Unexpected Lessons: Mini Flash Essay Contest
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Writers, we’ve got a brand-new flash contest for you. This one is inspired by our latest Personals, piece, “‘You’ve Got to Keep Going Till It Bleeds,’” which details advice the writer, Dr. Christopher Hartnick, received from a patient early on in his career that he’s held close ever since.
With this piece on our minds, we’ve been thinking about times when we’ve learned from someone unexpected. We wanted to turn the question to you, as well. So, tell us about a time when you have learned from someone unexpected or surprising. Did your seatmate on the bus offer the very words of wisdom you’ve been needing to hear? Maybe your niece came through in a way you hadn’t seen coming? Share it in a mini essay! We can't wait to read what you've got.
Details:
Word Count: 300 words max — longer drafts will not be considered.
Deadline: EOD Sunday, August 2, 2026
And lastly, the winning story will be published on Narratively.com within the next week.