It may be a coincidence, but since the launching of Vestal Review in March of 2000, flash fiction has become more acceptable by both mainstream publications and the readership. I can count 50 or more great magazines that eagerly accept flash fiction for publication and this number is growing. Likewise, 51,000 visitors to the Vestal Review Web site can not be wrong.

One illustration of this is the selection of Bruce Taylor's story Exercise from issue 7 into e2anthology , the Pushcart of the e-zine world.

Unlike the appeal of flesh, the appeal of flash is cerebral, but a good flash story stills sends shivers down your spine and makes you desire more.

We are pleased to present to you these six outstanding stories. Read them. Enjoy them. Then read them again.

Copyright © 2002 Mark Budman

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