Pick of the day

Tempranillo Haze

Sun-soaked and forgotten—
they kiss beneath the awning’s shade.
The child next door plays, distilled
moonshine 
spilled like lemonade.

Summer drools—
A Tempranillo haze bathes the street,
where lovers doze on porches—
blush-wine 
pooling at their feet.

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Story of the week

The Thin Line.

He cut another line. So thin, it was more burn than sweet. He adjusted his collar, itchy with sweat and straightened his black tie. The toilet stall was hot and stunk of piss.
‘I don’t want tae give them the wrang impression,’ he said to his older brother. ‘That I’m the kind aw bawbag that licks a toilet cistern. Cause who know whit kindaw germs yed get?’
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Poem of the week

The Ghost in the Machine

Nestling between wires and code

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Features

Story and Poem of the Week and Inspiration Point

Posted by airyfairy.

Another great week of reading on ABC Tales, and another set of really difficult choices for Picks of the Week!

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Story and Poem of the Month

Our Story and Poem of the Month for April, very kindlty chosen by RJNewlyn

Pick of the month April 2025

 

Well done to everyone who has posted this month and for keeping up the quality so ably. It has been a tough call …  

 

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Saltburn by Drew Gummerson - Out Now! Link to buy plus a review

I'm very pleased to announce that Saltburn, by our very own Drew Gummerson is out now and available to buy here:

https://haywoodbooks.com/saltburn

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'Gift, a son's story' by Dan Seagrave - out now!

I'm very pleased to announce the publication of 'Gift, a son's story' by Dan Seagrave. Dan writes as HarryC on ABCTales and is one of our most talented writers.

You can order your copy here (free on Kindle Unlimited)

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Want to join ABCTales?

We've had to suspend the automatic joining facility for a while so if you would like to join us please email 

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Posting From Your Android Phone - Fixed!

Some of you have been having issues with posting your work using an android phone. Ewan and John our techie have been working really hard to fix this.

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Bee's Journey

Picks of the Month

I am the stillness

I am, 

not in the way fire roars,  

but in the hush between storms.  

I am the breath the forest holds  

before the wind remembers  

how to move.

 

They rush, the memories,  

like wild winds across dry fields,  

carrying all the fragile things I’ve been,  

splinters of selves  

I once called home.

 

They scatter.  

They rage.  

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It's obviously a plot behind the human race's back

“Do you know who I am? Do you still recognize me?” asks Super Mario. The Plumber walks into the living room. She waters the plants. When she turns around, water gushes from the watering can.

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