Flood the Page: Submit to FlashFlood Journal’s 2025 Edition.

As a writer, I’ve always been fascinated by the power of brevity. There’s a certain magic in saying more with less—compressing emotion, narrative, and character into just a few hundred words. That’s why flash fiction has always held a special place in my creative heart. And it’s also why I’m submitting to this year’s FlashFlood Journal, part of the UK's National Flash Fiction Day celebration.

If you’ve never heard of FlashFlood, here’s the deal: every year on June 22nd, the journal releases a flood of flash fiction—new stories posted every 5 to 10 minutes for an entire day. That’s more than 100 pieces of fresh, bite-sized literature, all flooding into the world over 24 hours.

This isn’t just a publication—it’s a literary event. And right now, they’re open for submissions.

A Call to Flash: What They’re Looking For.

FlashFlood is accepting flash fiction of up to 500 words, and the submission window is open until May 19, 2025 (midnight BST). You can send up to three stories, and they welcome simultaneous submissions—something that many journals don’t allow.

What are they looking for? In a word: variety. The editors encourage submissions from writers of all backgrounds and styles. Literary, genre, surreal, humorous, heartbreaking, experimental—it’s all welcome. The one real requirement is that it’s short and strong.

Why Flash Fiction Matters (to Me and Maybe You).

I know a lot of writers who find flash fiction intimidating. How can you possibly fit a whole story into such a tiny container?

But that’s the beauty of it. Flash fiction isn’t just about conciseness—it’s about precision. It demands you cut away the excess, the fluff, the digressions. What you’re left with is something raw, focused, and (when it works) unforgettable.

I first started experimenting with flash fiction during a creative writing course years ago, when I was stuck in the middle of a novel draft that felt like it might never end. I was burnt out and creatively fried. Flash fiction brought me back to life. It was fast, it was fun, and it reminded me that writing didn’t have to feel like a marathon. Sometimes it could be a sprint—and a joyful one at that.

Since then, I’ve written flashes in cafes, on my phone, during lunch breaks, even in the five minutes before bed. It’s a form that fits into busy lives, restless minds, and creative lulls.

And perhaps most importantly, flash fiction has taught me to let go of perfection. When you’re working with such limited space, you have to trust your instincts. You don’t have time to second-guess every sentence. That freedom can be incredibly empowering.

Why FlashFlood?

FlashFlood Journal stands out not just because of its unique format, but because of its mission. This isn’t just a showcase—it’s a celebration of a form that’s often overlooked. By publishing stories at such a rapid pace, the journal encourages readers to immerse themselves in an entire day of discovery. It’s an invitation to explore new voices, new styles, new perspectives.

For writers, it’s also a chance to be part of something big and beautifully chaotic. Imagine your story going live alongside hundreds of others, reaching thousands of readers in one sweeping wave.

That sense of literary community is what drew me in. Writing is often a solitary pursuit, but FlashFlood feels communal. Everyone is submitting, reading, celebrating together. And that kind of energy is rare—and needed.

What I’m Submitting?

Without giving too much away, I’m sending in three stories that represent different sides of my writing style. One is quiet and lyrical, one is strange and fragmented, and one is darkly funny. None of them are “perfect.” But they feel alive. And I think that’s what flash fiction should be: a spark, a punch, a glimpse into something sharp and true.

Even if none of them get accepted, I’ll still count the submission as a win. Why? Because preparing these pieces forced me to write with urgency, to edit with intention, and to fall back in love with the short form.

And honestly? That’s already worth it.

Thinking About Submitting?

Here’s what you need to know:

Deadline: May 19, 2025 (midnight BST)

Word count: Up to 300 words

Submissions per writer: Up to 3

Genres: Anything goes—just make it short and strong

Simultaneous submissions? Yes!

Submit here: FlashFlood Journal Submission Link


Take this as your nudge: whether you’re a veteran flash writer or a curious beginner, consider throwing your voice into the flood. Even one small story can make a big splash.

Final Thoughts.

Flash fiction is where I go when I need to remember why I write. It’s where the pressure of “big ideas” and “perfect plots” falls away, and what’s left is pure expression. And FlashFlood Journal offers the perfect storm for that kind of creativity.

So I’ll be submitting this year, and come June 22nd, I’ll be there, refreshing the site, reading every five minutes, cheering for strangers and friends alike.

Maybe I’ll see your story there, too.