Diane Simmons
@scooterwriter.bsky.social
Co-Directs National Flash Fiction Day. Author of novellas-in-flash ‘Finding a Way' (Ad Hoc Fiction), ‘An Inheritance' (V.Press), ‘A Tricky Dance’ (Alien Buddha Press), William Prichard & Co’ (Arroyo Seco Press). dianesimmons.co.uk
Pinned
Diane Simmons
@scooterwriter.bsky.social
· Nov 18
I am the author of 4 published novellas-in-flash. My most recent is ‘William Prichard & Co’ & is published by Arroyo Seco Press. Inspired by family history, it follows 65 years of a family and its perambulator business. Physical copies can be bought from my website or Amazon. Also on Kindle.
Reposted by Diane Simmons
Thank you so much to @scooterwriter.bsky.social and @lunchontuesday.bsky.social for this incredible honour. I hope to uphold the amazing legacy left by brilliant artist @jeanettesheppard.bsky.social whose work has graced the covers of seven anthology covers for @natflashficdaynz.bsky.social
We are very excited to announce that Joanna Campbell @joannacampbell.bsky.social is our new artist-in-residence! She has been a huge supporter of NFFD for many years & we’re thrilled to have her as part of the team! You can read more here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne...
December 9, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Thank you so much to @scooterwriter.bsky.social and @lunchontuesday.bsky.social for this incredible honour. I hope to uphold the amazing legacy left by brilliant artist @jeanettesheppard.bsky.social whose work has graced the covers of seven anthology covers for @natflashficdaynz.bsky.social
Reposted by Diane Simmons
We are very excited to announce that Joanna Campbell @joannacampbell.bsky.social is our new artist-in-residence! She has been a huge supporter of NFFD for many years & we’re thrilled to have her as part of the team! You can read more here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne...
December 8, 2025 at 7:14 PM
We are very excited to announce that Joanna Campbell @joannacampbell.bsky.social is our new artist-in-residence! She has been a huge supporter of NFFD for many years & we’re thrilled to have her as part of the team! You can read more here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne...
Did the Bath xmas market. Needed a drink to recover 😂
December 7, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Did the Bath xmas market. Needed a drink to recover 😂
Reposted by Diane Simmons
I’ve decided to hang up my hat at NFFD as I move in a new creative direction, visually. Its been a privilege and such a wonderful experience. Thank you to Diane, Ingrid and Tino for asking me to be a part of the the team and to everyone who said lovely things about my work over the years. X
After 7 fabulous years, we’re bidding farewell to our Artist-in-Residence, Jeanette Sheppard @jeanettesheppard.bsky.social
who is stepping down from the role. Thank you, Jeanette for all your wonderful artwork.We’ll be announcing our new artist soon
www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne...
who is stepping down from the role. Thank you, Jeanette for all your wonderful artwork.We’ll be announcing our new artist soon
www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne...
December 5, 2025 at 8:04 PM
I’ve decided to hang up my hat at NFFD as I move in a new creative direction, visually. Its been a privilege and such a wonderful experience. Thank you to Diane, Ingrid and Tino for asking me to be a part of the the team and to everyone who said lovely things about my work over the years. X
Reposted by Diane Simmons
If you would like to own one of our anthologies with Jeanette’s beautiful artwork, they are all (except for Tiny Sparks & Monsoon) available for £5 plus p&p from our website bookshop.
After 7 fabulous years, we’re bidding farewell to our Artist-in-Residence, Jeanette Sheppard @jeanettesheppard.bsky.social
who is stepping down from the role. Thank you, Jeanette for all your wonderful artwork.We’ll be announcing our new artist soon
www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne...
who is stepping down from the role. Thank you, Jeanette for all your wonderful artwork.We’ll be announcing our new artist soon
www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne...
December 5, 2025 at 6:25 PM
If you would like to own one of our anthologies with Jeanette’s beautiful artwork, they are all (except for Tiny Sparks & Monsoon) available for £5 plus p&p from our website bookshop.
Reposted by Diane Simmons
After 7 fabulous years, we’re bidding farewell to our Artist-in-Residence, Jeanette Sheppard @jeanettesheppard.bsky.social
who is stepping down from the role. Thank you, Jeanette for all your wonderful artwork.We’ll be announcing our new artist soon
www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne...
who is stepping down from the role. Thank you, Jeanette for all your wonderful artwork.We’ll be announcing our new artist soon
www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne...
December 5, 2025 at 3:13 PM
After 7 fabulous years, we’re bidding farewell to our Artist-in-Residence, Jeanette Sheppard @jeanettesheppard.bsky.social
who is stepping down from the role. Thank you, Jeanette for all your wonderful artwork.We’ll be announcing our new artist soon
www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne...
who is stepping down from the role. Thank you, Jeanette for all your wonderful artwork.We’ll be announcing our new artist soon
www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne...
Reposted by Diane Simmons
If you’re submitting a micro, it’s a good idea to check the word count manually. Different systems can count things in different ways!
a woman with braids is pointing her finger at the camera
ALT: a woman with braids is pointing her finger at the camera
media.tenor.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:51 PM
If you’re submitting a micro, it’s a good idea to check the word count manually. Different systems can count things in different ways!
Reposted by Diane Simmons
Submissions to our anthology (up to 500 words on the theme of BRIDGES) & our Microfiction comp (up to 100 words, no theme) are now OPEN until 15 Feb. Our anthology editors & judges are poised ready! You can read more here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk
a cartoon duck is writing in a notebook with a pencil
ALT: a cartoon duck is writing in a notebook with a pencil
media.tenor.com
December 2, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Reposted by Diane Simmons
Subs for the 2026 National Flash Fiction Day anthology & micro comp are now open, closing 15 Feb. Please repost for #FlashFiction friends.
Submissions to our anthology (up to 500 words on the theme of BRIDGES) & our Microfiction comp (up to 100 words, no theme) are now OPEN until 15 Feb. Our anthology editors & judges are poised ready! You can read more here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk
a cartoon duck is writing in a notebook with a pencil
ALT: a cartoon duck is writing in a notebook with a pencil
media.tenor.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Subs for the 2026 National Flash Fiction Day anthology & micro comp are now open, closing 15 Feb. Please repost for #FlashFiction friends.
Reposted by Diane Simmons
flash fic subs open!! ✍🏼
Submissions to our anthology (up to 500 words on the theme of BRIDGES) & our Microfiction comp (up to 100 words, no theme) are now OPEN until 15 Feb. Our anthology editors & judges are poised ready! You can read more here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk
a cartoon duck is writing in a notebook with a pencil
ALT: a cartoon duck is writing in a notebook with a pencil
media.tenor.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:33 PM
flash fic subs open!! ✍🏼
Reposted by Diane Simmons
Submissions to our anthology (up to 500 words on the theme of BRIDGES) & our Microfiction comp (up to 100 words, no theme) are now OPEN until 15 Feb. Our anthology editors & judges are poised ready! You can read more here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk
a cartoon duck is writing in a notebook with a pencil
ALT: a cartoon duck is writing in a notebook with a pencil
media.tenor.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Submissions to our anthology (up to 500 words on the theme of BRIDGES) & our Microfiction comp (up to 100 words, no theme) are now OPEN until 15 Feb. Our anthology editors & judges are poised ready! You can read more here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk
Reposted by Diane Simmons
Yay! Excited to read your stories.
Submissions open tomorrow to our anthology (up to 500 words on the theme of bridges) & to our micro fiction comp (up to 100 words, no theme). You can read more here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk
a painting of a bridge over a river with a horse drawn carriage
ALT: a painting of a bridge over a river with a horse drawn carriage
media.tenor.com
November 30, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Yay! Excited to read your stories.
Reposted by Diane Simmons
Submissions open tomorrow to our anthology (up to 500 words on the theme of bridges) & to our micro fiction comp (up to 100 words, no theme). You can read more here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk
a painting of a bridge over a river with a horse drawn carriage
ALT: a painting of a bridge over a river with a horse drawn carriage
media.tenor.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Submissions open tomorrow to our anthology (up to 500 words on the theme of bridges) & to our micro fiction comp (up to 100 words, no theme). You can read more here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk
Reposted by Diane Simmons
10 Years of publications -- celebrating 2025!
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
@laurabesley.bsky.social
& more!
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
@laurabesley.bsky.social
& more!
November 28, 2025 at 4:26 PM
10 Years of publications -- celebrating 2025!
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
@laurabesley.bsky.social
& more!
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
@laurabesley.bsky.social
& more!
Watching the BBC version pf Persuasion for maybe the 10th time. Tis wonderful.
November 28, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Watching the BBC version pf Persuasion for maybe the 10th time. Tis wonderful.
Reposted by Diane Simmons
Top, Top, Top TV.
Brilliant and thank you to writers Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson, all the actors, producers and BBC Northern Ireland, BBC, RTÉ and Avalon.
Magic times.
youtu.be/LbUSKpOkxEk
Brilliant and thank you to writers Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson, all the actors, producers and BBC Northern Ireland, BBC, RTÉ and Avalon.
Magic times.
youtu.be/LbUSKpOkxEk
Leonard and Hungry Paul | Official Trailer - BBC
YouTube video by BBC Trailers
youtu.be
November 27, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Top, Top, Top TV.
Brilliant and thank you to writers Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson, all the actors, producers and BBC Northern Ireland, BBC, RTÉ and Avalon.
Magic times.
youtu.be/LbUSKpOkxEk
Brilliant and thank you to writers Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson, all the actors, producers and BBC Northern Ireland, BBC, RTÉ and Avalon.
Magic times.
youtu.be/LbUSKpOkxEk
Reposted by Diane Simmons
⚡️Missed out on Flash Fiction Festival 2025 in Bristol this summer? Come to one of the online versions instead, which includes my ✍️ workshop, 'Transforming Tales', which takes place this Saturday! 😊
Full details and booking links below:
www.flashfictionfestival.com/online-progr...
Full details and booking links below:
www.flashfictionfestival.com/online-progr...
November 27, 2025 at 1:26 PM
⚡️Missed out on Flash Fiction Festival 2025 in Bristol this summer? Come to one of the online versions instead, which includes my ✍️ workshop, 'Transforming Tales', which takes place this Saturday! 😊
Full details and booking links below:
www.flashfictionfestival.com/online-progr...
Full details and booking links below:
www.flashfictionfestival.com/online-progr...
Reposted by Diane Simmons
Not long now till subs to our anthology & microfiction comp open on 1 Dec. The theme for our anthology this year is BRIDGES. There is no theme for the micro comp. More details here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk
an illustration of a bridge over a river
ALT: an illustration of a bridge over a river
media.tenor.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Not long now till subs to our anthology & microfiction comp open on 1 Dec. The theme for our anthology this year is BRIDGES. There is no theme for the micro comp. More details here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk
Reposted by Diane Simmons
Through two in-person weekends at Gladstone’s Library and four online workshops, explore story essentials, character, research, voice, setting and editing. Starts 27 February 2026. I'd love you to join us!
www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...
www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...
The Six-Month Writing Course with Kit de Waal - Gladstone's Library
Join Kit de Waal for a six-month journey into the art and discipline of storytelling, with two visits to the UK’s finest residential library.
www.gladstoneslibrary.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Through two in-person weekends at Gladstone’s Library and four online workshops, explore story essentials, character, research, voice, setting and editing. Starts 27 February 2026. I'd love you to join us!
www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...
www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...
Reposted by Diane Simmons
Smiley face, chuffed emoji
We are delighted to welcome bestselling novelist Kit de Waal (@kitdewaal.com ), literary translator Vineet Lal, pioneering writer Maggie Gee and literary biographer and head of Persephone Books Nicola Beauman, to the SoA’s honorary body of 56 existing Fellows.
buff.ly/zeYJ4fC
buff.ly/zeYJ4fC
November 24, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Smiley face, chuffed emoji
Alan Carr’s ‘Changing Ends’ on ITV is genius.
November 23, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Alan Carr’s ‘Changing Ends’ on ITV is genius.
Have been rather low in spirits so am planning things. And have written the bones of a flash. A good day. It was needed.
November 23, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Have been rather low in spirits so am planning things. And have written the bones of a flash. A good day. It was needed.
Reposted by Diane Simmons
My cultural awakening: Chicken Run turned me vegetarian
My cultural awakening: Chicken Run turned me vegetarian
Aardman’s tale of a group of plucky hens standing up to their pie-making masters was a favourite in our house, and – I realised – incompatible with my taste for burgers
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:27 AM
My cultural awakening: Chicken Run turned me vegetarian
Reposted by Diane Simmons
I’ve been appointed a Fellow of The Society of Authors. Very nice :)
Kit de Waal, Vineet Lal, Maggie Gee and Nicola Beauman appointed Society of Authors fellows
The Society of Authors has appointed four new fellows: Kit de Waal, Vineet Lal, Maggie Gee and Nicola Beauman.
www.thebookseller.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:23 AM
I’ve been appointed a Fellow of The Society of Authors. Very nice :)