The Lost Key Challenge
An annual, members-only
flash fiction writing challenge,
inspired by unique "lost key" prompts.
What will your key unlock?
Welcome to
The Lost Key Challenge
Every autumn, Write On The River invites members to participate in the Lost Key Challenge — a flash fiction writing event designed to unlock our imaginations, inspired by unique "lost key" prompts.
The resulting tales are collected and published here on our website as a downloadable digital booklet. Often spooky, frequently fantastic, and always amazing, they are a testament to the incredible creativity of our membership, in 500 words or less.
If you would like to participate in the Lost Key Challenge, make sure your WOTR membership is up-to-date and that you're signed up for our newsletter. The next Challenge is never more than a year away, and will begin when the leaves turn blood red, the mist rises pale and cold, and the veil between worlds grows a little thin...
What will your key unlock?
The Rules:
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Pick up your key/prompt at HallowRead check-in.
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Write up to 500 words. Poem, story, essay — your choice. Only 500 words will be published. Titles do not count toward word count.
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Submissions must include: “Inspired by (your prompt).” at the end. This does not count toward word count.
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Submit by October 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m. PDT) to info@writeontheriver.org
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Eligible entries will be published online in our "Unlocked" anthology. WOTR retains limited reprint permissions.
Format:
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.docx/.doc, 12-pt font, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 1" margins
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Filename: LastName_Title_LostKeyChallenge
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Include your full name (and pen name if applicable) in the email