Otago Alumni 48 Hour Flash Fiction Competition
Time to get creative with our inaugural Otago Alumni 48 Hour Flash Fiction Competition. You have 48 hours to write a piece of flash fiction that includes a specified genre, character, and object, which we will provide at the start of the competition. Judging this year’s competition is best-selling Dunedin crime novelist, Vanda Symon.
Prize
$50 book voucher.
Eligibility
Open to University of Otago alumni.
Brief
Your entry must be created within the competition’s 48-hour time period, and also must include the specified prompts that we provide at the start of the competition.
You will have the option of selecting one of two prompt sets that must be incorporated into your story. Each prompt will include a genre, character, and an object. You cannot mix and match between Prompt A and Prompt B’s choices.
The prompt character must be the predominant character used in the story. The prompt object must also physically appear at some point in the story. You cannot have a character simply mention the word or appear as a business name, in a letter/message, or on signage.
Writing Prompts
| Prompt | Genre | Character | Object |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Action/adventure | Photo journalist | Credit card |
| B | Crime caper | Drama teacher | Wedding ring |
Start Date
The opening date for entries is 16:00pm (NZ time) on Friday 11 July 2025
Deadline
The deadline date for entries is 16:00pm (NZ time) on Sunday 13 July 2025.
Results
The winner and highly commended entrants will be notified mid-August.
Number of entries
One per person.
Length
750 words maximum, excluding title. No minimum.
Format
- Preferably a Microsoft Word document – .doc or .docx. We also accept file types: .rtf, .pdf, .txt.
- Add the word count to the top right of the first page.
- The title is not included in the word count.
- Use any font in 12pt.
- Lines should be double spaced.
- Number your pages at the bottom.
- File name should be the title of the story only, typed the same as on the document, e.g.: The Reservoir.
- Do not include your name in the file title.
- For untitled pieces, name the file with the first words of the story.
Judging
- The judge’s decision is final, and no individual correspondence can be entered into.
- Feedback on the individual entries will not be provided.
Copyright
Worldwide copyright of each entry remains with the author, but the University of Otago has unrestricted rights to publish the winning and highly commended stories.
Entries must be original and unpublished work. Your entry must not have been created, in whole or in part, with an AI generator or similar.
How to submit:
Submit entry as an attached file via email to alumni.competition@otago.ac.nz
In the body of your email please include:
- Your name
- Otago degree
- Year of Graduation
- Title of your entry