A Writing Tip by Alan S. Kolok
NESTED FOLDERS: A PRACTICAL APPROACH FOR IMPULSIVE SUBMITTERS
When I write flash fiction, I get impulsive. I can write a piece in a few hours, then, while it is still fresh and exciting, I want to submit it.
Like, right now.
This, of course, creates problems. I have submitted stories with grammatical and spelling errors and stories that did not meet the publisher’s guidelines. I have submitted stories with sentence fragments that should have been removed, but I was just too damn excited to take the time necessary to fix the problems.
It’s been frustrating to have to constantly fight against my own inner impulsivity.
To counter this, I have adopted a system of desk-top folders on my computer that govern my submissions. For example, my Flash Fiction folder contains six folders. One is for rough ideas and story drafts. The next three are simply named Stage 1, 2, and 3. My rules for using them are simple: after finishing what I consider to be a functional draft, I move it from the Rough Draft folder into the Stage 1 folder. Once I have moved a story into that folder, it cannot progress further for at least 24 hours.
After a day, I read the story again (out loud), make corrections to smooth out the pacing and the flow, then double check the spelling and grammar. Once satisfied, I move the story to the Stage 2 folder, where the same restrictions apply. Twenty-four hours later, I repeat the process and move the story to Stage 3. I keep stories in Stage 3 for a minimum of 24 hours, then read them again. Only after that, do I move them to the Submit folder.
I have been working with this system for a few months, and it has dramatically cleaned up my submissions, virtually eliminating grammatical and spelling errors. It has also increased my publication rate. Furthermore, once a story is in the Submit folder, I know that I can resubmit it to another journal with little fear of unforeseen errors.
Being able to move docs from one bucket to the next creates small victories and helps me keep track of my stories during the self-editing process. It also forces me to give these pieces some space and time to ripen.
Most important is that the system works.
And in case you were wondering, yes, this piece has also gone through the process!
Alan S. Kolok is a professional scientist and writer. He has written two books, Modern Poisons (2016) and Twist (2019) and has a third, Forever Chemicals, scheduled for publication in 2026. His flash fiction focuses on the quirks of the human condition. This summer his work will be featured in Bright Flash Literary Review, After Brunch Journal, and 10×10 Flash, among others. Alan lives with his wife and dog in the great north woods of Idaho.
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