Oxford Micro Memoir Contest
featuring Beth Ann Fennelly, author of The Irish Goodbye
Micro memoirs combine the abbreviation of poetry, the narrative tension of fiction, and the truth-telling of nonfiction. They explore moments that seem small or unimportant, but, when viewed from the right perspective, with the right attention, reveal something essential about our identity.
Finalists will be chosen to read their micro memoirs live on stage at the Double Decker Arts Festival on Saturday, April 25, 2026. First place winner will receive $750 and second place will receive $250.
To write your Oxford Micro Memoir, choose one of the following three prompts as inspiration:
“That’s so Oxford” - Think of three characteristics or adjectives you’d use to describe Oxford. Now, pick the most interesting one and think of a memory that shows why you’d apply this characteristic to our town. Tell the story with details and images, but do not tell the reader what adjective you’re trying to evoke.
An Oxford Encounter - Think of an unexpected conversation you had with someone in Oxford, preferably a stranger or someone you don’t know well. Where and when did the conversation take place? What did your interaction reveal about yourselves and your place? Tell your story with dialogue and gestures.
The Oxford Time Capsule - Imagine that you were asked to curate a time capsule of items that tells the story of your life in Oxford. This time capsule will be buried and unearthed in the year 2126 by one of your descendants. These can be items you currently have or once had. What objects would you choose? Make a list. Now choose one object, the object with the most drama or charge or mystery, and tell the story behind it.
Micro Memoir entries should be 300 words or less (including title). Deadline for entry is March 30, 2026.
Oxford Micro Memoir Workshop
How to Distill Your Big Oxford Life into a Micro Memoir
with Beth Ann Fennelly
During this interactive one-hour session, Beth Ann Fennelly of Oxford, author of two books that have helped define this genre, Heating and Cooling and The Irish Goodbye, will teach you how to research and write your own micro memoir of life in Oxford. This workshop is hosted by The Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library.
March 16, 2026 from 5:30- 6:30 PM at The Lafayette County and Oxford Public Library (401 Bramlett Blvd., Oxford, MS). For questions, please email mslab[at]olemiss.edu.
The Oxford Micro Memoir Project is developed by Greenfield Farm Writers Residency at the University of Mississippi and sponsored by Visit Oxford.
FAQs
Who can enter the Oxford Micro Memoir Contest?
The contest is open to writers of all experience levels and ages.
What kind of work can I submit, and can I enter more than one micro memoir?
Entries should be original work, based on one of the three prompts. Entries are limited to 300 words, including the title. One entry per person.
How are submissions judged?
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel selected by the organizers.
If I am selected as a finalist, what happens next?
Finalists will be invited to read their micro memoir live on stage during the Double Decker Arts Festival. If a finalist is unable to attend, the organizers will arrange for the work to be read on your behalf.
Who is organizing the Micro Memoir Project?
The Micro Memoir Project is developed by Greenfield Farm Writers Residency at the University of Mississippi and sponsored by Visit Oxford.
How are entries collected?
Entries are submitted via Submittable. You will need to create a Submittable account to enter the Oxford Micro Memoir Contest (https://greenfieldfarmwritersresidency.submittable.com/submit). Find out how to create a Submittable account here.