Fast Fiction Competition Invites Writers to Celebrate Storytelling in the Whitsundays

To celebrate International Day of Storytelling, the Whitsundays Writers Festival is inviting writers of all levels to take part in a special Fast Fiction Competition — a creative challenge designed to spark imagination and celebrate the art of storytelling.

Writers are encouraged to craft an original story in 250 words or less, inspired by the prompt: Something unexpected washed ashore on Whitehaven Beach…

The competition is open now and closes at 11:59pm on Friday 3 April 2026, with entries submitted online via the festival website. Free to enter, participants can submit as many entries as they like, making it an accessible opportunity for both seasoned writers and newcomers to share their creativity.

The winning writer will receive a $100 cash prize, along with a free day pass to the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival — a chance to connect with fellow writers, readers, and literary voices from across the region.

Festival Director Richard Evans says the competition is designed to inspire and encourage storytelling in a fun, low-pressure way.

“This is about celebrating the power of stories in a place as inspiring as the Whitsundays,” he said. “We’re excited to see how writers interpret the prompt and bring the region to life in just 250 words.”

Aspiring entrants are encouraged to think creatively, embrace the spirit of the Whitsundays, and let their imagination lead the way.

When: 10:30am–4:30pm Sunday 13 September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Ave, Airlie Beach

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Photo source: Shutterstock

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