2023 FlAsH Fiction Writing Contest

Judges’ Criteria for a Winning Entry

 

 

The judges will make every attempt possible to read “blind” so that they are not biased by knowing the writer personally (if applicable.) 

 

As judges, we are looking for diversity in FAH-related subject matter in both categories and also well-written pieces of fiction / non-fiction.  

 

We do take into account that not all FAHns are English speakers, though you are submitting your work in English.  

 

Please note: Being a non-English speaker does not mean you can’t be awarded a winning spot in the writing contest.  

 

Winners are chosen according to the following criteria in each category.

 

Short Stories

 

• Plot of the story is clearly related to FAH or any FAH characters, or FAH subject matter from their sketch canon, including anything from Patreon or live shows – excluding Hogwash.

• Narrative is fully developed and shows a clear arc from beginning to end.  

• Stories may end without a resolution (considering this is “flash” fiction), but this should not be jarring or confusing to a reader. 

• Story is “in the moment” and very active, showing defined, detailed character development.

• Title of the short story has something to do with the plot of the narrative. 

• Story does not go over the 1500-word count – this includes the title of the short story.  

• Very well proofread; no spelling or grammar errors (to the best of the writer’s ability.)

 

 

Poetry

 

• Poem is clearly related to FAH or any FAH characters, or FAH subject matter from their sketch canon, including anything from Patreon or live shows – excluding Hogwash.

• A clear and consistent use of a poetic form: rhyming, free verse, haiku, sonnet, acrostic, limerick, ode, etc.  

• If poem is personal, that connection is clear and defined in relation to FAH and the described subject matter.  

• All poems should be 25 lines or less – this includes the title of the poem.  

• Very well proofread; no spelling or grammar errors (to the best of the writer’s ability.) 

 

 

Bi-Lingual Poetry

 

• Poem is clearly related to FAH or any FAH characters, or FAH subject matter from their sketch canon, including anything from Patreon or live shows – excluding Hogwash.

• A clear and consistent use of a poetic form: rhyming, free verse, haiku, sonnet, acrostic, limerick, ode, etc.  

• If poem is personal, that connection is clear and defined in relation to FAH and the described subject matter.  

• All poems should be 25 lines or less – this includes the title of the poem. 

• A linguistic balance between English and the chosen non-English language.

• An included English translation of the submitted bi-lingual poem.   

• Very well proofread; no spelling or grammar errors (to the best of the writer’s ability.)