Publications
Enjoy getting to know more about Carolyn and her writing
Mummy's Special Juice
Odyssey Victoria Short Story Competition 2024 Highly Commended
‘Please,’ is all he says, as he directs me to the armchair opposite his with an outstretched hand.
I look him over as I lower my active wear encased bottom into the chair. He’s wearing tan chinos with a blue polo shirt. There’s a stain on the front of his top, just above what once would have been his waistline, but it has disappeared within the folds of his middle age spread.
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42 Stories Anthology
Published October 2024 - Siblings Chapter
Behind every word in 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42², or Project 42², was time, devotion, and passion. It is a book of 1,764 micro stories of exactly 42 words, circulated through 42 genres with titles of exactly 42 characters.
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Furious Fiction: September 2024 Long List
Beige Beginnings
Australian Writers' Centre Furious Fiction Long List September 2024
‘Remind me again why we’re doing this?’ Thirty-three-year-old Skate asks their partner of six years as they peer through the glass panel of the community room door. The room’s stark contrast to their expectations is disappointing but Skate has never been one to back down from a challenge.
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The Last Song
Australian Writers' Centre Furious Fiction Long List August 2024
I will myself to remain cocooned within my inky black dreamscape, if only for one more rotation. But the sounds of the dawning of a new day, where there are no days, scratch at my consciousness and break the silence of the night.
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Furious Fiction: August 2024 Long List
No Time to Grieve
Published by women's media company, Mamamia, August 2024.
My mother died on June 13.
I am yet to grieve her.​
​Not because I didn't love her. I did. Very much.​
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Bold as Gold
Australian Writers' Centre Furious Fiction Showcase July 2024
I give myself a mental slap for agreeing to compete in the anchor event. If I’d known the day’s competition would all come down to the final race, I would never’ve put myself in this position.
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Buried Within
Long listed in the 2024 Stringybark Short Story Competition
Just start, they told me.
Somewhere.
Anywhere.
Don’t think. Write.
Add words to a page. One word at a time.
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The Sound of Silence
Won second place in the 2024 Mulga Bill Writing Awards
Dark bulky clouds, ladened with rain, cause shadows to dance across the rockpool’s surface, as strong southerly winds push them inland. Seagulls circle and screech, angered by the lack of beach goers.
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Yellow Daisies
Published by Mansfield Readers and Writers March 2023
The rhythmic sound of the foam roller, gliding paint onto bare walls, helps to settle Daniel’s prickly mood and allows the music, playing through his portable speaker, to reach deeper into his soul and smooth his rough edges. Today is no different to any other work day.
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Novel Begining
Published by Southern Peninsula News June 2023
I was recently awarded a three-week artist residency and was gifted both space - a cottage by the sea in Portsea, thank you very much – and time away from my paid gig and my family ...
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Dancing Queen
Won Highly Commended in the Odyssey House Victoria 2023 Short Story Competition
Jamie was happy living in London. A young professional with cash to spare, she had a wide circle of friends with regular invites to fabulous parties, full of good humour, potent cocktails, and dancing, there was always dancing.
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Motherhood
Published by women's media company, Mamamia, October 2022
In my twenties I was told I would never have children.
And I did not care.
If I am honest, truly honest, I was relieved.
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Summer Love
Published by Peninsula Writers' Club February 2021
Charlie allows the book she is reading to fall into her lap. She attempts to settle her nerves as she enjoys the feeling of her pod chair, swaying in the warm, early evening breeze.
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Summer Job
Published by Peninsula Writers' Club March 2021
'I can’t believe you got a job.’ Jamilla moans, as she swipes through her socials whilst lounging on Lizzie’s bed. ‘You’re gonna miss most of summer.’
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Summer Holiday
Published by Peninsula Writers' Club April 2021
‘Seriously, Scott. You’re acting as though I’m asking you to go to Mars for a month. It’s the bloody Mornington Peninsula. The playground of Melbourne’s rich and famous, café’s on every corner, beautiful beaches, wineries and breweries.
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Summer's End
Published by Peninsula Writers' Club April 2021
Despite feeling the February sun's rays burning the back of her neck, making Shani wish she'd taken the time to apply sunscreen all the way round, she gently tucks a woollen blanket across her father's legs before closing the door.
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