#17: All the Fixin's
Next weekend is Thanksgiving in the United States! And while people have their own various traditions when it comes to marking the holiday, one thing remains fairly consistent: you get together with loved ones and you eat.
And in between mouthfuls, you talk! In fact, dinner conversation can be an excellent and overflowing source of writing inspiration — from family dynamics and long-observed dinner-time rituals, to new-comer partners meeting the family for the first time. A family dinner can truly be mapped out using a story structure: with a beginning, followed by rising action, peaking with a climax, and then wrapping up with a denouement.
This week, each of our prompts challenges you to write a short story involving a family dinner.
P.S – Know some kiddos who will be excited to do some reading over the holidays? Check out this list of the 35 best Thanksgiving books to read with kids.
🥇 Winner
“No Place Special” by Ian Gonzales
🏆 Winner of Contest #17
⭐️ Shortlisted
“The Dead Dads Club” by Najwa Zandlo
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #17
“Black Sheep” by Jay Graywall
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #17
“Beta Casseopeiae” by Natasha Arnold
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #17
“Dear Pa’ and meat mash Turkey” by Lea -
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #17
“Strong Enough” by Itxy Lopez
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #17
“Table for Six” by A.w. Karambelas
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #17
“The Bell” by Stevie Hugo
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #17
This week's prompts
Write a story about a family dinner from the perspective of an in-law who's married into the family.
Thanksgiving – 33 stories
Write a story about a family dinner that includes someone unexpected showing up.
Thanksgiving – 80 stories
Write a story about a family dinner that takes place in any time period other than the present.
Historical Fiction – 30 stories
Write a story about a family dinner that involves some kind of reconciliation.
Nonfiction – 30 stories
Stories
“No Place Special” by Ian Gonzales
🏆 Winner of Contest #17
“A life changing reunion” by Cam Croz
Submitted to Contest #17
“Past, Present Whatever!” by Yoomi Ari
Submitted to Contest #17
“First Family Dinner” by Leya Newi
Submitted to Contest #17
“The Dead Dads Club” by Najwa Zandlo
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #17
“64 Barrels” by Viktor Rain
Submitted to Contest #17
“The Vacant Chair” by Kate Strong
Submitted to Contest #17
“The Dinner Guest” by Whitney Trang
Submitted to Contest #17
“The Shadow of a Father” by Lily Kingston
Submitted to Contest #17
“My Toy Soldier” by Bree Kokiri
Submitted to Contest #17
“Five souls” by Marte Van Der Linden
Submitted to Contest #17
“Black Sheep” by Jay Graywall
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #17
“The Witches' Thanksgiving” by Bobby Gupta
Submitted to Contest #17
“Unforgiven” by Unknown User
Submitted to Contest #17
$50
Prize money
213
Contest entries
0
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Nov 29, 2019 EST
Won by Ian Gonzales 🏆
Title: No Place Special
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!