GLASS by Fiona McKay (1st place, Flash Nov21)

Push it down. All the way down. Everything is fine. I can do this. I can. It’s just a test. Mom always says that a test is just to help the teacher see if the teaching is working, or if there are gaps. The test is more about the teacher, not you. She always says … Continue reading GLASS by Fiona McKay (1st place, Flash Nov21)

THE SUNSET PEACH AND THE LEMON TREE by Dettra Rose (2nd place, Flash Nov21)

Percy’s tailor would be unforgiving if he saw the mix of textures. Rough plaid with silk-velvet and raw linen. He’d warned against such matches. But smoothing down his waistcoat, Percy asked his refection… Am I presenting sufficient intrigue and colour? Will I be enough for her crimson verve? He took a taxi to the Brasserie. … Continue reading THE SUNSET PEACH AND THE LEMON TREE by Dettra Rose (2nd place, Flash Nov21)

November 2021 – Flash Long List

It's been a hectic couple of months here at CAHQ, and there's no denying that we're a wee bit behind schedule. We've been busy working on some exciting new projects, as well as some restructuring of our operations, so stay tuned for a few big announcements coming up over the next few weeks. But for … Continue reading November 2021 – Flash Long List

What are your plans for 2022?

To write, right? Of course they are! Writers write, so you plan to write! Well, if that's the case, we want to read what you're writing. Because we have big plans for 2022 as well. It's been a bit quiet here at Cranked Anvil over the past couple of months, but now that Christmas and … Continue reading What are your plans for 2022?

October 2021 – shortlist and winners

It's been an incredibly busy (and strange) few months at CA HQ, what with our flash anthology being published, the general holiday festivities, plus all the latest ups and downs with C19. But, we finally have our October 2021 Short Story competition shortlist and winners. Congratulations to the following three winning entries: 1st: Flo Ashbee … Continue reading October 2021 – shortlist and winners

A DRIED RAT by Flo Ashbee (1st place, Oct21)

They found a dried rat while clearing out their parents’ house. It was under the sink in the utility room. “Do you think it died of old age?” the younger one wondered aloud. “Thank God that tap hasn’t been used in a while or it might have been damp and gone mouldy,” said the older … Continue reading A DRIED RAT by Flo Ashbee (1st place, Oct21)

GUNPOWDER, TREACHERY AND SEX by JD Revitt (2nd place, Oct21)

If you stroll along the sea front, saltwater wind stinging, hair whipping sticky tendrils across your lips, head straight up the hill, down the first set of steep steps, then turn right slightly, and you will come to an innocuous-looking old door. Bold, yellow, misspelt rude words violate the sun bleached, once-Downing-Street-black painted proud exterior, … Continue reading GUNPOWDER, TREACHERY AND SEX by JD Revitt (2nd place, Oct21)

SEEING HIMSELF OUT by Peter Hankins (3rd place, Oct21)

It didn’t seem odd at first that there should be someone in David’s bedroom. There was a faint shuffling noise, which must have been the thing that roused him, but he had not completely woken up yet and he was still slightly confused. With the curtains drawn the light was dim, but David could see … Continue reading SEEING HIMSELF OUT by Peter Hankins (3rd place, Oct21)