We had a great response to our flash fiction competition on the theme of #ThisIsNotLove, with stories pouring in on everything from blood-sucking courtships to amorous silhouettes. It was tough picking our winners, but in the end we went for the three stories that grabbed us immediately and refused to let go.

The first of our runners-up is Matthew Smart, with his story “The Sump Pit”. This immediately stood out as something different, a surreal take on the theme packing a big emotional punch and leaving just enough unsaid. Our other runner-up is Peter Spencer, whose brief and beautifully observed “Lovecats” captures a very familiar moment of Facebook flirtation.

Our winner, who gets her hands on these lovely Penguin Clothbound Classics, caught our attention early on with her story. Deftly written, fast-paced and funny, Melinda Salisbury’s “Parthian Shot” demonstrates that clearly not all is fair in love and war.

You can read all the stories here on Litro:

Winner:

Parthian Shot by Melinda Salisbury

Runners-up:

The Sump Pit by Matthew Smart

Lovecats by Peter Spencer

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anti-love flash fiction Love Matthew Smart Melinda Salisbury Peter Spencer ThisIsNotLove Valentine's