Laura Besley
@laurabesley.bsky.social
Lover of coffee, chocolate, reading & writing
Pinned
Laura Besley
@laurabesley.bsky.social
· Nov 7
"After we sign the divorce papers, my soon-to-be ex-husband and I decide to go for lunch." Love (a journey) by Laura Besley @laurabesley.bsky.social #flashfiction #readingcommunity #writingcommunity. Please click on the link and enjoy fictivedream.com/2025/11/07/l...
fictivedream.com
I am absolutely delighted to have a new story out - Love (a journey) - with Fictive Dream. Huge thanks to editor Laura whose dedication to short fiction is phenomenal.
#fiction #flashfiction #amwriting #writingcommunity
#fiction #flashfiction #amwriting #writingcommunity
Reposted by Laura Besley
#vss365 #prompt for 15 January, 2026, is #heartfelt
Open up your heartfelt ideas and creativity.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” Marcus Tullius Cicero
“It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.” Marilyn Monroe
Open up your heartfelt ideas and creativity.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” Marcus Tullius Cicero
“It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.” Marilyn Monroe
January 15, 2026 at 7:00 AM
#vss365 #prompt for 15 January, 2026, is #heartfelt
Open up your heartfelt ideas and creativity.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” Marcus Tullius Cicero
“It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.” Marilyn Monroe
Open up your heartfelt ideas and creativity.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” Marcus Tullius Cicero
“It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.” Marilyn Monroe
Reposted by Laura Besley
SIGNED Hooked by Asako Yuzuki + LOADS OF SWAG!
The new novel of friendship and dangerous obsession, from the author of the global bestselling sensation Butter!
You'll also get this awesome tote-bag & other goodies.
Published March 12th.
Pre-order HERE
www.biggreenbookshop.com/signed-copie...
The new novel of friendship and dangerous obsession, from the author of the global bestselling sensation Butter!
You'll also get this awesome tote-bag & other goodies.
Published March 12th.
Pre-order HERE
www.biggreenbookshop.com/signed-copie...
January 15, 2026 at 2:07 PM
SIGNED Hooked by Asako Yuzuki + LOADS OF SWAG!
The new novel of friendship and dangerous obsession, from the author of the global bestselling sensation Butter!
You'll also get this awesome tote-bag & other goodies.
Published March 12th.
Pre-order HERE
www.biggreenbookshop.com/signed-copie...
The new novel of friendship and dangerous obsession, from the author of the global bestselling sensation Butter!
You'll also get this awesome tote-bag & other goodies.
Published March 12th.
Pre-order HERE
www.biggreenbookshop.com/signed-copie...
'My father taught me how to count. At first it was the number of fish he’d catch whenever he carried me to the farm pond down the hill from our house every Sunday.'
Beautiful portrayal of a father/son relationship by @kiptain.bsky.social @fictivedream.bsky.social
fictivedream.com/2026/01/12/m...
Beautiful portrayal of a father/son relationship by @kiptain.bsky.social @fictivedream.bsky.social
fictivedream.com/2026/01/12/m...
MicroMonday #39
Catch and Release by Kip Knott My father taught me how to count. At first it was the number of fish he’d catch whenever he carried me to the farm pond down the hill from our house every Sunday. By …
fictivedream.com
January 13, 2026 at 11:58 AM
'My father taught me how to count. At first it was the number of fish he’d catch whenever he carried me to the farm pond down the hill from our house every Sunday.'
Beautiful portrayal of a father/son relationship by @kiptain.bsky.social @fictivedream.bsky.social
fictivedream.com/2026/01/12/m...
Beautiful portrayal of a father/son relationship by @kiptain.bsky.social @fictivedream.bsky.social
fictivedream.com/2026/01/12/m...
Reposted by Laura Besley
ICYMI, our newsletter is out!
With:
• Courses from @grahammort.bsky.social @deborahzafer.bsky.social, @markabowles.bsky.social and more
• Another salon in Berlin
• A Europe-wide birthday bash
• Discount on Supporter subscription for January
Check it out to see if we’re heading to a city near you✨
With:
• Courses from @grahammort.bsky.social @deborahzafer.bsky.social, @markabowles.bsky.social and more
• Another salon in Berlin
• A Europe-wide birthday bash
• Discount on Supporter subscription for January
Check it out to see if we’re heading to a city near you✨
New Year's resolution: meet more writers
Plus a multi-city birthday party across Europe!
europeanwriterssalon.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:25 AM
ICYMI, our newsletter is out!
With:
• Courses from @grahammort.bsky.social @deborahzafer.bsky.social, @markabowles.bsky.social and more
• Another salon in Berlin
• A Europe-wide birthday bash
• Discount on Supporter subscription for January
Check it out to see if we’re heading to a city near you✨
With:
• Courses from @grahammort.bsky.social @deborahzafer.bsky.social, @markabowles.bsky.social and more
• Another salon in Berlin
• A Europe-wide birthday bash
• Discount on Supporter subscription for January
Check it out to see if we’re heading to a city near you✨
'How am I to know you from your gloved hands and your indistinct voice? Your restricted movements.'
Lovely little micro by @ruthabrandt.bsky.social @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social
#fiction #microfiction #writingcommunity
gooseberry-pie.com/how-am-i-to-...
Lovely little micro by @ruthabrandt.bsky.social @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social
#fiction #microfiction #writingcommunity
gooseberry-pie.com/how-am-i-to-...
How Am I to Know You... - Gooseberry Pie Lit Magazine
Photo by Catalin Sandru on Unsplash by Ruth Brandt … from your eyes and forehead? Your hair covered, your nose and mouth obscured. How am I to know you from your gloved hands and your indistinct voice...
gooseberry-pie.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:11 PM
'How am I to know you from your gloved hands and your indistinct voice? Your restricted movements.'
Lovely little micro by @ruthabrandt.bsky.social @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social
#fiction #microfiction #writingcommunity
gooseberry-pie.com/how-am-i-to-...
Lovely little micro by @ruthabrandt.bsky.social @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social
#fiction #microfiction #writingcommunity
gooseberry-pie.com/how-am-i-to-...
Reposted by Laura Besley
Look what came today!! Thank you for sending this beauty to me!!
@pleomorphic2.bsky.social
@publishedbyjake.bsky.social
@pleomorphic2.bsky.social
@publishedbyjake.bsky.social
January 12, 2026 at 4:48 AM
Look what came today!! Thank you for sending this beauty to me!!
@pleomorphic2.bsky.social
@publishedbyjake.bsky.social
@pleomorphic2.bsky.social
@publishedbyjake.bsky.social
Reposted by Laura Besley
"find your younger selves sprawled across what passes for your front garden like a still-life drawing and you cry and shout WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? and WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME?" Tender, beautiful @laurabesley.bsky.social Yay for the BSF nom
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/post/...
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/post/...
These Days You’re Kinda Okay by Laura Besley
Imagine you’re forty-something and you’re kinda okay about who you are these days and although you never thought you would be, you are, and decide the reason you’re kinda okay these days is because yo...
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com
January 10, 2026 at 11:33 PM
"find your younger selves sprawled across what passes for your front garden like a still-life drawing and you cry and shout WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? and WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME?" Tender, beautiful @laurabesley.bsky.social Yay for the BSF nom
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/post/...
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/post/...
Reposted by Laura Besley
Just posted a blog about starting my PhD @yorkstjohn.bsky.social It's in creative writing by creative practice. I will writing a dark novella-in-flash. More deets here ▶️ jankaneen.com/2026/01/09/d...
Doorways, Hinterlands and Other Thresholds
I love liminal spaces – marshes, tidelines, fens, doorways, veils, wishing wells – anywhere where one state of being merges into another. I like to call New Year’s Day, doorway da…
jankaneen.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:16 PM
Just posted a blog about starting my PhD @yorkstjohn.bsky.social It's in creative writing by creative practice. I will writing a dark novella-in-flash. More deets here ▶️ jankaneen.com/2026/01/09/d...
Reposted by Laura Besley
From Avengers: Doomsday to Toy Story, we pit the biggest films of 2026 against each other in a series of head-to-heads.
From Doomsday to Toy Story: These are the films to get excited about in 2026
www.bigissue.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:16 PM
From Avengers: Doomsday to Toy Story, we pit the biggest films of 2026 against each other in a series of head-to-heads.
I'm thrilled to have been nominated for Best Small Fictions by @lit-namjooning.bsky.social for my story, 'These Days You're Kinda Okay'. Congratulations & good luck to my fellow nominees & huge thanks to the Lit Namjooning team 💜
#fiction #flashfiction
#fiction #flashfiction
Please join us in congratulating our Best Small Fictions 2026 nominees: @saipradhan.bsky.social, @francinewitte.bsky.social, @laurabesley.bsky.social @writesofkathryn.bsky.social and @happilander.bsky.social 😍
Read their stories here: literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/proje...
#namjooning
Read their stories here: literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/proje...
#namjooning
January 9, 2026 at 10:25 AM
I'm thrilled to have been nominated for Best Small Fictions by @lit-namjooning.bsky.social for my story, 'These Days You're Kinda Okay'. Congratulations & good luck to my fellow nominees & huge thanks to the Lit Namjooning team 💜
#fiction #flashfiction
#fiction #flashfiction
Reposted by Laura Besley
A lovely thing. My newsletter now has more than 3000 (!!) subscribers. Amazed that so many of you want to read my waffle each month, but so grateful that so many of you do put up with me:
prattlefogandgravelrap.substack.com
prattlefogandgravelrap.substack.com
Prattlefog & Gravelrap | Matt Kendrick | Substack
A monthly article series about the elements of short fiction: ideas for rocket-boosting your writing craft, reading recommendations, and other writing-related ramblings. Click to read Prattlefog & Gra...
prattlefogandgravelrap.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:26 PM
A lovely thing. My newsletter now has more than 3000 (!!) subscribers. Amazed that so many of you want to read my waffle each month, but so grateful that so many of you do put up with me:
prattlefogandgravelrap.substack.com
prattlefogandgravelrap.substack.com
Reposted by Laura Besley
"...and they say we’d never leave you, we just gave you some space, to see whether you could be this kinda okay forty-something all on your own and you can and we’re so proud of you...."
Love this brilliant nominated story by @laurabesley.bsky.social in @lit-namjooning.bsky.social 💙💙💙
Love this brilliant nominated story by @laurabesley.bsky.social in @lit-namjooning.bsky.social 💙💙💙
I'm absolutely thrilled that my story, 'These Days You're Kinda Okay' has been nominated for Best Small Fictions by @lit-namjooning.bsky.social 💜 Huge thanks to the readers & editors for selecting this piece for publication & the nomination.
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/post/...
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/post/...
These Days You’re Kinda Okay by Laura Besley
Imagine you’re forty-something and you’re kinda okay about who you are these days and although you never thought you would be, you are, and decide the reason you’re kinda okay these days is because yo...
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM
"...and they say we’d never leave you, we just gave you some space, to see whether you could be this kinda okay forty-something all on your own and you can and we’re so proud of you...."
Love this brilliant nominated story by @laurabesley.bsky.social in @lit-namjooning.bsky.social 💙💙💙
Love this brilliant nominated story by @laurabesley.bsky.social in @lit-namjooning.bsky.social 💙💙💙
Reposted by Laura Besley
Hey there @dj-acid-reflux.bsky.social
Look what's just been delivered!
Can't wait to immerse myself in some wondrous fiction to counter these grey grim January evenings.
Look what's just been delivered!
Can't wait to immerse myself in some wondrous fiction to counter these grey grim January evenings.
January 8, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Hey there @dj-acid-reflux.bsky.social
Look what's just been delivered!
Can't wait to immerse myself in some wondrous fiction to counter these grey grim January evenings.
Look what's just been delivered!
Can't wait to immerse myself in some wondrous fiction to counter these grey grim January evenings.
This story, 'Caught', by @jeannemariefleming.bsky.social is phenomenal and I couldn't have been more delighted to help bring it to publication. Please take a read!
#fiction #flashfiction #writingcommunity #readingcommunity
#fiction #flashfiction #writingcommunity #readingcommunity
More good news. I want to thank @laurabesley.bsky.social @flashfictionmagazine
for publishing my story “Caught” yesterday!
flashfictionmagazine.com/blog/2026/01...
#WritingCommunity #FlashFiction #LiteraryJournals
for publishing my story “Caught” yesterday!
flashfictionmagazine.com/blog/2026/01...
#WritingCommunity #FlashFiction #LiteraryJournals
January 8, 2026 at 11:41 AM
This story, 'Caught', by @jeannemariefleming.bsky.social is phenomenal and I couldn't have been more delighted to help bring it to publication. Please take a read!
#fiction #flashfiction #writingcommunity #readingcommunity
#fiction #flashfiction #writingcommunity #readingcommunity
I'm absolutely thrilled that my story, 'These Days You're Kinda Okay' has been nominated for Best Small Fictions by @lit-namjooning.bsky.social 💜 Huge thanks to the readers & editors for selecting this piece for publication & the nomination.
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/post/...
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/post/...
These Days You’re Kinda Okay by Laura Besley
Imagine you’re forty-something and you’re kinda okay about who you are these days and although you never thought you would be, you are, and decide the reason you’re kinda okay these days is because yo...
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:38 AM
I'm absolutely thrilled that my story, 'These Days You're Kinda Okay' has been nominated for Best Small Fictions by @lit-namjooning.bsky.social 💜 Huge thanks to the readers & editors for selecting this piece for publication & the nomination.
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/post/...
literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/post/...
The last sunrise of 2025 over a frosty wintery scene. May you all have a wonderful 2026 full of health, happiness, and peace.
#HappyNewYear #2026
#HappyNewYear #2026
December 31, 2025 at 10:17 AM
The last sunrise of 2025 over a frosty wintery scene. May you all have a wonderful 2026 full of health, happiness, and peace.
#HappyNewYear #2026
#HappyNewYear #2026
I just sent off my last submission for 2025. Good luck to everyone winging their words out there today, or any day - it's an act of love & rebellion!
#amwriting #writingcommunity #2025 #words
#amwriting #writingcommunity #2025 #words
December 31, 2025 at 8:07 AM
I just sent off my last submission for 2025. Good luck to everyone winging their words out there today, or any day - it's an act of love & rebellion!
#amwriting #writingcommunity #2025 #words
#amwriting #writingcommunity #2025 #words
Reposted by Laura Besley
Presenting some of my favorite reads in 2025! (Including awesome indies by @moewanders.bsky.social, @nicksnapeauthor.bsky.social, @luketarzian.bsky.social & @barrykgregory.bsky.social) Very satisfied with 2025.💙📚
zenandblade.wordpress.com/2025/12/30/m...
zenandblade.wordpress.com/2025/12/30/m...
My Bests Of 2025
I read 75 stories this year (including manga, short stories, novellas, etc.) There were a lot of great, unexpected finds in 2025! Here’s a roundup of some of my favorites. Everything is Epic …
zenandblade.wordpress.com
December 31, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Presenting some of my favorite reads in 2025! (Including awesome indies by @moewanders.bsky.social, @nicksnapeauthor.bsky.social, @luketarzian.bsky.social & @barrykgregory.bsky.social) Very satisfied with 2025.💙📚
zenandblade.wordpress.com/2025/12/30/m...
zenandblade.wordpress.com/2025/12/30/m...
Reposted by Laura Besley
Woo - I got my entry into the Welkin Mini ✨ Huge thanks, as always, to the wonderful @mattkendrick.bsky.social for running such a great competition! And to anyone who's not yet entered, the deadline is: 2nd Jan, stories up to 100 words. Go, go, go!
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-prize...
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-prize...
December 30, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Woo - I got my entry into the Welkin Mini ✨ Huge thanks, as always, to the wonderful @mattkendrick.bsky.social for running such a great competition! And to anyone who's not yet entered, the deadline is: 2nd Jan, stories up to 100 words. Go, go, go!
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-prize...
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-prize...
Reposted by Laura Besley
Four days to submit your micro-excerpt (≤200 words) from your novel-in-progress or wayside-novel (or novella)!
Yes, it's difficult, yes it's on purpose, na nah!
gonelawn.net/journal/glj_...
Yes, it's difficult, yes it's on purpose, na nah!
gonelawn.net/journal/glj_...
Gone Lawn : Submission Guidelines
gonelawn.net
December 28, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Four days to submit your micro-excerpt (≤200 words) from your novel-in-progress or wayside-novel (or novella)!
Yes, it's difficult, yes it's on purpose, na nah!
gonelawn.net/journal/glj_...
Yes, it's difficult, yes it's on purpose, na nah!
gonelawn.net/journal/glj_...
Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating! ✨️
December 24, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating! ✨️
How disruptive could a talking parrot possibly be on Christmas day? Read on to find out!
#fiction #flashfiction #christmas
Die Hard with a Parrot
open.substack.com/pub/westword...
#fiction #flashfiction #christmas
Die Hard with a Parrot
open.substack.com/pub/westword...
Die Hard with a Parrot
A Flash Fiction by Louise Johnston
open.substack.com
December 20, 2025 at 10:52 AM
How disruptive could a talking parrot possibly be on Christmas day? Read on to find out!
#fiction #flashfiction #christmas
Die Hard with a Parrot
open.substack.com/pub/westword...
#fiction #flashfiction #christmas
Die Hard with a Parrot
open.substack.com/pub/westword...
Reposted by Laura Besley
I once heard a cutting assessment of someone’s intellect in Argentinian Spanish that went jugas al tetris y giras el cuadradito. It means “you spin the square tile on Tetris.”
December 19, 2025 at 1:07 PM
I once heard a cutting assessment of someone’s intellect in Argentinian Spanish that went jugas al tetris y giras el cuadradito. It means “you spin the square tile on Tetris.”
'Fancy Wu watches her daughter head towards the climbing frame.' A wonderful exploration of memory, altered memory, and mirroring by @drhannahstevens.bsky.social @fictivedream.bsky.social
#fiction #microfiction #writingcommunity
fictivedream.com/2025/10/13/m...
#fiction #microfiction #writingcommunity
fictivedream.com/2025/10/13/m...
MicroMonday #28
A Micro-Second of Silence by Hannah Stevens Fancy Wu watches her daughter head towards the climbing frame. The play park is busy. She watches as her daughter clambers up the metal ladder, run…
fictivedream.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:59 PM
'Fancy Wu watches her daughter head towards the climbing frame.' A wonderful exploration of memory, altered memory, and mirroring by @drhannahstevens.bsky.social @fictivedream.bsky.social
#fiction #microfiction #writingcommunity
fictivedream.com/2025/10/13/m...
#fiction #microfiction #writingcommunity
fictivedream.com/2025/10/13/m...