I should not have set off. Twenty-five mile an hour winds, strengthening to forty-five, sleet turning to snow later. But the next place I was staying was booked and paid, and only nine miles, an easy to medium walk, the book said. Three hours at most. Powered by my full English I could slog my … Continue reading THE PUB IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE by Dominic Bell (1st place, Prompt Jun22)
CATS TOR by Chris Cottom (2nd place, Prompt Jun22)
It’s raining when we arrive at our holiday cottage. This, of course, is my fault. ‘We’re going abroad next year,’ Zoe says. ‘Factor 50 and a couple of Ken Folletts.’ ‘That’ll depend on my bonus.’ ‘It’s you being so cheerful, Mike, that’s been such an endearing part of the last twenty-seven years.’ ‘Twenty-eight.’ ‘Second only … Continue reading CATS TOR by Chris Cottom (2nd place, Prompt Jun22)
THE DOWNPOUR DOWNFALL OF IVO JONES by Anna Giangiordano (3rd place, Prompt Jun22)
THE DOWNPOUR DOWNFALL OF IVO JONES Tuesday Morning Ivo Jones decided to kill novelist Tom Nelson that very afternoon. The idea had kindled overnight, fuelled by righteous injustice in the hours since he’d been made fully, unambiguously cognizant of Nelson’s indifference to him, delivered in Nelson’s now gratingly languid voice. Despite, amongst other things re-analysed … Continue reading THE DOWNPOUR DOWNFALL OF IVO JONES by Anna Giangiordano (3rd place, Prompt Jun22)
4 for 3 special offer now applies to ALL our competitions
We're delighted to announce: Our '4 for 3' offer now applies to ALL of our writing competitions... ...and will continue to run throughout 2022. Entry fees for just 1 or 2 stories stay the same, but if you pay the £10 entry fee you can enter FOUR stories instead of the usual three. All the … Continue reading 4 for 3 special offer now applies to ALL our competitions
June 2022 – Prompt Long List
Another excellent quarter for our prompt competition, and the judges have really enjoyed reading the qualifying entries. If you fancy trying your hand at a 'dialogue only' story and would like to enter it in our next prompt cometition, all the details are on the prompt page here. You have until 10am UK time on … Continue reading June 2022 – Prompt Long List
May 2022 – Flash shortlist and winners
Since our flash competition started a year and a half ago, this quarter saw the highest number of entries - possibly due to our 4 for the price of 3 offer. We're pleased to say that we have extended the offer to the current submission window (which closes August 31st). So - the entry fee … Continue reading May 2022 – Flash shortlist and winners
THE WALL by Mandy Wheeler (1st place, Flash May22)
The Man picks at the wallpaper. He wants to get underneath it, to bring the whole lot off in one.'I thought you might like …'A mug appears.'Thank you,' the Man says, still looking at the wall.'Do you think you should …?’ his son says, ‘I mean … the new people … ''The new people are … Continue reading THE WALL by Mandy Wheeler (1st place, Flash May22)
THE SEVEN YEAR SPELL by Rowan Evans (2nd place, Flash May22)
Caroline Richardson hasn’t moved for seven years. Today is her thirteenth birthday, but she’s still only five years old. When it rains, she’s beneath the puddles she would have liked to jump in. When the sun shines, it can’t reach her face to warm it. She can’t gather the conkers and chestnuts that fall above … Continue reading THE SEVEN YEAR SPELL by Rowan Evans (2nd place, Flash May22)
