Melanie Fraser

Congratulations, Squidge. What a powerful story. And congratulations also to Baz and John.

Many thanks, Kate, for setting the competition. It pushed me hard, and I think from some of the comments I wasn’t the only one racking my brain in an enjoyable way!

Thanks everyone for taking part. These were all such great pieces its been incredibly hard to decide on a winner, so a few brief thoughts on them:

Baz – This one gave me a real prickle. Loved the feel those open ended questions gave it, and the ending is as if you’re slamming a door.

John – Bravo. Love the message in the last line of the first…[Read more]

I’ve read them all and am completely stumped as to which to choose. Will have to sleep on it. Being as I’m having so much trouble, I am open to bribes… 😬

A last reminder to anyone who wants to take part.

398 words including title

Fate and Soul

The house in South Kensington wore fresh white stucco and stood in a terrace of frontages all the same. On a colour chart the paint could have been named Anonymity.

Melissa climbed the front steps. Beneath the pillared porch she tapped a code into the key pad and sensed passers-by lingering. She knew…[Read more]

One week left to get your comp entry in!

Still working on my entry …

All entries gratefully received, Sandra. I’ll look forward to reading. 12 days left to the end of the month, if anyone else is interested in taking part.

Brilliant, two entries. Inspiration struck, John. Can’t wait to read them at the end of the month.

Congratulations, Squidge. Thinking about your story still makes me shiver.

Thanks, Sandra. I wasn’t expecting that! A really fantastic prompt and so many great entries. Bear with me on coming up with something for next month as I’m helping my mother move house today.

Lots of congratulations to Kate, and to John and Seagreen. And thank you to Sandra.
I’m chuffed to be mentioned alongside The Return of the Soldier.

Bringing a gun into a house changes it. The fear that used to coil in your stomach like writhing vipers has stilled. No need to jump at every squeak and clonk. Now, a strident voice in the street or the sound of smashing windows makes you smile. A slow, secretive smile.

You think it’s power, and the gun feels like it. The slick weight in your h…[Read more]

Fabulous. Huge congratulations.