Welcome to Issue 4
Editorial
This issue is a little late because it had to take a back seat to the typesetting and editing of Hot Flashes, which is now (as at 1 August) ready to go to the printers. A big thank you to all the contributors, some of whom have also written for this edition of Flash PPink. Also, to Simon, Becky, and Sue for their proof-reading, and technical support from Ross and Ian. Fingers crossed we’ve got it right!
This week also saw the last of our current series of workshops, which will resume towards the end of September. We’re also saying goodbye to Craig Binch (front centre), who has been coming along for two years now, but has been called to an MA in creative writing at University of Lincoln. When he first came to our classes, he had no experience, so we can at least say we fired him up to pursue his dream.
Another success has been Scot Douglas, who while coming to classes at the Kings Arms, Poland Street, W1 has placed his first novel, Out in Oxford, for publication with The Book Guild. It will be out on 28 September, and is already available to pre-order on Amazon. So it seems that we are able to inspire people, and long may we continue to do so. You can look for our ads on Eventbrite or OutSavvy if you search Creative Writing Workshops, and, unlike 99% of such courses, they’re free.
Peter, in the meantime, has continued his work as a queer historian, and published the third volume in the story of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality, The Best of Enemies, which focuses on the fractious relationship between CHE and the Gay Liberation Front. This is available, like all Paradise Press books, at www.paradisepress.org.uk
Incidentally, Gay Authors Workshop will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2028, and is already trawling for material for a commemorative poetry anthology around the theme of Gold, in all forms. Nothing like planning ahead, so if you fancy being part of that, get in touch with Jeff or Bodicea through this Contact form.
We hope you enjoy this issue.
Contents
- Two Prides - Thoughts of Beth Lister (95 words)
- My Pride is Tarnished - by Magnus Mackenzie (6 lines)
- Hippo - by John Dixon (8 lines)
- Alien - by Sue Miller (12 lines)
- A Visitor - by Craig Binch (21 lines)
- Clumsy the Donkey - by Borderline (220 words)
- The Letter - by Laura Ribeiro (270 words)
- Angels - by Craig Binch (330 words)
- The Story-Telling Animal - by MA Khoury (375 words)
- A Bitter Pill - by Craig Binch (425 words)
- Mrs Fraser's Diary - by Allan MacWilliam (440 words)
- Pride 89 - by Allan MacWilliam (500 words)
- Green Fingers - by Howard Bradshaw (535 words)
- Snakes and Ladders - by Patrick Notchtree (750 words)
- The First Time - by Christian Fletcher (755 words)
- Not Jolly - by David Flybury (910 words)
- Afternoon Tea - STAR STORY by Peter Scott-Presland (1430 words)
Legal Notice:
All stories and other materials remain the copyright of the individual authors, and no downloading is permitted or licensed. If anyone wishes to use any of the material herein, they should apply to the author(s) via the publishers.
No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express written permission of the author/publisher.
No AI Training:
Without in any way limiting the author's exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to 'train' generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The publishers and the authors reserve all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.
This publication is entirely created by humans.
If you would like to join Gay Authors Workshop see How to Join GAW.
If you would like to submit a story for the next edition, please see HERE for more information.
The deadline is 5 September 2026
If you'd like details of future writing workshops, or to join the mailing list, please contact Peter Scott-Presland.
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