fast flash challenge

 

judged by fractured lit editors

Round B Closes on December 1, 2022

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We're challenging writers to create 300 word story(s) in 2 weeks or less! You're invited to submit to the Fast Flash Challenge!

This challenge is going to be a bit different: we'll have two Rounds, and you can submit to both.

 

Round B from November 15 to December 1, 2022.

Each round will have it's own prompt, and after both are complete, we'll select the top 20 writers from each to enter the Finals (no additional fee). In the Finals, you'll receive a brand new prompt and have another two weeks to write your best new story.

It is not required to submit to both Rounds! Once you've submitted to Round A, you'll have the same chances as anyone who submits to Round B. Each will have their own reading fee as well, and you are welcome to submit to both to double your chances to earn a spot in the Finals.

We're excited to offer the winner of this prize $2000 and publication of both stories, while the 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive $300 and $200 each and publication of their stories. All entries will be considered for publication. The winning stories will be chosen from the final round.

 

Round B Prompt

For this challenge, we want stories based on the theme of "Hauntings". We want writers to tell us stories of characters who can't let go, who reach into the depths of themselves and the world around them. Show us metaphorical ghosts and illusions, show us desires gone wrong, relationships splintered but never forgotten. Consider new ways of putting your characters into situations where they fight with the past, where secrets are revealed, and hearts are turned cold. The stories don't have to include ghosts or the word haunting!

 

How it works

  1. You write some micro stories! 300 words or fewer for each story, and make sure it utilizes the prompt above. Every submission should be written and original within this 2 week window.
  2. You send us your stories! Each submission into the challenge of 3 stories or less has a $20 reading fee. Make sure to put all the stories into a single document. Double-space your submission and use Times New Roman 12 pt font, in English only please. Every story will be considered for publication in our regular issue as well.
  3. In January, the Finals Round begins! We'll announce 40 finalists and will give them a new unique prompt and a new 2 week window to submit 3 more 300 word stories. (No new fee required.)
  4. In February 2023, we'll announce the resulting winners from the new stories! $2,000 to the winner with the best 300 word story, and $300 and $200 to second and third place, and all three will have their selected stories published on Fractured Lit.

 

What we're looking for

Using the prompt above please remember that we're searching for flash that investigates the mysteries of being human, the sorrow, and the joy of connecting to the diverse population around us. We want something new. Something that scares as much as it resonates; stories that help us discover the roots of desire and conflict, that shimmer on the page, that keep us reading, and wondering long after the last period on the page. Transport us from the here and now to a new land of discovery, a new way of being terrified, a new way of embracing all of the ways we show our humanness. Fractured Lit is a flash fiction–centered place for all writers of any background and experience.

 

Best,

Tommy and the Fractured Team

guidelines

      • Your $20 reading fee allows up to three stories of 300 words or fewer each per entry—if submitting three stories, please put them both in a SINGLE document
      • We allow multiple submissions—each set of three flash stories should have a separate submission accompanied by a reading fee
      • Flash/Micro Fiction only—300 word count maximum
      • Simultaneous submissions are okay—please notify us and withdraw your entry if you find another home for your writing
      • All entries will also be considered for publication in Fractured Lit
      • Double-space your submission and use Times New Roman 12 pt font
      • Please include a brief cover letter with your publication history (if applicable)
      • We only read work in English
      • We do not read blind.
      • Some Submittable hot tips: - Please be sure to whitelist/add to contacts so notifications do not get filtered as spam/junk: notifications@email.submittable.com- If you realize you sent the wrong version of your piece: it happens. Please DO NOT withdraw the piece and resubmit. Submittable collects a non-refundable fee each time. Please DO message us from within the submission to request that we open the entry for editing, which will allow you to fix everything from typos in your cover letter to uploading a new draft. The only time we will not allow a change is if the piece is already under review by a reader.