It’s Friday, and she’s gone. They’ve talked - it’s all they’ve done for weeks, because words are what she’s good at - but now the house is quiet. On the table is the manuscript, her first novel, the final draft, the version everyone will see. It’s thinner than he expected, and on the cover is … Continue reading Nothing but Ashes by Jason Jackson (3rd place Apr19)

In my hand is the black and white photo taken by Dad with his Box Brownie camera the last summer my family went to the beach. Behind me is the pier. Hovering in the shadow is a hazy figure. The picture is black and white, but now the pier has been repainted and is garlanded … Continue reading A Black and White Summer by Alyson Hilbourne (2nd place Apr19)

“Good looking vanner you got there.” The old man wearing ratty jeans and a thin blue jumper curls gnarled, swollen fingers through Gerry’s long black mane. “I might know someone who’d be interested.” “Don’t want to sell but...” I shrug. “Me mam’s not well, we’re stoppin’ in the town for now. Not much need for … Continue reading Horse Trading by Barbara Young (1st place Apr19)

Our first short story competition attracted a large amount of interest, and the judges thoroughly enjoyed reading the entries we received. After much deliberation over the longlist, the three placed stories have been decided. Congratulations to: 1st: Barbara Young - Horse Trading 2nd: Alyson Hilbourne - A Black and White Summer 3rd: Jason Jackson - … Continue reading April 2019 – Shortlist and winners