Emily Devane

Emily Devane

@devaneemily.bsky.social

Writer, teacher, editor, bookseller. Collector of oddities. Words in various places, including Smokelong, Lost Balloon, Ellipsis, Best Microfiction & Ambit.

2K followers550 following392 posts

I'm so happy to be teaching again for the lovely team at Writing Room. This autumn, I'll be back teaching the 6-week Flash Fiction Workout course, starting Wednesday, 7 October. It's generative - which means you'll come away with lots of new ideas and drafts. Details in comments ๐Ÿ‘‡

Emily Devane reposted

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous ๐Ÿ‘‡

James Montgomery@jamesmontgomery.bsky.social

Letโ€™s go fly a kite! ๐Ÿช Thrilled to have a new flash in the fabulous @fictivedream.bsky.social, which is celebrating 10 years of championing short and short-short stories. Laura has created such a wonderfully-curated journal, and Iโ€™m so proud to be featured. Enjoy! ๐Ÿ’› fictivedream.com/2026/07/03/k...

End of the line for my story - but very happy to be in the anthology. Congratulations, and good luck, to everyone on the shortlist ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿคž.

bathflashaward.bsky.social@bathflashaward.bsky.social

Many Congratulations to the twenty writers on our 33rd Award shortlist selected by our judge @ajwoodhouse.bsky.social Results out by end of the month https:// www.bathflashfictionaward.com/2026/06/short-list-bffa-june-2026-award/

It's been a while, but I'm super chuffed to have a story on this list. Thanks to the BFFA team, and good luck, everyone ๐Ÿ™.

Emily Devane reposted

Emily Devane reposted

Deliciously WTF! I'm never going to look at magnolias the same way again, @devaneemily.bsky.social #amreading #nffd2026

National Flash Fiction Day@natflashfictionday.bsky.social

FlashFlood: 'Magnolia' by Emily Devane #nffd2026

dlvr.it'Magnolia' by Emily DevaneThe magnolia comes into the room and asks me what Iโ€™ve done with her new shoes.ย  I shake my head, because no, I havenโ€™t seen the magnoliaโ€™s new shoes and just how many shoes does a tree need, and do they have laces or buckles, and is there a specialist shop for that? The questions keep coming until the magnolia scratches her crown and flounces out of the room, trailing petals in her wake.ย  I feel bad when that happens, because the magnoliaโ€™s blossom is so lovely. Each flower is an elegant pink cup, the shape of a champagne flute, tall and proud, and when they fall, the flowers resemble tears, and the magnoliaโ€™s limbs look naked. I follow the trail of petals, picking them up as I go, and I place them in the fruit bowl. I lay them out delicately, so that they resemble a living thing once again, and the magnolia, who is sulking by the kitchen door, acknowledges my effort.ย  โ€˜It was silly really, buying shoes,โ€™ she says.ย  โ€˜Not at all,โ€™ I reply. โ€˜Together, weโ€™ll find them. Theyโ€™re probably in the cupboard under the stairs. Everything ends up there.โ€™ย  The magnolia nods. โ€˜I can sense the wind,โ€™ she says. โ€˜My petals are almost gone.โ€™ I discern her mouth and eyes in the twisted bark of her trunk. She smiles sadly. This flowering is short, always too short. I wish I could pause time, somehow, but I know she must leave. When she goes, the magnolia casts a shadow that stretches across the rest of the afternoon, covering everything.ย  Later, I find the shoes were in the garden where the magnolia used to stand. I try them on, but they do not fit. --- Emily Devane is a writer from West Yorkshire. She has won prizes, including the Bath Flash Fiction Award, a Northern Writers' Award and a Word Factory apprenticeship. Emily teaches creative writing and works at The Grove Bookshop in Ilkley, where she runs the writing group and helps with events.ย 

Emily Devane reposted

This is word and sad and beautiful and has @devaneemily.bsky.socialโ€™s brilliance all over it ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก @natflashfictionday.bsky.social โ€œI shake my head, because no, I havenโ€™t seen the magnoliaโ€™s new shoes and just how many shoes does a tree needโ€

National Flash Fiction Day@natflashfictionday.bsky.social

FlashFlood: 'Magnolia' by Emily Devane #nffd2026

dlvr.it'Magnolia' by Emily DevaneThe magnolia comes into the room and asks me what Iโ€™ve done with her new shoes.ย  I shake my head, because no, I havenโ€™t seen the magnoliaโ€™s new shoes and just how many shoes does a tree need, and do they have laces or buckles, and is there a specialist shop for that? The questions keep coming until the magnolia scratches her crown and flounces out of the room, trailing petals in her wake.ย  I feel bad when that happens, because the magnoliaโ€™s blossom is so lovely. Each flower is an elegant pink cup, the shape of a champagne flute, tall and proud, and when they fall, the flowers resemble tears, and the magnoliaโ€™s limbs look naked. I follow the trail of petals, picking them up as I go, and I place them in the fruit bowl. I lay them out delicately, so that they resemble a living thing once again, and the magnolia, who is sulking by the kitchen door, acknowledges my effort.ย  โ€˜It was silly really, buying shoes,โ€™ she says.ย  โ€˜Not at all,โ€™ I reply. โ€˜Together, weโ€™ll find them. Theyโ€™re probably in the cupboard under the stairs. Everything ends up there.โ€™ย  The magnolia nods. โ€˜I can sense the wind,โ€™ she says. โ€˜My petals are almost gone.โ€™ I discern her mouth and eyes in the twisted bark of her trunk. She smiles sadly. This flowering is short, always too short. I wish I could pause time, somehow, but I know she must leave. When she goes, the magnolia casts a shadow that stretches across the rest of the afternoon, covering everything.ย  Later, I find the shoes were in the garden where the magnolia used to stand. I try them on, but they do not fit. --- Emily Devane is a writer from West Yorkshire. She has won prizes, including the Bath Flash Fiction Award, a Northern Writers' Award and a Word Factory apprenticeship. Emily teaches creative writing and works at The Grove Bookshop in Ilkley, where she runs the writing group and helps with events.ย 

Emily Devane reposted

โ€˜Each flower is an elegant pink cup, the shape of a champagne flute, tall and proud, and when they fall, the flowers resemble tears, and the magnoliaโ€™s limbs look naked.โ€™ Bizarre and brilliant and beautiful from @devaneemily.bsky.social in @natflashfictionday.bsky.social ๐ŸŒธ

National Flash Fiction Day@natflashfictionday.bsky.social

FlashFlood: 'Magnolia' by Emily Devane #nffd2026

dlvr.it'Magnolia' by Emily DevaneThe magnolia comes into the room and asks me what Iโ€™ve done with her new shoes.ย  I shake my head, because no, I havenโ€™t seen the magnoliaโ€™s new shoes and just how many shoes does a tree need, and do they have laces or buckles, and is there a specialist shop for that? The questions keep coming until the magnolia scratches her crown and flounces out of the room, trailing petals in her wake.ย  I feel bad when that happens, because the magnoliaโ€™s blossom is so lovely. Each flower is an elegant pink cup, the shape of a champagne flute, tall and proud, and when they fall, the flowers resemble tears, and the magnoliaโ€™s limbs look naked. I follow the trail of petals, picking them up as I go, and I place them in the fruit bowl. I lay them out delicately, so that they resemble a living thing once again, and the magnolia, who is sulking by the kitchen door, acknowledges my effort.ย  โ€˜It was silly really, buying shoes,โ€™ she says.ย  โ€˜Not at all,โ€™ I reply. โ€˜Together, weโ€™ll find them. Theyโ€™re probably in the cupboard under the stairs. Everything ends up there.โ€™ย  The magnolia nods. โ€˜I can sense the wind,โ€™ she says. โ€˜My petals are almost gone.โ€™ I discern her mouth and eyes in the twisted bark of her trunk. She smiles sadly. This flowering is short, always too short. I wish I could pause time, somehow, but I know she must leave. When she goes, the magnolia casts a shadow that stretches across the rest of the afternoon, covering everything.ย  Later, I find the shoes were in the garden where the magnolia used to stand. I try them on, but they do not fit. --- Emily Devane is a writer from West Yorkshire. She has won prizes, including the Bath Flash Fiction Award, a Northern Writers' Award and a Word Factory apprenticeship. Emily teaches creative writing and works at The Grove Bookshop in Ilkley, where she runs the writing group and helps with events.ย 

Because... trees have feelings, too ๐ŸŒธ. This fun little story is dedicated to a magnolia I once admired, that was sadly gone too soon. Thanks to the #nffd2026 crew for including it in this year's flood ๐Ÿ™.

National Flash Fiction Day@natflashfictionday.bsky.social

FlashFlood: 'Magnolia' by Emily Devane #nffd2026

dlvr.it'Magnolia' by Emily DevaneThe magnolia comes into the room and asks me what Iโ€™ve done with her new shoes.ย  I shake my head, because no, I havenโ€™t seen the magnoliaโ€™s new shoes and just how many shoes does a tree need, and do they have laces or buckles, and is there a specialist shop for that? The questions keep coming until the magnolia scratches her crown and flounces out of the room, trailing petals in her wake.ย  I feel bad when that happens, because the magnoliaโ€™s blossom is so lovely. Each flower is an elegant pink cup, the shape of a champagne flute, tall and proud, and when they fall, the flowers resemble tears, and the magnoliaโ€™s limbs look naked. I follow the trail of petals, picking them up as I go, and I place them in the fruit bowl. I lay them out delicately, so that they resemble a living thing once again, and the magnolia, who is sulking by the kitchen door, acknowledges my effort.ย  โ€˜It was silly really, buying shoes,โ€™ she says.ย  โ€˜Not at all,โ€™ I reply. โ€˜Together, weโ€™ll find them. Theyโ€™re probably in the cupboard under the stairs. Everything ends up there.โ€™ย  The magnolia nods. โ€˜I can sense the wind,โ€™ she says. โ€˜My petals are almost gone.โ€™ I discern her mouth and eyes in the twisted bark of her trunk. She smiles sadly. This flowering is short, always too short. I wish I could pause time, somehow, but I know she must leave. When she goes, the magnolia casts a shadow that stretches across the rest of the afternoon, covering everything.ย  Later, I find the shoes were in the garden where the magnolia used to stand. I try them on, but they do not fit. --- Emily Devane is a writer from West Yorkshire. She has won prizes, including the Bath Flash Fiction Award, a Northern Writers' Award and a Word Factory apprenticeship. Emily teaches creative writing and works at The Grove Bookshop in Ilkley, where she runs the writing group and helps with events.ย 

Emily Devane reposted

Emily Devane reposted

Emily Devane reposted

2 weeks today in Ben Rhydding! Come and join Skinner and T'witch, Mandy Sutter and I at the Purple Room, St John's Church. I've finalised my running order this morning - looking forward to sharing new & old postcards from Lee-Ann, a new Midsummer story & an old summer favourite.

Emily Devane reposted

Emily Devane reposted

Iโ€™m very excited to share that my new flash fiction novella โ€˜Bereft of Reasonโ€™ will be published by V.Press on 1 June. You can pre-order from V.Press or signed copies are available from my website. Set in 1890s northern England, it is inspired by a shocking crime in my familyโ€™s history.

Emily Devane reposted

Want to get your writing project out in the world? Fancy a workshop in the glorious Yorkshire Dales? Join me and brilliant short fiction writer @devaneemily.bsky.social for a morning of writing advice and support around pitches and submissions. Book your spot! ๐Ÿ‘‰ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/perfect-yo...

eventbrite.co.ukPerfect Your Pitch: A Practical Workshop on Submitting Your WritingJoin writers Emily Devane & Andrea Mann in Ilkley for an inspiring and interactive workshop on pitching and submitting your writing.

Congratulations to the winners - and to everyone who entered. It was a joy spending time with your words (I'm still thinking about so many of those stories). Thanks to the NFFD team for all your hard work ๐Ÿ™.

National Flash Fiction Day@natflashfictionday.bsky.social

We are excited to announce the results of our 2026 microfiction competition. Thank you to everyone who entered. You can read the winning & highly commended stories here: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne...

Emily Devane reposted

Wudja look at this!! Very proud to be published by The Lilliput Press, and am in love with my book's beautiful cover โค๏ธโ€๐Ÿ”ฅ

The Lilliput Press@lilliputpress.bsky.social

FOUR NIGHT SEAS by Niamh Mac Cabe ๐ŸŒŠ ๐ŸŒŠ ๐ŸŒŠ ๐ŸŒŠ We are so excited to be publishing the debut collection from writer and artist @niamhmaccabe.bsky.social! Mac Cabe's stories take the ordinary - people, animals, trees - and casts them in a way that is beguiling fresh.

It's just me, waxing lyrical about flash fiction, my favourite books, and what I love in a micro, ahead of this year's #nffd micro competition. Have a read, and think about sending something our way (you have 2 weeks!) ๐Ÿ‘‡.

National Flash Fiction Day@natflashfictionday.bsky.social

The final interview in our series is with microfiction judge Emily Devane @devaneemily.bsky.social Emily talks about desert islands, her favourite book & offers advice to new flash writers: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/ne... Subs up to 100 words open till 15 Feb!

Emily Devane reposted

Replying to @thebookwyrmshoard2.bsky.social

Hi my spooky sapphic Victorian Murder Mystery is "absolute perfection" "hugely enjoyable" Can two female con artists stop an MP murdering his wife? #WomenSleuths #booksky #indieauthor

Emily Devane reposted

Still time to sign up for the January session next week - come and read some brilliant stories by @devaneemily.bsky.social with us! #BitesizedBookClub #FlashFiction #Reading

Sarah McPherson@summermoth.bsky.social

Bite-sized Book Club bookings are open for the first block of 2026 (link in next post)! The sessions are as follows, 19:15-20:30 (UK time): Thurs 15 Jan - Stories by Emily Devane Thurs 12 Feb - Happy/Positive Stories Thurs 19 Mar - Collaborations #BitesizedBookClub #FlashFiction #Reading

Absolutely! It's a good time to get those ideas on the page... We can't wait to see what you've got for us :).

National Flash Fiction Day@natflashfictionday.bsky.social

Our microfiction judges @daveswann.bsky.social @debdanthewriter.bsky.social @devaneemily.bsky.social & @joannacampbell.bsky.social are looking forward to reading your micros (up to a 100 words, no theme). Cash prizes & publication ๐Ÿ˜ŠComp closes 15 Feb: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk

Thanks to John Lavin at @thelonelycrowd.bsky.social for inviting me to share just *some* of my favourite reads from this year. I stuck to fiction, but it wasn't easy - I've read some wonderful books this year! Here are three that wouldn't let go... ๐Ÿ“š

The Lonely Crowd@thelonelycrowd.bsky.social

The third and final part of our Books of the Year special is now online, featuring choices from John Lavin @maryodonnell.bsky.social @tazrahman.bsky.social @eleanorhooker.bsky.social @devaneemily.bsky.social @glynedwards.bsky.social Jackie Gorman & Penny Simpson. thelonelycrowd.org/2025/12/14/b...

The news is out! And I'm in very good company. We can't wait to read your micro entries! Next year's #nffd competition opens soon. ๐Ÿ‘‡

National Flash Fiction Day@natflashfictionday.bsky.social

Weโ€™re thrilled to announce that the judges for our microfiction comp are: Joanna Campbell, Emily Devane, Debra A Daniel & David Swann! The comp opens on 1 Dec for micros up to 100 words. www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/co...

Emily Devane reposted

This will no doubt be brilliant. @devaneemily.bsky.social is a wonderful writer and a wonderful teacher ๐Ÿ‘‡

Emily Devane@devaneemily.bsky.social

Later today, I'll be talking specificity in this online workshop for the fine folk at Smokelong Quarterly @smokelong.bsky.social. It's not too late to join me ๐Ÿ‘‡ www.smokelong.com/product/the-...

Emily Devane reposted

For those across the Atlantic, a better value and probably more enjoyable than dinner out :)

Emily Devane@devaneemily.bsky.social

Later today, I'll be talking specificity in this online workshop for the fine folk at Smokelong Quarterly @smokelong.bsky.social. It's not too late to join me ๐Ÿ‘‡ www.smokelong.com/product/the-...

Emily Devane reposted

Last chance to sign up!

Emily Devane@devaneemily.bsky.social

Later today, I'll be talking specificity in this online workshop for the fine folk at Smokelong Quarterly @smokelong.bsky.social. It's not too late to join me ๐Ÿ‘‡ www.smokelong.com/product/the-...

Emily Devane reposted

Emily Devane reposted

VERY excited to be joining forces with lovely and brilliant writer @devaneemily.bsky.social to host a writing workshop in our beautiful home town of #Ilkley! Join us on Saturday 8 November for Write Away: a morning of practical writing advice and inspiration ๐Ÿ‘‰ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/write-away...

eventbrite.co.ukWrite Away: 3 hours of writing inspiration in IlkleyJoin writers Emily Devane and Andrea Mann for a writing workshop, with practical and inspiring prompts, tips and advice.

Emily Devane reposted