Do you have what it takes to tell a compelling story — in a flash?
If so, Monday and a panel of esteemed professional authors want to read what you create. To intrigue you further, we’ll even spice up the offer with publication of the winning entries in our special Flash Fiction edition on July 28 and — wait for it — a cash prize of $100, a signed hardcover edition of the First Thrills anthology (featuring thrilling short stories from such top-notch authors as Lee Child, Ken Bruen, Gregg Hurwitz, Heather Graham and yours truly), plus a one-on-one chat, cup of tea and story critique with a local author for the best entry.
But wait, there’s more. Our advertisers are so excited by the prospect that we’re also planning bonus prizes for each honourable mention.
The rules are simple. Flash Fiction is a story told in less than 250 words. Any genre is acceptable: horror, romance, mystery, literary, science-fiction, etc. It must be prose, though, not poetry, and can't exceed the 250-word count. All stories must be submitted electronically to flashfiction@mondaymag.com and be a previously unpublished original.
The entry fee is $10 and deadline is July 4, 2011. Black Press will retain first publication rights for print and online, but copyright will remain with each writer. Only the winners will be contacted.
The judges include:
● Robert J. Wiersema, author of Bedtime Story (Random House Canada, 2010), The World More Full of Weeping (ChiZine, 2009) and Before I Wake (Random House Canada, 2006).
● Lou Allin, author of the continuing RCMP Corporal Holly Martin series (RendezVous Press) and outgoing West Coast VP for Crime Writers of Canada.
● Lee Henderson, author of The Man Game (Penguin Canada, 2008), The Broken Record Technique (Penguin Canada, 2002) and incoming fiction professor at University of Victoria.
● Steven Price, acclaimed poet and author of Into That Darkness (Thomas Allen Publisher, 2011).
● Grant McKenzie, Monday editor-in-chief and author of No Cry For Help (Random House UK, 2011) and Switch (Penguin Canada, 2010).
Good luck. M