Grateful and happy to have a story on the shortlist of this year's BSSA Award. Thanks to the team for choosing it, and good luck to everyone on there with me 🍀.

Can you help? We’re launching the emotional rollercoaster and gorgeous literary fiction novel ‘Da’ by Arathi Menon at Queer Lit bookshop, Manchester, on Tuesday 9th of June. Unfortunately, we have been told that if we don’t have 25 attendees by next Friday, the event will be cancelled! We know how last minute event bookings usually are - and unfortunately we won’t have this promotional time now. Do you think you could share the event link to help us reach Manchester readers? socialrefuge.com/event-detai… This is a story of love between a father and a son. Inquisitive 13-year-old Ved’s entire universe is his adoptive father, Da. From cooking him the perfect biryani, to helping him navigate his first school dance and his first girlfriend, Da lets Ved be himself. Fiercely loving and fiercely protective, their relationship harbours a secret that could destroy them both: Da is gay at a time when Section 377, a colonial law, makes homosexuality a crime. Beyond the law, vigilante gangs prowl the shadows, targeting those they deem ‘unnatural’ as Da and Ved’s happy existence grows ever more fragile. Set in an Indian metropolis in 2013, Da is a tender story of a boy caught between devotion and fear, chronicling the everyday courage it takes to love someone the world refuses to accept. Expect an engaging and intimate discussion exploring identity, family, language, and the power of storytelling. This is a fantastic chance to hear directly from the author about the inspirations behind Da, her creative process, and the personal and cultural threads that inform her work. Whether you're a long‑time fan, a lover of queer literature, or simply curious to discover new voices, this event is for you. Bring your questions—there will be plenty of time for audience Q&A! Books will be available for purchase and signing. Date: June 9th, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM Hosted by: Queer Lit at Social Refuge.

It's been so much fun reading your stories - and so difficult choosing our favourites... Here's the shortlist! 👇

Last year we held our anthology launch in Bath, UK. This year, to enable more people to participate, we will hold our launch on Zoom! It should be fun, with a chance to ‘meet’ other flash writers from around the globe! You can read how to sub here: nationalflashfictionday.co.u…

It's me, talking micro fiction, how I fell in love with flash, and my favourite book(s). How could I possibly choose?! Send in your micros of up to 100 words by Feb 15 👇

This week’s interview is with microfiction comp judge David Swann. Read his advice on writing micros, his thoughts on which author he would go for a pizza with & much more. nationalflashfictionday.co.u…

How do you structure a short story? Creative Writing lecturer @saraheschofield leads an online workshop exploring contemporary short fiction. Join the workshop on 5th Feb: fly-on-the-wall-press.eventc…

On Sat 14th Feb 11am is the launch of Paper Sisters as part of Kirkby Lonsdale’s Illuminate Festival, in St Mary’s Church, Kirkby Lonsdale. Tickets are FREE! @northodoxpress And it would be lovely to see you there. illuminate.kirkbylonsdale.or…

Over the next four weeks NFFD’s @scooterwriter will be chatting to our microfiction comp judges. This week it’s the turn of @joannacampbell . Read what advice she has to give on writing micros & her new role as artist-in-residence & much more: nationalflashfictionday.co.u…

It’s the feast of the Epiphany and Richard II’s 659th birthday 🎁 🎂 Did three kings really bring him gifts when he was born? Find out at the link below ⬇️

Ladybird Artists Advent Calendar Window 20 ‘Winter Sunrise’ Artist: SR Badmin

Every time I hear the song I think this...

Outside of my Book Advent, life marches on ... and I am SO THRILLED to be able to tell you that my journey with Ann Bissell and the wonderful team at @BoroughPress continues. I also cannot WAIT to introduce you to Margaret (and her Unlikely Visitor) next year ... and proofs are imminent! A huge thank you to Sue Armstrong - the very best friend, and agent, to have by your side ❤️

It’s cheesy and predictable and I DON’T CARE!!! My proofs are here!!! #unboxing #debut #HistoricalFiction @northodoxpress #papersisters

Submissions to our anthology (up to 500 words on the theme of BRIDGES) & our Microfiction comp (up to 100 words, no theme) are now OPEN until 15 Feb. Our anthology editors & judges are poised ready. You can read more here: nationalflashfictionday.co.u…

We’re thrilled to announce that the judges for this year’s microfiction comp are: Joanna Campbell, Emily Devane, Debra A Daniel & David Swann! The comp opens on 1 Dec for micros up to 100 words: nationalflashfictionday.co.u…

We are very excited to reveal our guest editor & theme for our 2026 anthology! Submissions open on 1 Dec & close on 15 Feb 2026. Our microfiction comp judges will be announced next week! nationalflashfictionday.co.u…

We've got a big announcement about our Short Story Prize coming in the next few days! Watch this space...

Readers, not just writers: fall back in love with short fiction through 'The Subtle Art of Short Fiction. Preorder now. flyonthewallpress.co.uk/prod…

THE CLIMATE ISSUE 🌊 Our Winter 2025-26 issue with a special focus on the climate crisis is out next week. The new issue will be launching on Thursday 27th November in The Digital Depot, Dublin. The cover image is The Conversation by Limerick-based artist Robert Ryan. The painting was selected from the 195th RHA Annual Exhibition. The cover design is by Eimear Gavin. We will be announcing the contents page & details of the launch in our newsletter next week. Sign up here🔗 stingingfly.org/newsletter/ Robert Ryan's website: robertryanireland.com

Diary date! October 28th: online short story club featuring Patrick Ryan @BloomsburyBooks. Host @cathygalvin1: conversation & inspiration! Book:eventbrite.co.uk/e/word-fact…