ALMOST by Fiona Dignan

I buried you beneath the barren snag. I think I’ve trapped you inside the tree; there’s a delicious irony in thinking of you as Daphne. I’m the one who remains, even my bruises have faded to an almost pink tenderness.Once, I read a poem that said almost was the saddest word. I think of the … Continue reading ALMOST by Fiona Dignan

THE DISCOVERY by Cecilia Maddison

Jack pried apart the foliage with gentle fingers. Inside the nest lay three small, sky blue eggs. A robin fretted on a nearby branch, head cocked, glaring.“It’s okay,” Jack whispered, retreating step by careful step.With a jolt, he stumbled into his brother. Nathan leered, blocking Jack’s path, his narrowed eyes needling the hedgerow’s new green … Continue reading THE DISCOVERY by Cecilia Maddison

PAS DE DEUX by Chris Cottom (1st place, Flash, Nov24)

Suzie’s a snowflake in our nursery school Christmas Gala, petticoat-frothy, with her hair pinned tight. I bash my cymbal when Miss nods from the piano, although I’d wanted to be the King of the Mice. She’s fourteen and back from ballet school for the summer. At the youth club dance, sweaty after Reet Petite, we … Continue reading PAS DE DEUX by Chris Cottom (1st place, Flash, Nov24)

PERHAPS ON A SUMMER’S DAY by Laura Besley (2nd place, Flash, Nov24)

Perhaps on a Summer's Day there is a young woman whose bottom lip wobbles, whose eyes bristle with tears. Perhaps her name is Sadie. Perhaps Sadie has just lost her job and doesn’t know how she’ll pay her rent next month. But perhaps Sadie’s tears are happy tears and she’s biting her lip to stop … Continue reading PERHAPS ON A SUMMER’S DAY by Laura Besley (2nd place, Flash, Nov24)

MICRO MONDAY #8 – A Bumper Crop Of Microfiction

We're busy beavering away at CAHQ, with all sorts of things lined up to introduce and announce over the coming weeks and months. The first thing that regular visitors to the site will notice is that we've had a bit of a revamp and a new look. We think it looks much more crisp and … Continue reading MICRO MONDAY #8 – A Bumper Crop Of Microfiction

MICRO MONDAY #7 – A Bumper Crop Of Microfiction

It's our first Micro Monday of 2025, and what a way to start the new year! Loads of fantastic mini stories to enjoy, from old Cranked Anvil familiar favourites, as well as authors brand new to the website. Welcome all! Please spread the word if you enjoy them, by sharing the page or talking about … Continue reading MICRO MONDAY #7 – A Bumper Crop Of Microfiction

MICRO DOUBLE-BILL #1

We have a little treat for you this weekend - a double-bill of superb microfiction, brought to you by two authors familiar to Cranked Anvil Press and our readers. We hope you enjoy... But before you do... We've set up a small 'Donations' page. If you would like to ssupport the work of Cranked Anvil … Continue reading MICRO DOUBLE-BILL #1

MICRO MONDAY #6 – A Bumper Crop Of Microfiction

A micro crop of Micro Monday this week - but still plenty to enjoy in these mini masterpieces. Please spread the word if you enjoy them, by sharing the page or talking about them on your social media… House Hunting by Kathy Goddard ‘’Ere, son, what do you think to this one?’ Ron turned the … Continue reading MICRO MONDAY #6 – A Bumper Crop Of Microfiction