You can find lots of definitions for Flash Fiction. For Writer Advice, www.writeradvice.com, it is a story of 750-words or less that has a protagonist, a conflict, a setting, excellent use of language, and an ending that we didn’t predict when we read the first line. Although it may be based on an actual event, it is not memoir. It may be historical or futuristic as well as contemporary.
We enjoy stories with a discovery, complex characters, lovely language, and a tone that rings true. Some of the best flash fiction has a plausible ending that we never saw coming.
While there is no formula for success, a protagonist we care about, a distinctive voice, and a clear impact on the reader all matter. Setting helps. So do conflict and resolution. Less is more.
If the story feels squeezed at 750-words, don’t force it. There are plenty of journals where you can send your longer pieces.
We enjoy stories with a discovery, a surprise, and a tone that rings true.
Finalists receive responses from all judges. Everyone receives a detailed response from award-winning author B. Lynn Goodwin.
DEADLINE: Using the Submittable Link on the Current Contest page, submit to the WriterAdvice Flash Memoir Contest by June 2, 2020 at 9 PM Pacific Time. Early submissions strongly encouraged. The submissions open on March 31, 2020.
JUDGES: will be selected from previous prizewinners. They’ve been through the process and they know what works and what doesn’t.
PRIZES: First Place earns $150; Second Place earns $75; Third Place earns $40; Honorable Mentions will also be listed.
FOR BEST RESULTS go to www.writeradvice.com, click on Current Contest, and read all the fine print below "For Best Results."
We want to share your stories about your publishing journey and your writing life here. Write to entertain, to enlighten, and to advise (but not preach). Write to share your gratitude, amazement, and disbelief.
Share the good, the bad, and the silly, but don’t share them all in one submission. Think of a blog post or a short-short story. No epics.
No fiction here. These are real-life stories ranging from 250 to 750 words. Less is more. Make your point clearly and move on.
Who knows what your experience might inspire?
New submissions will be added quarterly. Send through Submittable, <!-- Link to the Writer Advice submission manager. --->
<a target = _blank href="https://writeradvice.submittable.com/submit"><img src="//manager.submittable.com/Public/Images/submittable-submit-button.png" alt="submit" border="0" /></a>
$6 submission fee covers our time, possible editing, and the
decision-making process.
You get a credit for your resume plus a brief bio and the satisfaction of sharing your experience Sorry that we do not have the income to pay you at this time.