LAG-ENG128: LITERATURE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
WEEK 3
LECTURE NOTE
By
Charles Terseer Akwen
B.A; M.A; M.B.A; LL.B; B.L; Ph.D.,
Department of English,
University of Lagos,
Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Introduction to Flash Fiction and Micro-Poetry
This week begins with an exploration of flash fiction and micro-poetry—literary forms that
embrace brevity without sacrificing depth. Flash fiction typically refers to very short
stories, often under 1,000 words, that aim to deliver complete narratives with compelling
characters, tension, and resolution in a compressed space. Similarly, micro-poetry distills
emotion, imagery, and meaning into just a few lines or even a single sentence. Both forms
have become increasingly popular in the digital age, where attention spans are short, and
the demand for quick yet powerful storytelling is high. We will examine the characteristics
that define these genres and analyze how writers create emotional resonance and literary
impact within tight word constraints.
Creative Expression in 280 Characters or Less
The rise of social media platforms like Twitter has fundamentally changed how writers
engage with audiences and express creativity, introducing both new challenges and exciting
opportunities. With its strict 280-character limit, Twitter demands that every word serve a
purpose—leaving no room for filler or excess. Writers must become acutely aware of
diction, syntax, and rhythm, often relying on implication and subtext to communicate
deeper meaning. This forced brevity doesn't stifle creativity; rather, it acts as a crucible,
sharpening the writer’s focus and encouraging linguistic innovation. In this environment, a
well-placed line break, a single emotive word, or a clever turn of phrase can carry profound
weight.
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The platform's public and immediate nature also shifts the traditional writer-reader
dynamic. Unlike print or even blogs, Twitter fosters real-time feedback, allowing writers
to interact directly with audiences, test out ideas, and adapt their voice based on
engagement. Viral Twitter fiction and poetry—such as sudden narrative threads,
micropoems, or tweet-sized short stories—demonstrate how tone, pacing, and structure
must be recalibrated for a scrolling audience. Hashtags, emojis, and even intentional
silences (gaps between tweets) become part of the narrative toolkit.
Platform Constraints and Literary Creativity
Constraints often fuel innovation, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of
online micro-literature. Platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr present unique
limitations—be it character count, image-first layouts, or the fast-paced nature of
scrolling—that challenge writers to adapt their craft in inventive ways. These digital
boundaries are not just technical limitations; they actively shape the kinds of stories that
can be told and how those stories are received. Writers must consider not only what to say,
but how best to say it within the constraints of space, speed, and visual engagement.
For instance, on Twitter, the 280-character limit forces writers to be surgical with their
language, often relying on suggestion, ambiguity, or wit to imply more than is said. On
Instagram, writers might pair minimalist poetry with curated visuals, playing with font size,
layout, or color to evoke tone or emotion. Tumblr’s reblog and tagging culture encourages
experimental narratives that unfold non-linearly or evolve through reader interaction. Even
emojis, hashtags, and line breaks become functional literary devices—used not only to set
tone or pace, but to add nuance, irony, or rhythm to a piece.
Blogs as New-Age Narrative Platforms
In the digital era, blogs have emerged as powerful and accessible storytelling tools, offering
writers a dynamic platform to share personal narratives, fictional stories, essays, reviews,
and reflections in real-time. Unlike traditional print media, blogs remove the barriers
between author and audience, fostering a more immediate, interactive, and often intimate
connection. Writers are no longer dependent on publishers or gatekeepers; instead, they can
self-publish content, build communities, and develop distinctive literary voices that evolve
alongside their readership. Blogs also allow for the integration of multimedia elements such
as images, embedded videos, hyperlinks, podcasts, and reader comments, which enrich the
storytelling experience and make it more immersive and multidimensional.
This week, we will explore blogs not just as online journals, but as modern-day diaries,
opinion columns, cultural commentary spaces, and even serialized fiction hubs. We'll
examine how bloggers construct compelling narratives that balance personal authenticity
with audience appeal. Special focus will be placed on how successful bloggers curate their
tone, tailor content for niche or broad audiences, and establish recognizable online personas
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that often become inseparable from their writing style. The element of consistency—both
in voice and posting schedule—will also be explored, alongside the ethical considerations
that arise when writing publicly about private lives, communities, or sensitive topics.
Attention will be given to the wide-ranging genres within the blogosphere. From the deeply
personal reflections found in mental health and motherhood blogs, to the vivid, sensory-
rich entries of travel writers and food bloggers, to the politically charged essays of activist
writers and the serialized stories of digital fiction creators, blogs offer a rich canvas for
literary experimentation. Students will engage with blog excerpts, analyze structure and
voice, and consider the ways in which digital formatting influences reading habits.
Ultimately, this segment aims to help students understand the narrative potential of
blogging and how to craft compelling, authentic stories within this ever-evolving digital
medium.
Episodic Storytelling and Digital Serialization
Digital serialization—the practice of releasing stories in installments online—has
revolutionized not only how narratives are consumed, but also how they are conceptualized
and written. In an age of mobile browsing, short attention spans, and on-demand content,
readers are increasingly drawn to bite-sized storytelling that fits seamlessly into their daily
routines. Writers have embraced this shift, turning to web serials, fan fiction platforms like
Wattpad and Archive of Our Own, episodic blog entries, and email newsletters to publish
stories gradually, chapter by chapter. This episodic approach offers the writer flexibility
while fostering a sense of anticipation and community among readers who return regularly
for new content.
Though rooted in literary traditions such as the serialized novels of Charles Dickens or the
cliffhanger-driven radio dramas of the early 20th century, digital serialization adapts these
practices to the rhythm and interactivity of the internet. Stories released in installments
online often build suspense deliberately, using cliffhangers and narrative pacing as key
tools to retain reader interest. The structure must be tight enough to keep each episode
engaging on its own, yet loose enough to allow for organic development and, in some cases,
real-time feedback from the audience. Platforms often include comment sections, likes, and
reader-driven prompts, allowing for a collaborative atmosphere where audiences feel part
of the unfolding process.
Instagram Stories and TikTok Literature
Visual and short-form platforms like Instagram and TikTok have birthed entirely new
modes of storytelling, transforming the way literature is created, consumed, and shared in
the digital age. Unlike traditional text-based formats, these platforms thrive on brevity,
interactivity, and visual impact—requiring writers to reimagine narrative through a
multimedia lens. Instagram Stories, with their ephemeral 24-hour lifespan, invite creators
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to build micro-narratives using a blend of images, short text, emojis, stickers, and
interactive features such as polls and questions. These tools allow for dynamic storytelling
where the audience plays a participatory role, helping to shape or respond to the content as
it unfolds.
Similarly, TikTok has redefined literary expression by merging performance, audio, and
visuals into digestible short videos. TikTok literature encompasses everything from
spoken-word poetry and micro-essays to dramatized excerpts of novels, flash fiction
challenges, and aesthetic storytelling trends. Creators often rely on transitions, background
music, captions, filters, and popular sounds to enhance mood, build suspense, or convey
tone in a way that goes beyond the written word. The platform’s algorithm also plays a
powerful role in shaping content visibility, meaning that storytelling is often tailored for
maximum engagement, relatability, and virality.
Case Studies: Selected Online Essays and BellaNaija Features
To ground our discussions in real-world examples, we will analyze selected online essays
and features from prominent platforms like Teambuktu—a Nigerian lifestyle and
entertainment website known for its compelling personal essays, real-life stories, and
serialized content. These case studies will highlight the narrative techniques used to
captivate readers in online formats, from the use of compelling headlines and
conversational tone to structural techniques and emotional resonance. We will also look at
how cultural context shapes digital storytelling and how platforms like Teambooktu bridge
journalism, creative writing, and community engagement. Students will be encouraged to
reflect on how these stories blend form and function to achieve impact.
Workshop: Write and Critique Flash Fiction for Twitter
To put theory into practice, students will participate in a hands-on workshop focused on
creating flash fiction and micro-poetry specifically for Twitter. Each student will write at
least one piece of micro-literature that fits within the 280-character limit. These works will
be shared in class (or via a course hashtag if conducted online) and peer-reviewed using a
structured critique model that emphasizes constructive feedback. We will focus on
elements such as clarity, emotional impact, originality, and effective use of language. This
workshop will not only sharpen students' editing skills but also help them understand how
readers engage with digital storytelling in real-time, public-facing environments.
