding? As if.”

#microficmay2022 #drarry #draco malfoy #harry potter #meta

[curlyy-hair-dont-care]

@microficmay Day 7 - Irresistible

The Gryffindor party was in full swing, their win had everyone's spirits soaring. But Oliver seemed distracted.

"Looking for someone, Cap?" George clapped his shoulder.

Just then the portrait swung open and Oliver's jaw hit the ground.

"Look no further," Fred winked as Percy Weasley walked in, several books in hand, dressed in a Gryffindor jersey with WOOD emblazoned on the back.

"You… wore it," he stammered.

Percy's cheeks pinked but he replied haughtily, "Well, I promised I would if you won. And I always keep my prom-"

The rest of his righteous rant was cut off as Oliver pulled him in for a possessive kiss.

#microficmay2022 #perciver #oliver x percy #ri writes #irresistable #did i say clothes sharing is my fav trope #quidditch #clothes sharing #cute

[makeitp1nk]

Irresistible

For @microficmay prompt Irresistible

Drarry | Rated G | No warnings | 200 words

“What in Merlin’s name is that?” Draco asks, picking his jaw off the floor. 

“It’s, uhhh, a convertible?” Harry says, regret written all over his face.

“He’s three years old, Potter! You can’t just get the child a Muggle automobile!” 

“It’s a toy, it’s plastic – see?” Harry says, picking up the contraption with one hand.

“I don’t give,” Draco looks around, sees Scorpius is not about, then continues in hushed tones, “a flying fuck what it’s made of. Have you seen the nursery? If you don’t learn to control yourself, we’ll have so many toys in there that our magic won’t be able to expand the room enough to fit them all!”

“But, but, you weren’t there, Draco! He didn’t throw a tantrum, he was just all sad and he got all teary but said nothing was wrong when I asked him. Then he got all happy when I bought the car…”

“Potter, he’s manipulating you! He knows you’re soft, he’s playing you for toys! Have you forgotten whose child he is???” Draco asks, exasperated.

“Of course I havent!” Harry replies insolently, then he grins and crowds Draco until they’re nose to nose. “I just can’t resist my favourite snakes.”

#microficmay2022 #drarry #draco malfoy #harry potter #scorpius malfoy #good dad draco was spoiled and doesnt want his son to be spoiled #p1nk writes

[professordrarry]

Harry stirred and patted Draco's chest as his fingers stopped tangling in Harry's hair.

"You can keep reading. I'm awake," Harry yawned.

"I could," Draco chuckled. "If I hadn't already finished the book."

"That's the end?"

"Yup."

"But it was so sad!"

"Not every story has a happy ending, Harry."

Draco's face was serious. Harry pushed against Draco's chest until their eyes met again.

"Yes, they do. We just have to add more story."

Draco smiled slowly, leaning back in the chair they shared and pulling Harry close.

"An epilogue," he whispered.

"Our epilogue," Harry corrected.

#draco malfoy #harry potter #microficmay2022 #harry potter microfic

[acnelli]

Masterpost for all my entries for @microficmay 2022! Thanks to the mods of this fest, this was so much fun. I kept them all under or exact at 50 words. That was harder as I thought it would be.

I'm also taking requests which of these fics should turn into a longer story.

If you prefer reading my microfics on AO3, click here.

Ron x Hermione

Ignite | Crisp | Lost & Found | Expectations | Radiant | Fire & Ice | Hesitate | Promise | Epilogue

Ron x Harry

Heartbeat | Survive | Ferocity | Balance | Progress | Hopeful | Wax & Wane

Ron x Draco

Irresistible | Decadent | Secrets | Pain & Pleasure

Ron x Blaise

Black & White | Wander | Train Tracks

Other Pairings

Open the Door (Remadora) | Remember (Perciver) | Sand & Sea (Linny) | Serenity (Flonks) | Why? (Harry x Ron x Hermione)

Gen

Solitude (Andromeda) | Symphony (Bellatrix) | Invincible (Narcissa)

#microficmay2022 #microficmay #romione #romione fanfic #rarry #ronarry #rarry fanfic #dron #weaselferret #dron fanfic #blairon #blairon fanfic #golden triad #remadora #flonks #perciver #linny #black sisters #bellatrix lestrange #andromeda tonks #narcissa malfoy

[oknowkiss]

fic post: jesus, etc

TITLE: JESUS, ETC. Rating: E (masturbation, blowjobs, group sex, spitroasting, cock warming) Wordcount: 1,555 words (posted in 50 word increments over the course of May 2022, following this prompt list + 5 extra words bc what’s counting, anyway) Pairing(s): Drarry, Draco/Charlie, Harry/Charlie, Draco/Harry/Charlie

Tags: Dragons, Norway, Wilderness, Midnight Sun, Religious Cults,  Enemies to Lovers, Alternating POV, Microfics

Summary: A story of Harry and Draco and a month tracking a dragon in the midnight sun of Norway, told in 31 moments. 

Read on AO3 here!

and now, a brief moment for my feelings: it feels a bit greedy to be posting this, because you’ve all been so wonderful all month (like!! more than i ever could have imagined. you beautiful people!!) but i’m doing it anyway. memorializing, as it were. amen, etc.

first: thank you @microficmay​ for putting on such an incredible challenge! what a month! this was my first time writing microfics, and as someone who considers themselves a maximalist, stylistically, this absolutely lived up to its billing as a challenge. i won’t pretend it wasn’t difficult at times, and i won’t pretend there weren’t days where i sat on my couch and glared at google docs, begging fifty to be more words than it is. but i’m (gird your loins) proud of myself for sticking with it. it was in the end a very lovely time. 

if you followed along all may, bless you. you’ll receive many gifts in the afterlife of your choice, all of them from me. if you’re tuning in now, you’ll also be receiving a gift from me, which is my gratitude, or even a kiss.

#my fic #my fic posts #microficmay2022 #drarry microfic #drarry drabble #harry potter #draco malfoy #charlie weasley #drarry #charry #drarlie #harry x draco x charlie #harry x charlie #harry x draco #draco x charlie #harry/draco/charlie #harry/draco #harry/charlie #draco x harry #hp triad

[mkaugust]

James hesitated.  James never hesitated.  James was confidence itself.  He had never experienced this feeling of being so... unsure.  And so, he hesitated.  And Remus definitely noticed.  

Remus didn’t hesitate, not about this.  Remus always hesitated, was always overthinking.  But in the face of James’ hesitance, Remus found confidence.

#microficmay2022 #james potter #remus lupin #moonchaser #hesitate

[fluxweeed]

@microficmay day 7: Irresistible drarry, T, warning for veela allure and implied future misuse thereof, 50 words

As a teenager, I would have revelled in it. But it manifested at twenty-one—now, I shrink away from attention. I hate the compliments, the boasting, the lust.

But then green eyes meet mine and grow dazed. For the first time, I think of my Veela blood, and I smile.

#microficmay2022 #i've literally never written a microfic before this month and y'all they're pretty fun!! #why didn't u tell me!! #my fic

[saintlupin]

"Can I tell you a secret?" Draco says into the night, where his only response comes from a chirping of summer cicadas outside his hostel window. "I think I'm in love with him," he says, eyes stinging. "And, uh, it's eating me alive, I think?" He laughs, pathetic and wet, staring into a darkness voided by wilderness. "But, in what world would he ever want me?" His voice cracks. There’s a tightness in his chest.

@microficmay’s prompt: secret

#microficmay2022 #drarry #drarry fic #drarry microfic #drarry drabble #drarry fanfic #drarry ficlet #hp x dm #harry x draco #harco #dm x hp #draco x harry #harry/draco #draco/harry #cw: angst #tzi’s writing

[tenthousandyearsx]

Words: 50 Rating: E Fandom: Harry Potter Relationship: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter Author: tenthousandyears (tumblr | AO3) Challenge: @microficmay Prompt: #17 Decadent Notes: Thanks to the wonderful @crazybutgood for the beta!

It’s the decadent pose – button-down shirt open, hair ruffled, back arched as Draco leans back in his chair and takes his pleasure from Harry’s mouth – that does it for Harry. 

“D-did you just –?” Draco groans, fingers raking gently through Harry’s hair. 

Harry curls his tongue, still shaking, and Draco comes.

— Here on AO3

#microficmay #microficmay2022 #drarry #drarry microfic #drarry fic #drarry fanfic #drarry art #harry x draco #drarry ficlet #drarry drabble #drarry smut #fanfiction #my fics #exactly 50 words #I've been working on something vaguely plotty and it's been driving me insane #don't know what I was thinking #please have some smut instead #my wombo art

[rei382]

Day 9 -  Ferocity

@microficmay

Pairing: Drarry || Genre: Humour? || Warnings: Sexual theme

*

“Do you think he fucks with as much ferocity as he plays Quidditch?”

“What?”

Draco’s eyes widened and he looked sideways at Pansy. Did he say that out loud? “What?”

“What was that you just said about Potter? Do you want to fuck him?”

No point in denying it. “Yes?”

READ ON AO3

#this one was kicking me in the bum #but I made it! #I'll try the others... #gotta catch up #drarry #microficmay2022

[itsaperiwinkleworldv2]

So, let's begin the thread!

Day 17: Decadent

For: @microficmay

Being a billionaire wasn't mostly difficult. But through the years Blaise has grown impossibly decadent and never really thought about any moral outlook on his deeds anymore.

Whatever Mr. Zabini wanted, Mr. Zabini got. And yet, here he was, courting Ronald Weasley of all people in the manner of a virtuous medieval knight. Wonders never cease.

#hp microfic #microficmay2022 #blaise zabini #blairon #ron weasley #blaise x ron

[curlyy-hair-dont-care]

@microficmay Day 20 - Sand & Sea

They're at Blaise's summer house in Italy. It's a beautiful, cozy place with a private beach, unlike his other, more ostentatious vacation homes. It's Ron's favourite - bright, homey and secluded. Plus it has that comfortable hammock that they're currently lazing in. Ron is asleep on Blaise's chest, slathered in sunscreen lotion and charms. Blaise has one foot on the ground rocking the hammock rhythmically as he peppers Ron's neck and shoulder with sporadic kisses.

#microficmay2022 #ri writes #blairon #blaise x ron #sand and sea #domesticity