The third-place winner of the 2018 Flash Fiction Slam checked in with us recently about her experience writing flash fiction.

Gwen Friend became interested in the very brief form of fiction through taking a course at the Nottingham Library with Jim Kelly, who she said was a great teacher. We suspect many others have also been inspired by Jim.

She was drawn to that particular writing form because she’d had a story in mind for a while. “It was in my mind, but I’d never put it in writing,” she said. “It was great to have someone give me direction and help getting it down to three minutes.”

Gwen’s prize-winning entry was a metaphorical story about a frog that came from a “growafrog” kit. The frog was really her husband who had passed away.  It is interesting how many emotions can be conveyed in just 180 seconds.

Getting a story down to three minutes is no easy feat! We encourage you to try your hand at this brief prose. You might be surprised how it is much easier said than done.

Good luck to all of the NHWP Three Minute Fiction Slam contestants this year.

Have you registered to attend the 2022 Final Competition yet? It is taking place on Saturday, November 12 at the Mara Auditorium on the SNHU campus. The event begins at 7PM and while there is no admittance fee, registration is required for a headcount. Registration closes at 4PM this Thursday, Nov. 11, 2022.  If you plan to attend, please register for the event here.

We hope to see you there!