Michael J Fleming
Michael writes poetry, lyrics and prose. He has written over one hundred songs, scores of short stories and is working on his fifth novel. He has a Masters’ degree in Creative Writing from the University of Kingston. His short stories have won many prizes including the literary festivals of Chelmsford (winner), Write Across Sussex (winner), Charleston (runner up) and Steyning (runner up). He has been shortlisted in a host of other competitions including those run by Exeter Writers, Writers and Artists and Nottingham Writers.
Michael’s novels have also found competition success, with his Third Place Prize in the prestigious Stockholm Writers Festival being a high point. He has been shortlisted in the Marlowe and Christie First Novel Award and longlisted in the internationally renowned Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award. Whilst he self-published his short story collection – The Fish On My Ear – he’s aiming to have one of his novels picked up by a traditional publisher.
For more information please visit https://michaeljfleming.co.uk
The Fish on My Ear and Other Stories
The Fish On My Ear and Other Stories comprises six tales of characters large and small, astute and foolish, pitched into situations few of us would choose. As in "Augustus, Hadrian and Me", where death has just visited and those remaining find, like a defensive wall, they must regroup. As in "A Civil Affair", where a fatal accident from the past haunts the characters, controlling their moods and shaping their lives, long after the event. Or as in "Benchmarks", where death is a frequent visitor but solace can be found in celebration. And of course, as in "The Fish On My Ear", where death arrives when least expected. Including "Benchmarks" winner of the 2012 Chelmsford Festival Short Story Prize and "Window Gazing" which earned the runners-up prize at the 2012 Charleston Short Story Festival.