Menu

Prompts

Contests

Stories

Blog

Menu

✕

CONNECT

Editing Design Marketing Publicity Ghostwriting Websites

BLOG

Success Stories

APPS

TOOLS

Book Promotion Sites Book Review Blogs Booktube Channel Guide Book Title Generator Character Name Generator Independent Publishers Literary Agents Literary Magazines Pen Name Generator Plot Generator Publishers Directory Short Story Ideas Writing Contests Writing Exercises Writing Scholarships

ABOUT

About Reedsy Terms Privacy

CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#128: Tea Time

Did you know that January is National Hot Tea Month? Tea is a wonderfully diverse beverage that’s enjoyed in many different ways all over the world. It can be a soothing drink, a social drink, and has even sparked conflicts (think the Boston Tea Party, or the First Opium War).

Inspired by the history and cultural significance of this beverage, here are the prompts for this week’s contest:

This week's prompts

Start your story with someone making a cup of tea — either for themself or for someone else.

Fluff – 171 stories

Set your story in a tea house.

Spring – 36 stories

Write a story about a tea party that your character is reluctant to go to.

Summer – 44 stories

Write about a character who’s dying to “spill the tea” (gossip) about something.

Fluff – 21 stories

Write a story about a conflict that breaks out over something ordinary (like tea, perhaps).

High School – 26 stories

Stories

“The Tea Room” by Charlotte Lewis

Submitted to Contest #128

The Tea Room It's been well over forty-five years since Leota and I went to Neiman-Marcus the first time. As I think back on it, that visit may have been the glue that kept our friendship so strong. We met in church though neither of us were very religious. She said it was a social outlet; I said I was there for the music. Whatever it was, we met at church. Both of us had just come through an uncomfortable divorce. Not mean or anything, just awkward. It's hard in your mid-thirties to admit you married the wrong man. About once a month, we ...

Read story

“Russian Tea House Roulette” by Mark Nero

Submitted to Contest #128

Tea… I don’t like tea. I’m an espresso, macchiato type of guy so why am I in a Russian Tea room at the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney?! My contact who selected the time and place, must be some well to do sort of guy. As opposed to me, who came from the other side of the tracks but since I was there, I ordered myself some tea, otherwise I’d look like a tool. Even I’m not ‘that’ uncouth! A few hours earlier, I was at a strip join in Kings Cross, having a drink and a lap dance when my boss called me. He very rarely called me directly...

Read story

“Tea: A Unifying Force” by Michaela Dennean

Submitted to Contest #128

The doorbell chimed, announcing yet another customer. It seemed like everyone from the the island of Manhattan had come to Just a Cuppa to get a hot drink on that cold January day. “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift flooded the tea shop, setting a cozy mood. Fragrant blooms overflowed old tea cups used as vases set on each table. A sweet aroma filled the room, a mix of spicy chai tea and the famous Just a Cuppa lemon olive oil cake. Meredith Porter-Benoit balanced four tea cups and saucers, two dessert tiers, and a china tea po...

Read story

“Tea and Tarry” by Rhiannon Roberts

Submitted to Contest #128

You're invited! to Tea and Tarry From 3PM to 10PM We look forward to seeing you there! M&H Why is there always a certain amount of dread and excitement attached to social outings? instantly doubt going since you might not feel like it on the day and future casting can be a serious thing, to almost craving the company of new acquaintances and friends, wanting to know what kind of interesting is there to encounter. The fascination too much so eventually, on the very day, an hour before it starts, you do. However, this event held more ang...

Read story

“Elizabeth and Rebecca Go to a Party” by C.B. Oates

Submitted to Contest #128

Boston, MA December 15th, 1773“So, Elizabeth, are you going to the Boston Tea Party tomorrow evening?” The two young ladies took a break from their board games by the fireside to discuss the matter.“My goodness, Rebecca, I haven’t the slightest.”“Neither have I, and I have yet to gather the details. The town crier’s rumor segment was quite choppy today. Do you not concur? I think he has consumption.”“Agreed, I could barely hear him over all of that nasty coughing. I did catch that the Sons of Liberty organized the tea party- whoever they are...

Read story

“An Unwanted Tea Party” by John Steckley

Submitted to Contest #128

I don’t know why my mother thinks that she should arrange my social life for me. I am a responsible adult after all. I have a good job, that pays well enough for me to have a nice apartment where I can live by myself and not with her. And I am thirty years old. Yet, she still thinks she should make social arrangements for me. A tea party of all things! She wants me to go to a tea party. Although my name is Alice, I don’t fancy drinking tea with some old queens, not unless I can be the one to say, “Off with their...

Read story

“Tea with Tracy” by Scott Huntley

Submitted to Contest #128

WARNING - Contains violence, mature themes and language.“Great work today, Brad. See you on Monday.” Stavros said, as he sped out of his office door and whizzed right past me.“Thank you Stavros, you too!” I called out after him. Stavros waved his hand without looking back and walked out of the studio. We landed two new design contracts and completed another project to the client’s satisfaction. Stavros Christou Designs was a beautifully decorated office space located in a converted townhouse, and the showpiece for our interior design clients...

Read story

“Her Burden ” by Lauren Schwartzbach

Submitted to Contest #128

Cheryl had invited me to her house for a sleepover. I was looking forward to going. I had purchased new pajamas for the occasion. The only problem was that I had lied to my mother. Cheryl's parents were not going to be home. She somehow just assumed that they would be, and I didn't correct her. The little voice in my head said that I was making a mistake, but I told that little voice to shut up. What could possibly go wrong? Two twelve year old girls and a teen aged brother in charge? From the time I arrived at Cheryl's house it was clear t...

Read story

“Telephone” by A Brummel

Submitted to Contest #128

Women have the power to lift the spirits and confidences of other women like no other. I don’t have to tell you that some women know how to destroy another women’s spirit and reputation like no other as well. One woman can whisper the tiniest spark of chatter into another’s ear only to ignite it into a giant flame that becomes a wildfire without hope of containment in just a matter of minutes. Sometimes these women can burn down a building with insults and half-truths during just one elementary school basketball game. The chat...

Read story

“Brewing” by Vie L'cast

Submitted to Contest #128

The white in the room was overwhelming. Marion Miller had lived through eight decades affording her time to get acquainted with a variety of styles. The last two years had found her experimenting with a new monochromatic trend that had resulted in a shapeless room with shadows so sharp they overpowered the lighting. Elizabeth hated entering that room. The rest of the house had also fallen victim to the trend but could at least boast of more vibrant hues. The parlor was pink, the kitchen yellow, and even Elizabeth had participated in inundati...

Read story

“A mightea revenge” by Laura Tensen

Submitted to Contest #128

Did you know that lemon balm tea is good for you, and that strawberry yogi sips are bad for you? I know, because my lovely friends point it out to me all the time. Because of them I also know that even though Kusmi tea tastes like burned plastic, it’s full of probiotics and therefore very healthy. Bean pasta, also very healthy, definitely worth skipping a pizza for. Turmeric coffee, chia seeds and sumac soup, all very nutritious I’ve been told. My friends can hardly remember their life before wheatgrass tea and almond milk it seems. But are ...

Read story

“Charlie O'Brien, Pet Detective ” by Professor Alan Dale Dickinson

Submitted to Contest #128

CHARLIE O’BRIEN, PET DETECTIVE By Professor Alan Dale Dickinson [Copyrighted] You have heard of Superman, Superwoman, Batman, the Equalizer, the Bionic-man and bionic-woman, and Supergirl. And you also, you have heard of Captain Marvel, Busy the Super Rabbit, Aqua-man, Spiderman, Supergirl, X-man, Spider-girl, the Green Lantern, Incredible Hulk, amongst many other super ignited individuals, right? But, have you heard about Charlie O’Brien, Super Detective? What he, and they all the rest of these superheroes, have in common, is that they a...

Read story

“Churchill Blue Tea Set” by Marty B

Submitted to Contest #128

“ Anne, I am going to be late.” John says, “it is a longer bus ride for me from this new house.” He looks up, his warm brown eyes meet Anne’s .“How are you feeling? You should stay off your feet,” He says softly. Anne rubs her growing belly and smiles. “At least have an egg with your tea.” Anne nudges a soft boiled egg in front of John while she pours a cup from the white teapot with the pictures of birds and houses and boats in blue. “ I can drink the tea, at least,” Anne says as she...

Read story

“Violin and Oboe ” by Grace R

Submitted to Contest #128

“A toast for us, the dreamers.” William stood to his feet, and Annalise watched his every movement. He rose the same way as he always did, slowly, as if he knew he could take his time, that he could take a century to move, and eyes would still be peeled on him. He smiled his vulpine smile, and everybody at the dinner began to raise their glasses, the sparkling liquid sloshing from side to side in each glass. “For the dreamers.” Annalise did not raise her glass, but nobody had noticed. She had been fiddling with a napkin since ...

Read story

“Clari-Tea” by S. R. Griffet

Submitted to Contest #128

The steam hit my face as I took a sip from my cup. My grandmother smiled at me sweetly. I looked down into my oolong tea and saw it again. The same thing I saw every time I drank oolong tea. If you didn't know, oolong tea has mental alertness benefits, or that's what my grandma always told me as a child. She wasn't wrong. Only, I don't think she thought I'd see a premonition when I drank the tea. I never told anyone what had happened. I was scared someone was going to throw me into a mental hospital or experiment on me in an illegal governme...

Read story

Load more stories

$250

Prize money

298

Contest entries

160

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Jan 14, 2022 EST

Won by Jay Wayne 🏆

Title: my fellow passerine

Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.

Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!

Explore more writing prompt ideas:

Adults Writing Prompts ⭢

Adventure Writing Prompts ⭢

Angst Writing Prompts ⭢

Character Writing Prompts ⭢

Christmas Writing Prompts ⭢

Dark Writing Prompts ⭢

Dialogue Writing Prompts ⭢

Dramatic Writing Prompts ⭢

Dystopian Writing Prompts ⭢

Fall Writing Prompts ⭢

Fantasy Writing Prompts ⭢

Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Fluff Writing Prompts ⭢

Funny Writing Prompts ⭢

Halloween Writing Prompts ⭢

High School Writing Prompts ⭢

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Holiday Writing Prompts ⭢

Horror Writing Prompts ⭢

Kids Writing Prompts ⭢

Middle School Writing Prompts ⭢

Mystery Writing Prompts ⭢

Narrative Writing Prompts ⭢

Nonfiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Novel Writing Prompts ⭢

Poetry Writing Prompts ⭢

Romance Writing Prompts ⭢

Sad Writing Prompts ⭢

Science Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Short Story Writing Prompts ⭢

Spring Writing Prompts ⭢

Summer Writing Prompts ⭢

Teens Writing Prompts ⭢

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts ⭢

Thriller and Suspense Writing Prompts ⭢

Valentine's Day Writing Prompts ⭢

Vampire Writing Prompts ⭢

Winter Writing Prompts ⭢