Author: Cranked Anvil

WINNING by Rachel Robbins (2nd place, Oct20)

Dermot at 15 When people described Dermot, they started with the stutter.  He knew that when he walked into the classroom late one morning, that Chas had been doing an impression of him, but he let it pass.  He didn’t cause a scene or challenge him.  He knew that even if he had won a … Continue reading WINNING by Rachel Robbins (2nd place, Oct20)

A SUMMER CAROL by Guilherme Ribeiro (3rd place, Oct20)

Dawn slaps him around a little. I'm awake! He shouts at the sun, accepting sweet numb nothing ain't returning. I'm awake, he mumbles to himself as he slides off the park bench. Not a sliding off exactly, more of a ploy to trick gravity into gaining momentum with the purpose of standing up. He succeeds... … Continue reading A SUMMER CAROL by Guilherme Ribeiro (3rd place, Oct20)

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!

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)