Flash PPink is the quarterly online magazine published by Paradise Press which is the publishing arm of Gay Authors Workshop (GAW).

First, we're delighted to welcome a little sibling into the Paradise Press family. On Shifting Sands  is the latest Paradise Press anthology, this time about change, growth and transformation. The image above shows editors Hastie and Ian look justifiably smug at the results of three years' hard work. 304 pages, over thirty contributors, and available on the Paradise Press website.

It will soon be joined by Hot Flashes, the sequel to our first flash fiction anthology, Flash Dances. We've set up a competition offering £100 prizes in four categories – under 40 words; under 300 words; under 600 words; under 1000 words. There will be two professional judges, one of whom is writer and performer Clare Summer-skill, the other to be confirmed.

What makes a good piece of flash fiction? First, economy. Every word has to count. Second, vividness. FF (if we may call it that) needs bright colours, it doesn't have much time to make its mark. It needs a strong, well-shaped plot, with a telling opening and a satisfying pay-off. Originality of style is a bonus.

If you'd like to respond to the challenge, please see Flash Fiction Competition to submit your work. We're also eager for your contributions to Flash Pink, and there's no reason why something good shouldn't appear both here and in the anthology.

The deadline for the Spring issue of Flash Pink is Friday, 6 March 2026, so do please get writing! There is no particular theme. There are a few disclaimers and legal notices below.

This issue of the magazine has a Christmas/Winter feel about it, as you might guess from the pine cones. But for those of you who go 'Bah! Humbug!' at the prospect, I hope you find some of the contributions suitably acid. To those who have risen to the challenge, Muito Obrigado (that's Portuguese for Ta Muchly.)