Flash Fiction Contest at Palatine Library

Got a good story? The Palatine Public Library District wants to hear it! Writers of all ages are invited to submit their best original piece of short, short fiction for a chance to win one of three merit-based prizes. Inspiration for this contest grew from the Library’s successful, annual campaign to promote National Poetry Month. We wanted to give local writers in our community another chance to continue honing their skills this summer. “’Flash fiction’ is a short, short story,” says librarian Tracie Padal, “It challenges the writer to tell a complete story that includes all the classic elements of literature—theme, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution—but uses very few words to do so.” While authors and editors define flash fiction in many different ways, the Library’s Flash Fiction Contest is limited to stories under 500 words. Contest guidelines are available online (www.palatinelibrary.org). Valid District cardholders can submit their original pieces via the website, or by delivering their work to any Library location from Saturday, June 15 through Monday, July 15. Entries will be displayed in the Main Library, and winners will be notified by Thursday, August 15. “We welcome submissions from kids, teens, and adults,” adds Padal. “The top entry in each age group will earn a Barnes and Noble gift card.” Christopher Peterson, a local author, will assist with the judging process. Peterson holds a Master’s degree in Literature from Northwestern University, is an alumnus of Palatine high School, and shares flash fiction on an experimental blog (http://centilogue.wordpress.com/). While the brevity of flash fiction can be daunting, Peterson has also found it to be rewarding. “The form is the challenge [in flash fiction],” Peterson asserts, “and the challenge is the inspiration.” The Palatine Public Library District is your destination for knowledge, entertainment, and community. We serve approximately 90,000 residents predominantly within the communities of Palatine and Hoffman Estates.