shorts

I’ll often pen a short story when in need of a break from the lengthier business of novel writing. Writing short stories has been a great way to hone my craft. I enjoy the tightness of language and economy of words demanded by the form.

To read my article How Short Story Writing Can Help With Writing Novels click on the link: Writers’ & Artists’ Website UK

When I get an idea for a story – usually in the wee hours – I have to get the bones of it down while the impetus is still strong. If I don’t, the emotion behind the idea dissipates, and I find myself with a few random words jotted down on a scrap piece of paper.

Several of my pieces of short fiction have won awards.

A Breath, A Bunk, A Land, A Sky was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2020 out of over 5 000 entries.

You can read it here as published on Adda Stories: A Breath, A Bunk, A Land, A Sky.

My story titled Mad Men won the Sunday Star Times Short Story Award 2018.

I have also won the Graeme Lay Short Story Award 2012, and twice been shortlisted for the Royal Society of NZ Manhire Prize for Creative Science Writing.

You can read Mad Men and a bit about its genesis, by clicking on the links below.

Read here: Mad Men.

Genesis for the story: Interview.

A number of my short stories have been broadcast on National Radio. To listen to one of them, click on the audiolink below (you may need to enable the Quicktime plugin for your browser).
The Bottom Line (Broadcast National Radio)*


Watch Fiona talk about winning the Sunday Times Short Story Award 2018:
Sunday Star-Times Short Story Awards
Watch Fiona talk about being shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2020: Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2020.


Thrilled to have a short story included in DARK DEEDS DOWN UNDER – an anthology of crime/thriller stories by a uniquely Antipodean clutch of authors. Edited by Craig Sisterson and published by Clan Destine Press Australia.

Release date: June 26th 2022 Clan Destine Press.