4th Annual Flash Fiction Contest
“Witches of Machias”

Calling all writers! It’s time for our 4th Annual Flash Fiction Contest! This year’s theme is “Witches of Machias.” We invite you to weave your most magical tales with a witchy theme, set in or around Machias. The location(s) can be based on real places or entirely fictional—let your imagination run wild! 

Contest Rules:

* Open to all ages.
* Word count: Maximum 1000 words (excluding the title). Entries exceeding 1000 words will not be accepted.
* Limit: One submission per author.
* Submissions must be uploaded via the provided Google Form during the submission window. We will not accept submissions via email or in hard copy. Late submissions will not be accepted.
* Accepted formats: .pdf, .doc, or .docx. Document title format: Please name your document with your full name and story title (e.g., John Doe, The Fairy Friend).
* Deadline: All submissions must be received by September 14, 2025.
* Content: Submissions must not be excessively profane, vulgar, or explicit. Personal information: Do not include any personal identification information within your submission.
* Original work only: All submissions must be entirely original and created by one author. No AI-generated content will be accepted.

Prizes and Recognition: Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.  All entries will be published in the Machias Arts Council annual Flash Fiction Anthology.  Winners will be announced in October on our website and social media platforms. Their stories will may also be featured in the Machias Valley News Observer and other media outlets.

We can’t wait to read your magical stories—good luck!

By submitting to the Machias Arts Council 2024 Flash Fiction Contest, entrants agree to abide by all submission guidelines and submit to the decisions made by the review board as it concerns naming winners, determination of submission fitness, and prize allocation. The author agrees to permit the Machias Arts Council to republish your story in all forms, royalty-free, with credit to being given to the author. The author retains all copyrights to their story.