A local publishing company and an arts collective have joined forces to invite writers and storytellers to participate in a new flash fiction contest.
NorthWords NWT and Northern Quill Publishing are hosting their inaugural flash fiction competition, titled Edges. The contest calls for original stories of 1,000 words or fewer, centered around the theme “Edges.”
Amber Henry, co-owner of Northern Quill Publishing, explained that the theme is intentionally broad, allowing writers to interpret “Edges” in many ways — from physical boundaries and emotional tipping points to moments of discovery or change.
“The theme emerged from a brainstorming session where ‘Edges’ stood out as an evocative word,” Henry said. “It inspires a wide range of genres, including horror, drama, romance, sci-fi, and memoir.”
Submissions can be individual or collaborative works and may include graphic novel-style entries. However, screenplays are not eligible, as Northern Quill does not publish them, Henry noted.
Prizes include a $250 cash award and publication in Up Here magazine. Winners will be announced alongside the magazine’s fall issue.
“The first-place story will be featured in Up Here magazine as well as on their website,” Henry said. “Second and third-place winners will be recognized on our social media channels.”
Interested writers can submit their entries through the Northern Quill website.
