On The Shelf – RICHARD GARCKA

Richard started writing only a few years ago following early retirement. Creative Writing classes led to some early successes, with inclusion in The First Cranked Anvil Short Story Anthology representing one of a number of short stories published. He says his writing tends towards historical fiction and urban fantasy, anything which might reimagine familiar faces … Continue reading On The Shelf – RICHARD GARCKA

April 2021 – shortlist and winners

Here it is: the shortlist and three winners of our April 2021 Short Story competition. There was a fantastic range of stories this quarter, covering so many different themes, styles and genres. The judging was, as usual, very difficult, and the shortlist was probably closer than it has ever been. However, we’re delighted to announce … Continue reading April 2021 – shortlist and winners

SHINDIG by Letty Butler (1st place, Apr21)

Ursula is in her usual fireside spot languishing in her own flesh, whilst reading an old Argos catalogue aloud to Boggo. He can’t hear her because he’s in the galley doing something revolting. She squints at the silver clock and wishes she could tell the time - she wants to know how long it will … Continue reading SHINDIG by Letty Butler (1st place, Apr21)

THROUGH THE RUSTING GATE by Rosie Morris (2nd place, Apr21)

Jake’s mammy always wove the most wondrous tales, carrying him on the magic carpet of her imagination to kaleidoscopic worlds far beyond the everyday. Through her, he became an intrepid explorer, roaming enchanted lands, befriending fantastical creatures, performing the bravest of deeds. She made him an intergalactic adventurer: he discovered planets, soared through space and … Continue reading THROUGH THE RUSTING GATE by Rosie Morris (2nd place, Apr21)

THE COUNTER by Chris Cottom (3rd place, Apr21)

You love clacking the abacus beads across their frame, counting off the nights until Father Christmas comes. You like the red ones best, the top row. The enemy are the blue ones, next row down. You play French and English, dead soldiers to the right, last-man-standing always a red-blooded Englishman. You envy Griffin when he … Continue reading THE COUNTER by Chris Cottom (3rd place, Apr21)