After much reading, re-reading and deliberation by the judges, our May 21 flash fiction shortlist has been decided. It was a very dificult competition to judge this quarter, with some exceptional entries from both regular entrants and writers new to our competition. But the decisions have finally been made, and we are delighted to publish … Continue reading May 2021 – Flash shortlist and winners
Author: Cranked Anvil
SOAKING THE JARS by Bernadette Stott (1st place, Flash May21)
Jem liked those posh yogurts. The ones that came in real glass jars with proper twisty lids. Every jar kept, label picked off, soaked in warm suddy water. Some jars she kept for salad dressing or pickling tiny onions, some she’d put little posies of flowers in, maybe a bud rose and some ivy, or … Continue reading SOAKING THE JARS by Bernadette Stott (1st place, Flash May21)
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
