Fruitcake Frenzy

Thirty-three award-winning stories from the Stringybark Short Story Award 2022

Edited by David Vernon

Thirty-three engaging and imaginative short stories are showcased in this, the fortieth, short story anthology from Stringybark Stories. Selected from over 280 entries these winning and highly commended tales are marvellously clever, intriguing and a ripping read. From love stories and the joy of flat packs to escaped plants and smashed avocado, this collection is sure to amuse and entertain.

Inside the house, George flexed his shoulders and prepared for battle. He looked around the study and nodded with satisfaction. The rug was rolled back against the wall, the chairs had been removed to the kitchen and the desk, on the top of which he had carefully lined up his armoury, sat in the corner. The arena was ready.

— From ‘Do It Yourself Shakespeare’ by Jim Baker

“You’re so beautiful,” he says. Some days she suspects it may be so, but beauty is difficult to verify. Even if he is lying, his words feel like sunlight on her back. “Lie down,” he instructs. He kneels above her and slides a cushion underneath her head, another under each of his knees. “Sorry,” he grins, “the floor’s a bit hard, I really should get a rug.”

— From ‘Contrapuntal Motion’ by Kerry Lyons