Human Jokes Sophie L Macdonald The Death and Public Speaking Award ‘This isn’t real,’ I wanted to say but, of course, no words could form, as they had already muted me. The engineers and programmers were pacing the room, keeping […]
Mama Sophie L Macdonald The Gift of Returning Award I can see her sitting under the Christmas tree; she is sobbing. I can peer at her world through this inky blue veil, and sometimes I reach towards her, but there […]
I See You Sophie L Macdonald The Heineken Memorial Award Pets aren’t allowed in motel rooms, but you were so quiet at my feet, and the lady didn’t look twice anyhow. “This way, Miss Smith,” she said. Obviously not my […]
A Gentle Touch Sophie L Macdonald The Black Tooth of Destiny Award Torturing someone is not for the sadistic. Many people think it is—that you must be fiendish and brutal, and delight in your captive’s pain. Untrue. A good torturer […]
Protest in Peace Sophie L Macdonald Protest Pro Test Award He was sweating around the edges of his department store suit. From the crease across his back I suspected he had bought the jacket for our meeting. For me. […]
It’s All For You Sophie L Macdonald The Hindsight Isn’t 20/20 Award Part 4 Spring: Jake She found me in a graveyard. She saw me slumped against the tiny white headstone, with a bottle of a beer dangling from my […]
The Best Night of my Life Sophie L Macdonald Hindsight Isn’t 20/20 Award: Part 3 “Take your clothes off.” “What?” I start to laugh, and then look over my shoulder in case Mum or Dad heard. “You heard me.” Mark […]
The Ones to Blame Sophie L Macdonald Hindsight Isn’t 20/20 Award – Part Two Autumn: Sarah We all file into the school hall, and for once there is silence. Mrs Richards stands at the same lectern I used to hold […]
Our guest announcer this week is contest creator and author Tobias Madden.
Young love leads to extreme ends in part 1 of this serial short.
Shapes in the Grass Sophie L Macdonald Quitters Anonymous Award I am quitting you. My face is pressed to the grass, and I don’t know if I’m feeling cold from the ground or from the chill within my bones, pooling […]
Hello All, It is with great pleasure that I, Nick Lachmund, competitor and reader, have the opportunity to present the final winner announcement for this competition. The series has presented us with a wonderful variety of stories across a spectrum […]
Glitch Sophie L Macdonald The Lucky Numbers Award A sound. Like a bell. And a man. Leaning in—looking at me. I think it’s a glitch. I shouldn’t have been able to see them. It’s too late now—I got too close. […]
The Boy With No Name Sophie L Macdonald To The Nines: Part 9 The sun is making a trickle of sweat run down my shirt, and the casts on my legs feel hot against the padded seat of the wheelchair. […]
An Empty Head Sophie L Macdonald To The Nines: Part 8 Small whispers creep across the room, and I curl my fingers around the handle of the knife in my pocket. Would I use it? “Matthew,” I try, “you’re a […]
The Things They Know Sophie L Macdonald For the To The Nines Award Part 7 “Lisa? Are you okay?” I feel a cool hand on my shoulder. I stay on all fours for a moment, hands in the earth, […]
A Pocketful of Glitter Sophie L Macdonald For the Everything is Everything Award An ordinary day can be turned into a magical one with a simple ray of sunlight shining onto a plastic white stick. “There it is,” I say, […]
In the world of high stakes politics, everyone is after their pound of flesh.
Once upon a time there was a lady who made toys. She lived in the woods, and one day she found nine dead babies in the snow.
Local legends leave longtime friends in a lurch. Immortality Kills By Sophie Macdonald For the Eighth Wonder Award “Mia, help!” Jenny screamed, kicking her legs so violently I thought she would send us both over the edge. I helped her […]
Matthew’s mother may be hiding something in part 5 of the Old Ones serial.
Blood on My Hands By Sophie Macdonald, for the To the Nines Award (pt 4) Sam is working late. I’m curled in the armchair, glass of red wine in one hand, photo album on my lap, and Chopin’s Nocturne playing […]
How long is forever? Roses for My Love By Sophie Macdonald For the Separation Anxiety Award I am holding a red rose, and sitting on the doorstep of what used to be our house. The removal van has long gone, […]
Part 3 of Sophie Macdonald’s Old Ones Serial sees Matthew reveal some disturbing secrets through the eponymous Ninny. Babies in the Snow By Sophie Macdonald For the To the Nines Award (pt 3) “Nice to see you again, Matthew.” Dr […]
Cross your heart Hope to die. My Best Friend By Sophie Macdonald For the Horrors & Heidegger Award “Will you always love me the most?” “Cross my heart and hope to die.” This was how we made promises back […]
Based on a true story. My Litany By Sophie Macdonald For the Horrors & Heidegger Award “I always see the little people on your ceiling,” Lizzie was lying on our bed when she said it, chubby cheeks flushed and […]
Part 2 of ‘The Old Ones serial horror fiction.
The woods are full of magic, but they are not safe. Two strangers will discover this as they explore the strange pathways through the trees. And for one of them, the horrors they find will allow them to reconnect with […]
A Mother seeks help for her special child.
Here’s looking at you.