Flashfic Competitions
Flashfic Competitions or Flash Comp's are fast turn around short fanfiction writing events.
A list of prompts are released for claiming around a selected theme, prompts are claimed anonymously, the stories are revealed on one day, all participants must read all submissions and vote, meaning that these competitions are usually limited to a smaller number than that of a Fest. Authors are then revealed and awards given.
A culture of trying to guess the anonymous author based on their previous flash comp participation, known favourite ships etc is common.
A Flash Comp Timeline
An example schedule gives an idea of the timeframe:
- Claims open/writing begins: Day 1
- Submissions due/fic reveals: Day 10
- Reading/voting: Day 10-Day 13
- Votes due: Day 13
- Author reveals: Day 13
- Awards: Day 14
Running the Flash Comp
Flash Comp's may be run through a number of platforms, such as AO3 or Discord.
The Prompt Meme function of AO3 can be used to post prompts to be claimed.
Awards
Example Awards:
- Overall favorite
- Best fluff
- Best angst
- Best use of prompt
- Best characterisation