Odd Embers is a new flash fiction writing contest that aims to spark your creativity with unique prompts you can turn into a red-hot story.
Receive written feedback and rubric scores on every entry to help you become the best writer you can be, plus a cash prize and publication if you win!
Our next contest is coming in July. Literally.
Friday, July 31–Monday, August 3
Join us this summer for our third contest, where you'll be asked to take a, like, literal spin on your prompts.
Key Details:
- Word count: 500
- Registration opens: Soon!
- Registration closes: Monday, July 27 at 10:00 pm Eastern US
- Entry fee: $25
- Prompts drop: 3:00 pm Eastern US on Friday, Friday July 31
- Stories due: 10:00 pm Eastern on Monday, August 3
- Results: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Prizes:
- 1st place: US $300
- 2nd place: US $200
- 3rd place: US $100
- Plus, three honorable mentions: US $50/each
What Are Participants Saying About Odd Embers?
Christy Hartman says:
This feedback is excellent!!! Some of the best I’ve received from contest judges!
Jo S says:
A quick email to express my appreciation for the judge's feedback. I was really pleased to see the depth they went into, and there were some great suggestions for improving my story.
Joel Shoemaker says:
FEEDBACK ON FEEDBACK!!!!!!!!!!! Great feedback!!!!!! Thank you so much; very fun times! I wasn't going to sign up for the next one just because I'll be gone all weekend but now I want to! So I did! Thank you! FIVE STAR FEEDBACK! END FEEDBACK ON FEEDBACK!!!!!!!!!!!
Want to Hear from Ember?
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