Author: Cranked Anvil

How To Write A Short Story – 6 things our judges look for

There are countless writing guides out there, in print and on the web. Many contradict each other. Many more cite the usual 'rules' ("show don't tell" for example). Since our writing competitions started nearly two years ago we've received many hundreds of stories, of differing lengths, styles, genres, and levels of drama or humour. We've … Continue reading How To Write A Short Story – 6 things our judges look for

November 2020 – Flash shortlist and winners

Our first flash fiction competition attracted a huge number of entries, and it has taken longer than ever for the judges to chose the shortlist and the two winning stories. (Christmas and New Year, plus the small matter of relocating the entire Cranked Anvil HQ up to rural Northumberland, didn't help to speed the process … Continue reading November 2020 – Flash shortlist and winners

WARM MILK by Hannah Sutherland (1st place, Flash Nov20)

He’s drinking the glass of warm milk as he’s always done before bed, a ritualistic habit, born from his childhood. Slurps it down, wipes his lips with the back of his hand, says a satisfied “ahh,” then puts the glass in the dishwasher after rinsing it with lukewarm water. I think it’s the only pleasure … Continue reading WARM MILK by Hannah Sutherland (1st place, Flash Nov20)

SOUP KITCHEN by Rose Walker-Taylor (2nd place, Flash Nov20)

I had my fiftieth birthday at the end of April. I look around me now and struggle to believe that at fifty years old, I now sit here. The path had been so clear, glinting and gilded. Yet, this is where I am now. Despite the preconceived notions that I was dim, this could not … Continue reading SOUP KITCHEN by Rose Walker-Taylor (2nd place, Flash Nov20)

October 2020 – shortlist and winners

An unprecedented number of entries this quarter meant an unusually large longlist, but the judges have worked long and hard to get it down to this final shortlist and the three winning entries. Every single qualifying entry was read and studied [yes, we are still receiving some entries which go into the disqualified pile because … Continue reading October 2020 – shortlist and winners

SOLDIER BOY by Tesni Jenkins (1st place, Oct20)

Soldier-boy sat on the bottom step, his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. He watched his father tie his shoelaces with care, pulling them tight against his ankle before twisting them into loops. His shoes were boots, heavy, dark, and leather. Soldier-boy wore similar boots, only his were suede and a … Continue reading SOLDIER BOY by Tesni Jenkins (1st place, Oct20)