The latest short fiction, poetry, promotions and happenings from Popshot Magazine and our extended network.
We took six poets and five illustrators and asked them to create work about nostalgia
We’re delighted to share nostalgic work from poets and illustrators who took part in our first workshop with UnFOLD and Lyrix Organix at the House of Illustration
October 1st 2018
UNDERSONG
Lizabeth Yandel’s poem explores a past relationship through the thick lens of nostalgia. Illustration by Nik Neves
August 9th 2018
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REGRET
David Romanda’s poem was inspired by a childhood encounter with a neighbour. Illustration by Joseph Crisp
August 1st 2018
WE MISSED FLYING THE MOST
A boy longs for his girlfriend – and sleep – in this bittersweet story by Lydia Ruffles. Illustration by Ruth Kingsbury
August 1st 2018
THE DREAM ISSUE IS HERE
We are delighted to announce the launch of Issue 21, The Dream Issue. Our cover illustration is by Vector That Fox
August 1st 2018
ASTRAL
This poem by Helen Cox follows two characters in a transatlantic love affair. Illustration by Charlie Davis
July 31st 2018
JOIN OUR FREE POETRY AND ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP
We’re launching our first workshop this month with Lyrix Organix and House of Illustration in London. Sign up here
July 23rd 2018
SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE WINTER 2018 ISSUE
It’s what you’ve all been waiting for… the announcement of the theme for our next issue
July 16th 2018
CLAIRE
Young love, fate and betrayal are explored in Alex Amey’s short story about old school friends. Illustration by Sara Gironi Carnevale
July 5th 2018
THE DREAM ISSUE IS ALMOST READY
We’ve chosen the poems and stories, our illustrators are scribbling away, and we’re preparing the pages
July 4th 2018
TOWNS LIKE OURS
A woman delights in exposing secrets in William Hillier’s sizzling short story. Illustration by Alexandru Savescu
July 4th 2018
AIRBAG
Lucy Winrow’s poem suggests that even small acts can ease what seems like insurmountable grief. Illustration by Ivan Canu
June 21st 2018
THE DREAM ISSUE: AN UPDATE
We’re sifting through your submissions and will soon be selecting your short stories and poems
June 11th 2018
IN THE SUN’S SHADOW
Justin Dolby’s fantastical short story of sentient plants is guaranteed to produce a sniffle. Illustration by Vector That Fox
May 31st 2018
THE ISLAND
The truth remains unsaid in this moving poem by Ruth Steadman. Illustration by Cody Muir
May 25th 2018
JUDE
Our friends’ lives often turn out quite differently from our expectations, as Ian Inglis’s narrator finds in this short story. Illustration by Junghyeon Kwon
May 10th 2018
WELCOME TO THE TRUTH ISSUE
The stories and poems in our 20th issue explore truth and half-truths, lies and revelations. Illustrations by Daria Skrybchenko
May 2nd 2018
THE NIGHT EVA GOUEL’S WORLD TILTED
A painful truth in a relationship is exposed in this poem by Jo Burns. Illustration by Sibel Ekemen
May 1st 2018
THE TIDAL MAN
Anna Ghislena’s flash fiction piece explores environmental damage. Illustration by Vector That Fox
April 19th 2018
SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN: THE DREAM ISSUE
Send in your short stories, flash fiction on the theme of dreams for our 21st issue. Submissions close on May 29.
April 16th 2018
WEARING HOPE
Louise Green’s poem paints hope as a magical coat that protects both the wearer and those that care for it. Illustration by Slava Nesterov
April 6th 2018
Can you handle the truth?
An update on The Truth Issue. Plus, reading and writing news from Popshot Towers
April 5th 2018
NOW OR NEVER
Making the first move is always the hardest, finds the protagonist of Hugh Todd’s flash fiction piece. Illustration by Giuseppe Di Lernia
April 4th 2018
WHAT WE’RE LEFT WITH
Lynsey Morandin’s short story was inspired by her relationship with her mother – the good and the bad. Illustration by Mitt Roshin
March 28th 2018
HANGING ONTO A MOVING HOME
Joshua Preston’s flash fiction piece reflects on the experience of moving and making a life or lives with a loved one. Illustration by Jan Siemen
March 23rd 2018
THE DISAPPEARANCE
A woman becomes part of a mysterious worldwide disappearance during a great war in this short story by James Hatton. Illustration by Oliver McAinsh
March 15th 2018
THE TRUTH ISSUE: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUBMISSIONS
The submissions window has closed for The Truth Issue. We’re wading through your wonderful tales of truth, lies, conspiracies and betrayal
March 1st 2018
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE X IS GONE
Kirsty Dunn suggests how to reignite the passion in a relationship in this satirical manual. Illustrations by Michael Parkin
February 27th 2018
APP DATING WITH JULIUS CAESAR
What if the Romans had Tinder? Jake Attree’s poem imagines dating apps in another time. Illustration by Partners in Crime
February 26th 2018
SMALL ANIMALS
A wave of heartache has inspired this poem by Cristina Haraba. Illustration by Daria Skrybchenko
February 8th 2018
THE ROMANCE ISSUE HAS ARRIVED
Our spring edition comprises short stories, flash fiction and poetry encapsulating the yearning, promise and excitement of romance
January 25th 2018
ALL FOR LOVE
John Reinhart’s poem offers a vignette about an unusual character who will stop at nothing for love. Illustration by Sam Dunn
January 25th 2018
UNE AFFAIRE DANGEREUSE
Robin Vicary’s mesmerising short story takes us to nineteenth-century Paris. Illustration by Emily Wren
January 25th 2018
HOW TO CATCH FIRES
Barry Charman’s flash fiction piece explores the allure and danger of romance. Illustration by Joseph Crisp
January 25th 2018
SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN: THE TRUTH ISSUE
Send in your short stories, flash fiction on the theme of truth for our 20th issue. Submissions close on February 26.
January 15th 2018
THE ROMANCE ISSUE: PROGRESS
A long-awaited update from the editorial team two weeks until the spring issue goes on sale
January 15th 2018
IN THE PLACE OF OUR PARENTS
What happens when we sleep? Ethan Chapman’s chilling short story explores one of his childhood fears. Illustration by Jude Labuca.
January 2nd 2018
HALO
Oeil Jumratsilpa’s poem celebrates those few people who inspire you live better and with more spirit. Illustration by Jai Kamat
December 7th 2017
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ROMANCE SUBMISSIONS
Our inbox is overflowing with hundreds of your short stories and poems. Now we just have to select the finest. Illustration by Yu Ming Huang.
December 6th 2017
THE WHITE FOX
L P Lee’s short story was inspired by East Asian folklore surrounding the mysterious fox spirit. Illustration by Vector That Fox.
December 1st 2017
SHULA AND THE SUN
Hannah Thompson’s short story plays with the light and dark of fairytales. Illustration by Ashley Floréal.
November 2nd 2017
VERNAL EQUILIBRIUM
Steve Harrison’s poem comes from the idea that changing light affects both nature and humankind’s behaviour. Illustration by Thomas Pullin.
October 24th 2017
SUBMISSIONS FOR THE ROMANCE ISSUE ARE NOW OPEN
We are now accepting short fiction and poetry submissions for our nineteenth issue on the theme of ‘Romance’. Send in your writing before November 27th.
October 9th 2017
THE SHORTEST DAY
Andrew Hanson’s short story explores the significance of the tales we tell ourselves about our past. Illustration by Burcin Pervin.
October 4th 2017
LEARNING TO UNLEARN
Jenna Heller’s poem is a parent’s prayer, urging young minds to stay open to the unknown future and all its possibilities. Illustration by Yaimel Lopez.
September 25th 2017
DUMBING DOWN
Rob Stuart’s short story envisages what could happen if a machine became more intelligent than humankind. Illustration by Nevena Katalina.
September 20th 2017
ADVENT
A poem by Luciana Francis, written during her early months as a mother to celebrate witnessing the birth of a voice. Illustration by Marco Melgrati.
September 15th 2017
THE MEN OF BURR
Set in post-war America, Ty Landers’ short story tells the tale of an outcast who became a local hero. Illustrated by Masoud Keshmiri.
September 12th 2017
BLACK INK
A poem by Sean Chard, written after observing hundreds of rooks in a copse while lost in the summer fields of Norfolk. Illustration by Pedro Semeano.
September 5th 2017
CHILDREN OF THE NEW WORLD
Inspired by internet scams and porn culture, Alexander Weinstein’s story explores the dark corners of the digital world. Illustration by Nicole Rifkin.
August 31st 2017
THE GUTTER LIVES WITHIN
A poem by Elles Rebelles, written about the journey people take when travelling in and out of heroin addiction. Illustration by Max Temescu.
August 29th 2017
FOOTPRINTS
Set in a dystopian future, Tracy Fells’ short story follows three girls as they break away from an oppressive regime. Illustration by Mike Lees.
August 23rd 2017
EXORCISM
A potent poem by Gavin Bryce, written after the difficult and potentially dangerous birth of his son. Illustration by Ashley Mackenzie.
August 15th 2017
AUTUMN PLUNDER
A selfless villager finds her annual act of kindness is at risk of being misconstrued in Lucy Brown’s short story. Illustration by Zoë van Dijk.
August 10th 2017
EMULSION
A poem by Matthew Fieldhouse, written to address the vast differences between oneself as a child, and as an adult. Illustration by Tobias Hall.
August 5th 2017
EXODUS OF THE DEAD
Joshua Preston’s flash fiction piece addresses the sudden nature of loss and the various aspects of weight associated with it. Illustration by DAQ.
July 29th 2017
SOME OTHER DAY
Inspired by conversations with his 92-year-old father-in-law, John Rowland’s poem considers the ultimate adventure. Illustration by Bren Luke.
July 24th 2017
DRAGGING THE LAKE
A young boy finds his summer taking a peculiar turn when his mother goes missing in Ethan Chapman’s short story. Illustration by Cristian Fowlie.
July 18th 2017
TEA FOR JELENA
Set in the foggy calm of the Faroe Islands, Matthew Landrum’s poem revels in the present moment. Illustration by Daria Skrybchenko.