Central Valley Fiction Writers
Flash Fiction Contest 2026
CVFW is providing its first writing contest for its membership. All members are invited to enter their best Flash Fiction story.
The CVFW 2026 Flash Fiction Contest provides opportunity for members to enter a flash fiction story contest. It will be judged by Eric Guignard, professional writer/editor/publisher, who will decide on a First Place and a Second Place Story based on professional criteria for writing and story structure.
Details and Instructions
This writing contest is for a 500-750 word Flash Fiction story.
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First Prize is $50
Second Prize is $25
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Entry Fee - $15
The contest begins March 15th and closes on April 30th.
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***All genre are allowed***
General Guidelines:
Flash fiction should be concise, and must include a complete narrative with a clear plot, characters, and setting. Focus on a single idea, keep the timeline tight, and make every word count to create a powerful impact.
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Format: Our judge requests that stories be formatted using SHUNN Formatting. www.shunn.net/format/story/
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​How to submit your Flash Fiction story:
When your perfect Flash Fiction is ready to enter the contest, and you have paid the entry fee of $15, you will be contacted by email with a unique number and email address to send in your story. Put "CVFW Flash Fiction Contest Entry" in the subject line, and attach your document.
Follow this first page format example provided. Don't put your details, just the sentence shown with your unique number.
Stories are not accepted after April 30th.
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This is a list of writing elements that Eric will use for purposes of Flash Fiction, utilizing a numeric scale:
CHARACTERS
Engaging, interesting, and/or well-developed characters
Clear, believable motivations and goals
POINT OF VIEW
Point of view is effective, clear, and consistent
Avoids point-of-view shifts
DESCRIPTION (visual and emotional Imagery; SENSORY DETAILS, etc.)
Varied types of description used
Types of description are well-blended
DIALOGUE
Natural
Reveals character
Advances story
Conventions followed
PLOT
Logical
Interesting
Innovative or Surprising
CONFLICT
Sharply defined
Drives the story
Reveals character
EXPOSITION (back story)
Well-blended
Used only when needed (kept to a minimum); i.e. purposeful
SCENES
Focused
Vivid
Effective transitions
PACE
Well-controlled and forward-moving
Varied
LANGUAGE USE
Word choice
Precision
Effective imagery
Effective rhythm
GRAMMAR
Rules adhered to
Rules “bended” where needed
TENSE
Consistent
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