Three-Minute Fiction Slam

What is the Three-Minute Fiction Slam?

The Three-Minute Fiction Slam is a fast-paced literary competition that challenges writers to perform original works of fiction in three minutes or less before a panel of judges.

Each year, the contest kicks off with regional events held throughout New Hampshire. The winner from each region advances to the state finals on Saturday, November 8th, from 5:00 – 7:00pm at Webster Hall Mara Auditorium on the Southern New Hampshire University campus, where they’ll compete for the top prize of $250. The second- and third-place finalists will each receive a free NHWP workshop of their choice. In addition, in the spirit of fun flannel, an additional $50 prize will be awarded for the best flannel shirt!

How does the event work?

Here’s what to expect at a Three-Minute Fiction Slam event:

• The host welcomes the audience and participants and provides an overview of the evening.
• Writers take turns performing original flash fiction pieces, each lasting no more than three minutes when read aloud.
• After each reading, judges offer brief verbal feedback and record a numeric score out of five. Writers who exceed the time limit lose one point overall.
• Scores remain private until the end of the event, when the writer with the highest total is declared the winner.
• In the event of a tie, the audience helps determine the winner through an “Applause-O-Meter” test overseen by the judges.

Regional winners are invited to compete in the state finals. If a winner cannot attend, the runner-up will take their place.

Note: The competition is open to both NHWP members and nonmembers. Nonmembers who advance to the finals must either pay a $25 participation fee or join NHWP.

Past winners have gone on to perform at the Business in the Arts Awards Ceremony, the Currier Museum of Art, and on New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR).

Want to host a contest?

Regional contests are produced by Writers’ Night Out hosts, educational institutions, libraries, or interested volunteers. As a regional producer, you’ll handle three main responsibilities before the event:

• Book a venue — Secure a location such as a pub, coffee shop, library, or restaurant. Most events are scheduled based on space availability and coordinating with judges.
• Manage registration — Each regional contest is limited to 10 participants. Keep a waiting list in case someone withdraws.
• Select judges — Choose three judges to evaluate the performances and provide brief feedback.
• More information – watch this video presentation from James Patrick Kelly for additional details.

Timeline & Communication:

• Regional contests may be held at any time prior to the state finals, as long as finalists are confirmed and submitted to NHWP before November 8th.
• The state finals will take place at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) on November 8th.
• Please notify NHWP at when your regional event is scheduled, including the date, time, and location, so it can be promoted on our website and social media.
• After your contest concludes, send the name of your regional winner (and runner-up) to NHWP at programs@nhwritersproject.org to ensure they are entered in the finals.

Upcoming Competitions

• The Peterborough preliminary round will be held on Saturday, October 25 at 10:00 am the Mariposa Museum in Peterborough, NH. For more information, contact the organizers of the Monadnock Writers’ Group.
• The Derry, NH preliminary round will be held at the Marion Gerrish Community Center on Monday, October 27, starting at 6:00 pm. For more information, email Katharine Webster at Katharine_webster@msn.com.

If you’re interested in producing a regional contest, contact us at the form on this page— we’ll provide guidance, resources, and promotional support to help you get started.