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Vestal Review

@vestalreview.bsky.social

621 followers 259 following 206 posts

We're the longest-running flash fiction magazine on the planet. Our website is free for readers, and we pay our authors and staff. Issue 68 is out now! vestalreview.net

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Turn and Work (Hugh) @turnandwork.com · 25/09/2026

...stories in (respectively) Tramspset @trampset.bsky.social JMWW @jmwwjournal.bsky.social The Goodlife Review Raw Lit BULL @mrbullbull.bsky.social Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social

turnandwork.com

The Shortlist for September 24, 2026 - Turn and Work

Short writing from Elissa Field, Asher Kelsey, Georgia Maull-Keyser, Chris Cottom, James Keith Smith, and Wade Harris

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Vast Chasm Magazine @vastchasmmag.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

If @salenacasha.bsky.social's flash fiction in our last issue left you with a loss for words, "She Tells Herself that Somewhere, Someone Else Will Build It Anyway" @vestalreview.bsky.social just might leave you speechless. www.vestalreview.net/she-tells-he...

vestalreview.net

She Tells Herself that Somewhere, Someone Else Will Build It Anyway — Vestal Review

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Claudia Monpere @claudiamonpere.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

"Dash wakes me. He stops the car. In front of us, a fallen tree stretches across the road. “Shit!” He pounds the steering wheel." Beautifully atmospheric @cwtellstales.bsky.social @vestalreview.bsky.social www.vestalreview.net/you-cant-hel...

vestalreview.net

You Can’t Help the Rain — Vestal Review

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Dawn Tasaka Steffler @dawnsteffler.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

I was just listening to a reading and heard the most incredible flash, layered, quietly stabbing me in the gut. The kind of story you type into the chat as soon as the author is done, where was that one published? James Keith Smith @sandandgravelpress.bsky.social in @vestalreview.bsky.social

vestalreview.net

Home Planet — Vestal Review

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Linda M. Bayley @lmbayley.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

"The father tries the best he can. He tries and tries." Speaking of heartbreak, here's #FlashInTheFeed by James Keith Smith @sandandgravelpress.bsky.social , out in @vestalreview.bsky.social www.vestalreview.net/home-planet

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Home Planet — Vestal Review

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Liz Rosen @thewritelifeliz.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

The wistfulness of this story is so wonderful. www.vestalreview.net/the-house-of... @vestalreview.bsky.social #archivechallenge

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The House of Unsent Letters — Vestal Review

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Liz Rosen @thewritelifeliz.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Love when a writer can make a title sing on so many levels like @michelealouf.bsky.social does in this little winner in @vestalreview.bsky.social. You just want to cheer when you get to the end. www.vestalreview.net/begin-again #archivechallenge #flashwriters #flashfiction

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Begin Again — Vestal Review

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Liz Rosen @thewritelifeliz.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Oof. The satisfaction I feel watching how @bsherm36.bsky.social makes an analogy come full circle in her @vestalreview.bsky.social story about a boyfriend who isn't going to last any longer than the Thanksgiving leftovers. www.vestalreview.net/turkey #archivechallenge #flashfiction #flashwriters

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Turkey — Vestal Review

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Liz Rosen @thewritelifeliz.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

"I was in the pine box on display for others, looked at myself, and thought I looked better dead than alive." Love when a writer can make me look at loss in a different way. Kudos to Niles Reddick in @vestalreview.bsky.social www.vestalreview.net/flash-in-the...

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Flash in the Pan — Vestal Review

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Liz Rosen @thewritelifeliz.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

"One summer, twelve years old, beside a boy he barely knew, he drowned himself in the church camp lake..." Sometimes you know from the opening paragraph that you're about to read something special. @gary79.bsky.social @vestalreview.bsky.social www.vestalreview.net/buddy-system #archivechallenge

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Buddy System — Vestal Review

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Liz Rosen @thewritelifeliz.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

I don't know where Eliot Li has gone, but I wish I could find him because I love every single thing he's ever published, including this one in @vestalreview.bsky.social . www.vestalreview.net/shrapnel #archivechallenge

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Shrapnel — Vestal Review

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samgreenwrites @samgreenwrites.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

"When Jack Loses A Shoe" by @francinewitte.bsky.social is an unexpected story that remains one of my favorites I've read this year. Check it out in @vestalreview.bsky.social .

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Liz Rosen @thewritelifeliz.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

"How lucky was I, to not only have a girlfriend, but a crazy one to boot?" A shocking act cushioned in the innocence of first love. John Salter's "In Vitro Veritas" in @vestalreview.bsky.social is one I will be thinking about uneasily. #archivechallenge www.vestalreview.net/in-vitro-ver...

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In Vitro Veritas — Vestal Review

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Salena Casha @salenacasha.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Super stoked to get this review from Michael! Other people reading your writing never gets old. Big thank you to @vestalreview.bsky.social for the publication.

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Congratulations to J.D. Strunk and Timothy C Goodwin! Read their stories here: www.vestalreview.net/from-the-alleyway www.vestalreview.net/EC415

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

To answer one query from a dozen of you: You’re welcome to send us something as often as you like during our reading periods, but please, only one piece per submission, and wait till after we reply regarding your previous submission. www.vestalreview.net/guidelines

vestalreview.net

Submit Flash Fiction — Vestal Review

Vestal Review is a magazine for flash fiction. We pay our editors and writers. We accept all genres, and we love humor. We actively seek work from writers in underrepresented groups. To submit flash-r...

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Pat Foran @pdforan.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

“Here, I am reminded how small they have become. How large I have grown, and I fear that my growth has stunted them. Fear that I have overwhelmed what remains of them.” @avitusbcarle.bsky.social in @vestalreview.bsky.social www.vestalreview.net/here-in-the-...

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Here in the How We Were — Vestal Review

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Pat Foran @pdforan.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

“When the boy arrived in her life, she felt a new kind of luck, and when he kissed her, she became a night owl. But tonight she is a mouse…” “…and the cat looks at her the way a boy looks when he knows he is…” @megpokrass.bsky.social in @vestalreview.bsky.social www.vestalreview.net/reciprocation

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Reciprocation — Vestal Review

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Matt Jakubowski (he/him) @mattjakubowski.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Many thanks to the team at @vestalreview.bsky.social for listing my new chapbook of micros & flash, “Ghost in the Rain,” in their 2026 publication listings. Such a great service to provide to short fiction writers working with small indie publishers. www.vestalreview.net/new-flash-fi...

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James Montgomery @jamesmontgomery.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

‘Daddy’s body smelling like cut grass shavings. His pineapple breath in my ear. Mama’s spine appearing and disappearing in the reaches of her damp nightgown.’ Gorgeously written from @avitusbcarle.bsky.social in @vestalreview.bsky.social 🛏️ www.vestalreview.net/here-in-the-...

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Here in the How We Were — Vestal Review

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James Montgomery @jamesmontgomery.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

‘“It’s your time machine,” they say, not a good tell, not the type to lean into collective decision-making…’ Such an original story from @salenacasha.bsky.social in @vestalreview.bsky.social - just love this 🚀 www.vestalreview.net/she-tells-he...

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She Tells Herself that Somewhere, Someone Else Will Build It Anyway — Vestal Review

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James Montgomery @jamesmontgomery.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

‘That’s the story you told me, at least.’ All those stories we tell ourselves… Marty Dwyer in @vestalreview.bsky.social 🪐 www.vestalreview.net/the-story

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The Story — Vestal Review

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Eileen Tomarchio @eileentomarchio.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Was biting into a slice just as I saw the Top 50 list. Totally worth the pizza burn. I am overjoyed. Big thanks to David Galef and @vestalreview.bsky.social for pubbing "Picture Day," to @sudhab.bsky.social and @wigleaf.bsky.social readers, and to @andrewporter01.bsky.social for his generosity. ☺️🙏✨

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Liz Rosen @thewritelifeliz.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

"I'm still sorry about the time I slammed the tennis ball so hard that my big sister skidded..." This stunning little piece from @andreamarcusa.bsky.social in @vestalreview.bsky.social gets right at the heart of sisterly competitiveness. #flashfiction #archivechallenge

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Liz Rosen @thewritelifeliz.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

I held my breath in suspense in this story by @lindamaceri.bsky.social in @vestalreview.bsky.social and then she knocked me out with the ending. www.vestalreview.net/my-mother-lo... #flashfiction #archivechallenge

vestalreview.net

My Mother Loves to Tell the Story about the Time She Almost Lost Me at the Movies — Vestal Review

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kk @gitgofilms.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

#writingcommunity take note! 👇

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Liz Rosen @thewritelifeliz.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

"When you run a wet comb along my daughter’s bangs, I realize who you are." I'm still thinking about this story by @eileentomarchio.bsky.social in @vestalreview.bsky.social #archivechallenge www.vestalreview.net/picture-day

vestalreview.net

Picture Day — Vestal Review

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Congratulations to two of our editors, Mandira Pattnaik for her newest volume, White Hot Moon, from Red Bird Chapbooks, www.redbirdchapbooks.com/catalog/p/wh..., and Lucy Zhang for her latest story, “Thread Woman,” along with an interview, at Strange Pilgrims, www.strangepilgrims.com/p/thread-wom...

redbirdchapbooks.com

White Hot Moon by Mandira Pattnaik — Red Bird Chapbooks

Hybrid: Creative Non Fiction & Poetry 32 pages 8.5” x 7” single signature with hand sewn binding Published July 2026 Mandira Pattnaik’s White Hot Moon is a collection born of the sky and the…

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Vestal Review is open for submissions through November 15th! Send us flash fiction or proposals for reviews & interviews. We can't wait to see what you've got. vestalreview.net/guidelines

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

FYAmusement, "Noise," if you're feeling in a weird mood: milkcandyreview.home.blog

milkcandyreview.home.blog

Milk Candy Review

We're here for your beautifully weird flash fiction.

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Congratulations to Eileen Frankel Tomarchio, in the 2026 Wigleaf Top 50 for her story in Vestal Review, "Picture Day." Read it here: vestalreview.net/picture-day And congratulations to all our past contributors in this year's list, and in fact to everyone who won a spot, period!

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

One book review of the year’s best flash fiction.  Read a review of Best Small Fictions 2025, by David Galef.  vestalreview.net/best-small-fictions-2025-review

vestalreview.net

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Another author interview largely about craft.  Read an interview with Bonnie Jo Campbell, by Ron Riekki.  vestalreview.net/interview-with-bonnie-jo-campbell

vestalreview.net

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

An author interview largely about craft. Read an interview with Christopher Bowen, by Christopher Notarnicola.  vestalreview.net/interview-with-christopher-bowen

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

A car ride halted by more than a road block.  Read “You Can’t Help the Rain,” by Claudia Wair.  @CWTellsTales.bsky.social vestalreview.net/you-cant-help-the-rain

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

A space trip that goes nowhere.  Read “Home Planet,” by James Keith Smith.  vestalreview.net/home-planet

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Lust on fire.  Read “The Firebrand,” by Jeff Radwell.  vestalreview.net/the-firebrand

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Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

A girl, a boy, her mother, and the cat.  Read “Reciprocation,” by Meg Pokrass. @megpokrass.bsky.social  vestalreview.net/reciprocation

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Tobacco and booze.  Read “Ang,” by Cheryl McDonnahugh.  vestalreview.net/ang

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Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

A sisterly rivalry that gets out of hand.  Read “Win,” by Andrea Marcusa.  @andreamarcusa.bsky.social  vestalreview.net/win

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

A maternal lack of concern.  Read “My Mother Loves to Tell the Story about the Time She Almost Lost Me at the Movies,” by Linda Maceri.  @lindamaceri.bluesky.social vestalreview.net/my-mother-loves-to-tell-the-story-about-the-time-she-almost-lost-me-at-the-movies

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Timothy C Goodwin @timothycgoodwin.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

I’ve got some new biz in the latest ish of @vestalreview.bsky.social! This piece came out of the @smokelong.bsky.social March Micro Marathon workshop. Thankful to everyone there who helped get it shipshape for acceptance!

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Emily Rinkema @emilyrinkema.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Take a novel that feels like it could have been made into a movie that starred John Cusack and Steve Buscemi and squish it and crunch it and slice it down to a micro that hits you in the face, and you have @timothycgoodwin.bsky.social’s story in @vestalreview.bsky.social www.vestalreview.net/ec415

vestalreview.net

EC415 — Vestal Review

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Linda Maceri @lindamaceri.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

I love stories about stories. “That’s the story I told myself, at least.”

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

An unwanted shadow.  Read “Shadow Return,” by Kip Knott.  @kiptain.bsky.social  vestalreview.net/shadow-return

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

The aftermath of a shoplifting attempt.  Read “EC415,” by Timothy Goodwin.  @timothycgoodwin.bsky.social vestalreview.net/ec415

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

A romance of the sea.  Read “James Comes Walking out of the Ocean,” by Travis Flatt.  vestalreview.net/james-comes-walking-out-of-the-ocean  @travisflatt.bsky.socia

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

The potential in a hairbrush.  Read “Apostrophe,” by Heather Emmanuel. vestalreview.net/apostrophe

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

The same tale to different women. Read “The Story,” by Marty Dwyer. vestalreview.net/the-story

Vestal Review @vestalreview.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

A pair of unwelcome advances.  Read “How the Story Goes,” by Marilyn Duarte. vestalreview.net/how-the-story-goes @marilynduarte.bsky.social