Short Story

Short Story: The Nature of Things

Within their busy office environment, Quinn and Dan circle around their attraction to each other. What will it take for them to acknowledge their feelings and act upon them?

Short Story Winner New Zealand 2021: Blushing Bridey

It’s Sarah’s big day – her wedding to her beloved Freddy – and all the family are on hand to share in her happiness…Mum, Dad, sisters Vanessa and Sharlene. But are they actually?

Short Story: Doreen

Burt’s wife, Doreen had died following an untimely ‘accident’ some time ago. But one day, as he happily took his previously banned paints and easel out into the garden, Burt thought he could hear a familiar voice berating him from the base of the willow tree.

Short Story: The Chocolate Grail

From the tender age of six, a search for the best chocolate cake in the world had occupied the author’s mind and stomach. From England to the Antipodes, then back to Europe, the decades-long search stretched. But could that perfect slice of cake now be (literally) within reach?

Short Story: These Halcyon Days

Robert McBride was sure that when he entered The Commission building he would be granted a delay in his admission, considering his status as a prominent author. As he waited, he thought about his life, as well as his nemesis, Vernon Hunt, who was a villain in nearly all of his books.

Short Story: The Blackbird

Life in the rest home was not exactly a barrel of laughs for Peter, a former farmer who grieved the loss of his independence. Days punctuated by unsatisfactory meals and the deaths of other residents made him wonder when his own turn would come…until one day, he heard a bark.

Short Story: Jungle Heat

When his mother packs her bags and leaves his father, Sidney thinks marital strife is the only thing he’ll have to worry about. Yet the arrival of a vengeful leopard threatens everyone’s peace.

Short Story: Aotearoa 1950

One man reflects on a simple but honest childhood growing up in the wake of WWII that instilled in him the values and respect that helped form who he became today.

Short Story: Take The Chair

The chair was old. Its armrests and legs were scuffed and its vinyl seat was torn, and Mum didn’t think anyone would bother picking it up from the side of the road. But Dad believed in its value – all it needed was a little work to bring out its inner beauty. And maybe it would turn out to be a diamond in the rough after all.

Short Story: Growth Rings

Living in a nursing home, 92-year-old Albert didn’t find he had much to look forward to. Far better to lose himself in memories of his days as a daring 12-year-old, ready to climb any tree on offer with the fearless Allison.

Short Story: Reunion

Maxine left her native South Africa to travel the world, finally settling in Australia. When her 30-year school reunion rolls around, she gathers the courage to go home, revisit the past, and set some old wrongs to right.

Short Story: Carousel

Janie loved her high-powered job, the overseas business travel, the colleagues she met through her work, the weekend flings with no-cling men … she even loved her recalcitrant suitcase. Didn’t she?

Flying

Ngaire, Ruthie and Ernest grew up with their mum, Lizzie and dad, George in a typical suburban household. Only when […]

Short Story: A rough ride

It started as just a normal, cheerful day for Vinnie, with all the familiar faces of his passengers. But then he caught sight of the blonde woman and her son in the queue – and he felt a heaviness in his heart.

Red Dirt In Her Veins

She grew up in the Pilbara with best buddies Mary and Trevor. They were inseparable. But she was different – she was born in the city centre and didn’t look like a scrounger, like the other two. She was the one who married Trevor and had five kids, so why is it that she hates Mary with a vengeance?

Short Story: The lightness of being

The accident had not only robbed Grace of her mobility, it had taken away her sense of who she was. Would adjusting to the pace of life in the country have the power to restore her wellbeing & happiness?

Short Story: Matilda Rose and the Beekeeper

Matilda had sworn off dating – until one day a beekeeper named Bill walked into her shop and stole her heart. But the buzz is that Bill has a secret. Will their relationship survive it?

Short Story: The Counsellor

Sitting in the industrial green room with its collection of tattered armchairs and lost souls, can John offer help to […]

Short Story: Cautious Kate

Her mum had brought her up to always be cautious of strangers after what had happened to Great-Aunt Bertha, but […]

Short Story: Ponzi in the Pilbara

A ‘priceless’ opportunity from spruiker Trevor promises an escape from a humdrum existence in Karratha for Pina. So why the […]

Short Story: Departures

When Jim and Audrey board a round-the-world cruise in the UK, they decide to visit their son and his young […]

Short Story: The making of an expat synapsis

Learning to adjust to a different rhythm of life in a foreign culture brings unanticipated rewards and downsides for an […]

Short Story: Choosing hope

Paul and Katie had spent a lifetime together in love. But when doctors gave them the terminal diagnosis, they had […]

Short Story: Rails

When a young woman abandons technology and travels to the opposite side of the world to find happiness, she learns […]

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