Compose a 300-word story for your chance to be published and win a prize.

Due to popular demand, the Coonabarabran Times is opening up its flash fiction competition to two categories this month, with prizes for writers both over and under 18 years.

They had been friends once...

Where would you take this story next?

For the month of April, writers are encouraged to begin their 300 words with this phrase. Interpret the prompt however you see fit – the more unexpected the better!

Entrants under 18 will be eligible to win a copy of A Curse of Salt by Sarah Street and over 18s can win The Happy Couple by Naoise Dolan.

A Curse of Salt is an addictive retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set onboard a cursed ship where love blooms in the darkest of hearts. In The Happy Couple, bestselling Irish author Naoise Dolan returns with a novel about four characters, linked by a wedding they are all set to attend. Will it be the happiest day of their lives? The beginning of the lives they have always imagined? Or the end of them?

Both winning stories will be published in the print and digital editions of the Coonabarabran Times. The competition is open to Warrumbungle Shire residents only.

Entries close midnight (AEST), Sunday, 23 April 2023.

How to enter:

1. Inspired by this month’s creative prompt, write an original short story in 300 words or less. This month, writers must begin their story with the phrase: They had been friends once…

2. Submit your name and story to: info@ coonabarabrantimes.com before midnight on Sunday, 23 April 2023. Submissions will be anonymised for judging.

3. Entrants under 18 will be eligible to win a copy of A Curse of Salt by Sarah Street and over 18s can win The Happy Couple by Naoise Dolan.