Short Stories
Short Stories by Christopher Fielden
You can read some of my short stories in this section of the website via the links below. Some have been shortlisted or won prizes in short story competitions.
Accompanying each story you’ll find comments I’ve received from competition judges, editors and publishers, and information about my journey to publication.
Devil’s Crush
'Devil's Crush' was first published in Writers' Forum after winning their short story competition. It was later published in:
- Book of the Bloodless Volume 1: Alternative Afterlives (Victorina Press)
- Dark Lane Anthology Volume 5 (Dark Lane Books)
- Death of a Superhero (InkTears)
- How to Write a Short Story, Get Published & Make Money
- To Hull And Back Short Story Anthology 2015
You can read 'Devil's Crush' here.
Hummingbee Bumblebird Meadow
'Hummingbee Bumblebird Meadow' was first published by Word Hut.
Mr Kill
'Mr Kill' was first published by The Brighton COW. It was later published in:
- Book of the Bloodless Volume 1: Alternative Afterlives (Victorina Press)
- Dark Lane Anthology Volume 4 (Dark Lane Books)
- How to Write a Short Story, Get Published & Make Money
- Katha Kshetre – Temple of Stories
- To Hull And Back Short Story Anthology 2018
You can read 'Mr Kill' here.
Smoo Choo the Magic Moo & the Secret of Whispering Wood
'Smoo Choo the Magic Moo & the Secret of Whispering Wood' was first published by in How to Write a Short Story, Get Published & Make Money.
You can read 'Smoo Choo the Magic Moo & the Secret of Whispering Wood' here.
The Cat, the Bull and the Madman
'The Cat, the Bull and the Madman' was first published by Laurel House Creative Workshops (LHCW) after winning their short story competition. It was later published in:
The Ninja Zombie Knitting Circle
'The Ninja Zombie Knitting Circle' was first published by Writers Village. It was later published in:
The Treasure No Thief Can Steal
'The Treasure No Thief Can Steal' was first published in Scribble. It was later published in:
Short Stories by Other Authors
Below are details of short stories written by other authors. Each story is accompanied by details of the writer's experiences with their journey to publication.
The stories are accompanied by details of each writer's journey to publication.
If you are a published short story writer and would like to be published on my website, please read my submission guidelines.
Daffodils
'Daffodils' is a short story written by Keith Knight. It was first published in New Fiction Magazine.
Keith's accompanying post is titled 'How To Be A Better Writer Than Me'.
You can read 'Daffodils' by Keith Knight here.
Decisions, Decisions
'Decisions, Decisions' is a short story written by Christie Cluett. It was first published by Magic Oxygen.
Christie's accompanying post is titled 'Winning A Competition With Swearing In Your Story - What Are Your F%&king Chances?'.
You can read 'Decisions, Decisions' by Christie Cluett here.
Gabriel’s Halo
'Gabriel's Halo' is a short story written by Rhiannon Lewis. It was first published in Writers' Forum.
Rhiannon's accompanying post is titled 'How To Win A Short Story Competition'.
You can read 'Gabriel's Halo' by Rhiannon Lewis here.
Hox
'Hox' is a novel, written for children, by Annemarie Allan. It was first published by Floris Books after winning the Kelpies Prize in 2007.
Annemarie's accompanying post is titled 'How Entering Novel Writing Competitions Can Lead to Publishing Success'.
You can read 'Hox' by Annemarie Allan here.
Me, Robot
'Me, Robot' is a short story by Mike Scott Thomson. It was first published by The Fiction Desk in their Crying Just Like Anybody anthology.
Mike's accompanying post is titled 'How to Research, Write & Publish a Short Story'.
You can read 'Me, Robot' by Mike Scott Thomson here.
Objekt BD
'Objekt BD' is a short story by Kerry Barner. It was first published by Platform for Prose.
Kerry's accompanying post is titled 'Write What You Know'.
You can read 'Objekt BD' by Kerry Barner here.
R v Sieger - additional documents disclosed by the Crown Prosecution Service
'R v Sieger - additional documents disclosed by the Crown Prosecution Service' is a short story by James Woolf. It was highly commended in the London Short Story Prize, run by Spread the Word as part of the London Short Story Festival.
James's accompanying post is titled 'How I Wrote & Published A Short Story'.
You can read 'R v Sieger - additional documents disclosed by the Crown Prosecution Service' by James Woolf here.
Spitting Out
'Spitting Out' is a short story by Jill Owen. It was published in issue #10 of Thrice Fiction, a popular US based flash fiction and short story magazine.
Jill's accompanying post is titled 'Flash Fiction Publishing Case Study: From Treasury Tags to Spitting Out'.
You can read 'Spitting Out' by Jill Owen here.
The In-Between Days
'The In-Between Days' is a short story by Cameron Dunham. It was first published in Fictive Dream, an online short fiction magazine based in the UK.
Cameron's accompanying post is titled 'The Advantages Of Working With An Editor'.
You can read 'The In-Between Days' by Cameron Dunham here.
The Keymaster
'The Keymaster' is a short story by Rebecca Henderson. It was first published by BLYNKT, an international short story magazine.
Rebecca's accompanying post is titled 'How To Use A Short Story Critique To Get Published'.
You can read 'The Keymaster' by Rebecca Henderson here.
Traffic
'Traffic' is a short story by Nick Sweeney. It was runner-up in the V.S. Pritchett Memorial Prize, run by The Royal Society of Literature.
Nick's accompanying post is titled 'My Approach to Short Story Competitions'.
You can read 'Traffic' by Nick Sweeney here.
Trapped
'Trapped' is a short story by Shirley Muir. It won the Crediton Festival short story competition.
Shirley's accompanying post is titled 'A Three-Year Mission to a Winning Story'.
You can read 'Trapped' by Shirley Muir here.
Short Stories: More Information About This Section of the Website
As mentioned at the top of the page, the short stories in this section of the site are a selection of the tales that I've had published in magazines and online. Some have been shortlisted or won prizes in short story competitions.
Beneath each story you’ll find any comments I’ve received (and been given permission to use) from competition judges, editors and publishers. I’ve also provided information about the various competitions and the pros and cons of entering them.
I hope the information will help other writers learn how to write a short story with a marketplace in mind, making it more appealing to editors and competition judges and aiding the likelihood of publication.
This section of the site also contains short stories written by other authors. Again, the stories are accompanied by details of each writer's journey to publication and their experiences.
If you are a published short story writer and would like to be featured in this section of my website, please read my submission guidelines and then get in touch.
Some Wise Words About Short Stories From Stephen King
Below is a video of Stephen King being interviewed by Rich Fahle. In it, SK talks about the short story and how many writers start novels before they are ready for a project of that size.
Stephen King talking about the art of writing short stories
Short stories are a great way to learn and develop your writing before, and alongside, writing a novel. If you're new to writing, I'd strongly advise you trying a couple of short stories before starting a full length book - you can learn a lot from the process.
Is the Short Story Dead?
No. I've heard some people say that the popularity of the short story is waning. In my opinion, they are wrong.
The short story is seeing a resurgence since the internet and is more popular than ever. You just have to know where to look.
To prove the point, I've created lists of publishing opportunities for short stories. Take a look at theseresource:
You'll see that there is plenty of interest in short stories, and many opportunities for writers to see their work published.
Admittedly, publishers tend to favour publishing full length novels, so selling a collection of short stories through traditional means can be difficult, especially if you're a new writer. But if you change your approach and write for the markets that are out there, you can see your tales in print.
That's what I've done. It works.
The Legal Bit
Sorry, but it has to be done...
Christopher Fielden and the other authors of stories on this website have asserted their right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of their short stories. The stories on this site are provided for you to read subject to the condition that they are not, by way of trade or otherwise, copied, lent, sold, hired out, printed or otherwise circulated in any format without the author’s prior consent.
Comments
This website was established in 2011. In 2024, it was redesigned. Between 2011 and 2024, thousands of people commented on the site. I’d like to thank every person for their engagement – it’s greatly appreciated.
When the site was rebuilt, transferring comments comprising hundreds of thousands of words was not feasible on most pages. The Short Stories page comments are an exception and they appear below. New comments are welcome. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ask questions.
Dorothy
I suggest adding a facebook like button for the blog!
Chris Fielden
Hi Dorothy - there is one on every page, at the top of each page!
Ralph M
Hi Chris
Just enjoyed your Devil's Crush and Mr Kill. Admired your very unique style that covers so much detail in so few words, leaving much to the reader\'s imagination -- a rare bonus!. I have written 31 short stories appearing in my novel, 'The Red Cheong-sam... And Other Old Tales Of Malaya and Singapore'...
...I wish to enter some of my short stories/books for the competitions (mentioned in your most helpful website) that accepted 'previously published work.' I shall be most grateful if you would advise me accordingly...
Best wishes, Ralph
Chris Fielden
Hi Ralph, thanks for getting in touch.
I'm glad you've found my website helpful!
There are only a few competitions that accept previously published work. Most insist on unpublished material. I know the BBC accept these kind of entries, but you have to be published in the UK through a magazine with an ISBN number. Off hand, I'm unsure of which of the other competitions that I list accept previously published work. If you follow the links from this page and read the rules for each competition you will find out which will accept published work. Sorry, this will be time consuming, but I just can't remember which ones do!!
Best of luck with your writing.
Cheers, Chris
Emma
Very very helpful!! Thanks
Caroline R
Hi Chris, just thought I would give you a quick message to say hello and 'thanks.' I am a writer / freelance journalist and have had several short stories and news stories published previously and I have also self published my own book (called Sex Life of a Virgin) and I know what a struggle it is to 'make it' as a writer - your website / blog is really helpful and has inspired me to start submitting short stories again - I am also planning on re-visiting a book series I wrote years ago which has been gathering dust. It is nice to know that there are people like you out there to share ideas etc. Hope to keep in touch!
Chris Fielden
Thanks Emma 🙂
Caroline - excellent, I'm glad you feel inspired to write again. Best of luck with the writing!
Jennifer U
'God bless you' is all I can say. In just an hour or two of navigating through your website, I've gotten more encouragement than I'd have gotten in 2 years! (The prizes to be won in the competitions listed helped too!) Thank you. A lot! And your work is amazing 🙂
Chris Fielden
Thank you very much Jennifer 🙂
Trenten M
Hi, just wanted to say I enjoy the site and found the list of magazines that publish short stories helpful.
Chris Fielden
Thanks very much Trenten 🙂
Annette T
I write short stories because it's hard for me to write a novel, which I'd like to eventually. After 27 years of writing I never seem to get any better. I did sell one recently, but that was three years ago.
I'm working on a short story now and hope to write a short story collection from an article I cut from the newspaper and by studying a collection on a suject similar to the one I'm writing about.
Chris Fielden
Best of luck with your writing Annette!
Janine C
Really loving the website Christopher! It's so helpful for a beginner writer like me. I want to post some short stories I have written on my blog but I may want to try to submit them for publication at some point so I wasn't sure if I needed to copyright them. Could you offer any advice on this and if it is necessary, I have no idea how to go about copyrighting! Thanks in advance.
Chris Fielden
Janine, you automatically own the copyright for a story once you've written it. You can put a copyright notification on the page you publish the story on if you want to, but I don't think you need to worry too much 🙂
It's worth bearing in mind that if you publish your stories on your blog that some competitions and magazines might not accept them as submissions as they will class them as previously published work.
Best of luck with your writing.
Janine C
Thanks Chris for the info. I have entered the InkTears short story competition with a previously unpublished story but would now like to post this on my personal blog.
I'm not sure if this is allowed and I don't want to be disqualified! I've just emailed them to check if this would be OK. If I remember rightly, they did accept previously published work, you just needed to tell them where it had been published, although I'm technically publishing it after so got myself a bit confused!!
Thanks for the advice, I love your website - it's so helpful. I am planning to enter your short story comp too. Loved the letter of complaint to Richard Branson that you linked-very funny and clever!
Janine 🙂
Chris Fielden
Janine, InkTears accept previously published work, I believe, so you should be fine with that one. It's just worth checking submission guidelines for that sort of thing before you put stories on your own blog 🙂
I'll look forward to reading your submission to my comp.
Annabel C
Hey Chris! I really enjoyed Devil's Crush, and am about to read the rest of your short stories. I am currently doing my A Level coursework and as a part of this I am going to be writing a short story. In order to do this I need to provide 'style models' of pieces in a similar medium. I was wondering if I could please use one of your short stories for this. The text will not be reproduced as mine, but will be used to analyse and learn from. As they are your work I'll understand if you do not want me to use them. Thanks, Annabel
Chris Fielden
Annabel, glad you enjoyed the story. Yes, please feel free to use one of my stories to analyse as part of your A level. And best of luck with writing your own story 🙂
Harry P
Hi. Perhaps you might be able to help please? Do you know of any writing competitions in which you can send hardcopy rather than digital versions? I facilitate (and write) with people who do not have internet access.
If you can help or advise - that would be great! I'm struggling!
Chris Fielden
Harry, quite a few of the competitions I list on my short story competitions page accept hard copy submissions - you'll just have to research the submission criteria for each one as they change all the time. I always submit digitally, so I'm not really up on which ones accept postal submissions I'm afraid.
It is becoming more common to have online submissions only now though, as it's so much easier to deal with from an admin point of view. And I guess it saves the trees too 🙂
I hope that's helpful.
Cameron G
Hello Chris, I have not read everything on your site but I am working on it. Your Ninja Zombie Knitting Circle is a great short story. I agree with the helpful constructive criticism re the time, but it's still a corker. I have always written as a hobby but am slowly putting things out there so your list of competitions will be very useful. All in all an excellent site by someone (you) who is obviously an unselfish person happy to encourage others. Thanks.
Chris Fielden
Thanks Cameron 🙂
And good luck with getting your work out there and seeing it in print.
Jerry S
Hello, Chris. I feel less like an interloper each time I visit your website. Modest testimony to your hard work and thoughtfulness; thank you for each valuable feature.
Dialect. Many of my most humorous, poignant, and edifying recollections have come from shared experiences with friends of different cultures. (I'm a pasty white Anglo. I stop short of admitting to be of Scottish descent.)
The degree of sensitivity about dialect varies. In the United States, rural southerners OK, rednecks harbor an outspoken pride in their dialect and seem to appreciate exaggerated imitation of their peculiarities as a compliment. The greater the attempt to insult them, the more they love it.
In the US, though, a caution exists regarding anything that points to racial distinctions. It cramps conversations, even among friends. An informal poll of my black friends indicates that a written use of, say, ghetto slang is permissible to develop a unique character. My friends may, though, be speaking out of the kindness of friendship.
As a writing contest judge (and therefore exempt from any pretense of friendship), do you have advice on the use of dialect? And do Scotsmen really say,"Hoots, mon"?
Again, thank you.
Chris Fielden
Hi Jerry. I think using local dialect adds to character, although I have never heard anyone of Scottish decent say 'Hoots mon'. These stereotypes often come from somewhere, but over time sayings like that can die out as language develops and evolves.
Some authors push the boundaries when dealing with matters of racial distinction and how they are handled in dialogue. Take Quentin Tarantino as an example. He often uses terms that could be regarded as racist in his film scripts, but they aren't ever insulting, they aren't ever used in a derogatory manner - they are used to develop character and conflict. I think that if used naturally, this type of approach can be very engaging. It's when the style is purposefully aimed at insulting race or is used in a gratuitous manner that it becomes a problem.
If in doubt, ask people to proofread anything you write. That way you can get outside opinions. And before submitting, read previous publications of the market you are submitting to. That way you can gage whether your stories and their content are suitable for the target audience.
I hope that's helpful 🙂
Sophie P
I do not get how to write a story.
Chris Fielden
Hi Sophie. Try reading this page. There are lots of other resources in that section of the site.
You might also find my book useful. It uses lots of examples.
Betty H
Good afternoon, Chris. I just wanted to thank you for a brilliant web site and being you. You are so understanding with all aspects of the writing world. I have had many poems and stories published over the years but perhaps having too much of a bit of a laid back attitude. Not really taking it too seriously. Then I found your site and you. What encouragement you give to everyone and so kind. I love comedy and want to learn more about writing it. Once again thank you. .
Chris Fielden
Thanks very much, Betty. I'm very happy to hear that you find the site so useful and encouraging 🙂
Andrew K
Hi, is it worth doing a creative writing course , like the one offered by Writers Bureau? Thanks in advance.
Chris Fielden
Hi Andy. Yes, I think so.
I did the Writers Bureau course and found it really helped my writing - money well spent.
It depends what you want from it, I guess. There's lots of information on their website about what they offer.
Correspondence courses don't suit everyone. I have some writing friends who prefer to attend workshops and courses they attend physically. I guess it's down to what suits you best.
I hope that helps 🙂
Glynis D
Hi Chris, how are you?
Just wanted to ask what is the average length for a short story please.
Chris Fielden
Hi Glynis. I'm good, thank you. Hope you are too.
I don't think there is an average, really. Publishers and competitions ask for all sorts of different lengths.
You can learn more on this page, which is all about different story lengths.
I hope that's helpful 🙂
Barb P
Do you have a list of publishers/contests who want books of short stories? Not interested in vanity press. Thanks.
Chris Fielden
Hi Barb. There are a few on this page.
And 404 Ink sometimes ask for single author collections, so they're worth keeping an eye on.
It's actually quite hard to find publishers who want short story collections. If you hear of any, please do let me know.
Annette M
I'm looking to publish a short story (non fiction) and wondered if you could recommend a magazine as an initial platform.
I have an incredible life story to tell, as a memoir and would like to test the water with a short story, as a first step. If you could offer any advice and share your wisdom and expertise, I would be incredibly grateful.
Chris Fielden
Hi Anette, I usually recommend Writers' Forum. They run a monthly short story competition with a 3,000 word limit and a £300 top prize. In the magazine, the judges discuss why they selected the winners, so by reading back issues, you can learn what they look for in a story - very useful 🙂
Another good one to try is Scribble, by Park Publications. They publish quarterly and offer a writing community - the readers comment and vote for the winning stories in each magazine.
I hope that's helpful and wish you the best of luck with your submissions.
Annette M
Hi Chris. Thank you so much for those links. I’ll definitely give them a go!
Chris Fielden
No problem, Annette 🙂
Victoria R
Hi Christopher. I submitted a poem quite a few years back, and then I had alot of things get in the way of anything to do with writing, which, for me, is very unfortunate as it's a life long passion, but now I'm finding my way back and was enquiring of any upcoming competitions for poems, short stories, or absolutely anything else? As it's been a while, I find I'm suffering from writer's block. Any information and tips would be gratefully welcomed. Thank you.
Chris Fielden
Hi Victoria. Thanks for your message.
I list hundreds of competitions on my website. You can find all the detailed lists here.
I'm fortunate as I don't really suffer from writers block. However, if I'm not in the mood to write and want to get some done, I clear my 'to do' list and go somewhere in my camper van with no internet or phone signal. I find that when there are no distractions I switch into a creative mind set and start writing.
You might find this post about writer's block useful as it gives some suggestions about how to overcome it.
I hope that's helpful and wish you the best of luck with your submissions.
Ihtisham S
Hi, I want to submit a short speculative fictional story that I wrote and want you to give it a look and, after meeting your criteria, publish it on your website.
How may I send it to you? Regards, Ihtisham S, Pakistan
Chris Fielden
Hi Ihtisham. Thanks for your interest in my website. I don't just publish short stories, I'm afraid.
If you want to get your story published, I'd recommend checking out all the magazines and competitions I list on my site. You can learn how to submit to my flash fiction writing challenges here, but they are themed. For blog posts, please review my submission guidlines.
I wish you the best of luck with your writing.
Roger W
Hi all, I'm just half way through reading Sensorial Challenged Volume 3 and I've picked up on no fewer than 15 writing outlets for whatever takes your literary fancy; courtesy of the contributors / authors bios.
Keep up the good work Team CF, this site has me writing with serious intent.
(Got the drums out tomorrow Chris)
Chris Fielden
Thanks for your message, Roger, very much appreciated.
That's great news - another way the books can help writers.
Good news about the drums too, mate. Now we just need some gigs 🙂
Nimisha J
Hi! I am looking to submit in a junior level competition. Not able to submit. Please guide. Thank you
Chris Fielden
Hi Nimisha. Thanks for your message. If you're looking for competitions for young writers, please take a look at this resource, which lists lots of competitions for young writers, children and students.
I wish you the best of luck with your writing 🙂
Kydman R
How would I be able to send in my short stories?
Chris Fielden
Hi Kydman, thank you for your message.
I do not publish short stories in this section of the site unless they are part of a publishing case study. You can learn more about that on my submissions guidelines page. If you are looking for competitions or magazines to submit your stories to, please check out my lists of writing competitions and publishing opportunities in this section of the website.
I hope that helps and wish you all the best with your writing 🙂
Stormy W
Hello, I'm seeking to publish taboo erotica short stories.
Thank you.
Chris Fielden
Hi Stormy. Competitions for that kind of thing do come up from time to time, although many comps say they don't want to receive that type of story.
The best bet is to look through the lists on my site and see if you can find anything suitable. Also, keep an eye on Inkitt. They sometimes run comps that focus on romance and erotic fiction.
I hope that helps 🙂
Stormy W
Hello, I appreciate the information. Best.
Chris Fielden
No problem 🙂
Sanjay Y
D gar Christopher, Good morning! First of all, I would like to commend the huge labour of love that has gone into your extensive website and its resources.
I am a new writer who has recently enrolled onto the Writers Bureau comprehensive writing course. I have chosen to write fiction because that is not my strength or at least I don't know if it is or not! My tendency is to write healthcare related fiction or something that is themed around mindfulness, being a doctor and mindfulness teacher. I wonder what your advice would be regarding suitable websites or publications that may accept my work I look forward to hearing from you and wish you a good day!
Kind regards, Sanjay
Chris Fielden
Dear Sanjay, thank you for your message. It's great to hear you find the site helpful 🙂
I don't know of any competitions or publications that work with that theme specifically, but I'm sure a lot of open themed contests would be open to stories themed around mindfulness. There are a few comps themed around nature, so you could look at those. There might be a bit of overlap there. You could try Walk Listen Create - they run a lot green themed contests. And the Moth (a well-regarded Irish magazine) also run a nature prize.
I hope that helps and wish you the very best with your course. I did the Writers Bureau course many years ago, and found it really helpful.
All the best to you. Chris 🙂
Hi Chris, I hope this is OK to ask. I’ve submitted a “dark story” to the relevant dark story magazines after reading short stories from those publications. Rejection is no stranger to me but, when you receive, “this is a very good story, it’s very well written=however it’s just not right for us or, at this moment in time. I suppose this is a nicer way to rejection. Any thoughts? Roger W
Hi Roger. Thanks for your comment. Yes, those types of message are standard responses from a lot of publications. Like you say, they’re a nice way to say no. I would add that very well written stories are often rejected, simply because they aren’t quite right for the publication, or they’re not what the competition judge is looking for. I find this with the To Hull And Back competition every time it runs – I have to reject high quality stories that aren’t the right fit, and I also have to reject ones that are simply because I have a shortlist of 20. The size of the publication vs the number of submissions received limits the number of stories a judge / editor is able to accept. So the types of message you mentioned can be genuine. Keep submitting – you’ll find the right home for your story if you do. I hope that helps. All the best, Chris
Hi Christopher,
This is my current situation. I’ve written several short stories which have been well received within my Group of fellow writers. I would like some advice on where best to try and get them published individually. I hope you can help.
George.
Hi George. Thanks for your message. I list many publishing opportunities for short stories in the Advice section of my website. The best places to start are the short story competitions and the short story magazines pages. You’ll find links to many other list providers on those pages. I hope that helps and I wish you the best of luck with finding homes for your short stories. All the best. Cheers, Chris