EDIT: We did it! We now have all 24 writers! Thank you so much, everyone!
I am still looking for more writers to join the Advent Calendar Story Project. Big thanks to those who have already joined. If you know anyone who might be interested in writing a flash fiction piece (up to 1,000 words) based on a theme (that will be supplied shortly… please send them to this post.
If you don’t know what the Advent Calendar Story Train project is, keep reading – this covers all the details. I ran this project back in 2022 and it was awesome. With a single theme we had so many different stories created from it and people followed down the train!
Advent Calendar Story Train
You need to write a single, self-contained, flash fiction story, based on a specific theme that will be supplied.
Every writer will be given a date in December when their story needs to be published on their blog/website*.
At the bottom of the story, the writer will need include a link (these will be supplied) to the day before’s story and the next blog on the train where the following story will appear.
So, from the 1st – 24th December, there will be a new story to read every day.
As per last time, I will be creating a pinned page on my blog linking to all 24 short stories listed so at a pinch anyone can visit any story as it becomes live.
Requirements
Before you decide to join this train, here are some details you need to be aware of:
The Stories
- The stories do not have to connect to each other (except that they share a theme)
- The theme will be supplied to all those participating in the train (the theme will be supplied at the end of May)
- Your story must be in English
- Your story must not exceed 1,000 words
- Your story must not include extremely graphic scenes
- Any genre is welcome (except erotica / graphic horror etc – see above point)
The Participants
- You can still participate if you’ve never written flash fiction before, first timers welcome! Maybe give it a try! 🙂
- You must have a blog* for your story to be uploaded too
- You must be able to commit to completing your flash fiction by October at the latest – preferably by September (I’m starting this super early to give everyone lots of time)
- This is a first come first serve system. However, I will include a waitlist, as last year some people were unable to complete their story.
- Dates will be issued to people later in the year.
- If you know someone interested in this feel free to share it with them.
* If you have a Wattpad, ko-fi page, or a Medium account you can list the story – this is also acceptable – but your story must be publically available.
As long as the story can be uploaded (preferably scheduled) on the specific date you are given and if links can be added to link to previous and following stories.
Are You Interested?
If so, please leave a comment below, with your name and the link to your blog* where the story will be uploaded. If for some reason you can’t leave a comment, use the Contact Form. If you are chosen, you will be informed by email.
Current Participants
- Ari Meghlen
- Rachel Poli
- Roberta
- Darlene Foster
- MorganRR Haze
- Marié Asano
- Curiosity A.T
- S. R. Severn
- Stanley Brownstone
- Chris Harvey
- Wilmar Luna
- Stephen Goodson
- Sam “Goldie”
- Suzanne Rogerson
- I. L. Cruz
- Brenda Marie Fluharty
- Tasha Haight
- Reece Nolan
- Amanda Steel
- Layla Todd
- M.J. Mallon
- Christopher Farley
- Holly Millward
- Cat
~ ~ ~
Really hope we can get a full train set up soon 🙂
Happy writing & stay safe
I write articles on writing, marketing, blogging, organising, social media, books and some random stuff. I also create free printable resources. If you find my content helpful, and entertaining and like what I do, consider supporting me on ko-fi (where you will also find extra content I post).
All donations go to keeping my website running and helping me move towards publishing my novels.
Author Ari Meghlen Official Website 
Hi, Ari! Glad to be participating again this year. I think it’s a fabulous tradition. I see my name as 13th on the list. Does it mean I will be posting on December 13th, or have the dates not been assigned yet?
Oh no, I missed this post completely. Been so busy I didn’t realise you were going for the advent train again this year. I wanted to try and take part this year. Oh well I’m sure you’ve filled it up by now but if not I’d really like the chance to take part if possible?
No worries though if I am too late, just annoyed with myself I missed your post.🤦♀️
Hi Cat, I have 1 space left! I’ve put your down 😀 Can you let me have your email address – I can’t seem to find it. If you don’t want to leave it in a comment, please use my contact form.
Yay thank you!😁 My email is thestrawberrypost@hotmail.com
Pingback: Looking For 10 More Writers – Reece M. Nolan
If there’s still room, I would love to participate! Full disclosure: We corresponded several years ago when you were running the Merry Writer daily writing games/prompts on Twitter. I haven’t been enormously active on my blog or socials for the last few years due to promotion at corporate work, but I’m getting ready to release a new book and looking to come back online with my writing this year! http://www.hollymillward.com
I remember you from when we did the Twitter game. So nice to see you again and thanks for joining the Train! We are so close. 😀 Just one more slot to fill.
I know I’m arriving late but if there’s still a little elbow room then I’d like to nudge my way in.
Hi Christopher, thanks for reaching out! Yes, we still have 3 slots left so I’ll add you to one of those.
The theme will be shared at the end of May. Please can you let me have an email address – if you don’t want to leave it in a comment, please go to my contact page and send it that way.
It’s just easier to send out details and reminders to every participant via email.
Thanks again for joining the Advent Calendar Story Train. Glad to have you on board.
Hi Ari,
That’s great, just in time then.
No problem. My email address is christopher.farley@bluewin.ch
Once again, thanks for your acceptance and I look forward to writing with everyone.
Chris
If there is still room, I’d love to join in! My blog is http://www.ninchronicles.com
Hi Layla! Yes, there is still room. I’ve added you to the list 🙂
Hi Layla
Please could you let me have your email address for the Advent Calendar Story Train? It’s easier to email all participants with additional details and reminders.
If you dont want to put your email in a comment (totally understand) please visit my Contact Page and fill in the form so I am emailed your email address and I can add it with the other participants.
Thanks so much!
My email is jayaavendel@gmail.com 🙂
Thanks, Layla!
Hi Ari this sounds great fun. Would like to join in, my blog is: https://mjmallon.com
I write short stories, flash, poetry and long fiction.
Hi Marje, thanks for reaching out. I’ve added you to the list. I’ll be in touch at the end of May with the theme.
Please can you let me have your email? If you don’t want it visible in a comment, please go to my Contact page and use the form. It’s just easier for me to communicate details and reminders to everyone re the advent story train via email.
Thanks
Hi Ari, that’s great will get my email to you via your contact form. 😊
Cheers! 🙂
I’d love to join in
https://nowriteway.substack.com/
My email is amandasteel35 (at) gmail (dot) com
(Amanda)
Hi Amanda, thanks for reaching out! Lovely to see another writer from the North of England. 🙂 I’ve added you to the list and will be in touch towards the end of May with the theme for the flash fiction.
Count me in!
You can find me at smburgessauthor.wordpress.com
Hi, thank you for reaching out. I will add you to the list – I noticed on your website you go by Reece now. Would you prefer me to use the name Reece Nolan?
Yes, thank you. My old pseudonym was too edge-lord, not enough actual writing lol
lol no problems, I’ll make sure to add you as Reece on the list.
Hi Reece
Please could you let me have your email address for the Advent Calendar Story Train? It’s easier to email all participants with additional details and reminders.
If you dont want to put your email in a comment (totally understand) please visit my Contact Page and fill in the form so I am emailed your email address and I can add it with the other participants.
Thanks so much!
Hi, Ari
You can reach me @ reecemnolan@gmail.com
Thanks Reece
Would love to participate! https://www.mermaidtasha.com/blog Thanks
Tasha Haight
Hi Tasha, thanks for reaching out. Love your website! I’ve added you to the list and will be in touch at the end of May with the Theme the Flash Fiction has to have.
Hi Tasha
Please could you let me have your email address for the Advent Calendar Story Train? It’s easier to email all participants with additional details and reminders.
If you dont want to put your email in a comment (totally understand) please visit my Contact Page and fill in the form so I am emailed your email address and I can add it with the other participants.
Thanks so much!
info@mermaidtasha.com
Thank you, Tasha
I am willing to do the Advent Calendar Story Train project sounds like lots of fun. My is Brenda Marie Fluharty my blog is Writing Through the Soul https://writingthroughthesoul.org/
If you need to email me you can do it brendamariefluhartywriter at gmail.com
Thank-you!
Hi Brenda, thanks for reaching out. I am happy to add you to the list for creating a Flash Fiction story for the Advent Calendar Story train. I’ll be emailing everyone with the Theme by the end of May.
Thank-you so much dear. I look forward to it.