Chalk Circle

Chalk Circle Writers

A group of Sussex-based writers, including listed and prize-winning authors,

who meet regularly to share individual work and to collaborate on joint writing projects.

STRATA 3 - Shifting Tides

A third anthology of short stories, with cover design and illustration by John Vernon Lord, is published in November 2025

Launch Event (by invitation) : 20th November, John Harvey Tavern, Bear Yard, Cliffe High Street, Lewes BN7 2AN

STRATA 2 - Shadows on the Path

A second anthology of short stories, illustrated by John Vernon Lord, was published in October 2021.

STRATA 1- Slices through the human landscape

A first anthology of short stories, illustrated by John Vernon Lord and Tashi Reeve, was published in November 2018.

Chalk Circle Short Story Competition 2020, judged by Vanessa Gebbie, was won by Tom Watling.

News

From sinister tales to comic anecdotes. . .

Why will Max’s widow grieve forever?

What deadly secret does the Spinster’s blanket hold?

Who can save the Reverend Oliver Bathhurst?

. . .these are stories of brave new beginnings, transformation and discovery.

Shadows on the Path, the second illustrated anthology of short stories by Chalk Circle Writers, was launched on 16th October 2021. In part, a response to the inspiring artwork of John Vernon Lord - eminent V&A Illustrator of the Year 2018 - Shadows on the Path is a compelling collection of stories from a diverse range of writersreflecting the diverse interests of our group, and also features ‘Always Something to Do on a Saturday’ by young London writer, Tom Watling, first prize-winner in the Chalk Circle Short Story Competition 2020.

For a sneak preview, short extracts from eight of the stories are free to read here.