There's lots going on here at Cranked Anvil at the moment, and we're gearing up for some exciting new things in the coming months. We're working hard behind the scenes, and in the studio, to start releasing our fantastic range of audio content. Our team is also starting to work on producing our digital anthologies, … Continue reading July 2026 – Short Story Long List
June 2026 – Play Short List and Winners
Our first ever audio playwriting competition was a resounding success, and today we can announce the winners. Entries came in from around the world, and the standard was incredibly high. Thank you to ALL the playwrights who took time to write and refine their plays and enter them into our contest. We have thoroughly enjoyed … Continue reading June 2026 – Play Short List and Winners
June 2026 – Play Long List
We had a fantastic, international response to our first ever audio playwriting competition. The standard was incredibly high, and the judges have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the eligible entries. Thank you to ALL the playwrights who took time to write and refine their audio plays and enter them into our contest. Don't forget - ALL … Continue reading June 2026 – Play Long List
Time for a FLASH of August inspiration
The clock is ticking — and this is your last weekend to put pen to paper and get your entry in for our August Flash Fiction Competition. If you’ve been meaning to enter the Cranked Anvil Flash Fiction Competition but haven’t quite got around to it, now is the perfect time. The final weekend is … Continue reading Time for a FLASH of August inspiration
May 2026 – Flash shortlist and winners
The judges have announced the shortlist and winners for our May26 Flash Fiction Prize. Congratulations to the following two winning entries: 1st: James Edwards – Rut 2nd: Grant Wandle – What's Wrong, My Love? Your stories are published here on our website, and prize money is on its way. Also making it into our new … Continue reading May 2026 – Flash shortlist and winners
RUT by James Edwards (1st Place, Flash May26)
Long after the tears had dried, and hurtful words lost their sting, there was still work to do. The division of a coexistence was no easy task. They had already sorted through the majority, possessions they had shared, cherished, and now were destined to lose. Then they got to the box. They had bought it … Continue reading RUT by James Edwards (1st Place, Flash May26)
WHAT’S WRONG, MY LOVE? by Grant Wandle (2nd Place, Flash May26)
I woke. Everything was still, with only a dim streetlight glow creeping under the curtains. You had your back to me, but I sensed that you might be awake. You might even have woken me. I lifted my hand across and you shuffled backwards into my embrace, wrapping my arm tightly around you, interlacing your … Continue reading WHAT’S WRONG, MY LOVE? by Grant Wandle (2nd Place, Flash May26)
SPECIAL MENTIONS – Flash Fiction, May26
These three stories received a Special Mention in judging of the May26 quarter of our Flash Fiction Prize. Youth Custody by Peter Moody, The Museum of Extinct Emotions by Aarnav Nair, and Saved By A Sandwich by Hannah Retallick. Youth Custody by Peter Moody It was the second week of the Autumn term at School. … Continue reading SPECIAL MENTIONS – Flash Fiction, May26
