Maisie Gibbins went to make banana bread and discovered that a mouse had shit in her flour. “The wee fucking bastard, it never has! Jesus, can’t I have anything to myself?” She looked at it mournfully. She was hungry and craving something sweet, but there was nothing in the house save the ingredients for banana … Continue reading TIM’ROUS BEASTIE by Charlotte Mitchell (2nd place, Flash Feb22)
Author: Cranked Anvil
TEA BREAK EXERCISE: It’s Written In The Stars
An oft-suggested tip is that daily horoscopes can provide all kinds of inspiration for short stories or flash fiction. But so can the actual signs of the zodiac. For this exercise, choose one of the twelve zodiac signs - we suggest picking one at random rather than using your own. Firstly, let that sign suggest … Continue reading TEA BREAK EXERCISE: It’s Written In The Stars
February 2022 – Flash Long List
If you haven't already heard, we've made some exciting improvements to our writing competitions within the past month or so. First of all, we announced our brand new Prompt Competition. The first deadline is looming - 10am UK time on 1st April - so head over to the page to read the prompts and get … Continue reading February 2022 – Flash Long List
Saboteur Awards 2022 – vote for Cranked Anvil now!
The brilliant Saboteur Awards - from Sabotage Reviews - are now open for voting. Their 2022 Awards Festival ticket sales are now live, and you can find out all the information from their website here. While you're there, why not check out their voting form. One of the catagories in their awards is Best Anthology, … Continue reading Saboteur Awards 2022 – vote for Cranked Anvil now!
January 2022 – shortlist and winners
The judges have found this shortlist one of the most difficult they've had to select, such has been the high standard of entries. The three placed entries are, of course, listed below and published here on our website - but we can't wait to start work soon on our next print anthology, to make available … Continue reading January 2022 – shortlist and winners
ANGELA BARR TAKES EARLY RETIREMENT by Abigail Williams (1st place, Jan22)
There had been drinks at Angela Barr's retirement party. Half mugs of warm Prosecco and a shop-bought cake. 'Early retirement' was what they said, but she knew the truth. Her face didn't fit any more: liver spots apparently were not part of their brand identity. 'They're not part of mine,' she had wanted to say. … Continue reading ANGELA BARR TAKES EARLY RETIREMENT by Abigail Williams (1st place, Jan22)
WHEN THE TOUR GUIDE STILL SMILES by Hannah Retallick (2nd place, Jan22)
Paris. The city of love. Eiffel Towers everywhere, couples kissing for selfies, visitors buying fridge magnets from street sellers. It will help. Tourists crowd the ramp to the Seine, waiting for the rope to be lifted. Four people beat us to the front even though we arrived first. They don’t suffer from Britishness. ‘I told … Continue reading WHEN THE TOUR GUIDE STILL SMILES by Hannah Retallick (2nd place, Jan22)
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE TOLL BRIDGE by Taria Karillion (3rd place, Jan22)
Dear Sirs, I am a hard-working, law-abiding troll and am writing to seek your legal advice regarding a recent workplace injury of a distressingly violent nature and hope that your expertise will help me to claim for considerable lost earnings after an unprovoked attack by a physically abusive customer. I am employed as a toll … Continue reading THE TRUTH ABOUT THE TOLL BRIDGE by Taria Karillion (3rd place, Jan22)
Cranked Anvil 