The Reader as Co-Author: Reading and Writing “Bedtime Story” by Jeffrey Whitmore

Abstract

Flash fiction arguably requires more involvement on the part of the reader than other literary genres. In fact, because of its brevity, a flash story can only be developed (not necessarily completed) by the reader who thus becomes co-author of the text. In flash fiction there is very little room for the elaboration of plot and characters and yet a successful narrative, through a careful selection of words, can offer all the elements that readers need to write a larger story. This is what Jeffrey Whitmore achieves in his memorable flash “Bedtime Story”.