Madeleine Armstrong
@madeleinewrite.bsky.social
Writer, runner, trying to keep up with another social media platform
Voted. That was a tough decision, so I don't know how Matt does it
Now that all the shortlist (barring my winners!) have been published, you can vote for your favourites in the PEOPLE'S PRIZE!!
You've got until the 31st Jan to cast your vote.
Vote for 3 stories.
The 2 stories with the most votes share the crown!!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
You've got until the 31st Jan to cast your vote.
Vote for 3 stories.
The 2 stories with the most votes share the crown!!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
The Welkin Mini 2026 - PEOPLE'S PRIZE Voting Form
Vote for your favourite THREE stories from the Welkin Mini shortlist. You can vote for THREE stories. Each vote must be for a DIFFERENT story otherwise your entire vote won't be counted. Each vote is ...
docs.google.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:29 PM
Voted. That was a tough decision, so I don't know how Matt does it
I'm running out of superlatives for the @welkinprize.bsky.social shortlist but this one is just incredible
Today's shortlisted story is "That Day" by Shofiqure Rahman. A powerful exploration of refugee life:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...
That Day | MattKendrick.co.uk
www.mattkendrick.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 2:55 PM
I'm running out of superlatives for the @welkinprize.bsky.social shortlist but this one is just incredible
I feel seen
Being a writer is the most embarrassing thing in the world! I write down the entire contents of my soul for validation! And then some editor will just be like no thanks!
January 20, 2026 at 8:57 AM
I feel seen
Two fab stories here by @nomad-sw18.bsky.social for @frazzledlit.bsky.social. Both so sumptuous, and both feel connected, with a theme of disposing of "inconvenient" parts
Delighted to have 2 stories in this amazing issue of @frazzledlit.bsky.social What a treat to appear with so many stellar writers incl @elissafield.bsky.social @delgeo14.bsky.social @barbarabyar.bsky.social
Letting go www.frazzledlit.com/p/letting-go
Marie Kondo www.frazzledlit.com/p/and-now-i-...
Letting go www.frazzledlit.com/p/letting-go
Marie Kondo www.frazzledlit.com/p/and-now-i-...
January 18, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Two fab stories here by @nomad-sw18.bsky.social for @frazzledlit.bsky.social. Both so sumptuous, and both feel connected, with a theme of disposing of "inconvenient" parts
"how my voice starved, too"
What a way to describe the pain of an eating disorder. Amazing, @cake-girl.bsky.social
What a way to describe the pain of an eating disorder. Amazing, @cake-girl.bsky.social
Today's shortlisted story is "Because you want to understand, I describe how I once wore suffering on the outside of my body" by @cake-girl.bsky.social. A powerful piece about a difficult topic:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...
www.mattkendrick.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 8:30 PM
"how my voice starved, too"
What a way to describe the pain of an eating disorder. Amazing, @cake-girl.bsky.social
What a way to describe the pain of an eating disorder. Amazing, @cake-girl.bsky.social
Wow, that final sentence!
Today's shortlisted story is "Pattern" by
David Anson Lee. A micro that uses anadiplosis to such great effect:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...
David Anson Lee. A micro that uses anadiplosis to such great effect:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...
Pattern | MattKendrick.co.uk
www.mattkendrick.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 2:26 PM
Wow, that final sentence!
This is outrageous. Shame on you, @thebulletin.org
Congratulations to all 750+ writers who had the perseverance to complete a story and the courage to submit it.
@thebulletin.org it's good practice to show respect for those who share their work with you (even if the editorial task can feel onerous at times!)
@thebulletin.org it's good practice to show respect for those who share their work with you (even if the editorial task can feel onerous at times!)
The Bulletin’s mission—protecting civilization from manmade existential threats like nuclear weapons and climate change—is important, says Bulletin Editor-in-Chief John Mecklin.
"Filling civilization with art and the humanity it fosters is important, too."
See the winners of our fiction contest ⬇️
"Filling civilization with art and the humanity it fosters is important, too."
See the winners of our fiction contest ⬇️
January 16, 2026 at 2:14 PM
This is outrageous. Shame on you, @thebulletin.org
Heartbreaking
Today's shortlisted story is "Things My Brother Explains With Absolute Authority" by J.M.C. Kane. Such a deep and philosophical piece.
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...
Things My Brother Explains With Absolute Authority | MattKendrick.co.uk
www.mattkendrick.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 8:28 AM
Heartbreaking
I needed a good laugh today. Thanks @tacilim.bsky.social!
Today's shortlisted story is "Let’s go out again" by
@tacilim.bsky.social. Wonderful use of humour and great tone of voice:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...
@tacilim.bsky.social. Wonderful use of humour and great tone of voice:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...
Let’s go out again | MattKendrick.co.uk
www.mattkendrick.co.uk
January 13, 2026 at 2:10 PM
I needed a good laugh today. Thanks @tacilim.bsky.social!
Gorgeous. Layered. Brilliant.
"Coyotes yelped in the streets, no longer afraid to roam among us."
Congrats, @melissafitz.bsky.social!
"Coyotes yelped in the streets, no longer afraid to roam among us."
Congrats, @melissafitz.bsky.social!
Today's shortlisted story is "On the longest night of the darkest year" by @melissafitz.bsky.social. Such an atmospheric piece:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...
On the longest night of the darkest year | MattKendrick.co.uk
www.mattkendrick.co.uk
January 12, 2026 at 5:17 PM
Gorgeous. Layered. Brilliant.
"Coyotes yelped in the streets, no longer afraid to roam among us."
Congrats, @melissafitz.bsky.social!
"Coyotes yelped in the streets, no longer afraid to roam among us."
Congrats, @melissafitz.bsky.social!
I didn't make it onto the shortlist, but congrats to those who did. Looking forward to reading what will be a cracking bunch of stories (just look at those titles!)
Are you ready for a shortlist?
Here we are then...
🤩
My TOP TWENTY picks for the Welkin Writing Prize 2026.
Each of these is a marvel and a gem, and they'll be coming your way one by one over the next three weeks:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-prize...
Here we are then...
🤩
My TOP TWENTY picks for the Welkin Writing Prize 2026.
Each of these is a marvel and a gem, and they'll be coming your way one by one over the next three weeks:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-prize...
January 11, 2026 at 2:16 PM
I didn't make it onto the shortlist, but congrats to those who did. Looking forward to reading what will be a cracking bunch of stories (just look at those titles!)
SO excited to be a part of this! Here's my story Beautiful Parts, probably the weirdest thing I've ever had published, about a woman who collects the body parts of her one-night stands. Thanks @frazzledlit.bsky.social & @jmcm.bsky.social
www.frazzledlit.com/p/beautiful-...
www.frazzledlit.com/p/beautiful-...
January 11, 2026 at 2:15 PM
SO excited to be a part of this! Here's my story Beautiful Parts, probably the weirdest thing I've ever had published, about a woman who collects the body parts of her one-night stands. Thanks @frazzledlit.bsky.social & @jmcm.bsky.social
www.frazzledlit.com/p/beautiful-...
www.frazzledlit.com/p/beautiful-...
Reposted by Madeleine Armstrong
We land Issue 4 on Sunday! Mark your calendars!
January 8, 2026 at 8:19 AM
We land Issue 4 on Sunday! Mark your calendars!
OMG, I'm on the longlist!!! What a massive boost in possibly the most miserable week of the year. This was on my fourth attempt, so it shows persistence pays off. Thank you, @mattkendrick.bsky.social!
DRUM ROLL!!!! 🥁🥁🥁
It gives me great pleasure to announce the SPARKLING longlist for the Welkin Writing Prize 2026.
Congratulations to all the writers on this list. And commiserations to everyone else. The standard was incredibly high:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-prize...
It gives me great pleasure to announce the SPARKLING longlist for the Welkin Writing Prize 2026.
Congratulations to all the writers on this list. And commiserations to everyone else. The standard was incredibly high:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-prize...
Welkin News | MattKendrick.co.uk
A writing prize open to all forms of narrative prose, be that flash fiction, short-short, vignette, haibun, hermit crab, prose poem or work that sits outside such labels.
www.mattkendrick.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 9:42 AM
OMG, I'm on the longlist!!! What a massive boost in possibly the most miserable week of the year. This was on my fourth attempt, so it shows persistence pays off. Thank you, @mattkendrick.bsky.social!
Check out my spooky winter story at @mrbullbull.bsky.social!
"I tumbled back into the past, into those moments I’ve relived so many times. Knee-deep in icy water, my numb hands submerged. Reaching, grabbing, pulling. Screams echoing around me, mingling with the cries of seagulls."
@madeleinewrite.bsky.social
mrbullbull.com/newbull/flas...
@madeleinewrite.bsky.social
mrbullbull.com/newbull/flas...
December 28, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Check out my spooky winter story at @mrbullbull.bsky.social!
Reposted by Madeleine Armstrong
Our December pop-up submissions are OPEN 🦝
Get your feline flashes out the litter box, polished and ready for the 14th.
Please make sure to read the guidelines before you sub - our guest judges are the judgiest.
trashcatlit.com/call-for-cat...
Get your feline flashes out the litter box, polished and ready for the 14th.
Please make sure to read the guidelines before you sub - our guest judges are the judgiest.
trashcatlit.com/call-for-cat...
December 1, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Our December pop-up submissions are OPEN 🦝
Get your feline flashes out the litter box, polished and ready for the 14th.
Please make sure to read the guidelines before you sub - our guest judges are the judgiest.
trashcatlit.com/call-for-cat...
Get your feline flashes out the litter box, polished and ready for the 14th.
Please make sure to read the guidelines before you sub - our guest judges are the judgiest.
trashcatlit.com/call-for-cat...
Reposted by Madeleine Armstrong
Submission Update!
The submission period for Underbelly Press Issue 6 will run from December 19 to January 30. The editing period will follow throughout February, and Issue 6 is tentatively expected to release in mid to late March.
Thank you so much for your continued support.
The submission period for Underbelly Press Issue 6 will run from December 19 to January 30. The editing period will follow throughout February, and Issue 6 is tentatively expected to release in mid to late March.
Thank you so much for your continued support.
December 1, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Submission Update!
The submission period for Underbelly Press Issue 6 will run from December 19 to January 30. The editing period will follow throughout February, and Issue 6 is tentatively expected to release in mid to late March.
Thank you so much for your continued support.
The submission period for Underbelly Press Issue 6 will run from December 19 to January 30. The editing period will follow throughout February, and Issue 6 is tentatively expected to release in mid to late March.
Thank you so much for your continued support.
Amazing news! Thank you @tcwestminster.bsky.social & congrats to the other nominees! 🍻
So excited! Our first year of Pushcart Prize nominees!
@deanalisenby.bsky.social Mother Tree
@horrorshaun.bsky.social Apocalypse Moms
Brielle Saiter Hope Shines in the Dark
@zacharystvan.bsky.social n Muse
Scott MacLeod Noise Covenant
@madeleinewrite.bsky.social I'll Invite Myself
@deanalisenby.bsky.social Mother Tree
@horrorshaun.bsky.social Apocalypse Moms
Brielle Saiter Hope Shines in the Dark
@zacharystvan.bsky.social n Muse
Scott MacLeod Noise Covenant
@madeleinewrite.bsky.social I'll Invite Myself
November 27, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Amazing news! Thank you @tcwestminster.bsky.social & congrats to the other nominees! 🍻
So happy to be featured here, among this amazing roll call. Thank you, @underbellypress.bsky.social
Short Fiction
Amy Leacy ☆ @deniseb.bsky.social ☆ Derek Jennings☆ @emyrpayne.bsky.social ☆Heather Walker ☆ Ian Johnson☆ John Storey☆ @jupiterjonz.bsky.social ☆ @darkonelf.bsky.social ☆ @lozzawriting.bsky.social ☆ @madeleinewrite.bsky.social ☆ Rebecca Tiger ☆ Scott MacLeod☆ @tednorthodox.bsky.social ☆
Amy Leacy ☆ @deniseb.bsky.social ☆ Derek Jennings☆ @emyrpayne.bsky.social ☆Heather Walker ☆ Ian Johnson☆ John Storey☆ @jupiterjonz.bsky.social ☆ @darkonelf.bsky.social ☆ @lozzawriting.bsky.social ☆ @madeleinewrite.bsky.social ☆ Rebecca Tiger ☆ Scott MacLeod☆ @tednorthodox.bsky.social ☆
November 8, 2025 at 9:07 PM
So happy to be featured here, among this amazing roll call. Thank you, @underbellypress.bsky.social
Yay, I got a shout out!
Thanks Mum, for the endless inspiration 😂
And thanks to @jessicabull.bsky.social for the fun task! #WriteCBC
Thanks Mum, for the endless inspiration 😂
And thanks to @jessicabull.bsky.social for the fun task! #WriteCBC
Thank you to everyone who joined us for #WriteCBC!
Shout-outs go to: @ssupernova24.bsky.social, @madeleinewrite.bsky.social, @kimwritesstuff.bsky.social and @nancyboland.bsky.social 💐
And a special thank you to our guest @jessicabull.bsky.social for setting such a wonderful task!
Shout-outs go to: @ssupernova24.bsky.social, @madeleinewrite.bsky.social, @kimwritesstuff.bsky.social and @nancyboland.bsky.social 💐
And a special thank you to our guest @jessicabull.bsky.social for setting such a wonderful task!
#WriteCBC task from @jessicabull.bsky.social: Write an exchange in which a character says one thing but communicates something else entirely. Allow your narrator to draw their own conclusions as to what is really being said. Extra points if you make it festive!
November 7, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Yay, I got a shout out!
Thanks Mum, for the endless inspiration 😂
And thanks to @jessicabull.bsky.social for the fun task! #WriteCBC
Thanks Mum, for the endless inspiration 😂
And thanks to @jessicabull.bsky.social for the fun task! #WriteCBC
Reposted by Madeleine Armstrong
For the evening crowd - ICYMI, a hungover sea monster tries going vegan until a craving for man-flesh reminds her that self-acceptance sometimes means embracing the beast within.
Check out
@madeleinewrite.bsky.social 's Gods and Heroes story:
literarygarage.com/the-day-the-...
🎸📚😎
Check out
@madeleinewrite.bsky.social 's Gods and Heroes story:
literarygarage.com/the-day-the-...
🎸📚😎
The Day The Cetus Went Vegan | Literary Garage
literarygarage.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:05 PM
For the evening crowd - ICYMI, a hungover sea monster tries going vegan until a craving for man-flesh reminds her that self-acceptance sometimes means embracing the beast within.
Check out
@madeleinewrite.bsky.social 's Gods and Heroes story:
literarygarage.com/the-day-the-...
🎸📚😎
Check out
@madeleinewrite.bsky.social 's Gods and Heroes story:
literarygarage.com/the-day-the-...
🎸📚😎
Reposted by Madeleine Armstrong
Short Fiction
Amy Leacy ☆ @deniseb.bsky.social ☆ Derek Jennings☆ @emyrpayne.bsky.social ☆Heather Walker ☆ Ian Johnson☆ John Storey☆ @jupiterjonz.bsky.social ☆ @darkonelf.bsky.social ☆ @lozzawriting.bsky.social ☆ @madeleinewrite.bsky.social ☆ Rebecca Tiger ☆ Scott MacLeod☆ @tednorthodox.bsky.social ☆
Amy Leacy ☆ @deniseb.bsky.social ☆ Derek Jennings☆ @emyrpayne.bsky.social ☆Heather Walker ☆ Ian Johnson☆ John Storey☆ @jupiterjonz.bsky.social ☆ @darkonelf.bsky.social ☆ @lozzawriting.bsky.social ☆ @madeleinewrite.bsky.social ☆ Rebecca Tiger ☆ Scott MacLeod☆ @tednorthodox.bsky.social ☆
October 29, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Short Fiction
Amy Leacy ☆ @deniseb.bsky.social ☆ Derek Jennings☆ @emyrpayne.bsky.social ☆Heather Walker ☆ Ian Johnson☆ John Storey☆ @jupiterjonz.bsky.social ☆ @darkonelf.bsky.social ☆ @lozzawriting.bsky.social ☆ @madeleinewrite.bsky.social ☆ Rebecca Tiger ☆ Scott MacLeod☆ @tednorthodox.bsky.social ☆
Amy Leacy ☆ @deniseb.bsky.social ☆ Derek Jennings☆ @emyrpayne.bsky.social ☆Heather Walker ☆ Ian Johnson☆ John Storey☆ @jupiterjonz.bsky.social ☆ @darkonelf.bsky.social ☆ @lozzawriting.bsky.social ☆ @madeleinewrite.bsky.social ☆ Rebecca Tiger ☆ Scott MacLeod☆ @tednorthodox.bsky.social ☆
Reposted by Madeleine Armstrong
We have just made it for our October newsletter!
News and Subs and SO MANY Trash Family successes incl. @cbigs.bsky.social @madeleinewrite.bsky.social @adlibby.bsky.social @angelajoynes.bsky.social @leighloveday.bsky.social @meproctor.bsky.social and more!!
trashcatlit.com/2025/10/31/h...
News and Subs and SO MANY Trash Family successes incl. @cbigs.bsky.social @madeleinewrite.bsky.social @adlibby.bsky.social @angelajoynes.bsky.social @leighloveday.bsky.social @meproctor.bsky.social and more!!
trashcatlit.com/2025/10/31/h...
trashcatlit.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:26 PM
We have just made it for our October newsletter!
News and Subs and SO MANY Trash Family successes incl. @cbigs.bsky.social @madeleinewrite.bsky.social @adlibby.bsky.social @angelajoynes.bsky.social @leighloveday.bsky.social @meproctor.bsky.social and more!!
trashcatlit.com/2025/10/31/h...
News and Subs and SO MANY Trash Family successes incl. @cbigs.bsky.social @madeleinewrite.bsky.social @adlibby.bsky.social @angelajoynes.bsky.social @leighloveday.bsky.social @meproctor.bsky.social and more!!
trashcatlit.com/2025/10/31/h...
Got a story in the bunker! Thanks for having me @tcwestminster.bsky.social
@madeleinewrite.bsky.social Madeleine spins a tale of a love unrequited. How far does jealousy go?
"I'll Invite Myself"
tinyurl.com/IllInviteMys...
Get your story in before Nov 1
#Prompt: Overheard in an Operating Room
Awkward Conversations in Serious Places
www.bunkersquirrel.com/submissions....
"I'll Invite Myself"
tinyurl.com/IllInviteMys...
Get your story in before Nov 1
#Prompt: Overheard in an Operating Room
Awkward Conversations in Serious Places
www.bunkersquirrel.com/submissions....
October 9, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Got a story in the bunker! Thanks for having me @tcwestminster.bsky.social
I'm late to repost this as I'm barely ever on this platform. But thank you as ever to @trashcatlit.bsky.social and the amazing @therelphian.bsky.social. This challenge was so much fun!
2nd spotlight and another awesome take on 'Morgue' 🦝
We loved @madeleinewrite.bsky.social's wrangling of the prompts into this creepy, cinematic noir with real heart and an MC we want more of.
Prompts: Morgue/ Funeral Home, Ghost, Falling
Read and listen here: trashcatlit.com/friday-night...
We loved @madeleinewrite.bsky.social's wrangling of the prompts into this creepy, cinematic noir with real heart and an MC we want more of.
Prompts: Morgue/ Funeral Home, Ghost, Falling
Read and listen here: trashcatlit.com/friday-night...
September 25, 2025 at 3:31 PM
I'm late to repost this as I'm barely ever on this platform. But thank you as ever to @trashcatlit.bsky.social and the amazing @therelphian.bsky.social. This challenge was so much fun!