When I think of the word flash, I think of a bright light that sparkles for a brief moment of time. When I think of the world of nonfiction, I think of biographies, almanacs, journals, diaries, documentaries, and scientific articles. If I put these two words together, I immediately think that flash nonfiction is a type of short nonfiction, but what exactly is flash nonfiction? What constitutes flash nonfiction? Where and how did it originate? How does it compare to other types of nonfiction? And where can I find more? After reading the Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Nonfiction: Essential Advice and Exercises from Respected Writers, Editors, and Educators, edited by Dinty W. Moore, you can address those lingering questions surrounding flash nonfiction. Define the defining characteristics of flash nonfictionDefining flash nonfiction can be very difficult because “literary writing is an art form, and no definition will ever successfully define the artistic production or product” (Moore XXIII). Therefore, to identify flash nonfiction it is necessary to highlight its distinctive characteristics. “Some components are very unique – for example, extreme conciseness – while others – voice, point of view, structure – are familiar to other forms of literary nonfiction but often work differently” (Moore XXIV). The brevity of flash nonfiction is a characteristic of flash nonfiction, but that doesn't necessarily mean it distinguishes it from others. The way a writer uses his brevity within the story is. Since it is short, the writer must enlighten the reader and make him feel. Therefore, word choice is so important in flash nonfiction because you have such a small number... in the center of the paper.... Ed. Dinty W. Moore. Brookline: Rose Metal Press, 2012. 82-85. Print.Silverman, Sue Wiliam. “Writing Through Innocence and Experience: Voices in Flash Fiction.” Rose Metal Press's practical guide to writing nonfiction in Flash: essential tips and exercises from respected writers, editors, and teachers. Ed. Dinty W. Moore. Brookline: Rose Metal Press, 2012. 70-75. Print.Sinor, Jennifer. “Voice Creation.” Rose Metal Press's practical guide to writing nonfiction in Flash: essential tips and exercises from respected writers, editors, and teachers. Ed. Dinty W. Moore. Brookline: Rose Metal Press, 2012. 57-63. Print.Sukrungruang, Ira. "Bye bye, me and bye, you." Rose Metal Press's practical guide to writing nonfiction in Flash: essential tips and exercises from respected writers, editors, and teachers. Ed. Dinty W. Moore. Brookline: Rose Metal Press, 2012. 93-99. Press.