Contemporary Chinese Short Stories by Renowned Authors A Self-Selected Collection by A Cheng

Author: A Cheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: According to contemporary theories of flash fiction, the standard for categorizing "flash fiction" is primarily the word count. I believe that there is no fundamental difference between outstanding flash fiction and short stories, as some key characteristics of short stories are also evident in flash fiction. In the excellent flash fiction works of the late 20th century New Period, we can see that they share the following qualities with short stories:
1. Spirit: Due to the indulgence of the secular world and the temptation of money, the resistance to inertia in the writing of flash fiction has become particularly precious in the present era.
2. Expression: Flash fiction should also possess the ability to transcend history and reality. From it, we can sense the emotions it expresses about society and the nation, the silent emotions of various social strata, and the complexity of real life, which is condensed from memories of the past and aspirations for the future.
3. Space: As a form of linguistic architecture, the novel shares similarities with the use of "nothingness" and "presence" in architecture.
4. Language: We know that a good novel should have a certain flavor, or in other words, a distinct aroma.
5. Creativity: If a writer's work lacks creativity, it is because their inner world is not truly free.
These are all potential criteria for evaluating the selected authors in this series. Of course, we cannot rely solely on any one of these to judge, as these standards are interwoven in the words of the novelists. True novelists regard their works as their lives, and every manifestation of life is unique and irreplaceable. If we want to experience the qualities of these novels, we can only immerse ourselves in their works to contemplate, seek, and discover. Writing and reading are conspirators—they share a common fate and are inseparable. Reading is a conversation; if it is a conversation, then we must face the wisdom of others. Reading is also a form of listening; if it is listening, then we must face the voice of the heart. Reading is equally a journey of life; if it is a journey, then we must embark on it together.
For us, writing and reading are an eternal reality that can never be fully completed. We are always in a process of creation and discovery, in a state of the unknown. The meaning of writing and reading is no longer merely "life" but a process of entering the spiritual world through writing and reading.