Local podcast Not Quite Write has issued a challenge to Central Coast writers in the January 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction which is calling writers of all ages to create 500 words of original fiction in response to two writing prompts plus one “anti-prompt”.
“It’s a flash fiction competition with a twist,” podcast host and competition judge Ed Bicioc said.
“‘In addition to two writing prompts, we issue what we call an “anti-prompt”, which is a call to break one of those traditionally accepted rules of writing, like, show, don’t tell or “never open with a dream sequence.”
The July 2023 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction drew 678 rule-breaking entries from 51 countries around the world, totalling 406,800 words for judges, Bicioc and co-host Amanda Scotland, to read.
The July anti-prompt challenged entrants to creatively break the rule “avoid all adverbs.”
Now Bicioc and Scotland are looking to the Central Coast’s own pool of talented writers to take up a fresh challenge.
“Writers are often solitary creatures, but they lurk among us,” Scotland said.
“We want to celebrate our talented Central Coast writers by shouting their names from the rooftops for the rest of the world to hear.”
Eight cash prizes totalling $2,000 are up for grabs for writers who break the rules in style.
Winning and shortlisted entries will earn a cash prize for their authors, publication on the Not Quite Write website, and be read aloud on the Not Quite Write podcast.
Two wildcard prizes will be awarded to stories that grab the judges’ attention but don’t make the shortlist.
A list of tips for flash fiction can be found on the Not Quite Write website, with several episodes of the podcast dedicated to unpacking previous entries.
“We’re in the unique position of being able to openly discuss our judging process on the podcast, so listeners can hear all about how we reached our decisions and what worked and didn’t work,” Bicioc said.
“Flash fiction is great because it’s accessible to just about anyone” Scotland said.
“No matter your age or level of writing experience, it’s possible to craft a compelling 500-word story in a weekend – and to get paid for it.”
The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction will run from January 19-24.
Entry is $25 and registrations are open now at https://notquitewritepodcast.com/prize