Short Stories

Forthcoming, and in progress: A Collection of Short Stories, and Quadrella of Novellas.

UPDATED JAN 2021: I am now working on A New Collection of Short Stories, and also A Set of Novellas. I am toying with the title A Quadrella of Novellas for the latter, but with too many possible titles for the story collection, I won't try to list them all here.

I have been fascinated by short fiction since the mid 1970s. Since that time, around 24 of my own stories have been published in magazine journals, anthologies, newspapers, on websites, etc. I have also edited several anthologies containing new Australian short fiction.

The two new books I have in mind, however, will be the first collections of my own work. But it is still early days, with both collections still a year or so from completion. 

*Already short-listed, published and prize winners:

Of my newest batch of 20 or so finished stories (ie, those dating back to around 2013/14) nine have already been shortlisted in leading Australian short story competitions and seven published in associated online or prize anthologies. One has won a major first prize, and another a 2nd prize. (For more details, see the Latest Posts and Publications section of this website.)

* 2020/2021: My most recently published short story is here: https://musictrust.com.au/loudmouth/under-his-hat/

* FIRST PRIZE, 2018 Elyne Mitchell Short Story Competition

My story, The Girl Who Wasn't There won the Open Section of the 2018 Elyne Mitchell Award, for a story up to 2,500 words. And if you'd like to read all shortlisted entries; a well-produced booklet is available for $15 + $3 postage. (Contact the Corryong Neighbourhood Centre on 02 6076 2176 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

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2nd Prize, C. J. Dennis Society Short Story Competition

My story, Rosemary's Summer Harvest won second prize in the 2018 C. J. Dennis Society Short Story Competition. 

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So far, completed stories comprise a huge variety: character studies, speculative fiction, tales of the uncanny, hard-nosed realism, naturalistic tales of everyday life, very dramatic stories and atmospheric ones as well. I find all the possibilities equally intriguing, and have many ideas and notes for same. I have also, very recently, completed my first novella (15,00 words-plus) and have several more novellas in progress.

I am yet to approach a potential publisher, as I have not yet decided upon the make-up of any final manuscript, or polished a final draft of same.  But will post developments as they happen. 

Again, watch this space!

Peaches pic plucked from internet. Thanks.