Author: Cranked Anvil

RITE OF PASSAGE by Margaret Magee (1st place, Flash, Feb25)

The woman walked around the ruin of the house she had fled years back; its secrets sandwiched between the loose mortar of the old walls. It was a perfect June day, laced with the smell of cut grass and the five-note call of a wood pigeon. She slipped out of her court shoes and walked … Continue reading RITE OF PASSAGE by Margaret Magee (1st place, Flash, Feb25)

THE NIGHT DEATH ALMOST GAVE UP by Margaret Davis (2nd place, Flash, Feb25)

Sometimes, Death only whispers from the other side, promising escape and peace, and the soul comes dashing. Often, Death slouches down slightly in the armchair, with a bacon sandwich in one hand and feet up on the stool, grabbing with the other hand, to whip life away too abruptly for it to resist. But this … Continue reading THE NIGHT DEATH ALMOST GAVE UP by Margaret Davis (2nd place, Flash, Feb25)

February 2025 – Flash Long List

Congratulations to the following authors, who have made it onto the long list of our February Flash Fiction Writing Prize: Joyce BinghamMara BlazicSharon BoyleJude Luttrell BradleyLesley BungayAnne ByrneMargaret DavisSteph DunlopGill EdwardsFrances GapperNigel HallKeith HendersonCecilia MaddisonMargaret MageeVikesh MirchandaniGill O'HalloranTony OswickArthur PinckheardHannah RetallickFizle SagarTony WarnerAlison WassellMandy Wheeler The short list and winners will be announced on our … Continue reading February 2025 – Flash Long List

MOUSEGUESTS by William Draycott

These new mice have no respect, no respect for themselves or for the homes they take up in. What ever happened to the neat little arched doorways in skirting boards, with little wooden slatted doors and tiny brass knockers? You’d look inside, and there you would find a little mouse-sized bed with cosy blankets and … Continue reading MOUSEGUESTS by William Draycott

GOLDFISH FUNERAL by Neil James

I’m telling the goldfish funeral story, so Natasha stays the night. Lamplight low, we’re fully clothed on the bed. It’s a funny story at one a.m. and I miss the sound of laughter in this place. “My dad really went for it. ‘In hope of the resurrection, we commend to Almighty God our brother Goldie; … Continue reading GOLDFISH FUNERAL by Neil James

THE SUIT by Jacky Bunting

“Alright I’ll do it, but the moment you issue anything I’m out of here,” Simon grunted. He then fastened himself into the harness, being sure his feet were a snug fit. Lifting the material aside, he fastened his part of the suit. He bent forward to place his hands on Archie’s hips while he velcroed … Continue reading THE SUIT by Jacky Bunting