The Chopping Blog

"Each day at four the room is sticky with marmalade light. Light that goes on bleeding and wringing its hands and finally disappears without having touched anyone."

"The angels with a billion names, moving in a line up the street, did not mind the drizzle in Valladolid, Mexico."

"Something is bothering Grandfather."

Yes, it's true. We're taking a break from hosting contests.

"I was a medical student when I lost my ability to fall asleep."

"But staying focused while being so close to Oliver—with his smouldering glances and surprising sparks of tenderness—is harder than Scarlett thought."

"Crossing The Wilds on a bicycle with her baby in tow, Ina battles tornados, wild ostriches, and kidnappers."

"Caterina is pretty sure she can outrun the Fioretti boys, but she isn’t sure if she can outrun their father."

"Silent, silvery fields and dark clutches of tightly packed trees whip past the windows as I drive; the long branches of ancient oaks hang in the space above the road, obscuring the darkening sky. I shiver. I’d hate to break down out here."

"The rain may have stopped, but the water will continue to rise."

This year about 160 entries landed in our inbox. It's always a pleasure to read snippets from so many stories brimming with potential.

"Ajax and Athena Frost haven’t had the most normal childhood."