FLASH FORWARD WITH FLASH FICTION

Hello!

It's all about flash fiction this week, as I'm thrilled to share that I was recently listed in two flash competitions. One piece, The Promise of Snow, will be included in a Bath Flash Fiction anthology, due to be published in December. I have posted more about flash fiction  - what it is, why writing flash is like completing a jigsaw puzzle - over on my blog.

Flash Forward with Flash Fiction...

However, today I plan to share competitions and magazines that invite submissions from flash fiction writers. Some competitions are themed, whilst others are open to most styles and genre, but always check the rules before submitting. Most charge a fee for entering. So whether you are a seasoned flash fiction storyteller, or a newbie like me, or it is a form you wish to try, hopefully at least one of the places listed below will inspire.

Bath Flash Fiction Award

BATH FLASH FICTION AWARD

The Bath Flash Award offers great prizes for flash fiction - £1000 (1st), £300 (2nd), £100 (3rd) and £30 (for two commended writers). Also, those longlisted have the opportunity of seeing their work in print, both online and in an end of year anthology. The competitions sets a 300-word limit and the next round closes on February 7th 2021 - so loads of time to get started on those drafts and have a go!

FLASH 500 COMPETITION

The Flash 500 is a quarterly competition that allows a more generous count of 500 words. The next closing date is a bit closer, on the 31st December, but perhaps entering is a nice excuse to grab some well-earned me-time, away from festivities, to polish that prize-winning piece?

Writer's Forum Magazine

WRITERS' FORUM MAGAZINE

The Writers' Forum magazine runs a monthly flash fiction competition (or short short writing, as they prefer to describe it) with the winner being awarded £100 and published in the next month's magazine. A runner-up is also selected and their piece is printed too. This comp is usually themed and issues a tight deadline, to help stop procrastination. The count expected is between 490 and 510 words. Check out the latest issue for details.

MSLEXIA MAGAZINE

Mslexia magazine runs regular competitions for subscribers. Their latest Flash Challenge is to tell a complete story in 250 words, and the theme is TEMPTATION. Whilst the deadline is 11th January, 2021.

CRANKED ANVIL FLASH FICTION COMPETITION

The Cranked Anvil competition runs quarterly and, if you are quick, you may be able to meet their next deadline of 30th November. Your story should be no more than 500 words in length.

RETREAT WEST THEMED FLASH FICTION PRIZE

Retreat West offers another quarterly themed competition, looking for pieces of up to 500 words. December's theme is BRIDGES, and entries must be with them by 29th December.

GROWTH OF FLASH FICTION

These are only a selection of the places open to flash fiction writers (there are loads more) and I would love if you would share others in the comments. It is a form that is growing in popularity with both readers and writers, and also a fun way to explore potential longer pieces too.

But in the meantime, good luck and happy (flash fiction) writing!

Rae x