An Axe to Grind—the annual Darling Axe flash fiction contest is back

An Axe to Grind--a flash fiction contest by Darling Axe Editing

Tell us a story in fewer than 1000 words.

Our flash fiction contest is back!

New prize pool structure—an even $1000.

Yes, a big change this year. Rather than starting out with a "minimum $200" prize pool that grows with each entry, we will now have a predetermined prize based on the previous entry totals. This makes our admin processes simpler, and it gives people who are new to the contest a clearer expectation for the outcome. If the number of entries grows beyond this $1000 projection, we will increase the prize pool of the next contest.

The total prize pool is $1000 CAD:

First place: $700
Second place: $200
Third place: $100

All three finalists also win publication on the Chopping Blog and receive complimentary access to a Darling Axe self-paced course.

Entry is $5 CAD.

Entries will be screened by David Brown, with final judging by Michelle Barker.

Deadline: March 31, 2021


About the Darling Axe

We are professional editors as well as award-winning writers. We understand the intense effort and emotional investment you have poured into your work. It's our job to help you take your manuscript to the next level.



Work with a professional fiction editor from the Darling Axe: manuscript development and book editing services



Darling Axe Academy – Query Quest: a self-paced querying course

Darling Axe Academy – Best-laid plans: a self-paced outlining course

Book a sample edit with a professional fiction editor from the Darling Axe: manuscript development and book editing services

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