I know I probably say this every year, but narrowing down the top 25 entries to the group of stories we will eventually end up publishing was such a difficult task. Once an entry reached the second stage of the competition (meaning at least one of the first readers voted maybe), often 9 or more judges commented and voted. Congratulations to everyone who made the long- and shortlists. We’re sure your work will find a great home. There were some killer stories on these lists.
We are now excited to share with you the stories and their authors who will be published in the special SmokeLong Quarterly Award for Flash Fiction issue on June 16th! They are all varying shades of brilliant, and we can’t wait for you to read them. We have also added the authors’ names to the long- and shortlists.
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The SmokeLong Quarterly
Award for Flash Fiction –
The Winners
First Place: “Between Chamisa and Rengyō” by Mizuki Yamagen
Second Place: “Man Spelt Backwards” by Chi Pham
Third Place: “Special Occasion Italian Restaurant” by Valerie Fox
Finalists:
“Ms. Pac-Man in the Maze” by Sarah Chin
“National Bird” by Jesse Ackles
“Savior” by Seth Gleckman
“(They Long To Be) Close to You” by Binh Do
“Wild Gazelle” by Glenn Orgias
“Zombie Duck” by Sara Hills
The core workshop of SmokeLong Fitness is all in writing, so you can take part from anywhere at anytime. We are excited about creating a supportive, consistent and structured environment for flash writers to work on their craft in a community. We are thrilled and proud to say that our workshop participants have won, placed, or been listed in every major flash competition. Community works.