Some excellent points here, Margery. I wrote my first flash fiction piece a few weeks ago. I’m waiting to hear back from a publisher. I think it’s a terrific confidence builder for people who want to write fiction but are afraid they don’t have what it takes. You don’t need to invest much time to find out, either! Whether my story gets picked up by a publisher or not, I’m delighted with the results and encouraged to do more. I may get to a novel eventually. When I do, I am convinced it will be better due to my flash fiction experience.