Flash Fiction Challenge: The Portal

Door in Hedgerow Photo by K.S. Brooks
Door in Hedgerow
Photo by K.S. Brooks

The portal appeared and once more, Davis knew he had a choice. He could either turn away from the door and face the looming difficulties in his life, or he could step through the doorway and skip over them.

In the past, he had always braved the adversity, whatever it had been. He truly believed he could not learn from that which he did not experience, even if that entailed suffering. But this – this might be too much to bear. He hesitated before the glimmering door, struggling with the choice…

Welcome to the Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge. In 250 words or less, write a story incorporating the elements in the picture and/or the written prompt above. Do not include the prompt in your entry. The 250 word limit will be strictly enforced.

Please keep language and subject matter to a PG-13 level.

Use the comment section below to submit your entry. Entries will be accepted until Tuesday at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. No political or religious entries, please.

On Wednesday afternoon, we will open voting to the public with an online poll for the best writing entry accompanying the photo. Voting will be open until 5:00 PM Thursday.

On Friday afternoon, the winner will be recognized as we post the winning entry along with the picture as a feature. Then, at year end, the winners will be featured in an anthology like this one. Best of luck to you all in your writing!

Entries only in the comment section. Other comments will be deleted. See HERE for additional information and terms.

2014 Nightlight Readings Short Story Writers Contest

2014 Nightlight Readings Short Story Writers ContestThe 2014 Nightlight Readings Short Story Writers Contest is open to short stories up to 5000 words. Stories should appeal to at-risk boys in the 10-12 year age group who often stop reading for pleasure. This year’s theme is adventure.

Prizes: First, second, and third place winners will receive prizes of up to $1,000 award plus certificate and publication of the story. All award winners will be publicized nationally by Nightlight Reading.

Entry fee: FREE

Deadline: Entry must be postmarked December 31, 2014.

For more information, please visit their website.


Indies Unlimited is pleased to provide this contest information for the convenience of our readers. We do not, however, endorse this or any contest/competition. Entrants should always research a competition prior to entering.

Flash Fiction Challenge: Howard the Holiday Bear

Holiday bear
Bear in Shop Window
Photo by K.S. Brooks

Bears are thought to hibernate all winter. While this is true for most bears, Howard was of a more industrial temperament. He never could see spending all that time simply sleeping when he could be doing something.

When he was old enough, he went to the North Pole and got a job in Santa’s village. Of course, he had wanted to pull the sleigh – that’s the glamor job.

As it turned out, there was a long list of animals that wanted to pull the sleigh. No, Howard ended up making tinsel. His long sharp claws made him a natural for shredding the sheets of aluminum. Still, he dreamed…

In 250 words or less, write a story incorporating the elements in the picture and/or the written prompt above. Do not include the prompt in your entry. The 250 word limit will be strictly enforced.

Please keep language and subject matter to a PG-13 level.

Use the comment section below to submit your entry. Entries will be accepted until Tuesday at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. No political or religious entries, please.

On Wednesday afternoon, we will open voting to the public with an online poll for the best writing entry accompanying the photo. Voting will be open until 5:00 PM Thursday.

On Friday afternoon, the winner will be recognized as we post the winning entry along with the picture as a feature. Then, at year end, the winners will be featured in an anthology like this one. Best of luck to you all in your writing!

Entries only in the comment section. Other comments will be deleted. See HERE for additional information and terms.

GENEii Writing Contest

GENEii Writing ContestThe Southern California Genealogical Society sponsors its annual family-history writing contest to support and encourage the writing of family history, local history, and memoirs, both by genealogists and by the public at large.The contest is open to: Non-fiction articles that describe family or local history and capture a family experience or the character of a locality; or Non-fiction character sketches or memoirs that give a sense of an individual’s character and personality.

Prizes: Up to $200 cash. Please see site for details.

Entry fee: FREE

Deadline is December 31, 2014. For more information, please visit their website.


Indies Unlimited is pleased to provide this contest information for the convenience of our readers. We do not, however, endorse this or any contest/competition. Entrants should always research a competition prior to entering.