Written Tales
Short Stories. Big Voices.
A member-funded literary publication sharing flash fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and short stories under 2,000 words.
📚 Fresh Reads from the Community
Dental Procedure
Dr. Fromberg has performed the procedure countless times. Tonight, however, something is about to test his confidence.
Children of the Bengal Moon
Before the rice vanished, the birds did. Step into this poem by Ibadah Asiyah Ata — love and hunger, ships…
Writing Challenge #2
Five ordinary words. One tight constraint. Write a 99-word story or a poem that uses every single one, or fail…
Merry Again
Robin Hood is out cold, and Friar Tuck is convinced the legend’s head is hollow. David Sydney’s “Merry Again” is…
📚 Poems
Winter: A Cardinal’s Call
A Short Poem on the Joy of Snow
My Mistress’ Eyes
A Cover of Shakespeare
Marriage: A Memory Relived
Where time folds inward and love holds its shape.
📚 Stories
About the Odds
18-1 Odds Against Bone Breaker
The Pile
Dead Radios and Missing Trucks
After Yorick
To Bee or Not to Bee
What is Written Tales?
Written Tales is more than a community of writers—it’s a creative playground for flash fiction, poetry, and short-form storytelling. Since 2017, we’ve published 500+ authors from around the world. Now fully digital and member-supported, we offer writing challenges, publication opportunities, and a platform to be heard.
Learn MoreGet Published
We publish short fiction, poetry, and challenge pieces from both members and non-members. Members submit for free. Non-members can submit with a small contribution of $3 or more—you choose the amount. Digital chapbooks, monthly challenges, and new publication opportunities await.
Submit Your WorkExplore Our Chapbooks
Browse our seasonal chapbooks featuring standout short fiction and poetry from the Written Tales community. Currently digital-only. Print editions return if demand grows.
Browse ChapbooksJoin the Written Tales Community
Support an independent literary magazine celebrating short fiction, poetry, and emerging voices. Members receive full archive access, free submissions, seasonal challenges, and more.
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