The Original Downeast Flash Fiction Contest!
Machias Arts Council's 5th Annaual
Flash Fiction Contest
Something Wicked This Way Comes in Machais
Writers are invited to submit an original flash fiction story of up to 1,200 words for the 2026 Machias Arts Council Flash Fiction Contest, following the theme “Something Wicked This Way Comes in Machias.” All entries must take place in or around the Machias, Maine area—whether rooted in real landmarks, inspired by local folklore, or imagined through eerie twists on familiar Downeast settings. Submissions should be uploaded as a document file and must follow all contest official rules, including one entry per author, no AI‑generated content, and adherence to content standards. From unsettling encounters along the river to strange happenings in the fog, we encourage authors to explore the mysterious, the uncanny, and the wickedly unexpected that might lurk in Machias. Cash and prizes will be awarded to the top three stories.
Deadline for Submitting Entries
September 6, 2026
Flash Fiction Contest — Official Rules
1. Theme and Setting
All entries for the 2026 Flash Fiction Contest must align with the annual theme: “Something Wicked This Way Comes in Machias.” Stories must be set in or around the Machias, Maine area, whether through real locations, fictionalized versions, or imaginative interpretations inspired by the region.
2. Submission Deadline
All entries must be submitted by September 6, 2026.
3. Eligibility and Submission Limits
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Each author may submit one story.
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Submissions must be the original work of a single author.
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AI‑generated content is not permitted. Entries will be evaluated for authenticity.
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Previously published work is not eligible.
4. Word Count Requirements
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Entries may not exceed 1,200 words.
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The title is excluded from the word count.
5. File Format and Naming Conventions
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Submissions must be uploaded as a document file.
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The uploaded document must be titled with the author’s name and story title in the following format: Example: John Doe, The Fairy Friend
6. Content Standards
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Entries may not contain excessive profanity, vulgarity, or explicit content.
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Submissions must not include personal identification information within the document (such as addresses, phone numbers, or other sensitive data).
7. Originality and Authorship
All entries must be:
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Original and free of plagiarism.
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Written solely by the submitting author.
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Created without the use of AI tools for drafting, editing, or generating content.
8. Rights and Publication
By submitting, authors grant the Machias Arts Council permission to publish their work in the annual contest anthology or related promotional materials. Authors retain full copyright to their work.
