FAST FICTION CONTEST

Write an extremely short self-contained story to create a lasting impression or “punch” with intense, economical prose. Focus on a single, evocative moment or conflict rather than a complex plot. 

“Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds and other minds and dreams. They are journeys you can make to the far side of the universe and still be back in time for dinner.” Neil Gaiman

Flash Fiction Prompts

Choose one of the following prompts:

1. Write a post card from or to a place that does not exist.
2. Write a story about discovering a hidden room in your (or a character’s) house.
3. Write a story about discovering a secret in your (or a character’s) family.
4. Write a story about making a difficult choice between two paths.
5. Write a story from the perspective of a tree.
6. Write from the perspective of your pet.

Contest Requirements

• Open to Palm Beach County Public High School students grades 9 -12.
• Choose one prompt from the list.
• 500 words or fewer.
• All submitted work must be entirely original and not infringe on the copyright, trademark, or property rights of any individual or entity.
• No AI content.
• Submitted piece must be uploaded as a PDFwith the word count listed at the end.
• In addition, submitted piece must be uploaded as a text document (copied and pasted into text box).
• Submission must have a title.
• Only one submission per student.
• No explicit language or graphic content. The content should be appropriate for general teen audience.
• Work must be received by April 26, 2026

All submissions will be shared on our website as well as on social media. 

Who Can Enter

Palm Beach County HS students in grades 9-12.

Fees

There is no fee to enter the contest

When Can I Enter

March 23, 2026 – April 26, 2026

Winners Announced

May 11, 2026

JUDGING

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of experienced writers and published authors who are passionate about supporting young writers.

Criteria:

• Writing Mechanics – The story adheres to word count, proper grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, etc.
• Creativity – Imaginative storytelling, surprising elements, unique ideas.
• Character Development– Use of dialogue and/or descriptions to develop characters that evoke emotion.
• Language and Style – Tone, voice, imagery, symbolism, foreshadowing, and other devices to enhance the story.
• Story and Structure – Clear beginning, middle and end. The setting and theme are established, along with at least one conflict.
• Overall Effect – The story leaves an impact on the reader.

You are responsible for the quality of your submission, and for adherence to the contest guidelines. Incomplete or improperly formatted submissions will not be considered for an award. 

All submitted work must be original and may not infringe on the copyright or other intellectual property of any other person. No AI generated content.

Winners

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place 

Prizes

• 1st Place - $500 gift card  
• 2nd Place - $250 gift card  
• 3rd Place - $100 gift card

About Us

The Zoe Loren Foundation was established to celebrate Zoe’s life and to honor her memory by providing opportunities in the arts for under-served K-12 Palm Beach County students. Our mission is to enrich the lives of Palm Beach County’s children by providing opportunities for exploration and inspiration. We believe in the power of art to engage, inspire and empower students.

To honor Zoe’s love of art and to give local students a creative voice, the Foundation runs art competitions throughout the school year in photography, short film, and writing.