The 2012 Art of Prize Writing Spring Flash Fiction Contest is now open.

Our inaugural contest is meant to highlight the work of new and emerging writers. A competition where the winners are picked by the contestants and fellow Prize Writers. Stories may be entered online only. The deadline for entries is May 31, 2012. Please read the competition rules and judging criteria before submitting your work.


First Prize $1000 Second Prize $500 Third Prize $250
Five Runners Up $50 each Ten Honourable Mentions
Shortlisted stories to be published in online magazine.
The closing time for entries is 11:59 PM EST, May 31, 2012 and judging will begin.

The maximum number of words for each entry is 1,000.

Stories can be on any theme or subject as long as they are original and unpublished.

Contestants must be registered as a Subscriber or Guest in order to receive a Username to enter the contest and vote for their choice of prize winner from the longlist.

Entry Fee:

Guest: $20 for first entry and $5 for every entry thereafter
Subscriber: $10 for first entry and $5 for every entry thereafter

Judging the Stories

Judging the entries will be a two step process:

1. A panel of editorial staff, published authors and readers at The Art of Prize Writing will evaluate each submission according to the Judging Criteria set out below. The longlist of the best stories as determined by the judging panel will be posted online by 11:59 EST, June 21, 2012.

2. Subscribers, members and contestants will use their Username to cast one vote for the story they believe is the best and most deserving of First Prize in the 2012 Spring Flash Fiction Contest. At 11:59 EST, June 29, 2012 voting will cease. The votes will be tallied and the winners will be announced online by 11:59 EST, June 30, 2012.

Judging Criteria*:

1. How well does the story engage the reader emotionally? Does it make you care about what happens? – 10 points
2. Is the story original in its approach and concept? No re-runs! – 10 points
3. Does the first paragraph capture the reader’s interest enough to move forward and read on? – 10 points
4. Does the story have a strong sense of form, a coherent narrative progression and a satisfying conclusion or in other words, a beginning, middle and end? – 8 points
5. Is the story fresh in its use of language? Beware of the tired cliché, metaphor and simile, which only serve to distract the reader. – 8 points
6. Is the story competently presented, in terms of layout, spelling, punctuation and grammar? – 4 points

For a total aggregate score of 50 points.

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Click on the link above and go to the contest official site