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)
Author: Cranked Anvil
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)
Our new FLASH FICTION competition is now open for submissions
Writers and authors visiting Cranked Anvil regularly will know that we've been running our 1500 word short story competition for about 18 months now. With rolling submissions open quarterly throughout the year, the competition has grown from strength to strength, and we love reading all the short stories we receive. (Our next shortlist and three … Continue reading Our new FLASH FICTION competition is now open for submissions
July 2020 – Long List
Our special offer this quarter of 4 entries for the price of 3 proved massively popular - just as we though it would - and we received the biggest collection of entries since the competition started. It's been a huge task whittling them down to the long list, but we've thoroughly enjoyed reading the entries. … Continue reading July 2020 – Long List
Short story competition – ‘4 stories for the fee of only 3’ offer continues!
Last quarter we received the biggest number of entries into our short story competition since it began over a year ago. No doubt this was thanks to our special offer of allowing 4 entries for the price of 3, and we're delighted that it inspired so many of our writers - both new and regular … Continue reading Short story competition – ‘4 stories for the fee of only 3’ offer continues!
April 2020 – Shortlist and winners
Here it is - the results of our latest short story competition. The judges have had a tough time chosing from the longlist of entries. After much deliberation, the shortlist and three placed stories have now been selected. Congratulations to: 1st: Alan Kennedy - The Storyteller's Gift 2nd: Gillian Welby - News Flash In Manchester … Continue reading April 2020 – Shortlist and winners
THE STORYTELLER’S GIFT by Alan Kennedy (1st place Apr20)
For the fourth time in five minutes, Jimmy Sanderson scrutinises the notice on the door, then his Mickey Mouse wristwatch. He sniffs his armpits, cups his hands to check his breath, licks a mint, rubs it over his underarm hair before popping the sweet into his mouth. He glares at the poster once more. A … Continue reading THE STORYTELLER’S GIFT by Alan Kennedy (1st place Apr20)
NEWS FLASH IN MANCHESTER by Gillian Wellby (2nd place Apr20)
Ellie is on the train to her hometown of Manchester. Courtesy of social media Ellie has been tracked down by little Ann Wheeler - that is to say the daughter of little Ann Wheeler has tracked her down. There is to be a ‘This is your life’ style party for Ann’s sixtieth birthday. Ellie has … Continue reading NEWS FLASH IN MANCHESTER by Gillian Wellby (2nd place Apr20)
