Short Story and Flash Fiction contests

General Rules

• All entries must be kidlit (ie have a Main Character who is a child).
• Do not exceed word limits or your entry will be disqualified – word count does NOT include title.
• Flash = 200 words max
• Short Story = 1000 words max
• Please label the word document of your entry with the TITLE of your story – no names in the document either – we want it to be judged anonymously.
• Use a plan font like TNR, with 12′ and double line spacing.
• You may enter multiple stories, but each must be a separate entry.
• You may enter both contests.
• Both contests close at 11.59pm (GMT) on Monday 9th August 2021.
• By entering, you give permission for your story to be featured in our magazine.
• You will then be contacted to give details such as a bio/photo and a few questions for the feature.
• Open internationally. English only please. 16 years +
• Judges decisions are final and they will not be entered into dialogue about those decisions.
• Unfortunately we are unable to give feedback on entries.
• Winners (and 2 runners-up) will be announced on date TBC.

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ENTER HERE

To enter, first read all the rules above and ensure you follow all of them please.

Then pay via the PayPal link below. It is £2 (plus £0.40 transaction fee) for each short story and £1 (plus £0.20) for each flash.

Finally, complete the form(s) below, as applicable.

The first one is for flash fiction: https://forms.gle/wiReujwdfRzt7XtB9

The second form is for the short story: https://forms.gle/ECB98rDE1tDKmeuJ9

Judges

Flash Fiction

Some advice from Sally

I’m very excited to be judging WriteMentor’s flash fiction competition. Here are some some tips on what I’m looking for.

• Firstly, make sure your flash is suitable for middle grade or young adults. The voice and content must be appropriate and, importantly, the protagonist must be of appropriate age.
• Flash fiction does not necessarily have to tell a full story. It could be a scene or snapshot from someone’s life. Whichever you choose, it should be something of significance for the character.
• Have a think about what your character has experienced before this story – how does this give them depth? How does this affect the way they act in your flash?
• Just like novels, accomplished flash also includes a story or character arc – what changes?
• What emotion are you hoping to elicit from the reader? Fear? Sadness? Joy?
• Every word should count in flash. Make sure you show not tell and keep things subtle – the reader should have to do a little work! (Although obviously remember you have a young audience.)
• Spend a long time thinking about your title and last sentence. They carry great importance in flash.
• Check out published flash to get an idea of what works. There seems to be little MG/YA flash out there at the moment (hence this competition!) but you can find great adult flash at Reflex Fiction, Spelk Fiction, Retreat West, TSS Publishing, Virtualzine and many more.

I look forward to reading your entries – good luck!

Sally has also written a great blog post on ‘How to Make Flash Fiction Stand Out’.

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Short Story

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