Flash fiction image by Hannah Grace, Unsplash.
By Pat Stinson, using staff reports
Surely you can write 100 words of fiction by tomorrow? Yes, by Wednesday, June 7. That’s the last day to submit your flash fiction story for the Manistee County Library’s Flash Fiction Contest in recognition of National Short Story Month.
As the word “flash” implies, it’s a short, short (“micro”) story and a quick read – though not necessarily a quick write.
A 100-word fiction story doesn’t sound like much of a story-writing challenge. As any writer will assure you, it is. A micro story requires the ability to focus on a single, sometimes small, idea that suggests a larger theme.
According to the library’s news release, staff and volunteers will select a first-place winner in each of three age groups: 8-12 years, 13-17 years and 18 and older.
The winning entries will be posted online throughout June, and members of the public will be asked to vote for their favorite of the three. The winner of the Reader’s Choice Award will be announced on July 15. The author of the winning tale will receive a $10 gift certificate to Dairy Queen.
The library posted story guidelines.
The story must be original, family friendly, not previously published, and submitted online using the Google document link on the library’s website page: https://www.manisteelibrary.org/news-events/flash-fiction-contest.
One entry per person is allowed and must include the author’s first and last names, age and telephone number.
A former editor of mine, a wise person with a gift for words⸺Dave Lein, maybe you’ve heard of him?⸺ once told my wordy self, “Always leave them wanting more.”
His words were echoed by a singer-songwriter I know, after one of his performances. It must be a universal truth in the arts no one teaches but many follow.
By the way, this announcement is almost 300 words.
