‘There have been times,’ she stopped reading the magazine article, ‘when I’ve thought about it.’ ‘Of course,’ he said, and she’s glad he understands. ‘Me too.’ ‘Oh,’ came out of her mouth without warning – she hadn’t expected this response. It was an unequal marriage after all – she had the money and position, while … Continue reading LET’S NOT by Colette Coen (2nd place, Flash Feb21)
Author: Cranked Anvil
Final call for our Short Story Special Offer
Our next short story deadline is April 30th - that's just three weeks away. And this will be your last chance to take advantage of our '4 for 3' special offer. A year ago, when the global pandemic was really taking a hold and the whole world was going into lockdown, we decided to open … Continue reading Final call for our Short Story Special Offer
Author Profile – ALAN KENNEDY
Alan's story The Storyteller's Gift was placed first in our April 2020 short story competition. It appeared in our first print anthology, as well as being published here on our website. Here, Alan gives us a bit more insight into his writing process. Firstly, tell us a little bit about yourself, and the kind of … Continue reading Author Profile – ALAN KENNEDY
February 2021 – Flash Long List
We're already starting work on putting together our first Flash Fiction print anthology - which we plan to publish in November this year - so we were delighted to read the hundreds of eligible entries that we received for our February competiton. Don't forget: it's not just the winning stories that appear in our print … Continue reading February 2021 – Flash Long List
On The Shelf – JAMES HANCOCK
James' short story Flip Flop was placed 3rd in our April 2020 competition. It was included in our first print anthology, (a handful of copies are still available!), and can also be read on our website here. James says he writes stories which are a little bizarre. He enjoys taking readers down strange and seldom … Continue reading On The Shelf – JAMES HANCOCK
January 2021 – shortlist and winners
The shortlist and three winners of our Jan21 Short Story competition has been decided and announced. Every single qualifying entry was read and studied [yes, we are still receiving some entries which go into the disqualified pile because they don’t follow all the rules of entry] and we’re delighted to publish the following placed entries: … Continue reading January 2021 – shortlist and winners
NIGHT TERRORS by John Biglands (1st place, Jan21)
I push my head around the edge of the door. It’s eleven o’clock but he isn’t asleep. He’s lying on his bed, ramrod straight, staring up at the ceiling. His eyes are wide, shining circles in the half-light of his bedside lamp. He turns his head towards me and his body jolts, as though a … Continue reading NIGHT TERRORS by John Biglands (1st place, Jan21)
THE RESPITE by Barbara Kuessner Hughes (2nd place, Jan21)
We had no choice but to ram in the front door of Flat 27. Our procedure is that one person enters first in case of an ambush. I’m thankful it was my turn. I saw a giant bubble, its silvery surface throwing colours around like a celestial disco ball. At first, I thought it must … Continue reading THE RESPITE by Barbara Kuessner Hughes (2nd place, Jan21)
Cranked Anvil 