Written Tales Magazine
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 Magazine
But I Am Not A Ghost
He follows the route past Laramie and Gross Point to the street between the two cemeteries, the same path he…
If You Were Here
He walks alone on the thorny road with an oak fallen across his path, hearing waves behind him and water…
My Retirement Auction Catalogue
She wakes to another early morning, asking if it’s time already, pushing through the hour before coffee, the room quiet…
Spirals
Spirals of smoke cover the night as he watches from his bedroom window, counting each twist before stepping outside days…
📚 Poems From the Magazine
Life is a Grave
He strikes the coffin roof in the dark, shouting to be let out.
Obama’s Portrait
Phones lift in the museum line as green leaves frame the portrait ahead.
Invocation
He folds his clothes on the shelf above the nesting hens in the chicken coop.
📚 Stories From the Magazine
Serpents Song
Elira leads the way through castle gates as they drift from one kingdom to the next.
Broken Head
A stone head rests on the ancient steps as Ingrid scans the shadows nearby.
Perry’s Travels
Terri meets Sam on their overlapping shift, both watching Perry come in looking worn.
What is Written Tales?
Written Tales is more than a magazine—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 MoreWant to Get 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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