Author: Stephen Moran

I was born in Dublin and made my way to London on a bike in my mid-twenties. It’s where I can still be found though ever further out, most recently as far as Harrow. I no longer own a bicycle.

Story of the Month, October 2021

We're back with all new stories. Here's something to think about because, you know, nothing at all is happening in the world these days, is it? Read the whole story before you make up your mind about this one. It might not be just what you think. (Ed.)

The Willesden Herald Story of the Month

October 2021: How They Do by Jack R. Johnson

“Al Nash kept the dark secret of his hair loss hidden under his favorite blue
canvas Navy cap, and pulled it even lower as he told his son, Troy Nash, about
Robert E. Lee …”

Jack R. Johnson

Jack R. Johnson is a monthly columnist for North of the James Magazine in Richmond, Virginia; an editor of The Alliance for Progressive Virginia blog and a contributor to Style Magazine. His published works include short stories, articles and the novel, An Animal’s Guide to Earthly Salvation. His latest novel, In Black and White, is scheduled to be published by Propertius Press in 2022.

Call for Submissions – Short Stories

Story of the Month is back as an occasional feature.

I look forward to reading those new short stories that are out there somewhere, running around, gambolling and frisking but also lazily drowsing, hysterical or … actually this could be quite a long list, so let’s just say send your best. (Steve)

Photo: Editor in Gladstone Park, attended by atomies, 2009

Leave Society – a new novel by Tao Lin

1. New York Times article. 2. Penguin Leave Society by Tao Lin. 3. About Willesden Herald Stories

Tokyo – a novel by Nicholas Hogg

Nicholas Hogg’s short story Paradise was included in the first Willesden Herald New Short Stories anthology. He has gone on to great things. Visit NicholasHogg.com.

Johnny Boy – a novel by John Califano

Amazon Author Profile

JOHNNY CARUSO IS BORN into the urban turmoil of 1950s and ’60s working-class Brooklyn. Wedged between the limited worldview of his parents—alcoholic and abusive Bellisario and browbeaten, unstable Maria—and his liberal-minded older brother and sister, young Johnny struggles to navigate his childhood and adolescence.

Verve House Books

Thank you to John Califano for including Willesden Herald New Short Stories in the Acknowledgments for Johnny Boy. His story Independence Day was our Story of the Month, August 2018.

Want to buy from proper bookshops?

Short Stories: Listings of Willesden Herald books from websites that support local bookshops
Poetry: Last Night’s Dream Corrected (2006)
Poetry: Southernmost Point Guest House (2014)
Books by Yours Truly
  • The London Silence by Stephen Moran from Bookshop.co.uk
  • The London Silence by Stephen Moran from Hive.co.uk
  • Day of the Flying Leaves by Stephen Moran is seeking a distributor.
To browse all our back issues, click Anthologies. Maybe buy one or two? Go wild.

* All Covers by Stratos Fountoulis

Story of the Month, December 2020

We're back to sharing favourite stories. How could anyone not love a story that contains the line "I was a cactus."(?) And don't tell me it's not December, months last for years now! Ed.

The Willesden Herald Story of the Month

December 2020: Christmas Present by Lynsey Rose

Lynsey Rose

“I wrote this a few years ago, when we were asked to write a story with the theme of Christmas for my writing group. Of course, Christmas is a crappy theme so you have to go the full ‘Carrie’ with it. Happy Christmas!“

Lynsey Rose is the author of the novel First Aid Kit Girl, described as “girl meets razorblade meets boy…”

Vote for Writing.ie Short Story of the Year 2020

Read all the stories and vote for your favourite. The list includes “The Emperor of Russia” by Jaki McCarrick, nominated by us from our New Short Stories 11, so yes we are a bit prejudiced! (Ed.)