the write-in

Allison

National Flash Fiction Day Stories 2026

National Flash Fiction Day is one of my favorite days of the year. I treat it like a holiday, clearing my sschedule as much as possible so I can focus on reading and writing flash all day. This year, I also attended the anthology reading, and it was so wonderful to hear so many talented writers read their work! (I have a micro in the anthology.)

I wrote for 18 prompts (out of 25 – and I’m definitely keeping the others to inspire me later!) and submitted 12 pieces (11 were published). Prompts and constraints help me get out of my head when writing, and these was such a great list this year: check them out here!

A Stranger: Write a story set entirely on the banks of a river. Include two or more characters who interact in some way, but avoid using any dialogue, direct or reported.

The rain pummeled the ground too quickly to be absorbed: Write a story in exactly 15 words. Your title does not count towards the 15 words.

Exposed: Write a flash in which each sentence is at least one word shorter than the sentence before it.

Growth: Write a flash using no word more than once, and yes, this includes small words like the, and, I, and is. The minimum word count is 75 words.

On Trend: Write a story (inspired by this painting) about a group of people journeying toward a shared, unknown destination at either dawn or dusk.

Life’s a Beach: Write a flash from an unusual point of view, one that is neither human nor animal.

He holds my hand as we wait in line for the Zippin Pippin: Find a story published in the FlashFlood that you admire and choose five interesting words from it. (I chose ‘Coriolis Effect‘ by Mikki Aronoff.)

Meant for More: For this prompt, write a flash in which a bridge does something unexpected, means something unusual, or is used in a way bridges are not normally used.

Someone Else’s Treasure: Write a flash in which the past surfaces unexpectedly.

Anointed: Write a flash about forgiveness or reconciliation.  Use water in your story in some way.

Reception: Write two separate flashes, each no more than 100 words (and shorter is fine), that can stand alone but are connected by a single element: an object, a phrase, a location, a gesture.

Head to The Write-In to read everyone’s vastly different responses to these five prompts!

(The featured post image showcases the badges I earned for the pieces I wrote and submitted.)

Allison

National Flash Fiction Day Stories 2025

As with every year, I had a great time writing and submitting to The Write-In on National Flash Fiction Day! It was especially lovely this year as a much-needed distraction over the weekend.

I’m thrilled that 5/5 of my submissions were published! I’m sharing the links here, along with the prompts to give an idea of the guidelines/constraints.

Don’t forget to check out the complete list of prompts and stories!

Four Years: Write a story with two distinct sections, each taking place in a different season

It’s My Destiny: Write a story in which a character is searching for something specific, and unusual

Man’s Best Friend: Write a story involving a caring moment between two people of significantly different ages who aren’t family members

Home for Christmas: Write a story in which at least one character has gone somewhere at an unusual time of year

Sealed Envelopes: Write a flash with an open ending

Head to The Write-In to read everyone’s vastly different responses to these five prompts!

(The featured post image showcases the badges I earned for the pieces I wrote and submitted.)

Allison

National Flash Fiction Day Pubs

I had a great time writing and submitting to The Write-In on National Flash Fiction Day! I’m thrilled that 10/10 of my submissions were published! I’m sharing the links here, along with the prompts to give an idea of the guidelines/constraints.

Tidal: Write a flash about a rare weather or meteorological phenomenon.

Leave It All Behind: Write a flash in four sections, with each section having a heading ‘Air’, ‘Earth’, ‘Water’ and ‘Fire’, no more than 300 words!

And Now It’s Here: Write a flash in which someone encounters the end of the earth.

Wreckage: Write a micro flash of exactly 13 words.  Give it a title.

“People Also Ask”: Write a flash or micro in which every sentence includes at least one use of the word ‘why’.

Life Changing: Write a 50-word flash (or shorter) that starts and ends with the same sentence.

Not Simple: Find a FlashFlood story and choose five interesting words from it. Write a flash of no more than 100 words that uses all five of these words.

Fish on Vacation: Write a flash about someone who feels like a fish out of water…

The Grocery Gatsby: Write a flash using or referencing characters from fiction or poetry that was written at least 100 years ago. Set it in modern times.

Make Your Move: Write a flash in the form of a series of directions to somewhere.

(The featured post image showcases the badges I earned for the pieces I wrote and submitted.)