CJ Payling
@cjpayling.bsky.social
CJ is a human generated author, and a writing competition enthusiast.
Writer | Editor | Author
Word Wizard | Story Shuffler | Character Commissioner
You can find my links at: linktr.ee/cjpayling
Support me at: https://ko-fi.com/cjpayling
Writer | Editor | Author
Word Wizard | Story Shuffler | Character Commissioner
You can find my links at: linktr.ee/cjpayling
Support me at: https://ko-fi.com/cjpayling
Here we go again!
I can only share my genre with you, but rest assured, I have other prompts...
@writingbattle.bsky.social
#WritingBattle
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
I can only share my genre with you, but rest assured, I have other prompts...
@writingbattle.bsky.social
#WritingBattle
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
February 4, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Here we go again!
I can only share my genre with you, but rest assured, I have other prompts...
@writingbattle.bsky.social
#WritingBattle
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
I can only share my genre with you, but rest assured, I have other prompts...
@writingbattle.bsky.social
#WritingBattle
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
I did it!
...500 words of drivel, but I did it...
But who did I team up with? I hear you ask.
You'll just have to find out later.
#NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
...500 words of drivel, but I did it...
But who did I team up with? I hear you ask.
You'll just have to find out later.
#NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
January 24, 2026 at 12:33 PM
I did it!
...500 words of drivel, but I did it...
But who did I team up with? I hear you ask.
You'll just have to find out later.
#NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
...500 words of drivel, but I did it...
But who did I team up with? I hear you ask.
You'll just have to find out later.
#NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
Ok... ok...
I mean, I'm in, and I think I have an idea percolating away. We'll see what happens.
#NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
I mean, I'm in, and I think I have an idea percolating away. We'll see what happens.
#NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction has begun!
Choose a team and write a 500-word story based on your team’s prompts to compete for thousands of dollars in cash prizes & print publication!
There’s still time to enter... 👀
Choose a team and write a 500-word story based on your team’s prompts to compete for thousands of dollars in cash prizes & print publication!
There’s still time to enter... 👀
January 23, 2026 at 8:27 AM
Ok... ok...
I mean, I'm in, and I think I have an idea percolating away. We'll see what happens.
#NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
I mean, I'm in, and I think I have an idea percolating away. We'll see what happens.
#NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
My wife went to a conference at the @spacecentre.bsky.social yesterday and bought me a present.
It's an oldschool hologram bookmark! I haven't had one of these since I was in my teens!
Awesome!
It's an oldschool hologram bookmark! I haven't had one of these since I was in my teens!
Awesome!
January 22, 2026 at 11:59 AM
My wife went to a conference at the @spacecentre.bsky.social yesterday and bought me a present.
It's an oldschool hologram bookmark! I haven't had one of these since I was in my teens!
Awesome!
It's an oldschool hologram bookmark! I haven't had one of these since I was in my teens!
Awesome!
Yes!! First rejection of 2026!
Last year I received a total of 11 rejections for #microfiction, #flashfiction and #shortstory submissions (not including #writingcompetition placements)
My aim in 2026 is to double this...
#Writer #WritingCommunity #WriterSky
Last year I received a total of 11 rejections for #microfiction, #flashfiction and #shortstory submissions (not including #writingcompetition placements)
My aim in 2026 is to double this...
#Writer #WritingCommunity #WriterSky
January 13, 2026 at 8:08 AM
Yes!! First rejection of 2026!
Last year I received a total of 11 rejections for #microfiction, #flashfiction and #shortstory submissions (not including #writingcompetition placements)
My aim in 2026 is to double this...
#Writer #WritingCommunity #WriterSky
Last year I received a total of 11 rejections for #microfiction, #flashfiction and #shortstory submissions (not including #writingcompetition placements)
My aim in 2026 is to double this...
#Writer #WritingCommunity #WriterSky
Results are in and... yeah...
Out of a group of 41 writers, 31 of us did not make it...
Well done to those that made it to the next round!
Onwards!
#ScartStoryChallenge #NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
Out of a group of 41 writers, 31 of us did not make it...
Well done to those that made it to the next round!
Onwards!
#ScartStoryChallenge #NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
Yes! Success in writing a story...
Whether it's scary enough is another matter entirely.
Also, only 8 hours left on the clock... few!
#ScaryStoryChallenge
#NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky #WriterSky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
Whether it's scary enough is another matter entirely.
Also, only 8 hours left on the clock... few!
#ScaryStoryChallenge
#NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky #WriterSky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
January 10, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Results are in and... yeah...
Out of a group of 41 writers, 31 of us did not make it...
Well done to those that made it to the next round!
Onwards!
#ScartStoryChallenge #NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
Out of a group of 41 writers, 31 of us did not make it...
Well done to those that made it to the next round!
Onwards!
#ScartStoryChallenge #NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
Reposted by CJ Payling
We are excited to announce we have an open call for the next Twist mag. Send us your sci-fis! 50-500 words, closes 12th Jan or earlier if full.
Full details here: twistedtournament.com/submission-c...
Full details here: twistedtournament.com/submission-c...
Twisted 2026 Sci-Fi Anthology - Submission
twistedtournament.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:18 AM
We are excited to announce we have an open call for the next Twist mag. Send us your sci-fis! 50-500 words, closes 12th Jan or earlier if full.
Full details here: twistedtournament.com/submission-c...
Full details here: twistedtournament.com/submission-c...
My swag has arrived! I can't wait to get stuck in and give these a read.
@joshuapalmatier.bsky.social
#SkullxBones #ClockworkUniverse
#ZNB
@joshuapalmatier.bsky.social
#SkullxBones #ClockworkUniverse
#ZNB
January 5, 2026 at 2:56 PM
My swag has arrived! I can't wait to get stuck in and give these a read.
@joshuapalmatier.bsky.social
#SkullxBones #ClockworkUniverse
#ZNB
@joshuapalmatier.bsky.social
#SkullxBones #ClockworkUniverse
#ZNB
WIP Extracts: Hiccups Through Time (working title)
An extract from an unedited Chapter 1.
Harold meets his (tor)mentor...
#Writer #WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritersofBluesky
#Author #WIP #WIPExtract
An extract from an unedited Chapter 1.
Harold meets his (tor)mentor...
#Writer #WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritersofBluesky
#Author #WIP #WIPExtract
January 2, 2026 at 1:08 PM
WIP Extracts: Hiccups Through Time (working title)
An extract from an unedited Chapter 1.
Harold meets his (tor)mentor...
#Writer #WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritersofBluesky
#Author #WIP #WIPExtract
An extract from an unedited Chapter 1.
Harold meets his (tor)mentor...
#Writer #WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritersofBluesky
#Author #WIP #WIPExtract
Well, I managed it!
I finished #ServiceModel by #AdrianTchaikovsky in 2025, with 1 hour to spare, taking my books read total to a satisfying 30 books.
#HappyNewYear 🥳🎶🎷🎶🕺🏼
#Reader #ReaderSky #ReadingCommunity
I finished #ServiceModel by #AdrianTchaikovsky in 2025, with 1 hour to spare, taking my books read total to a satisfying 30 books.
#HappyNewYear 🥳🎶🎷🎶🕺🏼
#Reader #ReaderSky #ReadingCommunity
#GoodreadsYearInBooks
Of course, it's slightly inaccurate - I've also finished #NotAllWhoWander by #RickBuchanan and I'm hoping to finish #ServiceModel by #AdrianTchaikovsky by the year's end.
Unsurprisingly, my tastes fall well within SFF but I'm trying to branch out.
I mean, I read 39 Steps!
Of course, it's slightly inaccurate - I've also finished #NotAllWhoWander by #RickBuchanan and I'm hoping to finish #ServiceModel by #AdrianTchaikovsky by the year's end.
Unsurprisingly, my tastes fall well within SFF but I'm trying to branch out.
I mean, I read 39 Steps!
December 31, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Well, I managed it!
I finished #ServiceModel by #AdrianTchaikovsky in 2025, with 1 hour to spare, taking my books read total to a satisfying 30 books.
#HappyNewYear 🥳🎶🎷🎶🕺🏼
#Reader #ReaderSky #ReadingCommunity
I finished #ServiceModel by #AdrianTchaikovsky in 2025, with 1 hour to spare, taking my books read total to a satisfying 30 books.
#HappyNewYear 🥳🎶🎷🎶🕺🏼
#Reader #ReaderSky #ReadingCommunity
#GoodreadsYearInBooks
Of course, it's slightly inaccurate - I've also finished #NotAllWhoWander by #RickBuchanan and I'm hoping to finish #ServiceModel by #AdrianTchaikovsky by the year's end.
Unsurprisingly, my tastes fall well within SFF but I'm trying to branch out.
I mean, I read 39 Steps!
Of course, it's slightly inaccurate - I've also finished #NotAllWhoWander by #RickBuchanan and I'm hoping to finish #ServiceModel by #AdrianTchaikovsky by the year's end.
Unsurprisingly, my tastes fall well within SFF but I'm trying to branch out.
I mean, I read 39 Steps!
December 29, 2025 at 5:33 PM
#GoodreadsYearInBooks
Of course, it's slightly inaccurate - I've also finished #NotAllWhoWander by #RickBuchanan and I'm hoping to finish #ServiceModel by #AdrianTchaikovsky by the year's end.
Unsurprisingly, my tastes fall well within SFF but I'm trying to branch out.
I mean, I read 39 Steps!
Of course, it's slightly inaccurate - I've also finished #NotAllWhoWander by #RickBuchanan and I'm hoping to finish #ServiceModel by #AdrianTchaikovsky by the year's end.
Unsurprisingly, my tastes fall well within SFF but I'm trying to branch out.
I mean, I read 39 Steps!
I just went over to Substack...
First question: What is Substack?
Second question: Do I really need Substack?
First question: What is Substack?
Second question: Do I really need Substack?
December 23, 2025 at 5:06 PM
I just went over to Substack...
First question: What is Substack?
Second question: Do I really need Substack?
First question: What is Substack?
Second question: Do I really need Substack?
One of my stories has been published on #theboobyprize website
Along with other fantastic stories from winners and entrants to The Booby Prize, my story - The Sensual and the Sapphire - can be found here:
theboobyprize.co.uk/the-sensual
#Writer #WriterSky #Writing
#FlashFiction #ShortStory
Along with other fantastic stories from winners and entrants to The Booby Prize, my story - The Sensual and the Sapphire - can be found here:
theboobyprize.co.uk/the-sensual
#Writer #WriterSky #Writing
#FlashFiction #ShortStory
~ THE BOOBY PRIZE ~
Quarterly Global
Writing Competition
theboobyprize.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 1:09 PM
One of my stories has been published on #theboobyprize website
Along with other fantastic stories from winners and entrants to The Booby Prize, my story - The Sensual and the Sapphire - can be found here:
theboobyprize.co.uk/the-sensual
#Writer #WriterSky #Writing
#FlashFiction #ShortStory
Along with other fantastic stories from winners and entrants to The Booby Prize, my story - The Sensual and the Sapphire - can be found here:
theboobyprize.co.uk/the-sensual
#Writer #WriterSky #Writing
#FlashFiction #ShortStory
Sorted... and I managed to upload while sat on an aeroplane too!
#NYCMidnight #MicrofictionChallenge250
#WritingCompetition #Writer
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
#NYCMidnight #MicrofictionChallenge250
#WritingCompetition #Writer
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
December 7, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Sorted... and I managed to upload while sat on an aeroplane too!
#NYCMidnight #MicrofictionChallenge250
#WritingCompetition #Writer
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
#NYCMidnight #MicrofictionChallenge250
#WritingCompetition #Writer
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
Well, this is fun... let's go travelling whilst in the middle of a writing competition, it'll be great! 🙃
#NYCMidnight #MicrofictionChallenge250
#WritingCompetition #Writer
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
#NYCMidnight #MicrofictionChallenge250
#WritingCompetition #Writer
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
December 7, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Well, this is fun... let's go travelling whilst in the middle of a writing competition, it'll be great! 🙃
#NYCMidnight #MicrofictionChallenge250
#WritingCompetition #Writer
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
#NYCMidnight #MicrofictionChallenge250
#WritingCompetition #Writer
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
Ok then. Let's write a horror... I guess...
Good luck to everyone!
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
#NYCM #NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky #WriterSky
#ShortStory #Microfiction
#MicrofictionChallenge250
www.nycmidnight.com/250
Good luck to everyone!
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
#NYCM #NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky #WriterSky
#ShortStory #Microfiction
#MicrofictionChallenge250
www.nycmidnight.com/250
The 250-word Microfiction Challenge — nycmidnight
The 250-word Microfiction Challenge is an international creative writing competition that challenges participants to create very short stories based on genre, action, and word assignments in 48 hours.
www.nycmidnight.com
December 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Ok then. Let's write a horror... I guess...
Good luck to everyone!
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
#NYCM #NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky #WriterSky
#ShortStory #Microfiction
#MicrofictionChallenge250
www.nycmidnight.com/250
Good luck to everyone!
@nycmidnight.bsky.social
#NYCM #NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky #WriterSky
#ShortStory #Microfiction
#MicrofictionChallenge250
www.nycmidnight.com/250
I'm in!
#NYCM #NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #Microfiction
#MicrofictionChallenge2025
#NYCM #NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #Microfiction
#MicrofictionChallenge2025
The 250-word Microfiction Challenge kicks off at 11:59 PM TONIGHT (NYC time), and registration closes soon! Join thousands of writers around the world as they create super short stories this weekend. Learn more & register at www.nycmidnight.com/250. Good luck to all the participants!
The 250-word Microfiction Challenge — nycmidnight
The 250-word Microfiction Challenge is an international creative writing competition that challenges participants to create very short stories based on genre, action, and word assignments in 48 hours.
www.nycmidnight.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:50 PM
I think it's worth noting that there is a lot of rejection when submitting work for consideration.
My advice?
Celebrate and embrace it!
cjpaylingauthor.wordpress.com/home/rejection/
My advice?
Celebrate and embrace it!
cjpaylingauthor.wordpress.com/home/rejection/
Rejection
A sample of assorted rejection letters…
cjpaylingauthor.wordpress.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:42 AM
I think it's worth noting that there is a lot of rejection when submitting work for consideration.
My advice?
Celebrate and embrace it!
cjpaylingauthor.wordpress.com/home/rejection/
My advice?
Celebrate and embrace it!
cjpaylingauthor.wordpress.com/home/rejection/
Motherfffudge!
I suppose I'll still give the episode a listen...
@notquitewrite.com
#NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
I suppose I'll still give the episode a listen...
@notquitewrite.com
#NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
November 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Motherfffudge!
I suppose I'll still give the episode a listen...
@notquitewrite.com
#NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
I suppose I'll still give the episode a listen...
@notquitewrite.com
#NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
Reposted by CJ Payling
🚨TODAY🚨
Yes, today is the day! We are in Manchester with a whole host of brilliant northern publishers for the Winter Book Fair.
Join us at House of Books and Friends from 11-3 for all your bookish needs!
Yes, today is the day! We are in Manchester with a whole host of brilliant northern publishers for the Winter Book Fair.
Join us at House of Books and Friends from 11-3 for all your bookish needs!
November 22, 2025 at 7:11 AM
🚨TODAY🚨
Yes, today is the day! We are in Manchester with a whole host of brilliant northern publishers for the Winter Book Fair.
Join us at House of Books and Friends from 11-3 for all your bookish needs!
Yes, today is the day! We are in Manchester with a whole host of brilliant northern publishers for the Winter Book Fair.
Join us at House of Books and Friends from 11-3 for all your bookish needs!
I'll probably join the January competition, just to see what all the fuss is about... 👀
#NotQuiteWrite #NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
#NotQuiteWrite #NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
We've been hinting for a while, but now the secret is out!
The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction is changing in 2026, and you'll hear all about it in this special announcement of the podcast!
Please like and share to help us get the word out, and let us know what you think in the comments 👇
The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction is changing in 2026, and you'll hear all about it in this special announcement of the podcast!
Please like and share to help us get the word out, and let us know what you think in the comments 👇
November 7, 2025 at 9:56 AM
I'll probably join the January competition, just to see what all the fuss is about... 👀
#NotQuiteWrite #NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
#NotQuiteWrite #NotQuiteWritePrize
#Writer #WritingCompetition
#WriterSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
Yes! Success in writing a story...
Whether it's scary enough is another matter entirely.
Also, only 8 hours left on the clock... few!
#ScaryStoryChallenge
#NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky #WriterSky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
Whether it's scary enough is another matter entirely.
Also, only 8 hours left on the clock... few!
#ScaryStoryChallenge
#NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky #WriterSky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
November 2, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Yes! Success in writing a story...
Whether it's scary enough is another matter entirely.
Also, only 8 hours left on the clock... few!
#ScaryStoryChallenge
#NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky #WriterSky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction
Whether it's scary enough is another matter entirely.
Also, only 8 hours left on the clock... few!
#ScaryStoryChallenge
#NYCMidnight
#Writer #WritingCompetition #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WritersLife #WritersofBluesky #WriterSky
#ShortStory #FlashFiction