#136: The Old College Try
Though its origins are debated, it looks likely that the phrase “the old college try” was first used in baseball. According to Babe Ruth, to “give something the old college try” is to keep going, even when the odds are stacked against you — like chasing a flyball out into foul territory, just in case you somehow make the impossible catch.
There’s a lot to be said for those who keep trying despite knowing that their chances are slim. This week’s prompts take a closer look at those determined (or perhaps foolhardy) folk among us. After all, as the saying goes, God loves a trier.
🥇 Winner
“⭐️ Shortlisted
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“This week's prompts
Start or end your story with someone saying “You’ll never know unless you try.”
Dialogue
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58 stories
Write about a character giving something one last shot.
Narrative
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51 stories
Set your story on a baseball field.
Middle School
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40 stories
Write a story where hard work doesn’t pay off.
Angst
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29 stories
Stories
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“Coffee” by Amanda Lieser
“On the Mound” by Kevin B
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“$250
Prize money
210
Contest entries
102
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Mar 11, 2022 EST
Won by Howard Halsall 🏆
Title: Cigarettes: A Romance
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!
