FLASH FICTION SLAM! – hosted by Estelle Phillips, aided by Matt Holland, and enjoyed by YOU!
Can you tell a story or convey an idea that can be read or spoken in three minutes or fewer? In less time than it takes to boil an egg, could you plant a new idea or story in a listener’s heart or head?
Note. Flash Fiction is a very short piece of writing. To read or speak it aloud in three minutes or fewer, it would need to be between 300 and 500 words in length, depending on the pace at which you choose to read or speak.
This is what will happen at the third Swindon Flash Fiction Slam.
A running order will be established and competitors will have 3 minutes to present – read out or recite – their flash fiction offering.
From then on, it’s a knockout! Keen but kindly judges, chosen from among the keen and kindly audience, and including Joanne Rush and Samuel Fisher as judge-supremos, will decide who pleases the parts that others cannot reach, who entertains or informs, and who does not.
Just as in all good sporting competitions, there will be a first round, a semi-final, and a final! Though there may well be moments of seriousness, nervousness, and puzzlement, a spirit of wonder, wit, kindness, and good cheer will prevail!
The winner will be crowned third Swindon Flash Fiction Slam Champion and will receive rapturous applause, a shiny cup, a cash prize, a bottle of bubbly, and words of congratulation from our guest judge supremos.
Cool compere, thinker, and writer in her own right, Estelle Phillips, will maintain good Flash Fiction Slam order, with clear instructions, firm hand, and thoughtful slam smile; and will be ably aided if not abetted by sensible scorer, terrifying timekeeper, and crowd-pleasing prizes-provider Matt Holland.
HOW TO ENTER. Anyone brave, creative, and thoughtful enough, by their own standards, can apply to enter. Please contact the Festival on 01793 771080 or at
NOTES. 1. Maximum number of entrants will be eight, so a pre-event sifting procedure may be necessary. 2. Closing date for entries is 30th April. 3. AI-generated entries are not welcome.
