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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#159: Money, Money, Money

Like it or not, money makes the world go round. And while it (supposedly) can’t buy happiness, it can certainly change your life — for better or worse. This week’s prompts have money on the mind; whether your characters are winning big, or down to their last dollar, it’s time to start counting your cash.

This week's prompts

Start your story with a character accepting a bribe.

Adults – 48 stories

Set your story in a world where the currency isn’t money — or at least not money as we understand it.

Fantasy – 62 stories

Write about somebody down on their luck who unexpectedly comes into a large amount of money.

Teens – 49 stories

Your character checks their balance at an ATM and is surprised by the number they see.

Adults – 32 stories

Write about a character who’s never encountered a problem they couldn’t buy their way out of — until they do.

Angst – 25 stories

Stories

“A Little Giving” by Amy Ingram

Submitted to Contest #159

Rose was tremendously excited about the money. This month the rent and utilities would drain everything that was left in her meagre savings account, and then what? She was tired of her strict budget. Her pension covered less of her living expenses every year, and now her savings had run out. Until the phone call. She couldn’t believe her luck.‘Good morning, this is Deepak Sharma from Worldwide Charities. How are you today? Am I speaking to Mrs Rose Phillipson?’‘Ye-es,’ said Rose, suspicious. Someone asking for money. What would it be this ti...

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“One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure” by Michael Danyluk

Submitted to Contest #159

“Nope, you're not allowed in here. I'm not serving you.” “What? Why?” “Because you didn't pay last time.” “Yes I did. What are you talking about?” “You left without paying.” “I didn't have my wallet. I came back a few days later and paid the owner.” “I don't care, I'm not serving you.” Whatever,” I say, as I turn about and leave. Stupid bitch. I paid: just not the night she was serving me. I didn't have money at the time, so I lied and told her I forgot my wallet and would be right back. I had to wait a few days for the welfare check to c...

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“ATM F/X” by Herbert Perez

Submitted to Contest #159

The waterfall of tears from the sky fall to match my tears as thoughts of my ex-boyfriend appear as I run past by our favorite spot to eat as we chilled out playing board games by the boat basin overlooking the Hudson River. The pounding of the raindrops on my back starts to pick up even more so I decide to cut my run at five miles and head out. As I run up the hill making my way out of the park a biker comes riding down past me yelling, “Wow this is some rainstorm, isn’t it?” “I yell back. “Yeah, it is for sure and props to you for riding i...

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“The Real Win” by Denise Gibson

Submitted to Contest #159

The Real Win This is a story about a woman named Lisette Freeman, and her big win in life. You see, Lisette came from a small town in Georgia, is was so small that where everyone knew one another, they went to the same schools, worshiped together, and most of the worked together at the chicken or candy factory which was considered good jobs for the people in that small town in Georgia. Over the years as Lisette was growing up, Lisette always said that when she graduated High School, she wants to go to college in the windy city known a...

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“The Time He Couldn't Buy” by Miller Davis

Submitted to Contest #159

When Carter was 17 he totaled his best friend's car. It was the car that his friend, Will, had worked hard for. Three years Will spent saving his money and dreaming about this car. It was worth it, too. The car was cherry red with black rims. The screen inside was huge. It was like a laptop was propped up on his dash. Will was obsessed with the car, which Carter found obnoxious. It wasn't like Carter understood, though. He had never had to work for the things that he got. Will's parents wanted to go away for the weekend to have a family bo...

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“Armor” by Pavittra K

Submitted to Contest #159

Another bad review. This is my fourth one in the last two months. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. Either I get the world’s worst clients, or I am just a terrible fitness coach. I became a coach because somebody told me there was good money here. Three years since I still haven’t found the goodness. Being the sole earning member of my family, my mother and sisters fully rely on my paycheck, which I’m certain is going to shrink significantly after Google lowers my rank. It’s 1 a.m. and I’m sprawled on the couch, flipping channels ...

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$250

Prize money

216

Contest entries

88

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Aug 19, 2022 EST

Won by Daniel Allen 🏆

Title: Blood and Cookies

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!

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