Patience Mackarness
@patiencemackarness.bsky.social
Writer, grandmother, tree-hugger. Born in Hampshire, now in rural Brittany, with pitstops in Leeds, Portugal, Wales, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Liverpool. I write flash fiction and other things.
Reposted by Patience Mackarness
On Raw Lit - Issue 8
rawlit.weebly.com/8_8.html
Dora
by Michael Anthony @mj-anthony.bsky.social
&
The Multiple Whammies of December 2019
by Patience Mackarness @patiencemackarness.bsky.social
rawlit.weebly.com/8_8.html
Dora
by Michael Anthony @mj-anthony.bsky.social
&
The Multiple Whammies of December 2019
by Patience Mackarness @patiencemackarness.bsky.social
January 25, 2026 at 8:27 AM
On Raw Lit - Issue 8
rawlit.weebly.com/8_8.html
Dora
by Michael Anthony @mj-anthony.bsky.social
&
The Multiple Whammies of December 2019
by Patience Mackarness @patiencemackarness.bsky.social
rawlit.weebly.com/8_8.html
Dora
by Michael Anthony @mj-anthony.bsky.social
&
The Multiple Whammies of December 2019
by Patience Mackarness @patiencemackarness.bsky.social
What an honour to be on this longlist!❤️🔥
The SmokeLong Workshop Prize Long List just went live. It has been a mountain of great work. We received just over 400 entries from our workshop participants in 2025. Congratulations to all! www.smokelong.com/the-smokelon...
The SmokeLong Workshop Prize — The Long List - SmokeLong Quarterly
Each year, SmokeLong hosts The SmokeLong Workshop Prize competition, a free-to-enter competition for anyone who’s participated in a SmokeLong workshop. To date, our workshop participants (past and cur...
www.smokelong.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:42 AM
What an honour to be on this longlist!❤️🔥
Check out this beautiful issue of Raw Lit!
My CNF contribution, 'The Multiple Whammies of December 2019', is very raw indeed. Thanks @kathyfish.bsky.social for the inspiration.
rawlit.weebly.com/issue8.html
My CNF contribution, 'The Multiple Whammies of December 2019', is very raw indeed. Thanks @kathyfish.bsky.social for the inspiration.
rawlit.weebly.com/issue8.html
ISSUE8
I’m happy to officially welcome Marie-Louise McGuinness as a Prose/Poetry Editor. We have worked together on many projects– you might remember her fabulous work as our Issue 5 Guest...
rawlit.weebly.com
January 23, 2026 at 10:54 AM
Check out this beautiful issue of Raw Lit!
My CNF contribution, 'The Multiple Whammies of December 2019', is very raw indeed. Thanks @kathyfish.bsky.social for the inspiration.
rawlit.weebly.com/issue8.html
My CNF contribution, 'The Multiple Whammies of December 2019', is very raw indeed. Thanks @kathyfish.bsky.social for the inspiration.
rawlit.weebly.com/issue8.html
Love this!
We have a great new piece today by @nomad-sw18.bsky.social! Check out “Rewind.” lost-balloon.com/2026/01/07/r...
Rewind by Cole Beauchamp
I have something to tell you, my husband says, but I’m not listening. I’m trying to shift the stone lodged in my mountain boot. Rain has slicked the narrow path covered in last year’s crushed leave…
lost-balloon.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:24 AM
Love this!
Totally agree, wonderful piece that made me cry. Thanks @lorifontanes.bsky.social !
"So far, however, I’ve failed to nudge the right kitty in your direction. You know how it is with cats. Herding. All that. Meanwhile, I can feel my connection to the earthly plane starting to fray." Love! @lorifontanes.bsky.social. Makes me think of my beloved Scuba who lived a remarkable 20 years.
One of the worst sounds I've ever heard was the sound of no cats running in my house. This was after I lost 22-year-old Jazz. It's clear from this story in @trashcatlit.bsky.social that @lorifontanes.bsky.social understands this agony perfectly.
#flashfiction
trashcatlit.com/the-last-lif...
#flashfiction
trashcatlit.com/the-last-lif...
January 4, 2026 at 7:58 AM
Totally agree, wonderful piece that made me cry. Thanks @lorifontanes.bsky.social !
'this sky, white with winter silence, orange-clawed by the tiger ghost of summer'. Fabulous words from @philippabowe.bsky.social at @necessaryfiction.com
The wonderful @necessaryfiction.com put out a beautiful, irresistible solstice/New Year call, Points of Light. I'm very happy they selected the prose poem I wrote for it and to feature in such a gorgeous line up! 🙏🤩💜
necessaryfiction.com/stories/poin...
necessaryfiction.com/stories/poin...
December 28, 2025 at 6:26 PM
'this sky, white with winter silence, orange-clawed by the tiger ghost of summer'. Fabulous words from @philippabowe.bsky.social at @necessaryfiction.com
I'm reading this Thursday, with @bsherm36.bsky.social @alisonwassell.bsky.social @jankaneen1.bsky.social @adlibby.bsky.social and more - hope you can join us. Thanks @dublinwriter.bsky.social!
Meet my first half readers at #WritersReading Novella-in-Flash special zoom Thu at 7pm UK: @patiencemackarness.bsky.social @alisonwassell.bsky.social @bsherm36.bsky.social @jankaneen1.bsky.social and Adele Evershed. All welcome Book your free ticket here: www.tickettailor.com/events/dubli...
December 16, 2025 at 3:32 PM
I'm reading this Thursday, with @bsherm36.bsky.social @alisonwassell.bsky.social @jankaneen1.bsky.social @adlibby.bsky.social and more - hope you can join us. Thanks @dublinwriter.bsky.social!
Completely gorgeous piece by @claudiamonpere.bsky.social
Player by @claudiamonpere.bsky.social
“The swollen traffic comes and goes. The heart roosts where it can.”
“The swollen traffic comes and goes. The heart roosts where it can.”
Player - Gooseberry Pie Lit Magazine
Photo by Paul Arky on Unsplash by Claudia Monpere A piano tilts on the dirt beside a freeway entrance like an unbalanced stilt walker: chipped keys, case body cracked, chunks of wood missing, and stil...
gooseberry-pie.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:25 AM
Completely gorgeous piece by @claudiamonpere.bsky.social
Issue 5 of Thin Skin - showcasing work by older writers - out now!
It's here! thin-skin.com
Welcome to Issue 5 - our 1st anniversary issue! - Thin Skin
Well, who'd have thought we would make it this far. And what a journey. Thin Skin was born after an impulsive tweet in December 2023, and within months we had five editors, ten readers and hundreds of...
thin-skin.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Issue 5 of Thin Skin - showcasing work by older writers - out now!
"There’s a new energy rising and we’re ready to bring the whole miserable lot down – our shitty prefab concrete blocks and blocked toilets, our Trabis smoking oily exhaust like they’re on fire." Fabulous atmosphere in this one from @nomad-sw18.bsky.social
In the mood for nostalgia? Thrilled to have my East Berlin story published by @doesithavepockets.bsky.social
"Jan has no time for their cotton-candy happiness. His father disappeared 5 years ago. No Stasi shadows, no neighbours with a grudge. Just gone.
www.doesithavepockets.com/fiction/cole...
"Jan has no time for their cotton-candy happiness. His father disappeared 5 years ago. No Stasi shadows, no neighbours with a grudge. Just gone.
www.doesithavepockets.com/fiction/cole...
Cole Beauchamp — Does It Have Pockets
1989: Every day is the same in East Berlin, until it’s not
www.doesithavepockets.com
October 11, 2025 at 4:31 AM
"There’s a new energy rising and we’re ready to bring the whole miserable lot down – our shitty prefab concrete blocks and blocked toilets, our Trabis smoking oily exhaust like they’re on fire." Fabulous atmosphere in this one from @nomad-sw18.bsky.social
'As my body segments, pairs of hairy legs sprouting from each one, spiracles to breathe breathe breathe your oily-sweet pheromones' Fabulous story from @pleomorphic2.bsky.social
ICYMI @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social annual writing award winner by the wonderful @pleomorphic2.bsky.social
gooseberry-pie.com/the-undulati...
gooseberry-pie.com/the-undulati...
The Undulating Movement Of The Predatory Arthropod At The 10-Year College Reunion - Gooseberry Pie Lit Magazine
Photo be Pexels.com: Cottonbro by Sumitra Singam When you walk into the reunion with your husband like a phalanx and your apple-pie-posed photos of your 2.3 kids and dog like armour, I kick my heels o...
gooseberry-pie.com
September 29, 2025 at 5:32 AM
'As my body segments, pairs of hairy legs sprouting from each one, spiracles to breathe breathe breathe your oily-sweet pheromones' Fabulous story from @pleomorphic2.bsky.social
Thank you @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social !
@patiencemackarness.bsky.social
“she left us and moved with someone called Freya Firewing to mid-Wales, where they built a roundhouse out of reclaimed railway sleepers and cob plaster, with a compost toilet and bottleglass windows.”
gooseberry-pie.com/skipping-gen...
“she left us and moved with someone called Freya Firewing to mid-Wales, where they built a roundhouse out of reclaimed railway sleepers and cob plaster, with a compost toilet and bottleglass windows.”
gooseberry-pie.com/skipping-gen...
Skipping Generations - Gooseberry Pie Lit Magazine
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash by Patience Mackarness Mum said growing up in suburbia stunted her soul, the semi-detached house, the brick school with concrete playground and excellent exam results, a...
gooseberry-pie.com
September 24, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Thank you @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social !
Such a buzzing, inspiring weekend (so far) with @saloneurope.bsky.social ! Big thanks to @deborahzafer.bsky.social and the team for bringing it all together. Last night's event with Balsam Karam, Philippe Marczewski, and @kitdewaal.com was completely awesome.
September 14, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Such a buzzing, inspiring weekend (so far) with @saloneurope.bsky.social ! Big thanks to @deborahzafer.bsky.social and the team for bringing it all together. Last night's event with Balsam Karam, Philippe Marczewski, and @kitdewaal.com was completely awesome.
Reposted by Patience Mackarness
Impeccable vibes at #EWSBrussels2025 ✨
Thank you to all our readers, especially to our surprise guest @kitdewaal.com
Thank you to all our readers, especially to our surprise guest @kitdewaal.com
September 12, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Impeccable vibes at #EWSBrussels2025 ✨
Thank you to all our readers, especially to our surprise guest @kitdewaal.com
Thank you to all our readers, especially to our surprise guest @kitdewaal.com
Super happy to be in this issue - congrats to all!
Read new issue of Gooseberry Pie
Beth Konkoski Chad Foret @charhamrick.bsky.social Jane Yager @jennystalter.bsky.social
Elizabeth Meyer Gonzalez
@katehorsleywriter.bsky.social @kathrynsilverhajo.bsky.social @happilander.bsky.social @patiencemackarness.bsky.social
gooseberry-pie.com/issue-35/
Beth Konkoski Chad Foret @charhamrick.bsky.social Jane Yager @jennystalter.bsky.social
Elizabeth Meyer Gonzalez
@katehorsleywriter.bsky.social @kathrynsilverhajo.bsky.social @happilander.bsky.social @patiencemackarness.bsky.social
gooseberry-pie.com/issue-35/
Issue 35 - Gooseberry Pie Lit Magazine
Photo by Jeff Harvey Stories Gooseberry Pie’s nominations for Best of the Net 2026: Check out Flash Fiction Institute a new flash fiction educational and community hub offering virtual classes, craft ...
gooseberry-pie.com
September 11, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Super happy to be in this issue - congrats to all!
Beautiful piece from @claudiamonpere.bsky.social !
So grateful for 2026 Best of the Net nomination for "Papier-Mâché Sestina" published in Centaur. Many thanks, @lynnmundell.bsky.social. Here's the story:
centaurlit.com/papier-mache...
centaurlit.com/papier-mache...
Papier-Mâché Sestina by Claudia Monpere | Centaur
centaurlit.com
August 28, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Beautiful piece from @claudiamonpere.bsky.social !
'Dance with the Tambourine Man' is up at @thesunlightpress.bsky.social today! Born in a @smokelong.bsky.social workshop, inspired by the landscapes and history of Bahrain - and of course by Bob Dylan.
bit.ly/3UgYF9M
bit.ly/3UgYF9M
Dance with the Tambourine Man - The Sunlight Press
He looked like he was at the wrong party. He loved Bob Dylan, said "Isis" was the song that led him into archaeology.
bit.ly
August 6, 2025 at 5:19 AM
'Dance with the Tambourine Man' is up at @thesunlightpress.bsky.social today! Born in a @smokelong.bsky.social workshop, inspired by the landscapes and history of Bahrain - and of course by Bob Dylan.
bit.ly/3UgYF9M
bit.ly/3UgYF9M
And @fionamckay.bsky.social read brilliantly!
The Lives of the Dead by Fiona McKay @fionmckay.bsky.social
runner-up in our 2025 novella in flash award is now up for preorder at AdHocFiction.com at a 25% discount until publication day on July 6th
A wonderful read! Launched at flashfictionfestival.com
runner-up in our 2025 novella in flash award is now up for preorder at AdHocFiction.com at a 25% discount until publication day on July 6th
A wonderful read! Launched at flashfictionfestival.com
July 19, 2025 at 6:24 AM
And @fionamckay.bsky.social read brilliantly!
'Our history teacher once said that the Romans would grow their hair during times of mourning ... The clippers hum loud in my hand.'
On Day 14 of @smokelong.bsky.social 's Archive Challenge, Evan Massey's 'Something About the Romans'. brilliantflashfiction.com/2018/03/31/i...
On Day 14 of @smokelong.bsky.social 's Archive Challenge, Evan Massey's 'Something About the Romans'. brilliantflashfiction.com/2018/03/31/i...
ISSUE 17: MARCH 2018
Something About the Romans By Evan Massey On the porch, the radio plays old tunes. Sometimes our heads bob. I’m on the top step. Below me, Bianca sits behind my little sister, Tia, braiding her hai…
brilliantflashfiction.com
July 8, 2025 at 9:34 AM
'Our history teacher once said that the Romans would grow their hair during times of mourning ... The clippers hum loud in my hand.'
On Day 14 of @smokelong.bsky.social 's Archive Challenge, Evan Massey's 'Something About the Romans'. brilliantflashfiction.com/2018/03/31/i...
On Day 14 of @smokelong.bsky.social 's Archive Challenge, Evan Massey's 'Something About the Romans'. brilliantflashfiction.com/2018/03/31/i...
‘Without warning a glider filled her vision, flying very low and fast. She would always remember the wide wings, the silent surprise.’
For Day 13 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge, ‘Three Summer Flights’ by @timlovewriter.bsky.social from brilliantflashfiction.com/2017/09/30/i...
For Day 13 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge, ‘Three Summer Flights’ by @timlovewriter.bsky.social from brilliantflashfiction.com/2017/09/30/i...
ISSUE 15: SEPTEMBER 2017
Three Summer Flights By Tim Love As usual, Dad collected her after breakfast on Sunday and drove her to Dunstable downs. The hillside was already full of families. “You first, Tracy.” S…
brilliantflashfiction.com
July 7, 2025 at 9:37 AM
‘Without warning a glider filled her vision, flying very low and fast. She would always remember the wide wings, the silent surprise.’
For Day 13 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge, ‘Three Summer Flights’ by @timlovewriter.bsky.social from brilliantflashfiction.com/2017/09/30/i...
For Day 13 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge, ‘Three Summer Flights’ by @timlovewriter.bsky.social from brilliantflashfiction.com/2017/09/30/i...
From 2021, the stunning ‘Life Lessons’ by Anne Anthony. 3rd story down in a great line-up. Day 11 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge brilliantflashfiction.com/2021/03/31/i...
ISSUE 29: MARCH 2021
Footprints in Fine White AshBy Michael Kozart The day Darlene pulled up to Jack’s, she was facing a night in a shelter or the car. She had searched the county for an affordable room. Rents were soa…
brilliantflashfiction.com
July 5, 2025 at 6:06 PM
From 2021, the stunning ‘Life Lessons’ by Anne Anthony. 3rd story down in a great line-up. Day 11 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge brilliantflashfiction.com/2021/03/31/i...
'Do you know what kind of trouble you’re asking for? How old are you girls? Blythe laughs, a terrible little snarly sound, a baby warthog..' A gem from 2019 by @megpokrass.bsky.social
on Day 10 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge.
brilliantflashfiction.com/2019/06/30/i...
on Day 10 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge.
brilliantflashfiction.com/2019/06/30/i...
ISSUE 22: JUNE 2019
Here We Are on Planet Earth By Meg Pokrass Today we are tanning near each other on bright red beach towels on the sand at Hendri’s beach. This time I don’t let my mind worry too much ab…
brilliantflashfiction.com
July 4, 2025 at 7:23 PM
'Do you know what kind of trouble you’re asking for? How old are you girls? Blythe laughs, a terrible little snarly sound, a baby warthog..' A gem from 2019 by @megpokrass.bsky.social
on Day 10 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge.
brilliantflashfiction.com/2019/06/30/i...
on Day 10 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge.
brilliantflashfiction.com/2019/06/30/i...
Sometimes an intriguing story sends you straight to Wikipedia in search of an artist you've never heard of. 'The Rocket Man' by Lorette Luzajic (second story down in a fine lineup).
brilliantflashfiction.com/2023/01/31/j... on Day 9 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge
brilliantflashfiction.com/2023/01/31/j... on Day 9 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge
JANUARY 2023
We’ve Always Been Dying to DanceBy Kate Axeford It was too late for the grandkids when the dancing kicked off, but our party began long ago. 100 seconds to midnight, and it’s D-I-S-C-O. We lit up a…
brilliantflashfiction.com
July 3, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Sometimes an intriguing story sends you straight to Wikipedia in search of an artist you've never heard of. 'The Rocket Man' by Lorette Luzajic (second story down in a fine lineup).
brilliantflashfiction.com/2023/01/31/j... on Day 9 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge
brilliantflashfiction.com/2023/01/31/j... on Day 9 of the @smokelong.bsky.social Archive Challenge
On Day 8 of @smokelong.bsky.social ‘s Archive Challenge - Hit and Run by Shoshauna Shy brilliantflashfiction.com/2018/01/31/i...
ISSUE 16: JANUARY 2018
HIT & RUN By Shoshauna Shy I wondered what kind of “closure” did Jean think she was going to get? YOU ARE FEMALE & DRIVE A RED CAR. YOU RAN OVER MY CAT ON WINGRA STREET MAY 18TH. PLEASE CAL…
brilliantflashfiction.com
July 2, 2025 at 3:52 PM
On Day 8 of @smokelong.bsky.social ‘s Archive Challenge - Hit and Run by Shoshauna Shy brilliantflashfiction.com/2018/01/31/i...