F(r)iction Flash Fiction Contest (Single Entry) — Fall 2026

Overview
F(r)iction, a triannual print collection with an online companion, F(r)iction Log, positions itself at the intersection of literary and visual culture. The magazine's editorial vision favors work that is formally adventurous and emotionally resonant, often bridging the gap between traditional literary fiction and speculative, surreal, or hybrid modes. This contest, specifically for flash fiction, reflects the magazine's ongoing commitment to the short form as a site of concentrated power and innovation. The Fall 2026 iteration is judged by Wes Blake, a writer whose own work is known for its precise, atmospheric compression. His involvement signals a curatorial preference for narratives that operate through implication and image as much as through plot. The contest offers a first prize of $300 and consideration for publication in either the print collection or the online blog for up to five finalists. This dual pathway acknowledges the evolving landscape of literary publishing, where digital and print platforms serve distinct but complementary readerships. While the prize money is modest, the value of this opportunity lies in the editorial attention and potential publication. F(r)iction's editorial team is known for its discerning eye, and the contest serves as a direct channel to their consideration. For writers of flash fiction, the contest represents a focused deadline and a clear thematic alignment with a magazine that celebrates the short form's capacity for surprise and depth.