Mini Flash Essay Contest: Tell Us About Your First Kiss

Whether your first kiss was memorable because it was perfect, worse than you could have ever anticipated or something in between, we want to hear about it. Submit your mini memoir now through Friday!

Illustration by Kenny Wroten/Narratively archive

After publishing this tender coming-of-age essay from our executive editor about her first time over at sister site Narratively, we got to thinking about firsts, specifically first kisses. Much like with losing your virginity, first kisses are a big deal. Your first kiss might have been something you worked up to for a long time, or something that took you longer to come to than you’d hoped. Or maybe it was a terrible experience you wished you could forget…until you realized how funny it was, an act you avoided at all costs for as long as possible, one you’re still waiting for…

So, tell us: What was your first kiss like? In 300 words or less, we want to know the good, the bad, the heavily lip-glossed. By submitting, you’ll get the chance to have your flash piece published on Narratively and to receive a free year-long subscription to both Narratively and Narratively Academy. Submissions are due EOD this Friday, February 27, 2026, and you will hear back from us early next month. Ready? We can’t wait to read your minis…

P.S. Looking for some inspiration? Check out the winner of the mini flash essay contest we ran about the best prank ever pulled.