Home of the Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction

Enter the Not Quite Write Prize

Bonus: Daredevil Critique – ‘Dazzling Diamonds, Heroic Horses and Pink Panties’ by Dez Veares
Bonus: Daredevil Critique – ‘Dazzling Diamonds, Heroic Horses and Pink Panties’ by Dez Veares

Listen in as the judges of the Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction deliver an unfiltered critique of Dazzling Diamonds, Heroic Horses and Pink Panties by Dez Veares.

This story appeared in the July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction, which featured the anti-prompt: Break the rule “avoid purple prose”.

Bonus: Daredevil Critique – ‘Who Do I Have to Speak to About a Redo on the Prophecy’ by Holly Sadowski
Bonus: Daredevil Critique – ‘Who Do I Have to Speak to About a Redo on the Prophecy’ by Holly Sadowski

Listen in as the judges of the Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction deliver an unfiltered critique of Who Do I Have to Speak to About a Redo on the Prophecy by Holly Sadowski.

This story appeared in the July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction, which featured the anti-prompt: Break the rule “avoid purple prose”.

#17 – Into the Tingleverse
#17 – Into the Tingleverse

In this STRICTLY ADULTS ONLY episode, Ed and Amanda venture into the world of erotic fiction only to be “slammed in the niche” by Chuck Tingle.

Ed reveals the seminal event that sparked his interest in spicy fiction, and we ask, what motivates people to read erotica? Does it tickle their fancy or just their funny bone?

Keeping it classy, we round out our discussion with a look at the statistics from Elle Griffin’s viral article, ‘No One Buys Books,’ and lament the current state of “venture capitalist” publishing.

Bonus: Winner and Shortlist – July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize
Bonus: Winner and Shortlist – July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize

Join us as we reveal the shortlist and winner of the July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction featuring the anti-prompt: Break the rule “avoid purple prose.”

We’ll spice up the countdown by reading the shortlisted from No. 6 up to No. 1.

Who will steal the show and take home the AU$1,000 first prize and coveted Not Quite Write Prize trophy?

Bonus: Longlist – July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize
Bonus: Longlist – July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize

In this special bonus episode, Ed and Amanda reveal the 40 members of the July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction longlist, featuring the anti-prompt: Break the rule “avoid purple prose.”

First, we kick off with a deep dive into key competition stats. Then stay tuned as we answer listener questions and turn the spotlight on common flash fiction tropes. We’ll shoutout the best takes on the prompts, and some of our favourite titles and lines.

It’s a vertiTABLE smorgasbord of flash fiction goodness!

#16 – Poor(n) Things
#16 – Poor(n) Things

Ed and Amanda are confronted with Frankenstein’s P*rnstar as we grapple with the Oscar-winning movie ‘Poor Things’. Is it a feminist masterpiece, or is it simply yet another vehicle for the male gaze?

We also tackle book-to-film adaptations and why book lovers sometimes struggle to appreciate the onscreen version of their beloved novels.

Plus, Amanda shares why she doesn’t want a bar of Timothée’s “Chalami”, and Ed invites ChatGPT to solve the TV writing crisis (with hilarious results).

Episode image for the April 2024 Longlist announcement episode, depicting a trophy cup and text identifying the episode number B6.
Bonus: Longlist Announcement – Not Quite Write Prize April 2024

In this special bonus episode, Ed and Amanda reveal the 40 members of the April 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction longlist!

First, we’ll cover all the stats from the comp and shout-out some standout entries. We’ll also answer your questions about what goes on behind the scenes of a flash fiction competition. We’ll do a deep-dive on the prompts and showcase the work of some of our brave daredevils, dissecting their stories in detail for all to hear. Suffice it to say, this episode will be a doozy.

Join us, yes? It’s a date!

Episode 15 thumbnail featuring Disney's Alice in Wonderland.
#15 – Literary Nonce-ense

“Off with his head!” Lewis Carroll has been cancelled!

Ed and Amanda chase the White Rabbit down a tunnel of less-than “Wonder-ful” allegations, before turning the looking glass towards his poetry.

And from the oldest literary genre to the newest, we grapple with the news that a 5% ChatGPT-generated novel won a prestigious literary prize.

Episode image for the January 2024 Longlist episode, depicting a trophy cup and text identifying the episode number B4.
Bonus: Longlist Announcement – Not Quite Write Prize January 2024

In this special bonus episode, Ed and Amanda reveal the 40 members of the January 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction longlist!

We’ll share interesting stats about the competition and shout out some of our favourite takes on the prompts.

Along the way, we’ll offer plenty of advice about what to do to win the competition (and what not to do!) before dishing out some tough love to our daredevils.

So, grab a beverage of choice (take care not to spill!) and kick back and relax as we put the long in longlist!

Episode 14 thumbnail featuring a zombified hand reaching out of the soil clutching a golden trophy cup.
#14 – Midlife Crisis: The Musical

You are cordially invited to attend a Not Quite Write dinner party, and short stories are on the menu! Gather ‘round the table as we feast upon James Joyce’s ‘The Dead’, served with a generous side of religion, politics, past loves, and Joycean epiphanies.

Plus, with the January 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction almost at hand, your judges serve up their advice for how to claim the cash. If Ed can get a word in edgewise, he’ll explain why the anti-prompt is “a challenge, not a licence”, and as for dessert? Well, that’s a “grey matter”.

Bon appétit!

Episode 13 thumbnail featuring Taylor, Isaac and Zac Hanson in their teenage years, posing for the camera. Taylor is wearing a grey tank top and gold chain, and he has an unsettling rosiness to his cheeks. Nobody cares what the other two are wearing, but they are wearing boring collared shirts. Zac is wearing a white shirt underneath. Yawn. Lol.
#13 – High Doses of Obsession

Oh no, Amanda forgot to check herself before she rec’d herself! Listen in as Ed roasts her teenage Hanson fanfic, ‘High Doses of Obsession’. Is Amanda as aloof as she claims, or is she still sweating on the chance to join (Eye)saac in “meatspace”?

Plus, find out why all writers should, like, totally take a leaf out of every teenage girl’s book.

Episode 12 thumbnail featuring a young Britney Spears with her hands held to her lips in "prayer" position.
#12 – Dear Diary

Diaries don’t get much attention these days, Anne Frankly, we’re not happy about it! In this episode we delve into the pros and cons of epistolary novels and unlock the mysteries of ‘Piranesi’ by Susanna Clarke.

Plus, Amanda exposes her own ancient secrets when she hands over the keys to her childhood diaries. Has she evolved since age twelve? And what the hell is a ‘Snust?’

Episode 11 thumbnail featuring a young Kate Bush with permed hair.
#11 – More Moors

We venture out into the wily, windy moors to find out what makes the bad guys tick.

Is Heathcliff the quintessential incel? Did he pull a Ted Bundy, or was it all one big “mist” opportunity?

Plus, Amanda opens up about her own writing flaws, and “Doctor Ed” prescribes a very bitter pill.

Episode 10 thumbnail featuring actors, Julie Delpy with her head in Ethan Hawke's lap, looking up at him in a scene from the movie 'Before Sunrise'.
#10 – A National Geographic for People with Bad Hair

Join intrepid hosts Ed and Amanda as they traverse the rocky terrain of critique in a quest to uncover the delicate balance that sustains the giving and receiving of critical feedback.

As the expedition unfolds, they’ll venture further into the heart of the jungle and encounter the rarest of creatures: a Get Rec’d submission they both enjoyed. Will our heroes make it through the desolate wasteland of Ethan Hawke’s hair before sunrise, or will they still be arguing like an old German couple by midnight?

Episode 9 thumbnail featuring the cover art from the Barenaked Ladies Album 'Detour de Force'. Two old-fashioned children are cycling their bikes around a road that has been styled to resembles the rings around a planet.
#9 – Detour de Fromage

In this episode, we take a slight “detour” into the world of Mom Rock to find out what fiction writers can learn from the songwriting greats.

In Get Rec’d, Amanda lays bare her greatest lyrical love, the Barenaked Ladies, only to be eviscerated by Ed’s scathing response. Turns out although people don’t usually complain when you bring cheese… they will if the crackers start rapping.

#17 – Into the Tingleverse
#17 – Into the Tingleverse

In this STRICTLY ADULTS ONLY episode, Ed and Amanda venture into the world of erotic fiction only to be “slammed in the niche” by Chuck Tingle.

Ed reveals the seminal event that sparked his interest in spicy fiction, and we ask, what motivates people to read erotica? Does it tickle their fancy or just their funny bone?

Keeping it classy, we round out our discussion with a look at the statistics from Elle Griffin’s viral article, ‘No One Buys Books,’ and lament the current state of “venture capitalist” publishing.

#16 – Poor(n) Things
#16 – Poor(n) Things

Ed and Amanda are confronted with Frankenstein’s P*rnstar as we grapple with the Oscar-winning movie ‘Poor Things’. Is it a feminist masterpiece, or is it simply yet another vehicle for the male gaze?

We also tackle book-to-film adaptations and why book lovers sometimes struggle to appreciate the onscreen version of their beloved novels.

Plus, Amanda shares why she doesn’t want a bar of Timothée’s “Chalami”, and Ed invites ChatGPT to solve the TV writing crisis (with hilarious results).

Episode 15 thumbnail featuring Disney's Alice in Wonderland.
#15 – Literary Nonce-ense

“Off with his head!” Lewis Carroll has been cancelled!

Ed and Amanda chase the White Rabbit down a tunnel of less-than “Wonder-ful” allegations, before turning the looking glass towards his poetry.

And from the oldest literary genre to the newest, we grapple with the news that a 5% ChatGPT-generated novel won a prestigious literary prize.

Episode 14 thumbnail featuring a zombified hand reaching out of the soil clutching a golden trophy cup.
#14 – Midlife Crisis: The Musical

You are cordially invited to attend a Not Quite Write dinner party, and short stories are on the menu! Gather ‘round the table as we feast upon James Joyce’s ‘The Dead’, served with a generous side of religion, politics, past loves, and Joycean epiphanies.

Plus, with the January 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction almost at hand, your judges serve up their advice for how to claim the cash. If Ed can get a word in edgewise, he’ll explain why the anti-prompt is “a challenge, not a licence”, and as for dessert? Well, that’s a “grey matter”.

Bon appétit!

Episode 13 thumbnail featuring Taylor, Isaac and Zac Hanson in their teenage years, posing for the camera. Taylor is wearing a grey tank top and gold chain, and he has an unsettling rosiness to his cheeks. Nobody cares what the other two are wearing, but they are wearing boring collared shirts. Zac is wearing a white shirt underneath. Yawn. Lol.
#13 – High Doses of Obsession

Oh no, Amanda forgot to check herself before she rec’d herself! Listen in as Ed roasts her teenage Hanson fanfic, ‘High Doses of Obsession’. Is Amanda as aloof as she claims, or is she still sweating on the chance to join (Eye)saac in “meatspace”?

Plus, find out why all writers should, like, totally take a leaf out of every teenage girl’s book.

Episode 12 thumbnail featuring a young Britney Spears with her hands held to her lips in "prayer" position.
#12 – Dear Diary

Diaries don’t get much attention these days, Anne Frankly, we’re not happy about it! In this episode we delve into the pros and cons of epistolary novels and unlock the mysteries of ‘Piranesi’ by Susanna Clarke.

Plus, Amanda exposes her own ancient secrets when she hands over the keys to her childhood diaries. Has she evolved since age twelve? And what the hell is a ‘Snust?’

Episode 11 thumbnail featuring a young Kate Bush with permed hair.
#11 – More Moors

We venture out into the wily, windy moors to find out what makes the bad guys tick.

Is Heathcliff the quintessential incel? Did he pull a Ted Bundy, or was it all one big “mist” opportunity?

Plus, Amanda opens up about her own writing flaws, and “Doctor Ed” prescribes a very bitter pill.

Episode 10 thumbnail featuring actors, Julie Delpy with her head in Ethan Hawke's lap, looking up at him in a scene from the movie 'Before Sunrise'.
#10 – A National Geographic for People with Bad Hair

Join intrepid hosts Ed and Amanda as they traverse the rocky terrain of critique in a quest to uncover the delicate balance that sustains the giving and receiving of critical feedback.

As the expedition unfolds, they’ll venture further into the heart of the jungle and encounter the rarest of creatures: a Get Rec’d submission they both enjoyed. Will our heroes make it through the desolate wasteland of Ethan Hawke’s hair before sunrise, or will they still be arguing like an old German couple by midnight?

Episode 9 thumbnail featuring the cover art from the Barenaked Ladies Album 'Detour de Force'. Two old-fashioned children are cycling their bikes around a road that has been styled to resembles the rings around a planet.
#9 – Detour de Fromage

In this episode, we take a slight “detour” into the world of Mom Rock to find out what fiction writers can learn from the songwriting greats.

In Get Rec’d, Amanda lays bare her greatest lyrical love, the Barenaked Ladies, only to be eviscerated by Ed’s scathing response. Turns out although people don’t usually complain when you bring cheese… they will if the crackers start rapping.

Bonus: Daredevil Critique – ‘Dazzling Diamonds, Heroic Horses and Pink Panties’ by Dez Veares
Bonus: Daredevil Critique – ‘Dazzling Diamonds, Heroic Horses and Pink Panties’ by Dez Veares

Listen in as the judges of the Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction deliver an unfiltered critique of Dazzling Diamonds, Heroic Horses and Pink Panties by Dez Veares.

This story appeared in the July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction, which featured the anti-prompt: Break the rule “avoid purple prose”.

Bonus: Daredevil Critique – ‘Who Do I Have to Speak to About a Redo on the Prophecy’ by Holly Sadowski
Bonus: Daredevil Critique – ‘Who Do I Have to Speak to About a Redo on the Prophecy’ by Holly Sadowski

Listen in as the judges of the Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction deliver an unfiltered critique of Who Do I Have to Speak to About a Redo on the Prophecy by Holly Sadowski.

This story appeared in the July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction, which featured the anti-prompt: Break the rule “avoid purple prose”.

Bonus: Winner and Shortlist – July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize
Bonus: Winner and Shortlist – July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize

Join us as we reveal the shortlist and winner of the July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction featuring the anti-prompt: Break the rule “avoid purple prose.”

We’ll spice up the countdown by reading the shortlisted from No. 6 up to No. 1.

Who will steal the show and take home the AU$1,000 first prize and coveted Not Quite Write Prize trophy?

Bonus: Longlist – July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize
Bonus: Longlist – July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize

In this special bonus episode, Ed and Amanda reveal the 40 members of the July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction longlist, featuring the anti-prompt: Break the rule “avoid purple prose.”

First, we kick off with a deep dive into key competition stats. Then stay tuned as we answer listener questions and turn the spotlight on common flash fiction tropes. We’ll shoutout the best takes on the prompts, and some of our favourite titles and lines.

It’s a vertiTABLE smorgasbord of flash fiction goodness!

Episode image for the April 2024 Longlist announcement episode, depicting a trophy cup and text identifying the episode number B6.
Bonus: Longlist Announcement – Not Quite Write Prize April 2024

In this special bonus episode, Ed and Amanda reveal the 40 members of the April 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction longlist!

First, we’ll cover all the stats from the comp and shout-out some standout entries. We’ll also answer your questions about what goes on behind the scenes of a flash fiction competition. We’ll do a deep-dive on the prompts and showcase the work of some of our brave daredevils, dissecting their stories in detail for all to hear. Suffice it to say, this episode will be a doozy.

Join us, yes? It’s a date!

Episode image for the January 2024 Longlist episode, depicting a trophy cup and text identifying the episode number B4.
Bonus: Longlist Announcement – Not Quite Write Prize January 2024

In this special bonus episode, Ed and Amanda reveal the 40 members of the January 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction longlist!

We’ll share interesting stats about the competition and shout out some of our favourite takes on the prompts.

Along the way, we’ll offer plenty of advice about what to do to win the competition (and what not to do!) before dishing out some tough love to our daredevils.

So, grab a beverage of choice (take care not to spill!) and kick back and relax as we put the long in longlist!

Meet the Hosts

Ever since he placed second in a high school short-story competition, Ed has fancied himself as something of a writer.

He is a self-confessed literary masochist, whose disdain of happy endings and preference for arduous and harrowing literature have earned him the title, “Case-hardened Wowser.”

Aside from being a serial writing-competition enterer, his hobbies include: avoiding Vegemite, abhorring ellipses, and obsessively rewriting opening sentences. In the future, Ed aspires to become as handsome as his AI-enhanced avatar.

Ed posts prolifically on Goodreads under the cunning pseudonym, Edward.

Amanda was first published in The Sydney Morning Herald at the tender age of seven with a charming poem about the joy of Christmas.

Since then, Amanda has gone on to enjoy wider publication, including opinion pieces and feature articles across major Australian mastheads and industry magazines.

Amanda’s competitive spirit extends from the page to the small screen, having won prizes for both her fiction and her quiz show prowess.

Amanda identifies as a “plotter” and sprinkles commas like salt. She is currently procrastinating on her third middle-grade novel, set in an abandoned theme park.

Login


Forgot your password?
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.