April 2020 – Shortlist and winners

Here it is - the results of our latest short story competition. The judges have had a tough time chosing from the longlist of entries. After much deliberation, the shortlist and three placed stories have now been selected. Congratulations to: 1st: Alan Kennedy - The Storyteller's Gift 2nd: Gillian Welby - News Flash In Manchester … Continue reading April 2020 – Shortlist and winners

THE STORYTELLER’S GIFT by Alan Kennedy (1st place Apr20)

For the fourth time in five minutes, Jimmy Sanderson scrutinises the notice on the door, then his Mickey Mouse wristwatch. He sniffs his armpits, cups his hands to check his breath, licks a mint, rubs it over his underarm hair before popping the sweet into his mouth. He glares at the poster once more. A … Continue reading THE STORYTELLER’S GIFT by Alan Kennedy (1st place Apr20)

NEWS FLASH IN MANCHESTER by Gillian Wellby (2nd place Apr20)

Ellie is on the train to her hometown of Manchester.  Courtesy of social media Ellie has been tracked down by little Ann Wheeler -  that is to say the daughter of little Ann Wheeler has tracked her down.  There is to be a  ‘This is your life’  style party  for Ann’s sixtieth birthday. Ellie has … Continue reading NEWS FLASH IN MANCHESTER by Gillian Wellby (2nd place Apr20)

FLIP FLOP by James Hancock (3rd place Apr20)

Barry was a flip flop. Kid's size eleven, regal blue, with white stripes and a slightly worn underside. He was the right, and his brother, Gary, was the left. Brothers, and similar in most ways, except for personality. Gary was your typical flip flop; laid back and quiet. Barry was the opposite; excitable and talkative.The … Continue reading FLIP FLOP by James Hancock (3rd place Apr20)

April 2020 – Long List

There's no denying it - it's been the strangest of times over the past three months. The number of entries we receive each quarter continues to grow - and we're certain that, this time round, lockdown has played a part in that. In fact, we've decided this quarter to put on a special offer for … Continue reading April 2020 – Long List

Short story competition – enter 4 stories for the fee of only 3

It's fair to say that most people are finding that they've got more time on their hands in the current climate, with Covid-19 confining people to their homes for much longer than they would normally spend there. We know that professional writers - those who earn their living by writing, in whatever genre or capacity … Continue reading Short story competition – enter 4 stories for the fee of only 3

January 2020 – Shortlist and winners

Our competition grows bigger every quarter, and the judges have had their toughest time yet chosing from the longlist of entries. After much deliberation, though, the shortlist and three placed stories have now been selected. Congratulations to: 1st: Nicki Parkins - Turnstone 2nd: Joe Bedford - The House Always Wins 3rd: Sherry Morris - Never … Continue reading January 2020 – Shortlist and winners