Cover Reveal for NFFD anthology 2026

Mudlarking National Flash FIction Day Anthology 2026

As well as helping to judge the Microfiction Competition for National Flash Fiction Day 2026, I was offered the very exciting additional privilege of creating the artwork for the anthology’s cover.

The title of the anthology originates from Mudlarking Under Richmond Bridge During the Annual Draw Off, a stunningly beautiful flash fiction written by Rachael Dunlop.

I was not only struck by the elegant description in Rachael's story, but also found it deeply moving.

I had intended to paint in an abstract way, picking out some of the gorgeous detail, such as the garnets and Egyptian goose. However, I chose instead to illustrate Mudlarking in a more traditional style and pay homage to the stunning bridge and one of the characters searching for treasures, in order to bring my emotional engagement into the picture.

I'm very grateful to NFFD for giving me the position of artist-in-residence and also for including one of my own stories in the anthology as well.

Mudlarking launched on June 13th 2026 and you can preorder from NFFD .