It's been about a year in the planning and production, but now our first ever print anthology is almost here! Featuring prize-winning stories from the first year (and a bit) of our short story competition - plus many of the fantastic short-listed entries too - the book is over 170 pages of brilliant fiction. It … Continue reading Our first print anthology is almost here!
July 2020 – Shortlist and winners
We had a fantastic response to our special offer this quarter, with lots of writers taking advantage of being able to submit 4 stories for the price of 3. (We're repeating the offer this quarter.) The judges have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the eligible entries, and it has been a tougher task than ever to … Continue reading July 2020 – Shortlist and winners
MOTH WOMAN by Sharon Boyle (1st place, Jul20)
The mirrors are back-chatting again, sliding in unwanted comments while reflecting for all they’re worth. ‘Give it a rest,’ I say to one over the mantelpiece as I pin the flower fascinator in my hair. ‘That’s enough,’ I tell another – bathroom – as I brush my teeth. It sheeshes back. ‘Au natural? Jesus, if … Continue reading MOTH WOMAN by Sharon Boyle (1st place, Jul20)
THE WELL by Andrew Stott (2nd place, Jul20)
The swallows fly into and out of the well. There must be a nest down there. Whyever else would they fly down into it? I have looked down over the top. There is mesh there, to prevent a human being falling in and falling to their doom, but there is a small hole in the … Continue reading THE WELL by Andrew Stott (2nd place, Jul20)
HOW TO TAKE AN INVENTORY by Annalise Taylor (3rd place, Jul20)
Accuracy and efficiency are all. In order to be a successful Retail Inventory Associate you must be reliable and focused. Strong mental arithmetic will help you sail through the application process and before you know it, you will have been registered, with a navy polo shirt and name badge, and be awaiting notification of your … Continue reading HOW TO TAKE AN INVENTORY by Annalise Taylor (3rd place, Jul20)
Our new FLASH FICTION competition is now open for submissions
Writers and authors visiting Cranked Anvil regularly will know that we've been running our 1500 word short story competition for about 18 months now. With rolling submissions open quarterly throughout the year, the competition has grown from strength to strength, and we love reading all the short stories we receive. (Our next shortlist and three … Continue reading Our new FLASH FICTION competition is now open for submissions
July 2020 – Long List
Our special offer this quarter of 4 entries for the price of 3 proved massively popular - just as we though it would - and we received the biggest collection of entries since the competition started. It's been a huge task whittling them down to the long list, but we've thoroughly enjoyed reading the entries. … Continue reading July 2020 – Long List
Short story competition – ‘4 stories for the fee of only 3’ offer continues!
Last quarter we received the biggest number of entries into our short story competition since it began over a year ago. No doubt this was thanks to our special offer of allowing 4 entries for the price of 3, and we're delighted that it inspired so many of our writers - both new and regular … Continue reading Short story competition – ‘4 stories for the fee of only 3’ offer continues!
Cranked Anvil 