It is five years, two months and one day ago, and I am meeting her for the first time. We are talking and she is getting closer, closer, closer… We are in her bedroom. I am watching her unravel beneath me and trying to hold her in one piece, but she is shattered glass. She … Continue reading PARASITE by Sarah Byard (2nd place, Flash Aug22)
COLOURING ROSES by Anita Goodfellow (3rd place, Flash Aug22)
Another letter from school. I handed it over to Mum and looked at the stains on the kitchen floor. When she had finished reading she said I had to control my anger. ‘Where are your listening ears?’ I’m ten not five. I didn’t say this I just mumbled ‘sorry,’ before hurrying to my bedroom. Then … Continue reading COLOURING ROSES by Anita Goodfellow (3rd place, Flash Aug22)
August 2022 – Flash Long List
The long list for our August flash fiction competition has been finalised today, and we're pleased to announce it here on our website: Ruth BradshawJennifer BraunfelsGillian BreckellSarah ByardLucy DanielKate DurrantRowan EvansMary FrancisAnita GoodfellowJames HarveyHugh HayleyEric LeeGwenda MajorJane May MorrisonTony OswickJohn PayneGordon PinckheardJules RobinsonChrissy SturtAlan John Wilson Congratulations to you all. We will be announcing the … Continue reading August 2022 – Flash Long List
July 2022 – shortlist and winners
With the Summer break well and truly over now, it's full steam ahead again here at CAHQ. A couple of weeks ago we announced that we're collaborating with Manchester-based writer Dr Tania Hershman, as she puts together a print anthology of flash to raise money for fuel poverty organisations. You can read all about that … Continue reading July 2022 – shortlist and winners
THE MILL STREAM’S STORY by Gwenda Major (1st place, Jul22)
The mill stream has always been the artery of the village. In the old days it powered four mills as it splashed and gurgled its way under the slum dwellings down to the river. But nowadays the cottages are smart second homes and holiday lets. Mill Cottage has a little courtyard where the stream still … Continue reading THE MILL STREAM’S STORY by Gwenda Major (1st place, Jul22)
SHE CAME HOME by Matt Biggs (2nd place, Jul22)
I’m sure my wife wants to kill me. Something isn’t quite right with her. Sometimes I catch her staring at me and when she sees I’ve noticed, she doesn’t smile or acknowledge me like a normal person. Instead, she licks her lips and just keeps on staring, like I’m a juicy piece of steak. Once, … Continue reading SHE CAME HOME by Matt Biggs (2nd place, Jul22)
CHANGING FACES by Tracey-Anne Plater (3rd place, Jul22)
The epidural is wearing off, and it feels like a hot rusty blade is carving through my stomach. None of this was supposed to happen. My son is hours old, looking at me with tiny dark eyes like marbles. His creased skin and patchy hair tell the story of his scrunched-up journey into the world. … Continue reading CHANGING FACES by Tracey-Anne Plater (3rd place, Jul22)
July 2022 – Long List
We're expecting a very busy second half of this year! We're working with Tania Hershman, editor of the superb ShortStopsUK listings website, on a really exciting project - take a look here for more details. As well as that, we have now opened up our 4 for 3 special offer on ALL of our competitions, … Continue reading July 2022 – Long List
Cranked Anvil 