Between the covers of this unique, diverse and surprising anthology, edited by Tania Hershman, are 75 short short stories or flash fictions that have won first prize in flash fiction contests around the world. Stories in all shapes, genres and voices; stories encapsulated in one paragraph or unfolding over several pages; stories told in one breathless sentence or in numbered sections; stories as letter, as play, as internet search results; stories that will leave you wondering how whole worlds can be created in such small spaces. Dip in and discover that there is no “formula” for a winning story, there are at least 75 different ways to seize a competition judge’s attention and never let it go. 

Competitions whose winners are showcased include: the Bath Flash Fiction Award, the Bridport and Fish Publishing Prizes, SmokeLong Quarterly, Mslexia, The Forge, Retreat West, Reflex Fiction, Flash 500, Flash Frog and many more, by writers such as Kit de Waal, Rosie Garland, Sarah Hilary, Elisabeth Ingram Wallace, Jude Brewer and David Swann.

All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charities combatting fuel poverty in the UK. No-one should have to choose between heating their home and heating their food.

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Cover art by Marie Leadbetter. Cover design by Katie Jacobs.

Praise for the FUEL anthology

“I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it from cover to cover! I’ve recommended it to those of my friends who, like me, love writing short stories. As well as being hugely entertaining, it’s been a useful insight into how varied the competition-winning submissions can be. So, I hope some of them have also bought a copy, especially as it’s for such a good cause.” Denise M, Nottingham, UK