October 2020 – Long List

Our entry inbox grows bigger with every fresh quarter, and the judges have had more stories to read this quarter than ever before. Our '4 entries for the price of 3' continues to prove popular, and we're delighted that it's encouraging so much great writing out there. So much so that we've decided to extend … Continue reading October 2020 – Long List

Short story competition – 4 for 3 offer extends into 2021

Ever get the feeling you're going through a sense of deja vu? Yes, here we are in another lockdown in the UK, with all the inconveniences and uncertainties that it brings. But one thing that remains ever constant is our 1500 word short story competition! Last quarter we received the biggest number of entries since … Continue reading Short story competition – 4 for 3 offer extends into 2021

Meet our first Anthology contributors

You may have noticed recently that we've been shouting about our upcoming Short Story Anthology. Well, we make no apologies for that! We're very proud of it, and we can't wait to share the fantastic work written by our thirty-three contributing authors. Publication date is 16th November, and you can pre-order your copies here. They … Continue reading Meet our first Anthology contributors

Our first print anthology is almost here!

It's been about a year in the planning and production, but now our first ever print anthology is almost here! Featuring prize-winning stories from the first year (and a bit) of our short story competition - plus many of the fantastic short-listed entries too - the book is over 170 pages of brilliant fiction. It … Continue reading Our first print anthology is almost here!

July 2020 – Shortlist and winners

We had a fantastic response to our special offer this quarter, with lots of writers taking advantage of being able to submit 4 stories for the price of 3. (We're repeating the offer this quarter.) The judges have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the eligible entries, and it has been a tougher task than ever to … Continue reading July 2020 – Shortlist and winners

MOTH WOMAN by Sharon Boyle (1st place, Jul20)

The mirrors are back-chatting again, sliding in unwanted comments while reflecting for all they’re worth. ‘Give it a rest,’ I say to one over the mantelpiece as I pin the flower fascinator in my hair. ‘That’s enough,’ I tell another – bathroom – as I brush my teeth. It sheeshes back. ‘Au natural? Jesus, if … Continue reading MOTH WOMAN by Sharon Boyle (1st place, Jul20)

THE WELL by Andrew Stott (2nd place, Jul20)

The swallows fly into and out of the well. There must be a nest down there. Whyever else would they fly down into it? I have looked down over the top. There is mesh there, to prevent a human being falling in and falling to their doom, but there is a small hole in the … Continue reading THE WELL by Andrew Stott (2nd place, Jul20)

HOW TO TAKE AN INVENTORY by Annalise Taylor (3rd place, Jul20)

Accuracy and efficiency are all. In order to be a successful Retail Inventory Associate you must be reliable and focused. Strong mental arithmetic will help you sail through the application process and before you know it, you will have been registered, with a navy polo shirt and name badge, and be awaiting notification of your … Continue reading HOW TO TAKE AN INVENTORY by Annalise Taylor (3rd place, Jul20)