In this article, we interview Greg Schmidt, repeat shortlister and (at the time of writing) first place holder on the Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction leaderboard.
Hi Greg, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your writing backstory?
My writing journey started late. For too many years I thought about writing, but my ideas never became more than scribbled notes or just stayed in my head. A couple of years ago my work situation changed and I had a bit more time, and less stress, so I thought if not now, then never.
I did a couple of creative writing courses at local community colleges and, at one in 2022, the teacher mentioned Nanowrimo. Naïve new writer me thought this would be the perfect way to get into a rhythm and get an idea onto paper. 50000 words in a month? No worries…
Very early on, I realised I was in way over my head, but I stuck at it and somehow did finish a 50000 word draft. It was very rough, and hasn’t seen the light of day since, but writing every day and actually finishing something, no matter the quality, did get me into the habit.
From there I thought the shorter form might suit me better and started entering as many short and flash fiction competitions as I could. I was very lucky to have some early success in a number of local comps, including making the shortlist of the 2023 Not Quite Write Prize, which gave me confidence to keep at it.
And, happily, I’m still at it.
You took out sixth place in the very first Not Quite Write Prize in 2023. You levelled up to fifth place in January 2025, and backed that up with sixth again in April 2025. With a longlisting in October 2024 on top, you’ve cemented your place at the top of the Not Quite Write Prize leaderboard. So, our question is this: what the hell are they putting in the water down in Western Sydney?
I’m not sure, though I once saw a three-eyed fish in the Nepean River. It’s probably unrelated.
It’s crazy to think I’m sharing top spot on the leader board. To be honest, I feel a little the imposter, but I am honoured to be there and very proud of the stories that got me there.
How have you spent the prize money?
I’ve kept some of it aside, which I’d like to put back into my writing somehow, perhaps another course. With some of April’s prize money though, I did treat myself to a good bottle of whisky, which, you’ll be pleased to know, accompanied me during the July round.
Two of your shortlisted stories fit neatly into the category of ‘lowbrow comedy’. Is this your go-to style?
Is it possible to write highbrow fart jokes? A challenge for the next round, perhaps.
I enjoy writing comedy, but it can be hard to get right, so I wouldn’t say it’s my go-to. I do think it’s a great fit for flash fiction though, lowbrow or otherwise. In a short word count, you can maybe get away with not having the best story if it’s funny enough. Plus, it’s a blast write. I still think Untitled #2 is the most fun I’ve had while writing.
Your April 2025 story, In the Pale Moonlight was a much more sombre tale. What prompted the shift in tone?
I admit that, given that my previous shortlisted stories were a little lowbrow as you say, there was an element of proving, if only to myself, that I could write and have success with something different.
But, I have written stories centred on animals before, and it’s something I want to do more of, particularly in exploring how humans treat and interact with animals, and the effects that has, good and bad. I suppose I’m looking for perspectives we don’t always consider, and to try give a voice to those that don’t have one. It can lead to unpleasant stories, but often that’s just reflecting reality.
I’d been thinking about a story on kangaroos, and when I saw the “kill your darlings” anti-prompt, it led me to consider how in Australia we can treat kangaroos as revered native animals on one hand and as nuisance pests on the other. Although my interpretation wasn’t so much about killing your writing darlings, it just clicked that this was the story I wanted to tell.
While many envy your success to date, it must be frustrating to come so close to first place and not quite reach it. Do you have a theory as to what might be standing between you and that pointy trophy?
I believe it’s four or five much better stories.
But no, I’ve never felt frustrated or disappointed that a story didn’t do better (except when it doesn’t make the long list!). Making the long or shortlist always feels like a success, and it makes me smile with giddy delight when I hear my name, or story, read out.
Having said that, I’d love to see my name on the pointy trophy, and I feel like I’m close. Maybe my takes on the anti-prompt have been too safe? Except for “kill your darlings”, I haven’t stretched too far when it comes to the anti-prompt.
I think, too, that sometimes I settle on an idea that isn’t well suited to 500 words, but I try fit it in anyway. I’m getting better at this, but some of my previous stories may have been a bit thinned out.
Can you share any words of wisdom with our Not Quite Write Prize hopefuls?
Focus on story first. The anti-prompt can sometimes bring you to a grinding halt (head-hopping, I’m looking at you!) but don’t let it distract you from telling a good story first and foremost.
And don’t pull your punches. If you think your story is too much, too silly, too dark or whatever, just go for it anyway. I feel like the judges will always appreciate it more if it’s authentic and unfiltered, even if it doesn’t quite hit the mark.
About Greg
Greg Schmidt is a writer. He used to say “aspiring writer”, but being so conditioned to short word counts, cutting adjectives is second nature. Currently preferring short fiction, Greg loves to experiment with various genres and themes, though secretly he just wants to write a western.
He lives in Sydney’s west with his wife, two cats, and three dogs. The dogs won’t be happy to be last on the list, but that’s what they get for constantly snoring during writing sessions.
You can connect with Greg at:
Bluesky: @gregrschmidt.bsky.social
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/read-my-shorts