G. B. Ralph author header text with festive elf hat.

Short Fiction

A selection of my flash fiction, Rise and Shine short stories, and anthologies.

Flash fiction
(1–5 minute reads)

These are quick, bite-sized reads, designed to enjoy while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil or for the bus to arrive – only a few pages each max. All free!

Tea and Biscuits by G. B. Ralph short story cover image
Picking Up the Groceries by G. B. Ralph story cover image
My New Routine by G. B. Ralph short story cover image
The Office Affair by G. B. Ralph short story cover image
Are You Still Watching? by G. B. Ralph story cover image
Chicken Nuggets by G. B. Ralph short story cover image

Rise and Shine short stories
(20–40 minute reads)

These short stories are set before, between, and after the main books in the Rise and Shine series. They can each be read in around 30 minutes and are exclusively available on my author mailing list:

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Squat Lifts and Smashed Avocado (A Rise and Shine Story) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and description. A gay romcom short story. Inspirational arms, clumsy encounters, and a secret that’s gagging to get out… Arthur’s at the gym with mates, then they’re out for brunch – a typical catch up. The thing is, he hasn’t told them he’s gay. After all, Arthur thought he was more comfortable in the closet… But with events conspiring against him, it’s getting increasingly awkward in there… See what the boys get up to in this prequel short story, kicking off Arthur’s tale just a few hours before the start of Duck and Dive, the first book in the Rise and Shine series. The brunching hour approaches… Read time: 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Decisions and Empty Stomachs (A Rise and Shine Story) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and description. A gay romcom short story. Working with Dad then lunching with Mum, all while a letter burns a hole in his pocket… Gabriel’s at work, an after-school job he never dreamed he’d still be doing a decade later. And he’s still single too, something not likely to change while living in his small hometown. Despite all that, he’s comfortable and content – at least he thinks he is. Then he receives a letter that changes everything. It might just kickstart a career and a life he’s always dreamed of, or stop it dead in its tracks. Will he get the choice? And if he does, will he go for it? Surrounded by family, this short story is a snapshot checking in with Gabriel a few months before the start of Slip and Slide, and is another great entry point for the Rise and Shine series. Read time: 20 to 30 minutes.
Alarming Art and Tepid Wine (A Rise and Shine Story) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and description. A gay romcom short story. Arthur and Gabriel are officially boyfriends, and it’s Valentine’s Day – what are two guys to do? Arthur has a few ideas, unfortunately those will have to wait until after their dinner date. Oh, and after the amateur art exhibition they’ve promised to attend. It’s not how either of them would’ve chosen to spend the evening, but at least they’ll endure it together. All the while, Arthur’s flip-flopping between warm fuzzies and thirsty anticipation. He knows he’d rather be having Gabriel, but for now he’ll have to make do with the complimentary room-temperature white wine. Still, with their tendency to attract melodrama, will the boys even make it to dinner? Set out with Arthur and Gabriel on their date night to get a taste of the Rise and Shine series in this short story set between the events of Slip and Slide and Over and Out. Read time: 20 to 30 minutes.
Cold Cuts and Christmas Cocktails (A Rise and Shine Story) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and description. A gay romcom short story. Will the welcome be as frosty as the weather, or will Gabriel’s new in-laws greet him with open arms? He’s barely had the chance to consider his odds as he’s too focused on braving his boyfriend’s driving. Arthur’s behind the wheel, and he’s rather distracted. He can’t decide whether he’s more nervous about his boyfriend meeting his parents, or his parents meeting his boyfriend. With so much riding on this dinner, and so many ways it could end in disaster… Will Arthur and Gabriel survive Christmas in suburbia? This short story is the final instalment in the Rise and Shine series, set at Christmas after the events of Over and Out. Find out if the boys will have a wonderful evening surrounded by family, or a trying time behind enemy lines – it really could go either way. Read time: 30 to 40 minutes.

Anthologies

The Law of Consequences. Fantasy anthology. Book cover image.
The Law of Mischief. A fantastical anthology. Book cover image.