Hello everyone,
I’m creating this blog post in quick succession to the last one since I was eager to have another writing contest.
Instead of a short story this time, I’m going to challenge you with a flash fiction contest. You’ll choose a prompt from the ones I’ll post below and create a short, but powerful story.
Even though the story will be shorter, it can be a bit more difficult than a short story since it has to pack a punch and come to a satisfying conclusion quickly.
I’m setting the deadline for the story Sunday, May 3, Midnight EST
Before I post the prompts from which you can choose, I found some information online I thought you’d find helpful if you haven’t written flash fiction before. So, without further ado….
A-B-C-D-E Flash Fiction Plot Structure
A. Action- Start with it! Start with something happening to draw the reader into the story.
B. Backstory- Provide context for readers to understand how the characters came to the current situation.
C. Conflict- The characters must want something they don’t have and work to achieve it.
D. Development/Denouement- Keep giving the characters something more difficult to overcome until they reach the climax.
E. Epiphany or Examination- What happens after they reach their goal? Tie up loose ends.
So, that’s an easy plot outline to follow to make sure you include all the elements in your story.
TYPE YOUR STORY IN A WORD DOCUMENT OR PDF, 12 PT. DOUBLE SPACED. INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND THE CHOSEN PROMPT AT THE TOP OF THE STORY.
500-1,000 words
Choose One of the Prompts Below
- General fiction- While painting a portrait of what was thought to be a fictional subject, an artist has a revealing flashback about their childhood that uncovers some forgotten memories.
- Action- It’s Mary’s first night as a babysitter and she’d only an hour in when she hears a window shatter and the alarm go off. Too bad the house is deep in the forest without neighbors.
- Romance- A double date between two college-aged couples goes a little too well when best friends Lisa and Jasmine realize they prefer each other’s new boyfriend’s over their current boyfriends.
- Fantasy- When a girl brings back a lizard to the house to keep as a house pet, her family is surprised by how quickly it grows and forces her to send it back into the wilderness. However, she has formed a bond with what turns out to be one of the world’s last dragons.
Alright everyone, I’m hoping to have a better turnout this time, so I hope you enter. Flash fiction can greatly improve writing skills. Have fun and I look forward to reading your stories.
Happy Writing! Gina
