Andy glared at the damp sock in his hand as if it was the root of all problems. His other grey socks, along with his white vests and shirts, pleated trousers and frayed Y-fronts, covered every available space on the radiators of the silent semi-detached. This one was missing its other half and the very … Continue reading WASHING DAY by Richard Hooton (1st place, Flash Aug21)
Author: Cranked Anvil
THE BRIANS by Hilary Coyne (2nd place, Flash Aug21)
The Brians came back last night. I didn’t notice until my son said, “Mummy, there’s a Brian in a box at the end of my bed. I don’t like him. Can you throw him away?” I wished I could. But we can’t. We wronged them somehow, long ago. No-one remembers exactly how; we just know … Continue reading THE BRIANS by Hilary Coyne (2nd place, Flash Aug21)
On The Shelf – ALAN KENNEDY
Alan Kennedy was placed first in our short story competition in April last year, with his story The Storyteller's Gift, which was also published in our first print anthology. (We still have a handful of HALF PRICE copies available here.) Today he continues our On The Shelf series, with his selection of five of his … Continue reading On The Shelf – ALAN KENNEDY
August 2021 – Flash Long List
Our first Flash Fiction print anthology is nearing its November publication date, and this will be the last quarter from which qualifying entries are considered for it. As with all our anthologies, it’s not just the winning stories that appear – we also include a selection of some of the best short- and long-listed ones … Continue reading August 2021 – Flash Long List
Author Profile – BARBARA KUESSNER HUGHES
Our Author Profile series continues today with Barbara, whose short story The Respite was placed second in our competition at the beginning of this year. Barbara was born in Malaysia and grew up there and in Singapore. She has had short stories and flash fiction published in four countries. In the UK, she has won … Continue reading Author Profile – BARBARA KUESSNER HUGHES
July 2021 – shortlist and winners
Another very tough round of decisions for our judges this quarter, but now our July 2021 Short Story competition shortlist and winners are announced. Congratulations to the following three winning entries: 1st: Denny Jace – Who Am I? 2nd: Will Griffin – Pipe Dream 3rd: Caroline Ross Tajasque – The Train To Brighton Prize money … Continue reading July 2021 – shortlist and winners
WHO AM I? by Denny Jace (1st place, Jul21)
My name is Lauren. I’m from Birmingham. I’m married. I have a daughter. I wave my husband Ed off, as he leaves to catch the 8.47 train to work. Please look back, one more time. The final snapshot to be filed away in my brain. Safe. In the days to come I’ll conjure it up. … Continue reading WHO AM I? by Denny Jace (1st place, Jul21)
PIPE DREAM by Will Griffin (2nd place, Jul21)
George Sprung turned his key carefully in the lock. He stepped into the house as if he expected a booby trap, closed the door softly, put his briefcase on the bottom stair, hung up his coat and removed his shoes without a sound. He met his own gaze in the hallway mirror. And there he … Continue reading PIPE DREAM by Will Griffin (2nd place, Jul21)
Cranked Anvil 