CHALK CIRCLE

The Chalk Circle Short Story Competition 2026 shortlist has arrived. Judges announce the shortlisted stories and authors.

Our writing competition makes a creative comeback this year with a new circular flash fiction challenge guaranteed to get your head spinning.

Darkly atmospheric stories perfect for reading on a cold winter's night. Chalk Circle's new book, Strata 3: Shifting Tides, received an enthusiastic reception at its launch in November 2025. Around sixty guests came to the John Harvey Tavern in Lewes to meet the authors, hear readings from the book and raise a glass to its success. It was also an honour to welcome John Vernon Lord, V&A Illustrator of the Year 2018, the illustrator of our brilliant and inspiring book

From gritty realism to the eerily supernatural, the hope of new beginnings to the drama of tragice ends. Chalk Circle Writers are thrilled to announce the publication of STRATA 3 - Shifting Tides, a gripping collection of twenty-two stories from seven Sussex-based authors. Featuring the brilliant and inspiring artwork of John Vernon Lord, V&A Illustrator of the Year 2018.

J. Reid Graham's Top Ten reasons to join Chalk Circle Writing Group.

Chalk Circle announce publication of Shadows on the Path, a new anthology of short stories on 16th October 2021.