Congratulations @mrscarlielee.bsky.social - such an evocative and disquieting setting 🎉

@cbcreative.bsky.social #WriteCBC The chemistry room seeps a sour sweetness into the late day. Six girls perch around a lab bench. Twelve hands rest on a planchette. Are you there? YES. They straighten. Alone? NO. They squirm. Are you friendly? A scream. The fume cupboard opens. A bottle cracks.

I’m delighted to have achieved third place. Thanks so much for reading my working 😊 Congratulations to everyone on the shortlist.

So many fab books to chose from. My favourites this year: Nesting by Róisín O'Donnell, Night Swimmers by Roisin Maguire, The Innocents by Michael Crummey, The quiet whispers never stop by Olivia Fitzsimons, Falling animals by Sheila Armstrong, The Inheritance by Cauvery Madhavan. Do recommend more!

It’s so good they are sticking to their principles. A very positive stance!

Preview here thebelfastreview.wixsite.com/home/copy-of... - wait a while for it to load! See p51 …

That’s wonderful - it’s such a great book!

‘That was Christmas past, present and yet to come,’ said the Ghost of Christmas. Ella reddened with shame. ‘I’ve been a cow, haven’t I?’ ‘Let the fire in your hand warm your heart.’ The postcard dried exposing the full text: I’m sorry. Trains cancelled. Home Christmas Eve. Dad xx #5ActFestiveStory

She watched in awe as Mum, hands on hips, stared into the fireplace. Loud snorts drifted from the roof. Bells tinkled and a cloud of soot and snow fell in the grate. ‘When I said make it a Christmas to remember…’ she began. ‘I’m stuck,’ whimpered a voice from high in the chimney. #5ActFestiveStory