I learned flash fiction through Janet Reid’s contests. Placed in many, earned some finals, even won a few.

They taught me the importance of every sentence, every word. Remember Vonnegut: Every sentence must advance the action or reveal character. With 100 words, that rule sticks.

Note, Janet was not my agent. That honor (or curse, depending) belongs to Lori Galvin at ACM.

Janet died April 14, 2024. So many will miss her. Over upcoming weeks, I’ll spotlight flash fiction I wrote where Janet found reason, stretching sometimes, to bestow kind words upon me.

RIP, Sharky. You’re one of a kind.