SHE CAME HOME by Matt Biggs (2nd place, Jul22)

I’m sure my wife wants to kill me. Something isn’t quite right with her. Sometimes I catch her staring at me and when she sees I’ve noticed, she doesn’t smile or acknowledge me like a normal person. Instead, she licks her lips and just keeps on staring, like I’m a juicy piece of steak. Once, … Continue reading SHE CAME HOME by Matt Biggs (2nd place, Jul22)

CHANGING FACES by Tracey-Anne Plater (3rd place, Jul22)

The epidural is wearing off, and it feels like a hot rusty blade is carving through my stomach. None of this was supposed to happen. My son is hours old, looking at me with tiny dark eyes like marbles. His creased skin and patchy hair tell the story of his scrunched-up journey into the world. … Continue reading CHANGING FACES by Tracey-Anne Plater (3rd place, Jul22)

July 2022 – Long List

We're expecting a very busy second half of this year! We're working with Tania Hershman, editor of the superb ShortStopsUK listings website, on a really exciting project - take a look here for more details. As well as that, we have now opened up our 4 for 3 special offer on ALL of our competitions, … Continue reading July 2022 – Long List

Our collaboration on a charity anthology for fuel poverty organisations

We're delighted to be collaborating with Manchester-based writer and editor of the Shortstops UK website and twitter, Tania Hershman. Tania contacted us recently, with a proposal for a charity project she had in mind. "I was listening to the news the other day," she said, "about BP's record profits and how dire the situation is … Continue reading Our collaboration on a charity anthology for fuel poverty organisations

June 2022 – Prompt short list and winners

Our latest prompt competition short list and winners have been decided by the judges, and we're delighted to announce them today. It was perhaps a tricky set of prompts this quarter, as highlighted by the number of entries. We had fewer than usual, and the long- and short-lists are shorter than in previous competitions. The … Continue reading June 2022 – Prompt short list and winners

THE PUB IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE by Dominic Bell (1st place, Prompt Jun22)

I should not have set off. Twenty-five mile an hour winds, strengthening to forty-five, sleet turning to snow later. But the next place I was staying was booked and paid, and only nine miles, an easy to medium walk, the book said. Three hours at most. Powered by my full English I could slog my … Continue reading THE PUB IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE by Dominic Bell (1st place, Prompt Jun22)

CATS TOR by Chris Cottom (2nd place, Prompt Jun22)

It’s raining when we arrive at our holiday cottage. This, of course, is my fault. ‘We’re going abroad next year,’ Zoe says. ‘Factor 50 and a couple of Ken Folletts.’ ‘That’ll depend on my bonus.’ ‘It’s you being so cheerful, Mike, that’s been such an endearing part of the last twenty-seven years.’ ‘Twenty-eight.’ ‘Second only … Continue reading CATS TOR by Chris Cottom (2nd place, Prompt Jun22)

THE DOWNPOUR DOWNFALL OF IVO JONES by Anna Giangiordano (3rd place, Prompt Jun22)

THE DOWNPOUR DOWNFALL OF IVO JONES Tuesday Morning Ivo Jones decided to kill novelist Tom Nelson that very afternoon. The idea had kindled overnight, fuelled by righteous injustice in the hours since he’d been made fully, unambiguously cognizant of Nelson’s indifference to him, delivered in Nelson’s now gratingly languid voice. Despite, amongst other things re-analysed … Continue reading THE DOWNPOUR DOWNFALL OF IVO JONES by Anna Giangiordano (3rd place, Prompt Jun22)