The American science fiction writer Fredric Brown (1906 – 1972) used humor and clever plot devices to write his short — often quite brief — short stories. He wrote in a variety of genres, whatever suited his fancy. Apparently he hated writing and sought every plausible distraction before sitting down to his typewriter. One of his short stories, Arena , was adapted into an episode of Star Trek .
“There are no rules. You can write a story, if you wish, with no conflict, no suspense, no beginning, middle or end. Of course, you have to be regarded as a genius to get away with it, and that’s the hardest part — convincing everybody you’re a genius.” — Fredric Brown