During the summer of 2015 we introduced our Summer Flash Fiction contest series, and we’re thrilled to be bringing it back in 2016! (And you can read all of our winners from 2015 here.)

What is it? Our flash fiction series invites writers to write short pieces in response to photos we post.

How does it work? We’ll supply an image from our photography archive every 2 weeks, and invite writers to respond with flash fiction inspired by the photo, up to 500 words. Remember: You, or your piece, must have a Midwest connection. Each image will be open for submissions for just over 1 week, and we will take a few days for reading and balloting—the top 3 entries we feel best represent the photo in question will be published on the Midwestern Gothic website.

How long is the series? We will be doing this throughout the summer with three submission periods (3 photos). The winning entries of each round will be published immediately after the round ends.

How do you submit? Send submissions to Allie @Allison@midwestgothic.com. Use the subject line “Summer Flash Round X – Author Name – Name of Piece.” For example: Summer Flash Round 1 – Joan Smith – “Eyes of the Wild. Remember: Include a third-person bio of up to 150 words with your submission.

You can find all guidelines here, including how to submit (and where!). We can’t wait to read what you submit!

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Prompt #1: Take a look at the following photo, and create a piece of flash fiction inspired by it.

Prompt #1 due date (before midnight EST): Saturday July 2, 2016

Prompt #1 winners published: July 7 – 9, 2016

Prompt #1: “Lauderdale Halftime” by Steven Lang

FIND SUBMISSIONS INFORMATION HERE

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