 Contests & Activities: July 26, 2017 Issue [#8407] |
  Contests & Activities
This week: Ode to Flash Fiction and Quick Deadlines Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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A Contest & Activities Newsletter by Dawn
Flash fiction contests are a fun challenge and this newsletter explores some of the ones available on the site. |
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There are many different contests and activities on this site. Variety is fun and sometimes we just need something quick to get writing. While I'm more of a novel type of writer, even I can appreciate the quick read and challenge that is presented by flash fiction contests.
Quick Deadlines
One thing that is a bonus and the occasional challenge with the length of flash fiction is it gives the chance to do a shorter deadline often times with contests on WDC. While there are some that allow the smaller length stories that also have long deadlines, often time you will find that a quick length will also have a shorter deadline for entries. It's easier and more feasible when wanting to do quick to limit the word count to also give a little time for re-reads and edits before time runs out (or just to even get the draft done at all). So, most of the consistent contests for flash fiction are either week long or even single day types of deadlines.
Micro versus Flash
What is the difference between micro and flash really? For the most part it's going to be a general expectation on the number of words used. While the exact numbers can vary a little depending on the location (who is making the rules) there is often a view that flash fiction is under 1000 words. It is a general word count though and will vary. Micro fiction tends to be a mere few hundred word max and some will call it flash fiction still. Some micro can even be less than 100 words. Just make sure you know what the contest expects and what works best with story/prompt/etc. Will admit that it can be hard to compete with 200 words when more entries are closer to 1000 considering what the extra words can offer.
Story Needs
What does a flash fiction story need aside from the specified word count? Pretty much what most stories need to have as readers will have similar expectations. While there are some limits as to how much you can put within shorter counts, readers do look for the typical things like: characters, conflict, resolution and more. However, the thing with flash is that you have to limit some of those elements. Five point of view characters with changing during the story depending on how has the focus will work better in 80,000 words compared to one in 800, for example. The focus might not always be character or having the dynamic, intense conflict, it will all vary depending on the story needs.
Like all the story will have an end in some shape or form. However, does the story need to feel "complete" to enter a contest on here? The answer is going to be yes for many. Often times when looking to publish flash and any other short length (micro or even short fiction), there is a preference for stories that feel complete at whatever word count exists. Do I think they always need to be "complete" on here? Well, that's a topic for a different newsletter.
Check out the contests available that look for flash fiction and challenge yourself to enter one. Even if you're a novelist like me. Have fun writing! |
Daily flash/micro fiction contest:
Another daily contest:
A flash/blog contest with a long deadline and fun concept:
A flash fiction contest with a no dialogue requirement:
And shameless plug for those that enjoy writing romance and/or erotica flash fiction:
Finally, here are some examples of flash fiction on the site:
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Which flash fiction contest is your favorite to enter? Or which do you want to try if you haven't?
Last time when I edited this newsletter, I discussed the technical side for contest entries on the site. Not the most flashy of topics, no comments were sent in. Hopefully it helps those entering flash fiction contests this week. 
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