Big Stories. Small Word Count. Statewide Stage.
What can you say in 500 words?
The NH Writers’ Project High School Flash Fiction program challenges student writers to craft powerful, complete stories in 500 words or fewer — and then bring them to life by reading them aloud.
This is where precision meets creativity. Where language matters. Where one moment can change everything.
Flash fiction is a very short, complete story. Though limited in length, it must still include the essential elements of storytelling:
Because of its brevity, flash fiction often focuses on a single event, turning point, or idea — and relies on sharp language, emotional impact, and strong craft.
In other words: every word counts.
Flash fiction teaches students to:
It’s a powerful, accessible entry point into serious creative writing — and a chance for students to see their work celebrated on a statewide stage.
Deadline: April 24, 2026
Submit the following to NHWP at hsff@nhwritersproject.org:
Flash fiction isn’t just about writing short — it’s about writing well. Judges will evaluate pieces based on:
NHWP provides a judging rubric to ensure consistency from the classroom to the statewide finals.
To support teachers and students, NHWP provides:
Deadline for Schools to Register: March 31, 2026
Statewide Finals: May 2026 (final date and location announced to registered schools)
Schools conduct their own preliminary competitions prior to submitting one finalist to advance.
At the statewide finals, scholarships will be awarded as follows:
These awards are presented as the James Patrick Kelly Flash Fiction Scholarships, recognizing excellence in concise storytelling and supporting young writers in their continued creative and academic pursuits.
James Patrick Kelly is an award-winning author, including the Hugo, Locus, and Nebula awards. He has been a champion of flash fiction in New Hampshire.
Let your students prove that small stories can make a big impact.
