Definition #1 n. A hand grenade that produces a very bright flash and a loud explosion, but no shrapnel and minimal explosive force, to disorient the target.
Definition #2 An original crime story in 150 words. A contest judged by international bestseller and gun-slinger, Zoë Sharp.
Definition #3 Your chance to win a pair of weekend passes to CrimeFest and other fantastic prizes perfect for writers and crime fans.
Go here for details of how to enter and what you can win.
Here, in no specific order, is our shortlist. It was tough to get the longlist of 15 down to these 5, and there were some close calls. Congratulations to everyone who made it through. Commiserations to those who didn’t, but know that your stories are excellent – they wouldn’t have been on our longlist otherwise. All five on the shortlist have won a free place on CrimeFest’s Crime Writing Day on Thursday 30 May, when we’ll be announcing the winners and runners-up. Good luck.
Here, in no specific order, is our longlist. Many thanks to everyone who entered. We had 77 flashes to read, and it was a tough task to whittle the list down to these 15. Congratulations to everyone who made it through. Shortlist will be up on or by 18 April. Good luck.
Flashbang 2013 has closed. Thanks to everyone who entered. We received 77 stories, which our judges are now reading with relish. We plan to publish a longlist of around 15 stories, details of which should appear on this site on or just after 4 April. The shortlist will be published here on 18 April, and final winners announced live at the Crime Writing Day on 30 May. Good luck to everyone involved.
Flashbang us before midnight BST tomorrow, Friday 1 March, to be in with a chance of winning a pair of weekend passes to CrimeFest, DVDs, crime books and goodies galore.
NEW FOR 2013/14: Shortlisted authors will be invited to attend the Crime Writing Workshop on Thursday 30 May 2013, at which the winners will be announced and where you can learn your craft from crime’s bestselling authors, Jeffery Deaver and Janet Laurence.
You just need to knock our hats off in 150 words or less.
The judges are looking forward to reading the entries. We’re aiming to announce a longlist on 4 April. Shortlist will be announced 18 April.
Good luck, and get flashbanging.
The Flashbang 2013 contest closes at midnight BST on Friday 1 March. First prize is a pair of Full Weekend Passes to CrimeFest, which come with a high quality canvas delegate bag, a programme and some surprise goodies that include (audio) books. Headliners includes Robert Goddard, Felix Francis, Samantha Norman, William McIlvanney, Denise Mina, Ann Cleeves, Colin Cotterill, Lindsey Davis, Jeffrey Deaver, Sophie Hannah, David Hewson, Peter James, Simon Kernick, Robert Wilson, Anne Zouroudi, and many, many more. Visit the AUTHORS & DELEGATES page for a complete list, or the PROGRAMME page for details of interviews and panels. And don’t forget the TRIPS – including Mystery Writers’ London, Criminal Cambridge and a private tour of Agatha Christie’s Devon home.
New this year: shortlisted authors will be given a free place on the CRIME WRITING WORKSHOP.
Remember, 150 words (excluding title) could win you TERRIFIC PRIZES in May 2013.
On Thursday May 30, CrimeFest will be hosting a Crime Writing Seminar in Bristol, with top tips and advice from the best in the business.
Flashbang’s shortlisted authors will each receive a free pass to attend the Seminar, and hear the live announcement of who’s won 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize in this year’s contest.
So get plotting, and send us your best 150 words by 1 March, to be in with a chance of learning your craft from top crime authors.
Full details of rules and prizes can be found here.
Are you ready to knock our hats off with your fantastic 150 words? We’ll be announcing full details of CrimeFest’s Flashbang 2013 contest in the next few weeks, but to whet your appetites it’s likely to look something like this:
1. You write an amazing crime story in 150 words
2. Our judges decide which ones they like best
3. Shortlisted writers are invited to the Crime Writing Seminar on Thursday 30 May 2013
3. Winners are announced at CrimeFest 2013. Top prize will be a pair of passes to CrimeFest 2014 Second prize is a single pass to CrimeFest 2014. Third prize is a selection of Italian crime books plus other goodies
4. Winning stories are published here and on CrimeFest’s website
If you’re looking for inspiration, read 2012′s winning and shortlisted stories.
CrimeFest 2013 runs from May 30th to June 2nd in Bristol, UK. Details of the programme are being finalised and will be published shortly, but delegates can expect another year of exciting panels and sessions with international crime authors.
1st Prize went to Iain Rowan for his splendid Search History. Unorthodox and original in its telling, judge Zoë Sharp said of this, ‘The winner leapt out at me’. You’ll see why, when you read.
SEARCH HISTORY
by Iain Rowan
“internet dating”
“what wear on first date”
“seduction techniques”
“italian restaurants”
cheap rooms travel lodge
“love at first sight”
“how soon is too soon to propose?”
“engagement rings”
“engagement rings” platinum
“engagement rings” platinum “interest free credit”
“engagement rings” gold
“how not to be overbearing in relationship”
“wedding venues”
what does it mean partner want space
signs your partner is seeing someone else
can you undo clear all internet history
“how trace call hung up no answer”
“anger management tips” online
“how recover deleted texts from Nokia?”
“keylogger for windows how do I”
“private detection agencies”
strategies keep temper
how keep calm
twenty ways to keep your cool
anger management
confront partner cheating what say
confront partner cheating how keep temper
anger management
anger management
plastic sheeting
woodchipper hire
“industrial bleach”
“carpet cleaning services”
best prices sell gold engagement ring
“internet dating”
2nd Prize was won by Frances Gapper for her beguiling tale of a green-fingered Grandpa, with a great chilling surprise in the last line.
MIRROR ON A STICK
On his slow walks around the garden, Grandpa carried a mirror on a stick, so he could see the flowers from different angles without stooping. The hellebores in particular were more beautiful underneath, he said. Green and white and purple. In myth, Helleborus niger originally sprouted from the tears of a young girl. Grandpa wrote horticultural books, his name renowned in the gardening world. What a dear old man he was, my mother reminisces. But I remember how he used to shove the mirror under my dress, cold against my bare legs. Just want to check if you’re wearing knickers.
3rd Prize was won by Nettie Thomson who wove a wickedly good tale of illusion and deception.
THE MAGICIAN
He calls himself The Magician and specialises in close-up magic, a master of prestidigitation, illusion and enchantment. His hands are so nimble and fast that his quarry never feels his wallet liberated or wristwatch slip off as his hand is shaken.
His confidence increases exponentially with each successful gag. His tricks get bigger – all audiences demand it – and he soon performs his arch chicanery with such dexterity his victims aren’t aware he’s there until he’s gone.
One night he steals a girl. He mesmerises her with soft words whispered in her ear, incantations writ by Hades himself. He takes her by the hand and leads her into a night-blackened alley where instead of the embraces and caresses she expects, he executes The Disappearing Lady. Or is it Sawing A Girl In Half? Mere pedantry, he thinks, and prepares for his next performance.
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