Biscuit Publishing

‘The Map,’ – one of a collection of flash fiction pieces I wrote over summer 2010 – has been awarded ‘Highly Commended’ by the Biscuit International Flash Fiction Contest. As you can imagine, I am over the moon!

There were 486 entries, and the write-up includes a very pithy definition of what flash fiction can and should do, which I’d like to share because it is so succinct, although I am concerned that it looks like bragging…

‘Flash fiction… comes with no wasted words, has a hook in the opening phrase and several others carefully sewn throughout, it has controlled pacing, makes use of landscape and displays a strong narrative voice and viewpoint. The very same ingredients used in the short story form, but this time miniaturised.’- Brian Lister

‘The Map’ will be published in an anthology early next year. It is a speculation on what has really been happening to the bees: they’ve found a way to cross to a different plane, where the flowers are more abundant and they are carefully communicating across their species, giving directions for how each hive can make their way to a new home. Interestingly, some readers have found my story sinister – the bees don’t fly to safety but to their deaths; other readers feel triumphant on the bees’ behalf and can’t blame them for washing their wings of us and moving elsewhere. I know what I think is the truth…