We're pleased to announce that the judges have made their decision on our August Flash Fiction competition. However, before we reveal the shortlist and winners, we want to give you a little heads up. We'll be announcing some exciting news for competition entrants very soon, so if you don't already, make sure you subscribe to … Continue reading August 2024 – Flash shortlist and winners
STRANGLING ANGEL by Alison Wassell (1st place, Flash, Aug24)
Logbook 1894 26th January Punished several children who arrived late. Attendance poor, weather bad. Miss Harriet Caldwell appointed by the Board as Assistant Mistress. When, on first meeting, Harriet Caldwell calls her by her first name, Agnes realises she will be more of a burden than an asset. She lacks gravitas, smiles too much, and … Continue reading STRANGLING ANGEL by Alison Wassell (1st place, Flash, Aug24)
MR FARNSWORTH by James Hancock (2nd place, Flash, Aug24)
The pig sucked in a mouthful of pipe smoke and blew it overhead. It clung to the ceiling like a cloud of rolling white music notes, twisting and changing shape as Ophelia watched from the comfort of the leather sofa. “Interesting.” The pig, Mr Farnsworth, gazed at his folded trotters as he contemplated things. Ophelia … Continue reading MR FARNSWORTH by James Hancock (2nd place, Flash, Aug24)
MICRO MONDAY #1 – A Bumper Crop Of Microfiction
Welcome to our first Micro Monday!... Have we got a bumper crop of great microfiction for you! Each Monday, we'll publish an omnibus selection of microfiction from our Micro123 submissions, and publish them here on our website. (Or, if you subscribe to the site you'll get them emailed directly into your inbox.) So - let's … Continue reading MICRO MONDAY #1 – A Bumper Crop Of Microfiction
CAUGHT by Georgina Downes
Her Wusthof fillet knife slices effortlessly through the silver-scaled belly. Out slides bloody guts, pooling on her granite worktop. She can’t feed the entrails to the dog; too undignified for a majestic wild salmon. Instead, she’ll make a stock.The fish is presented on a huge platter, whole, surrounded by steamed vegetables with a home-made Hollandaise … Continue reading CAUGHT by Georgina Downes
IT ISN’T ONLY THE COFFEE MACHINE THAT HISSES LIKE A BAD-TEMPERED TOMCAT by Chris Cottom
One day I’ll be like Erin, teasing the cup to the wand, twisting my wrist to swirl the microfoam, pouring clever rosettas and swanky swans, no longer the trainee on the till, scribbling ‘Anil’ or ‘Lee’ on the lids. If they eye the cakes, if they can take their eyes off Erin, I’m supposed to … Continue reading IT ISN’T ONLY THE COFFEE MACHINE THAT HISSES LIKE A BAD-TEMPERED TOMCAT by Chris Cottom
August 2024 – Flash Long List
The upgrading and revamping of our website continues, and we're still welcoming many new visitors and subscribers to our site. We're very happy to have you all as part of the Cranked Anvil Community - and you've joined us at the right time, as we're planning on rolling out some fantastic new opportunities and services … Continue reading August 2024 – Flash Long List
A LIFE IN FLORIOGRAPHY by Lesley Bungay
Violet built four walls. A brick for every critical word, each hurtful taunt entombed in mortar. She whitewashed the outside, decorating the facade with fake sunflowers and painted gladioli. On the inside, she grew climbing roses and carnations, tending each bloom with love. She sowed a chamomile lawn, surrounded with jasmine and lavender. At night … Continue reading A LIFE IN FLORIOGRAPHY by Lesley Bungay
Cranked Anvil 