Flash Fiction Contest

The September 2025 Flash Fiction Contest, co-sponsored by the Fremont Cultural Arts Council and Half Price Books, was held on September 27, 2025 at Half Price Books, 39152 Fremont Hub, Fremont, CA. The theme was “The Friendly Ghost.” Cash and Half Price Books gift cards were awarded to the 1st – 4th place winners. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to all who entered!

  • First place: Aaradhana Vedam for “My Friend, the Ghost,” who received $60 in cash and a $25 Gift certificate from Half Price Books.

  • Second place: Stephanie Uchida for “Ghost Beans,” who won $50 in cash and a $25 Gift certificate from Half Price Books.

  • Third + Fourth place (tie): Sumasruti for “A Fall Reminder,“ who received $35 in cash and a $25 Gift certificate from Half Price Books, and Thomas Staaden for “A New Ghost,” who won $35 in cash and a a $25 Gift certificate from Half Price Books.

  • President Emeriti Award: David M. Seymon for “The Friendly Ghost RAPSAC,” who will receive a Nothing Bundt Cake Trio.

Our congratulations to all of the winners and also to everyone who entered a story.  We plan on holding another Flash Fiction contest in April 2026, during Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month. Check back for the theme and the dates of the contest and deadlines.

First place: “My Friend, The Ghost,” by Aaradhana Vedam

My friend is a ghost.
My friend is see-through.
My friend is someone who would love to meet you.
My friend is someone from mid ‘45.
My friend is someone who never wanted to die.

He likes to dance.
He likes to sing.
But he’s not truly a living thing.
But we set our boundaries aside,
Even if he can’t breathe, he’s still alive.

My friend is scared.
My friend is sad.
Because all of the town thinks that he’s really bad.
They come with their gadgets to take him out.
But I try to help, so hear me shout.

Don’t hurt this ghost!
This friendly ghost!
He’s sweet and kind and no harm to most!
He may not eat, he may not cry,
But he’s still a human, dead or alive.

Second place: “Ghost Beans,” by Stephanie Uchida

When kids are asleep and toys put away
A mysterious kitten comes out to play
With golden eyes and little pink nose
And snow-white fur right down to his toes.
He’ll only appear in the moonlight’s pale gleaming
Kids say he’s real; grownups say, “You were dreaming.”

BUT

When everybody’s late, who stole your socks?
Or dumped out the contents of the cereal box?
Who covered the rug with crumbs from your toast?
Not me!
It could only be
Cat’s-Purr, the friendly ghost!

“Don’t be facetious,” the parent insist,
But kids will still staunchly maintain he exists.
They’re never so naughty
They’re good—so they boast.
So see
It’s not me
It’s Cat’s-Purr, the friendly ghost!

And late on some nights the children will posit
That something unspeakable lurks in their closet.
“That’s only the laundry,” the parents deny.
Then they give in and say with a sigh,
“You know who will guard you with nary a quibble
“And gobble down monsters like they’re just some kibble?
“Who is a friend when you need it most?
“You see,
“Obviously,
“Your Cat’s-Purr, the friendly ghost!”

Tie for Third/Fourth Place: “A Fall Reminder,” by Sumasruti

Friendly as they come, am I.
Day or night, I glide right by.
Over here. Over there.
Everywhere you go. I stare.
Because I’m a ghost too.
Humans beware.

Tie for Third/Fourth Place: “A New Ghost,” by Thomas Staaden

Sandra couldn’t understand why her mother could not see her. She was right in front of her, trying to get her attention. But she was just there, sobbing. There was her picture in the corner, and some sort of box in the corner. Her dad also looked sad. She saw her brother and smiled.
“C’mom Steve, let’s play!” She said, Steve just looked sad,
and she couldn’t put her finger on why
“I can still hear her telling me to play.” Steve sobbed
“What do you mean, of course you can hear me, let’s play.”
“They can’t hear you.” A voice stated,
Sandra turned around to see a translucent boy, no more than eight. “ No one here can hear you, you’ve become a ghost.”
“A What?” Sandra asked. She approached, and then realized she had just passed through a solid oak table.
“Do you remember the truck?” the boy asked
Sandra thought back, and remembered running into the street. There was a scream, and she turned around on time to see a large truck. And then everything went black…
“You are not the first.” The boy stated. “I was hit by a falling lamppost.”
“There are more like us. Outside the rest of us are playing tag. Wanna join…”
“So this is…” Sandra asked
“Yes, it is your funeral.”
Sandra felt the tears well up, but had nowhere for them to go.
“Can I watch it first?” Sandra asked.
“Well, it’s your funeral…” The boy started. “ Don’t be too sad. You’ll see your family again. And there are plenty of new friends to make here as well. There’s Sam, Ingrid, and Martha, and then me.”
“And what’s your name?” Sandra asked “I’m Tim” The boy stated.
Despite the circumstances, Sandra felt a ray of happiness.

President Emeriti Award: “The Friendly Ghost RAPSAC,” by David M. Seymon

I am “RAPSAC” and I am a friendly ghost.
If you need a pal, I will give you a toast.
Any type of danger, I will continually be there.
Should you need protection I will always care.

I do not fight my foe with strength or might,
my gentle BOO will give them a fright.
It is all in the enunciation that does scare.
I may be small but you know I care.

may the spirits be with us on this ‘HELLOWEEN’.
make sure you get lots of candy and do make a scene.
your dentists will smile as you enter their door,
this day in October is what they live for.