Write a cautionary fable about someone who always lies.

Posted in Adults on Oct 25, 2022

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✍️ 116 stories

“Liars Anonymous” by Jessica Bravo

Submitted to Contest #88

Pamphlets and books were strewn around with coffee and half-eaten donuts on the table, a clear indicator that the meeting had begun. Everyone shifted their weight in the creaky church chairs, ready to listen the Newcomer’s share.Christoph paused when it was his turn, taking a second to clear his throat and make eye contact with as many people as he could.“Hi, my name is Christoph.”“Hi, Christoph, welcome,” the room murmured.“Thank you," he tilted his head up as he spoke thoughtfully.“My father used to drink every night until he couldn’t walk...

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“The Red Fox” by Jenne Gentry

Submitted to Contest #88

A small red fox travels tirelessly through miles of thick forest in search of a new home. It shouldn't be more than a half-day journey before she reaches the lake that sits beside a patch of Sitka spruce trees. It's a well-known spot in the forest and is said to be a haven for animals with nowhere else to go. As the fox gets closer, her excitement starts to fade as her fears rise and taunt her. It doesn't matter where you go, no one is ever going to like you. You have nothing to offer, you just aren't good enough. The small fox hadn't ...

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“Why Would Anyone Want to Read This Story?” by Christine Hungerford

Submitted to Contest #88

A fox named Lion, and a fox named Flute. They’re distinct. The former is a princess, and the latter an educated dog. They’re both young (no older than teenagers), and have parents. But they contrast in terms of the truth. Literally. Lion, a young vixen, yearn...

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“WHEN LION LOST HIS ROAR: A CAUTIONARY TALE” by Julia Corliss

Submitted to Contest #88

The news traveled through the forest. It was time for the animals of the forest to come together and elect a new Great Leader, one who would be strong and brave and lead them wisely. There were two candidates: Lion who was known far and wide for his loud roar, blonde mane, and physical strength. His opponent was Owl who was known for her practice of working hard and her wisdom. As sometimes happens in elections, it turned out that Lion’s roar, blonde mane, and physical strength meant more to the animals than Owl’s wisdom and work ethic. So, ...

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“The Story of the Liar and the Berry Bush” by Pieter Kreyns

Submitted to Contest #88

Once upon a time, in a little town in the hills beyond the city, there lived a family. The father was a carpenter and made all the furniture for all the people that lived in the little town. He was well-liked by everybody, and almost every night he was thanked by someone whom he had helped. The mother was a seamstress and made all the dresses for all the women that lived in the little town. She too was well-liked by everybody, and almost every morning she was thanked by someone whom she had helped. The son was a student and made all the trou...

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“Lie with Me” by Martin Buckell

Submitted to Contest #88

Kern’s shoes were caked in mud. He removed them and dropped them by the door and fumbled his key into the lock. He stepped inside. The house was silent. All the lights were out. He tiptoed to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water. The kitchen clock said two am. Swaying, he stripped down to his underwear and crept upstairs. The door to the bedroom was left ajar. Something his wife did when she knew he’d be home late. He slipped into the room and slid between the covers while his wife lay sleeping in the fetal position. She stirred. ...

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“The Truth Seeking Snake and The Deceiving Hare ” by Pamela Kalidasan

Submitted to Contest #88

We don't know if any animal can speak or clearly communicate with each other, but one thing I know is that fables can bring our community together. At times, fables don't necessarily have to be all animals, but what's more fun than that and for this story it won't be any different from others. On a cotton field, below in the burrowing dry dirt, lived a large family of hares. And one hare in particular stood out from the crowd. Hares are known to be scared of the outside world, especially of humans, but this hare, was fearless. This hare no...

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“Lying In His Grave” by Michael Goodwin

Submitted to Contest #88

Lying In His Grave Michael Goodwin Phinneas Armstrong was a liar. Phinneas Armstrong was not even his name, truth be told. He had decided one day that his given name lacked the flair to which he was entitled. He therefore concocted a drawn out, contrived tale about winning the name in a card game in a faraway land. The townsfolk naturally believed him, for who would lie about their name? Phinneas Armstrong would, for Phinneas Armstrong was a liar. A liar not simply in demeanor nor action, Phinneas was a liar in ...

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“Liar” by Bekah W

Submitted to Contest #88

I’ve always lied to myself. Then again, doesn’t everyone at some point? Whether it be about their looks, maybe their ability to hold down a drink, anything. People lie about the smallest things. So why is my lie so big? “I’m fine.” My mother, who I refuse to refer to with a more endearing name, bore her gaze into the top of my head. Looking down made it easier to speak. “Are you sure, honey? You’ve just been so snappy lately, I just wanna make sure.” Hearing those words, out of her mouth, brought tears to my eyes. “I’m sure. Just stressed fr...

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“Letter to Myself ” by Tania .

Submitted to Contest #88

Trust me, trust us, you say every time, sugar sweet and sleepy. Everything will be fine—have you ever known me to lie to you? Have you ever known me to spread untruth? You say, I have never led you astray. And then you smile, showing your teeth, and you laugh, showing your tongue, and your words curl up around my neck like a centipede scarf, some warm, limp, many-legged thing, and I think, every time, oh very well, and it marks the beginning of my surrender. I have come to see you as a curse of sorts. Did you know? Despite the human ...

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“Brigetta and Winston” by P Thrall

Submitted to Contest #88

Reedsy Contest #237: Fairy Tale Truths 1. Write a cautionary fable about someone who always lies. Brigetta and Winston Brigetta stretched out long in the fresh straw as she raked in the delicious fragrances of their new environment, her pale whiskers quivering gently as the rooster crowed. Her feet and legs still ached from the long trek from Portland, but her paws were clean and she was dry. She felt sa...

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Write a cautionary fable about someone who always lies.

Submissions are closed

✍️ 116 stories

“Liars Anonymous” by Jessica Bravo

“The Red Fox” by Jenne Gentry

“Why Would Anyone Want to Read This Story?” by Christine Hungerford

“WHEN LION LOST HIS ROAR: A CAUTIONARY TALE” by Julia Corliss

“The Story of the Liar and the Berry Bush” by Pieter Kreyns

“Lie with Me” by Martin Buckell

“The Truth Seeking Snake and The Deceiving Hare ” by Pamela Kalidasan

“Lying In His Grave” by Michael Goodwin

“Liar” by Bekah W

“Letter to Myself ” by Tania .

“Brigetta and Winston” by P Thrall

🌟 Similar prompts

Write a story about an ordinary person speaking truth to power.

Write about a prince or princess who is asked to give up something valuable as part of a deal to escape the world they come from.

Write a fairy tale about an outsider trying to fit in.

Write about an author famous for their fairy tale retellings.

Contest #88

Enter our weekly contest!

$50

Prize money

622

Contest entries

0

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

Explore more writing prompt ideas: