THE UNSAYABLE by Alison Wassell (2nd place, Flash May21)

Three o’clock. In fifteen minutes, Jen can release thirty children into the custody of their parents. Today they are, so far, all unmaimed. She begins to relax. Too soon. Tilly tugs on her sleeve and points to her cheek, which sports a new, angry scratch. The child’s teary eyes accuse Jen of failing to keep … Continue reading THE UNSAYABLE by Alison Wassell (2nd place, Flash May21)

Author Profile – NICKI PARKINS

Nicki’s story Turnstone was placed first in one of our short story competitions last year. You can read it on our website here, as well as in our first print anthology (still a handful of copies left to buy, before our new flash anthology is released in November). Nicki has been a London commuter, a … Continue reading Author Profile – NICKI PARKINS

May 2021 – Flash Long List

Work is still continuing on our first Flash Fiction print anthology, due for publication in November this year, and all the qualifying entries from this quarter will be 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 … Continue reading May 2021 – Flash Long List

Paperback Writer

It's Global Beatles Day! Of course it is. And we couldn't let that go by without putting out another of our themed Writing Prompt Grids. As always, enjoy yourself - you don't need to be too literal with any of the choices made. Just throw the die, make a note of the selections, and away … Continue reading Paperback Writer

Author Profile – ROBBIE BROWN

Robbie's fascinating story, Final Call For a Simulated Reality, was shortlisted in the July 2020 short story quarter, and is featured in our first Short Story print anthology. (One or two copies still available to buy!) Robbie says he has recently got himself out of the kitchen after years as a professional cook and is … Continue reading Author Profile – ROBBIE BROWN

On The Shelf – RICHARD GARCKA

Richard started writing only a few years ago following early retirement. Creative Writing classes led to some early successes, with inclusion in The First Cranked Anvil Short Story Anthology representing one of a number of short stories published. He says his writing tends towards historical fiction and urban fantasy, anything which might reimagine familiar faces … Continue reading On The Shelf – RICHARD GARCKA

April 2021 – shortlist and winners

Here it is: the shortlist and three winners of our April 2021 Short Story competition. There was a fantastic range of stories this quarter, covering so many different themes, styles and genres. The judging was, as usual, very difficult, and the shortlist was probably closer than it has ever been. However, we’re delighted to announce … Continue reading April 2021 – shortlist and winners

SHINDIG by Letty Butler (1st place, Apr21)

Ursula is in her usual fireside spot languishing in her own flesh, whilst reading an old Argos catalogue aloud to Boggo. He can’t hear her because he’s in the galley doing something revolting. She squints at the silver clock and wishes she could tell the time - she wants to know how long it will … Continue reading SHINDIG by Letty Butler (1st place, Apr21)