2019 FLASH FICTION CONTEST WINNERS

An eminently practical woman finds that a gossamer-winged,

magic-wielding fairy has invaded her home. How will she cope?

Find out by reading our 2019 Flash Fiction Winners.

This year's topic is fairies and/or elves. Several of the winning entries come from authors who have entered the contest in the past, showing that practice makes perfect.

All the winning authors received a complimentary one-year membership in the Ligonier Valley Writers, a professional edit of their stories, publication at the LVW website, and a chance to perform their winning story aloud. The first, second, and third place winners also received cash prizes.

Our celebrity judge this year was Damian Dressick, a much-published author of flash and other fiction who has also taught flash fiction writing at Pitt and other universities. Damian says, "Although many of the stories offered readers glimpses of surprising and sometimes sinister worlds, 'The Fairy Affair' wraps its mischief in delightful humor and provides readers with a complete story in less than 1,000 words."

FIRST PLACE ($50 prize)

The Fairy Affair

By Candace Kubinec (Greensburg, PA)

SECOND PLACE ($25 prize)

Elf Reliance

By Jim Busch (White Oak, PA)

THIRD PLACE ($15 prize)

The Subtle Refrain of Adulation

By Vicki Thomas (Johnstown, PA)

HONORABLE MENTION

Splitrock

By Jack Harris (Wisconsin)

HONORABLE MENTION

A Simple Errand

By Mike Podger (Cleveland, OH)

HONORABLE MENTION

No One's Child

By Barbara Purbaugh (South Bend, IN)

2018 FLASH FICTION CONTEST WINNERS

A cemetery worker digs up a girl who died too young.

A creature steps out of the forest toward the body.

What could go wrong?

We found out at a performance of the stories that won Ligonier Valley Writers' 2018 Flash Fiction Contest. The year's topic was Bigfoot, Littlefoot, and other cryptozoological creatures of indeterminate foot size. It inspired the winning authors to let their imaginations run wild. Several of the winning entries come from authors who have entered the contest in the past, showing that practice makes perfect.

All the winning authors received a complimentary one-year membership in the Ligonier Valley Writers. The first, second, and third place winners also received cash prizes.

FIRST PLACE ($50 prize)

Feeding Time

By Jeremiah Cook (Camp Hill, PA)

SECOND PLACE ($25 prize)

SWBF

By Greg Beatty (Bellingham, WA)

THIRD PLACE ($15 prize)

Class A Sighting

By Mark Matzke (Painesville, OH)

HONORABLE MENTION

First Outing

By Ryan McBriar (Warren, PA)