We are delighted to announce the six shortlisted stories in the running for the KYD Flash Fiction Prize 2025. Designed to challenge writers to be faster, punchier and more focused in their storytelling, the prize attracted almost 300 entries from around Australia. We were wowed by the quality and creativity of the submissions.

Judged by KYD editor Suzy Garcia and KYD director and CEO Rebecca Starford, the winner will receive $1000 in prize money and three runners up will each receive $500. All four winning stories will be published in KYD in 2025.

Congratulations to the following shortlisted entrants:

‘After’ by Linda Atkins (NSW)

A woman looks back on her now deceased husband’s infidelity.

‘Bisan Lives Matter’ by Natalia Figueroa Barroso (NSW)

A parasocial connection to the Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda creates a personal link to the horrors of war.

‘Wake Up Call’ by Tui Rose (VIC)

A Facebook marketplace exchange with a priest offers an unlikely moment of understanding.

‘Rome’ by Tom Campbell (QLD)

A very late bloomer finds love for the first time in a short-lived affair.

‘Mefloquine’ by Beejay Silcox (ACT)

A woman’s anti-malarial-related dreams tint her new life in a foreign country.

‘The Spoiled Cassata’ by Isabella Trimboli (VIC)

As the mourning desserts go limp and the funeral speeches grow boring, a young deceased woman may just have the last word yet.

Highly commended: ‘Microplastics’ by Rachel Ang, ‘Only the Sun’ by KA Rees and ‘Ghost’ by Jo Stubbings. 

Thanks to everyone who entered—and stay tuned for the winners’ announcement!