Flash Fiction Competition 2025 Winners Announced!

25th October 2025

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 ‘Heroes and Villains’.

We’re delighted to announce the winners, chosen by our shortlisting panel and guest authors Dr Kate Cherrell, Nick Moffatt and Jack Mackay.

This year we had 180 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. Our budding authors ranged in age from five to 81 years old!

Special thanks go to schools Welton St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy, De Aston School, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Horncastle, The Priory Academy LSST, Boston High School and North Kesteven Academy for their entries. Thanks also to Zest Theatre, Ermine Library and Community Hub, Lincoln Central Library, Rooted Arts CIC, Boundary Street Hub and Storytellers NPO at Sutton-on-Sea 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 2026 please get in touch at competitions@lincolnbookfestival.org

 

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PRIMARY – SHORTLIST

Winner – The Ultimate Green Villains by Willow

The sinister Green team, packed in its circular formation, rolls about menacingly making everyone suffer the consequences of its evil purpose.  Although you can squeeze them between your teeth, they will fight back with their disgusting taste.  The vile peas.  The only thing that can save you – the tomato ketchup.

 

Highly Commended – Amongst The Trees by Hattie

The bushes rustled behind her. Everything frozen, all Red could hear was the whispers of the night. Her basket dropped to the floor, as she edged closer and closer towards it. The rustling stopped? A twig snapped. Red slowly turned around. The last thing she saw was a blood-stained smile.

 

On Top Of The High Sandy Cliff by Imogen

Shimmering against the dark, gloomy midnight sky was a fire blazing in an apartment.

Amara shot through the sky, into the window. She summoned the water spirit in her palm, throwing it at the fire, saving the girl. “You saved my daughter!” praised her mother, Emma, “You are our hero!”

 

Jeff the Jellyfish by Adam

Jeff the Jellyfish, a good friend of all the fish in the sea, got in a big fight with Sharky, the Great White. In order to repel Sharky, he stung him on the bottom and Sharky swam off. Now all the fish call Jeff the bravest jellyfish in the ocean.

 

It’s Dinner By Nora

It’s Dinner but I probably won’t eat as usually dinner is disgusting. I go downstairs and PEAS are on My plate. I HATE peas they are evil and disgusting. Luckily Mum took them away. I was so happy! My Mum saved the day! I can live peacefully without peas! Hooray!

 

 

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SECONDARY – SHORTLIST

Winner – My Hero by Paige

From the moment I opened my eyes she was there. She carried me softly in her arms. While kindness grew, her laugh could fill any room. I don’t know where it came from, but I know her heart glows. I know her as my hero but really she’s my mum.

 

Highly Commended – Voices by Victoria

Superhero’s have supervillains. Her villain, no-one can see. It can’t destroy cities or alternative universes. Voices. Darkness in her head, a battle no-one else can fight. Smiling everyday, when she might not survive this battle. She’s a superhero, fighting hidden battles. Scars, her armour showing everyone they can survive too.

 

The Girl who was Always Scared by Florence

Her childhood fear of dark streets at night sparked back to her as she walked home drunk and perplexed. The street lights flickered as she started to pass out in a bush; she knew she had been spiked. She felt a cold breath, was this her Hero or her Villain?

 

The Drowning City by Oscar

Water rushed in the glassy dome above me cracked as the cloaked figure grabbed the orb. Screens buzzed and shut off as the systems short circuited. The pillars reaching out to the glass crumbled debris hit my leg pinning me down as a cascade of water brought me into unconsciousness.

 

My Dad Wasn’t Always Perfect by Ferreira

My Dad wasn’t always a hero, his life wasn’t always perfect. He used to be in gang. But that’s all changed now.  He’s got the scars and tattoos of the past but the love and heart of the present. It doesn’t matter about his past he’s still my wonderful dad.

 

Unloved, immortal yet mine by Mia

Blonde hair met jet black; omniscient. As he killed millions I questioned how I still saw stardust engraved hair and a future in his eyes. He saw a vivid version in mine, he was copper too rusted to restore. I was shining silver. He was a villain and I wasn’t.

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ADULT – SHORTLIST

 

Winner – New Heroes Wanted – Apply Today! by Aimee Loveday

The interviewer for Heroics Inc. frowns at the application form.

‘Under career aspirations you have written “doomed by the narrative”. Unusual; could you elaborate?’

The candidate shrugs, ‘Lowers expectation. We can’t all be Superman, can we?’

The interviewer sighs.

‘We prefer…more drive for success. Have you considered Villainy at all?’

 

Highly Commended – The Cawing of the Crows by Surya Senthilkumar

Five half-eaten cornfields

Four evil caws

Three aims taken

Two birds

One stone

No more parasites

One deserted orphan

Two protecting hands

Three falling tears

Four years passed

Five flying milestones

Six young fledglings

Five weekly visits

Four silent minutes

Three soft caws

Two tearful eyes

One apology

No need

 

The Monsters Among Us by John Wood

The most dangerous people are the ones you least expect.

 

Blending in. An air of normality about them. They’re calm and controlled.

 

Until they’re not.

 

They could be anyone you meet.

 

Like me.

 

So here’s a warning: Be careful who you cross.

 

You never want to see our true natures.

 

 

Sometimes Witness is a Heroic Act by Jessica Boatright

Suited men looted everything left unscrewed. Streets became rivers, wailing mothers dragging stinking children through. “They’ve stolen hope like it’s diamonds,” magpies screeched as oak trees drowned. While the land poured itself empty of everything, a woman perched on a roof like a stone, clasped an inked stick and began.

 

Glum in Gaea by Hal Mayer

Through GAEA’s endless aisles, a cyclops boy bolted as a cardboard Minotaur thundered after him, horns tearing flatpacks. He clawed up the racking, desperate to escape. The beast seized his ankle—he kicked, shredding its papery fist. At the top, yanking the sprinkler; water fell, the Minotaur collapsing into pulp.

 

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PRIMARY – LONGLIST

 

Whispers in the mist by Elliot

Joseph looked down at his feet. Nowhere to go or hide. The killer took his knife and cackled. Joseph said hide and jumped hoping he was safe. Something, someone moved. The Mosquito has awaken. It bulleted towards him dribbling venom but then, it darted towards the killer. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

 

King Goldfish by Heidi

In the depths of the ocean, King Goldfish’s skin tingled. Sharks could be smelt. Lighting sharks! Their demand was simple, if he gave them the castle, they would give him 10 thousand seashells. “Never!” shouted King Goldfish. He charged forwards ready to strike…All was still. All was silent. Everything froze.

 

Villain Eruption by Emily

A girl villain called Sky. Sky lived in Cornwall. At a campsite people found that she was a villain. They started to panic. So they told the police that she was a villain. They said “Sorry, I can’t help you!” It was 11:00 at night. Everyone said “I give up.”

 

The fire goes down by Elsie

Dark Town is controlled by evil mastermind Firelord. Once a hero, until cursed by wizard Shrilanka. When angered he becomes fire, burning people to ash. One day a hero, surprisingly a kitten, appears. Firelord laughs. The kitten jumps on his lap, purring. The curse breaks. The town sees light again.

 

The fierce, scary battle of the good vs the terrible by Harry

Once the battle started there was a bang of thunder. People died with their ashes flying up in the air. The heroes, Midnight Reighn, threw a loveball at the bad Trouble to be friends. Trouble threw a fireball. It was blocked. The heroes and villains thought they could be friends.

 

The Lost House by Oscar

Once upon a time there was a forest near a small village that was said to be cursed, people who entered the forest never came back. It had blood red leaves on the floor. There were shadows at night in the village and people kept on disappearing in the morning…

 

The Lock-Jaw by Joseph

The Lock-Jaw had him trapped. Tim’s back was pushed so hard against the wall, they were practically friends. The beast had cornered him in the Cavern of the Lost. Nowhere to run or hide. Tim was beaten to the treasures. His legacy was in tatters – the Lock-Jaw had him now.

 

The Adventures of the Sea by Grace

Super-Ilar was a happy, brave, courageous blue whale until Dr Dog’s invention stopped the sea. Ilar landed on sand. Luckily Super-Tiger and Freezer the Wolf were making a sandcastle. They flew to Dr Dog’s lab. Freezer froze Dr Dog and unfroze the sea. Ilar swam into the water. They partied!

 

The unwanted grip by Sophie

Hadassa gripped tightly to the cliff hoping someone was going to help. Suddenly, she heard foot steps towards her “who was it?” she asked herself. Miles above the busy street. He was short but strong. He got closer and closer to Hadassa. He stepped on her hand. She fell. Ouch.

 

The End of Beginning by Martha

Time seemed to stop. Natalie froze. She heard an earsplitting screech coming from the abandoned mansion. Natalie broke into a sprint but all she could hear was screams of lost souls. As she was running, a mangled figure emerged within the fog. There it was, the Banshee. Smiling at her.

 

The Monster by Freddie

Colin suddenly looked around, he was engulfed in sand. Then movement. Something was surging towards him coiling around him. A scaly green figure with a red tongue and razor-sharp spikes dug through his skin. He reached into his pocket for his handy knife. But it was not there. Then Snap!

 

POISON OAK by Arthur

ZAP! Poison Oak fires two twisting vines at the comedian trapping him in an interlocked prison. He responds! Taking a flower out his pocket he squirts mud all over the prison. Slowly but surely the poison oak prison began to dissolve. What will happen? The comedian started to chase him…

 

The Crocodiles in the Water by Jess

Danger occurred. Jamie looked at the hungry crocodiles licking their pearly white, pickily teeth. “Right, you filthy dingbat, ready to say goodbye?” cackled the evil ape. “No! Stop!” Then out of the blue, SuperGirl appeared, “You’re the dingbat now!” Bring her up!” she exclaimed. Threatened, he fell. SPLASH! Goodbye you!

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SECONDARY – LONGLIST

 

Split Into 2 by Tillie

50 years ago, our world split into 2. Heroes and villains. Ever since, we have lived apart with anger waiting to spark. We never thought someone would ever cross the border, until today. A mischievous villain crossed the border. This caused an outrage upon everyone. Today our world changed forever.

 

The Grass is Turning Brown! What do we do? by Anton

The grass is green but it`s not. The sun burns poor nature which is turning as black as ash. There`s only one person that can help now! WATER! With its superpower to moisten and dampen things it will be sorted in minutes. So now that problem is over, what’s next?

 

One More Mission by Youssef

The roar of the engine is overpowering my thoughts. I was told this is my Last and I’m a hero but to everyone I’m a monster, a monster. I’m a villain with wings. The mission…suicide. The ones that come back are seen as a disgrace but they’re the only heroes.

 

Being labelled a villain is suffocating by Alexandria

It’s a lie.

A villain they call me.

A label taped to my name.

A brand. A tag.

So wrong. So very wrong.

It was me that bottled up my feelings.

I helped others.

I needed help.

I needed love.

I needed support.

I drowned. I rose.

I was heroic.

 

No more hate! by M

Boom! The news appeared and, all of a sudden, everything changed. Blood. Wars. Bombs. Starving children. Everywhere, there was darkness. That’s all I could see. I shut my eyes and imagined everything was normal. Love. Peace. No hate. That’s what I knew would become true. I was sure it would…

 

Not Just the Ones in Movies by Brodie

Heroes and Villains aren’t only in movies. Sure, Superman and Batgirl are great but what about the ones who help with no reward? Friends who save your life without even trying, parents who heal you with a click. Those are the ones who save you from villains, protecting you everyday…

 

Labels by Esmae

Both the destroyer and the protector had equal chances. People called them those names and it just stuck, both were now trapped in those identities with no hope to change. Most of the world is stuck in this cycle, once you go ‘bad’ your hope is demolished. Could it change?

 

City in Flames by R

The sparks slowly burnt the rope. She stood with her veil concealing her identify, sniggering at the screams below, ready for her victory. The city’s time was up; it was soon to be all flames. But then footsteps echoed closer. They rang in her ears until it all went dark.

 

The Hero Of My Life No One Understands by Tony

I was a hero once! But then I grew up. I started to feel lost. Misunderstood. Underestimated. Then I met a villain. So everyone else thought. She understood me. She was kind. Sweet. Beautiful in a way no-one else saw. Still somehow, she is a villain in her own eyes.

 

The Villain of Minds by Lily

In the minds of people lies a villain. The kind of villain who can fill your head with voices of fear and anxiety that can take over you. But by speaking out, you can release it and let in the hero of peace that turns the dark, light once again.

 

Deep Thoughts by M

I lay sprawled on the grass, my hyperactive brain buzzing. I landed on superheroes and was thinking over the concept of heroes and villains. What if who’s seen as heroes or villains is just a matter of perspective? What if villains are heroes whose stories are yet to be told?

 

Recovered Notes 1 by Caleb

MIKE is our boss, that’s not his official name. He’s approved some experiments I feel will be in vain. Those experimented on still feel pain. I can’t leave them in this pain. At 7.20 tomorrow this building shall be in flames. I believe for this corporate it is a shame.

 

He was a real hero… by Victoria

It was a dark and stormy night. A rustle, and quiet but deep voices were heard. A boy, who was not well known, was curious about the noises from his uncle’s shop. Coming closer, a group of men were seen stealing. The news yelled, the shop was okay, a boy…dead.

 

It’s all a lie by Ava

Our whole lives we’ve been told the difference between good and evil. Heroes save the damsel in distress and get their happily ever after. The villains bring misery and misfortune. Looked down upon, treat like filth. We think we know the definition of good and evil. What if we don’t?

 

A Galactic Hero But An Earthbound Villain by Peter

Michael loved saving galaxies in games, especially when fighting aliens across planets. But he couldn’t go without a rocket. So, he selfishly stole scrap metal from his uncle, and got to work. Soon he made it, but after, he realized… he was a galactic hero, but also an earthbound villain.

 

Unexpected Heroes by T

Little Timmy raised his great sword and…oh no Little Timmy has fallen off the cliff. Who will be our protagonist now hmmm? How about you? Yes, YOU, Judges. Alright, let’s start over. And the Judges raised their swords and sliced the demonic Blood Wyvern into sixths, sealing it away forever!

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ADULT – LONGLIST

 

Misplaced Heroics by Esther Allan

Always so sure that I was ‘the good guy’. Always meant well. Now I see, looking back, so many mistakes. A legacy of confidently getting it wrong. How does one balance this? I am not a bad person, but must retire from the world before I do any more harm.

 

The Clockmaker by Steve Boatright

They came for the clockmaker, at last, with hammers and rope, faces red with rage and fear, the leather booted lawgivers lending legitimacy. The clockmaker’s face, grey with the effort of holding back time finally broke as his beloved clocks were smashed. “Time thief” they bayed as they hung him.

 

Route of Evil by Michael Peltell

In his evil lair, Professor Bandersnatch concocts diabolical plans, obsessed with revenge on an unforgiving world.

Is it because medical school didn’t work out how he planned, the fact Judy left him, or the torment of his ridiculous surname? His first name is Clarence! It’s probably all of the above.

 

Change by Judith Northwood-Boorman

The grimy woman is hunched beside a bulky black bin liner.

She pleads, ‘Change please.’

Her tatty hat fills with coins.

At five she leaves to change in the public toilets.

Car keys jingling, she collects her gleaming red Mercedes from the car park.

She smiles. Another great day’s work.

 

Hope Against All Odds by Sue Wheeler

‘You can do it.’ He encouraged

Clenching his sweaty hand, deep breath. One massive effort. Screams of pain, lost in the cacophony of battle. Fear and hope laced this unknown soldier’s face. Would we survive the bombardment?

My baby’s cries, my ecstatic grin. My hero had stayed. Life had triumphed.

 

Everyday Hero by Charley Cranmer

Their hero. They love her. If it wasn’t for her they would go hungry. They would be unhappy. But she comes there, every day. You could see her if you went to the park. Every morning. An elderly lady, dropping seed on the grass, by the tree, surrounded by pigeons.

 

The Hero’s Secret by Dani Haresign

As the smoke cleared over the wreckage of the final battle between me and ‘The Shadow’, my nemesis, my arch enemy, I scanned the scene until my eyes fell on him. Gone. At my hands. Finally defeated. I should be happy. So why does my heart feel like it’s breaking?

 

Sorted by Keith Linley

“Mm! Sun’s good.

“Didn’t take long. Mind you, he’d had strokes before. Stopping the medication did it. Simples. No blood. Must get doctor’s certificate tomorrow. Say I found him this morning. See the solicitor too. Glad I got power of attorney. And the will changed. Freedom.”

“Chinese takeaway tonight. Sorted.”

 

When do I stop being the hero and become the villain? by Daisy

Isolation. Worse than before. It’s still, unmoving, eerie. Inside I twist and turn. Reminders of my sins. I hate her for the acts she cursed me to commit. I hate myself more for the hundreds of lives I ripped away. My family now live in peace but at what cost?

 

Heroes and Villains by Mohammed Babajide Mohammed

They called it empire, civilisation, progress. Statues rose for conquerors; streets bore their names. Yet in the villages burned, in languages silenced, in children stolen, another tale lived. History crowned them heroes; memory whispered villains. Legacies are mirrors. Sometimes, what shines in marble also drips with the blood it conceals.

 

Hell and Headlines by Colin 

The family had spoken. Their agony in my notebook; me racing from their home to write it up. All my villain life, racing from heartbroken homes, turning hell into headlines for 4pm clicks.

Two children dead. A hit-and-run. And the editor’s words: It’ll keep us in copy all summer long.

 

Waiting Game by Taliesin

They all say evil will

fall – I remember a few

words to live by in

this time – Time is a

weapon like any other. Yes –

even if it takes months,

years, maybe even a decade –

evil will fall – until then,

we live with what heroes

we can find right now.

 

Sometimes by Sulaimon Sabitu

He robbed a man at knifepoint to feed his brother; they called him villain. She signed the order to hang him; they named her hero. Crowds forget hunger, but never laws. In the silence after the gallows, the truth lingers: sometimes heroes kill, and villains try to keep someone alive.

 

What Would You? by Sebastian J. Larsen

Would of, could of, should of. So he did. Arms out. Through the air with just one care, for what he dared he was prepared. As he shoved he now knew that some situations needed thinking through. Just enough time to second guess before the car took his life instead.

 

When Batman became Joker by Raymond Jones

Once in Gotham City Batman told Robin, “I’m bored of being good, I’ll telephone the Joker suggesting we swap places for just one day, what fun we could have”. Batman telephoned the Joker, he reluctantly agreed, they exchanged roles, what joy they had. Came midnight did they swap back again?