#166: Game, set, match
Lately, my sporting news feed has been taken over by the retirement of two legendary tennis players — Serena Williams and Roger Federer. Whenever sports stars end their careers, it leaves me wondering what it must feel like to start something new after dedicating so much time and effort into performing at top level.
Of course, retiring, quitting, or changing careers are life-changing events whether you’re a professional athlete or not, and the prompts this week are inspired by the bevy of emotions this can bring to the surface — from trepidation to excitement, to regret or even nostalgia.
🥇 Winner
“Letting go” by Rebecca Miles
🏆 Winner of Contest #166
⭐️ Shortlisted
“Pants are Optional” by Aeris Walker
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #166
“The Natural” by Thom With An H
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #166
“Surgery” by Lindsay Flo
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #166
“The Carrier” by Courtney Renee
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #166
“Fall Guy” by Donavan Barrier
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #166
“The Lamplighter” by Ann Martin
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #166
This week's prompts
Start your story with someone saying “I quit!”
Adults – 55 stories
Write about a rivalry between two coworkers that has unforeseen consequences.
Adults – 26 stories
Set your story at a retirement or leaving party.
Adults – 19 stories
Stories
“Letting go” by Rebecca Miles
🏆 Winner of Contest #166
“Not In It For The Money” by Stevie B
Submitted to Contest #166
“Pants are Optional” by Aeris Walker
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #166
“The Natural” by Thom With An H
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #166
“The Wink of a Lifetime” by Melony Beard
Submitted to Contest #166
“The Redundant Crusade” by Michał Przywara
Submitted to Contest #166
“Surgery” by Lindsay Flo
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #166
“Stiff Competition” by Scott Christenson
Submitted to Contest #166
“Master of the Drops” by Story Time
Submitted to Contest #166
“The Halloween Desk” by Annalisa D.
Submitted to Contest #166
“Merl and the Mothman” by Graham Kinross
Submitted to Contest #166
“Click” by Chris Campbell
Submitted to Contest #166
“The Big Shutdown” by Francois K
Submitted to Contest #166
“Dreaming of Morris” by Mike Panasitti
Submitted to Contest #166
$250
Prize money
181
Contest entries
75
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Oct 07, 2022 EST
Won by Rebecca Miles 🏆
Title: Letting go
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!