Flash Fiction Competition 2026 Winners Announced!

3rd October 2026

Lincoln Book Festival once again invited budding authors to send in a super short 50-word story for the Flash Fiction Competition, this year on the theme of ‘Hobbies’. This year’s theme was inspired by the 2026 National Year of Reading’s “Go All In” campaign.

We’re delighted to announce the winners, chosen by our final judging panel – Author and Broadcaster Dr Kate Cherrell; Artist, Writer and Illustrator Chris Mould; and Lincoln Arts Centre’s Artistic Director Ben Anderson. Thanks as well to the 18 volunteer readers in our initial shortlisting panel, we couldn’t have put the competition together this year without your invaluable help!

This year we had an enormous 294 entries across the three age categories – Primary, Secondary and Adult. The entries were of such a high standard that we have a longlist and shortlist in each category. To honour these fantastic stories, published below are all the longlisted, shortlisted, highly commended and winning entries. We hope you enjoy reading these imaginative, funny, emotional, and sometimes a little scary stories from writers across the UK and abroad. Our budding authors ranged in age this year from 4 to 86 years old!

Special thanks go to schools Welton St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy, Our Lady of Lincoln Catholic Primary School, Lincoln Minster School Preparatory, Witham St Hugh’s Academy, De Aston School, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Horncastle, The Priory Academy LSST and Haven High Academy for their entries.

Thanks also to Zest Theatre, Rooted Arts CIC, Lincoln Arts Centre and Magna Vitae at Sutton-on-Sea’s Seaview Colonnade for hosting and funding our free story-writing workshops over the school summer holidays.

If you’re a school or organisation who would like to take part in the Flash Fiction Competition 2027 please get in touch at competitions@lincolnbookfestival.org

Credit for all photography – Richard Hall

 

 

PRIMARY – SHORTLIST

Winner – My busy week of work and recreation by Willow

On Mondays I go for a jog with my friend.  Tuesdays are for playing catch in the park.  On Wednesdays I chew my toys.  On Thursdays Ben comes round, we fight over who has the greatest owner.  On Sundays I snuggle and lick my human.  Puppy pastimes are the best.

Highly Commended – Ordinary by Lucy

I think I’m ordinary. I have friends. I have hobbies.
But I have one big secret. I’m worried to tell my
Friends because my hobby is for, well, girls.
CROCHET
I have to act like I love football.
But deep down it’s the worst. How long must I
keep pretending?

Acting Most Viciously by Ottilie
Olive walked up to her acting studio. She was ready to murder (in acting). The cast was waiting for her. Olive was just about to squeeze the ketchup on the acting victim. But then the police shiny hats came in, while she still had the bloody knife in her hand.

The Shot I Missed by Martha
It pounced. Its razor-sharp teeth bared; its fiery eyes locked on me. I scrambled like my life depended on it – which it did- only to find that the beast’s monstrous claws were gripping my mud-stained coat. My quiver of arrows spilled onto the forest floor. Could this be it?

The Shattered Childhood by George
The door slammed shut. The containment chamber his parents spent years developing was sabotaged by their biggest rivals. He felt the explosion as his parents spontaneously combusted in front of his eyes. A flash. His clothes transformed, his eye split. He become what his parents wanted him to be. Immortal.

 

 

SECONDARY – SHORTLIST

Winner – Second Hands by Yehiya

Grandpa loved fixing old clocks–his total obsession! Day and night, he worked on tiny metal gears; when he died, every single clock froze. I picked up his favorite screwdriver, held my breath, and wound the main spring–chime! Tick, tock; time moved on again, putting his memory right in my hands.

Highly Commended – A Page Away by Emily

An apple a day keep the doctor away, well for me, a book a day can keep the darkness contained. Moon high, I open a book and borrow someone’s life. This is my home away from home. Between cracked spines, with each final page, a fantasy short-lived. Nothing can compare.

My Last Dance by Rosa
The rush of air against my powdered face felt familiar, yet different. For years, my love of dance had grown with every performance. Tonight was special. This was my last dance. My last leap. My last pirouette. Memories flooded back as I cherished each second before the final curtain fell.

The Workshop by Jack
CRASH! The crafts fell to the ground. The Creator turned around to see his masterpieces, each closing in on him, their intentions unknown. “Play with me.” Screeched one, and they all began to yell like monkeys in a zoo. The Creator stumbled to the exit, but it was too late…

I Watch by Tallia
I watch. I watch your hair brush against the goosebumps on your exposed back and note the way your shirt bunches on your waist. You walk purposely yet your arms hang loose at your side. Your bag strains your shoulder, imprinting the flesh. I watch you. I always watch you.

The Russian Fairy by Mia
On the ice, I can focus. I see my opponents clearer. If you don’t have any inspiration left, you’re as good as dead. So if selling my soul is what you want? Indulge me and let my blood weep “champion”. One more jump, one more spin, the ice is mine.

 

 

ADULT – SHORTLIST

Winner – Garden gossips and horticultural heaven by Karen Malpass

Patricia’s prize-winning petunias were the talk of the parish.  As were the gossips’ pernicious assertions her missing spouse was tending someone else’s garden.  Patricia continued pruning, knowing the philanderer’s search for greener grass had led him six feet under her raised beds, pushing up tomato plants and fertilizing her fuchsias.

Highly Commended – Passing interests by Tarn D.F. Nicholls

Arthur’s garage contained abandoned lives: an easel, telescope, fishing rods, a half-built boat, a violin.

His family teased him for never ever sticking to anything.

At seventy, he disagreed.

He had painted sunsets, studied Saturn, caught trout, sailed rivers, made terrible music.

Some people lived once.

Arthur had practised living.

 

Hobby Envy by Esther Allan
My ex-husband lives for vintage cars. Buys them broken, tenderly restores them, sells them (or keeps them, if in love). Reads, talks and dreams about them. Never changed a nappy. I cared for our children, house, pets, garden… his parents. I’m all alone now. He still has his vintage cars.

The Water of Life by Stuart Minto
He savoured evenings shaped by old routines. A quiet room, a familiar chair, and the gentle pour of whisky brought back voices, laughter and years that felt closer with every sip. His hobby wasn’t drinking , it was remembering, warming the past until it settled beside him like a loyal companion.

Terrific Tuesday by Michael Peltell
Bob collected spoons, while his cat practiced yoga. Every Tuesday they judged each other’s technique. Bob’s balance wobbled; the cat sneezed dramatically.
They awarded each other glittery ribbons for enthusiastic participation, then celebrated with karaoke, confusing neighbors. Yet inspiring one goldfish to take up knitting, soon realising he’d require thumbs.

 

 

PRIMARY – LONGLIST

First swimming competition by Layla
I took a big breath. Ready? I wasn’t sure. Now I was on the starting block it made me rethink my life choices once again. Too late. On your marks, get set, go! I dived into the pool. With all my strength I swam. I was ready for my destiny…

Football by Darcie
Once upon a time, there was a girl called Esme who loved to play football. Esme played for a local football team every Wednesday. She would kick the ball hard into the goal. Football made her very happy even though it rains sometimes. Her favourite part was playing in goal.

At war by Ethan
I hold my plastic shield high in the mud. The big cardboard castle was infront, A big dog guarded the front door. I ran fast as pretend darts flew by me. I planted my bright flag and won the game. My mum and dad laughed, than it was tea time.

Splash Days! By Beatrice
Swoosh!

Splash!

Into the crystal clear water went Fenella.

She was a swift and graceful swimmer.

She sliced through the water like a fish.

Suddenly……ow!

Fenella felt a sharp pang of pain.

Her elbow was bleeding!

Soon, she was sitting in the first aid room.

Swimming is still fun though.

 

Amputated Ice Skater by Poppy
Penelope, a talented ice skater, was elegant as a deer.  She leapt, twirled and spun.  Her coaches said, “Awesome, Penelope!”  She differed from other girls.  She had one real leg and one metal leg.
“She’s useless!” one girl muttered.
That changed… dramatically.   She won the Olympics only ten years later.

The Footballer That Came To Life by Kobi
Zander was just an ordinary football player with a dream to go pro.  During one match against Conkers FC (the best team in the league), their star striker, Mihai, did a furious tackle on Zander, injuring him for a while.  He came back, stronger, better, faster… ready for his revenge.

One Girl and One Dream by Isla
Olivia had a dream.  She wanted to dance.  She wanted to fling out her arms and wiggle her hips.   But there was one problem.  She couldn’t walk.  Her sister started a wheelchair dance class.  One week, twenty members.  Olivia could live her dream.  She became the world’s best wheelchair dancer.

The Boy and the Camera by Stan
It all started at his nan’s house when he was in the attic.  He found an old camera that still worked!
“Huh! That’s cool!” he said.
Twenty years later, he had become a professional but on his thousandth photo, a strange portal opened and took him to  a magical planet.

The Girl Who Escapes With Music by Aubree
Poor Victoria, sits all alone, so she puts on her headphones and switches on her phone.  The music blares in her ears; it washes away all her fears.  Don’t bother vicious Victoria when she has her headphones on – she’ll snap and bite as she is lost in the song.

Dylan’s First 180 by Dylan
Dylan steps up to the board, throws the 1st dart… the crowd fell silent. Dylan hits treble 20. “And again” shouts the crowd. Dylan steps up, throws another dart. Again he hits treble 20. The nerves finally kick in. If he throws the 3rd dart will he hit a 180?

 

 

SECONDARY – LONGLIST

Another World by Chloe
With every page turn, Violet was taken through countless different bewildering worlds, ones she wished she would never return from. She took refuge between the pages of a book, where her imagination swam through new scenarios every time. To violet, reading was not a hobby, it was a far-fetched reality.

My Lens by Ebony
The beautiful illuminessence of the moon. Click. Arrays of constellations adorning the night sky. Click. I love the night sky. I wish people could see it through my lens. I longed to show them. Maybe one day the stars will whisper to them like they do to me. I’m anticipating.

My Favourite Hobby by Aurelia
I was running as quick as I could. Well, I was on the moon so it was a lot harder to run, but still.
The creature followed me over hills, into craters , everywhere! Then constant beeping blasted into my ear.
My favourite hobby was over. It’s time to wake up.

My Secret Hobby by Ruby
My hobby is… WAIT! It’s a secret. I’m not telling! Nope! Not telling! Why you ask? Because… It’s none of your business what I enjoy thank you verry much! You want a hint? Fine. It’s something you would do inside. Yup! That’s right! I’ll tell…Reading. I love reading. That’s it.

The Painting She Didn’t Paint by Isla-Rose
Macie paints a lot. She memorized every painting she did. She arrives  home after grabbing her lifeline (coffee). Boom. It had begun. A portrait of Macie  on her favorite  canvas. She didn’t do it. A deep cut across her face was what stunned her. Who could have done this? Why?

Escape From Reality by Thea
Reading is a way to escape reality. When you read, it’s like the world fades away before you, disappearing into a calm hum that replaces the buzz and the whispers of the people before you. If you find the right book, you melt into the story, following the characters throughout.

World Cup Fever by Charlie
A singular sticker. On the floor, at school. The World Cup had begun and my album was empty. “What a waste of money,” I always thought. But I begin nonetheless. Pack after pack, £20 after £20. And then I realised. My once halcyon, happy hobby, transformed into an appalling addiction.

Motivation by Tija
Before I joined dance I used to have no motivation at all, but ever since I joined it made me more confident, I made more friends and I felt more motivated to try. I used to be introverted but the teamwork helped me grow and I have learnt to forgive.

Match Day by Haydn
It was match day, we were playing our rivals. If we win the game we win the championship final. The game began there was two seconds left. Down by one. The ball swooped down the pitch. One second. I was on the edge of my seat. I closed my eyes.

Lego by Viktorija
Rushing out the car I swung open the door raced upstairs into my room box clutched hard in my hand. I dived, launching myself upon my gloriously comfy bed. shredding the decorative box, cardboard flew everywhere. Tearing the bag open I immediately assemble the lego, clicking the last piece on.

The Artist by Kristina
A job of an artist is to turn lines into images with stories of their own.
Although what no one knows is how the charcoal smudges, how the markers bleed and motivation rises and falls whilst ideas continue to reel inside your head, until eventually forgotten. In the dark abyss.

Johnny by Samanta
1997. Every town had at least one arcade. Everyone raved for new records. Johnny was one of those people.
“Come on! One more time!” he slams his fist down angrily. Suddenly the arcade console screen, glowing as a dream, spilling out words “play again” He pressed play. He was inside.

The drawing by Karlina
The young brunette girl was sketching in her book without a thought in the world. Kiara was in her room as usual. While drawing, she made a mistake. It wouldn’t rub out. Her brown eyes glimmered as the drawing started to crawl out of a sketchbook. Was this a dream?

Emotion by Phoebe
Studio. Home. Repeat. Day after day. Home she went to finish her first song. She sits guitar in hand for hours. So much yearning into this one thing, for dream that may never come true. But maybe that’s a big perk of being a teenager.
All you have is emotion

Lost in the Book by Jade
It was storming as usual. I perch on my bay window, a gale from my window blew the pages of my book out of my hands and all across the floor then suddenly a light shimmered and I got dragged into my book. This is where I realised, trouble came.

The Accident by Beatrice
Swimming was my favourite hobby until the accident happened. He loved the feel of the brisk air on his face, the iciness of the water. I knew the morning he left he wouldn’t return. He was too pale. He choked on the water and drowned. Swimming was my favourite hobby.

The hobby that changed the girl by Victoria
They teach you about gambling in school, but Charlie already knew. Gambling was her Dad’s hobby. Normally hobbies are relaxing, but from what Charlie has seen her family were not. They were always arguing about his hobby. Her Mum called it an addiction. Charlie didn’t know what that was… yet.

The Dream by Youssef
Left, right, left, day in, day out. This is a small slither of the pie. From being shoulder deep in mud at 2am waiting for the orders to be given, to doing airplane aerobatics at age 15, friendships are pushed to the limits. This isn’t the military. This is cadets.

 

 

ADULT – LONGLIST

To write by Matt Roberts
‘Why do you create?’ She asked with breathless reverence. ‘Why do you spend hours hunched, lost in a reverie, fraught with words and feelings, living the emotions of those of your creation?’
He allowed himself the hint of a smile, the conspiratory joy of sharing a truth.
‘For Exactly that.’

The Judgement of Paris by Jacquie Rogers
Eris, goddess of discord, tosses up a golden ball inscribed “Fairest”. Three goddesses tussle for it, appointing as judge a seeming shepherd.
Hera offers kingship.
Athena offers wisdom.
Aphrodite offers love from a famed beauty.
Paris, a mere man, chooses love.
‘Oops,’ says Eris, whose hobby is trouble. ‘Poor Troy.’

Shed Men by Judith Northwood-Boorman
The shed-men of advancing years were perched, like old crows, at their work bench, completing woodcraft projects. The pyrographic sign (made by a fellow member) squeaking noisily above their heads. ‘Facere val mori’.
Before retirement, they were all committed workaholics. Hobbies were an anathema. But now they were life savers.

The Holiday Before the Holiday by Vicky
People think travelling is my hobby.

It isn’t. Planning is.

One destination becomes ten tabs. Reviews become spreadsheets. Itineraries are perfected and, obviously, colour-coded. The WhatsApp group gets its daily updates. Soon, I’m happily planning everybody else’s holidays too.

Eventually, I travel.

That lasts two weeks.

Planning lasts all year.

 

Knobbly Knees by Lizzy Perkins
‘Roll em up, lad, show me the left, and the right, gawd blimey, them’s a beauty,’ Ma calls this my hobby, no, Ma, it’s my lifeline, knobbly knees contests, they’re my people, the awkward, the quirky, the misshapen, the boney, Ma says, ‘you’re ugly,’ they say, ‘that’s likely, so what?’

Time Thief by Ellen Roxby
To work or to craft? How could I possibly choose? Without one, I cannot survive, and without the other, I cannot live. So I steal time for my hobbies, wherever possible. Another chapter devoured before clocking in, one more row before going to bed. These precious moments are my sustenance.

Magnificent Obsession by Sue Blackburn
Love reading. Jobs to do but cannot leave my book. An obsession. One day deep in my historical story, I thought I was there. Wait, I was there! A man approaching. I turned round, tripped, felt myself lifted. In love. Went to his castle. Magnificent library. Lived happily ever after.

A Word Of Wisdom To The Doll House Collector by Julie Parr
I don’t know why I was drawn to buy this old dolls house. As I lay in bed in darkness, hearing voices, immediately my eyes opened. Moonlight shone on the house, as lavender filled the room. A curtain moved in the breeze and something fell to the floor. “Oh dear…”

Orienteering – The Joy Of Racing Through The Map by Helen Pedley
Getting my bearings: literally compass in hand. I find North and cautiously head out. Clutching my map. Picking up features: that wooded spur, then the pond. I’m chasing dragonflies, dancing by reeds, up the gully to crest the hill. A crag glinting in the distance, I spy my first control.

What was wrong with being a reader of novels anyway? By Jane Filer
Eva had to find a hobby that sounded dynamic, striking, ground-breaking for LinkedIn.

Stroking the spines she glanced at the exhausting titles, like Web Design for Dummies, Mindfulness Practices, Birdwatching in Britain.

Blinded by choice she felt weary, relenting to the novel she’d had on order from the reservations shelf.