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!

#19: Talking Shop

While Black Friday and Cyber Monday might be behind us, there are still weeks of shopping ahead as many of us gear up for Christmas.

While Hallmark holiday movies might have us believe that holiday shopping is a relaxed and cheerful activity that involves dipping into quaint shops with a hot chocolate in one hand and a bag of goodies in the other — we know the truth. Often, holiday shopping is a chaotic, several hour-long excursion through a packed mall, where you down cups of coffee just to keep yourself going. Or maybe you prefer to shop online, from the serene comfort of your couch. Finally, perhaps you avoid the whole thing altogether, because, like the Grinch, you know that "Christmas doesn't come from a store."

Whatever the case, it's clear that shopping can conjure up a range of emotions in different people. And your challenge this week is to capture those very emotions in a short story about... shopping!

🥇 Winner

“Man-Eater” by Kelsey Marlett

🏆 Winner of Contest #19

It’s Man-Eater today — slick, metallic, with a scent like wet paint — and it’s twenty-five dollars and my brain is still trying to kill me. The clerk looks at me like I’m a stray dog. A mixture of pity and disgust. She isn’t wearing a nametag, but she looks like she could be an Ashley or Rebecca. My brain says, You’re useless. The clerk says, “Do you need any help?” I turn the lipstick over in my hands. The door bangs, making us both ju...

Read story

⭐️ Shortlisted

“The shop on the corner of the space-time continuum” by Marte Van Der Linden

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #19

Inside the little shop on the corner, space and time have folded themselves back to reveal a thousand rooms on fifty different floors. The shop is more than a thousand years old. Harald Helgason, the first owner, still lives in a distant corner of the ground floor, where he sells furs and silver jewellery and trades with Viking raiders. The future confuses him, so he rarely ventures onto the upper floors where his descendants live. He has five sons and daughters, and they run the shop on the floor above his. Two of his grandchildren sell ...

Read story

“The Gift Shop” by Ari Jackson

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #19

Edgar Alan died in 1874, age ten, struck by the back-wheel of a horse drawn buggy. Some say the wheel found a deeper love within the strands of his burnt umber painted, feathery locks, and refused to part with them — for the wheel dragged him across the cobblestone by the knotted locks of his hair, forty-three feet past the starting mark before it finally let go. They say he painted the town red that night. The streaks of blood, splattered where he bounced, but painted beautiful straight lines down where he dragged. Crimson Valley, ...

Read story

“Psychic Reader” by Eva Chang

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #19

“Excuse me, do you have any rose quartz larger than this?” The beady-eyed girl seemed to stare daggers at Emma; not out of being simply a frustrated customer, but more out of deep fear. She needed this rose quartz, badly, and she might die if she didn’t have it. Emma forced a smile. During these moments, she wished she wasn’t the sole Moonstone employee working at this witching hour. A woman had to pay her college funds somehow, though. “Let me check the back....

Read story

“The Craft Shop” by Rowan Taylor

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #19

She slid inside the little craft shop, one town over from where she lived, flinching at the tinkling sound of the bell. The store was overwhelmingly vibrant; fabrics every colour of the rainbow lining the shelves, a thousand different balls of wool, and enough needles to make a haystack. It felt wrong of her to be here, all mousy and plain and beige, as if she was sucking the life out of the store around her. Yet, despite her reservations, she was here with a purpose. Appre...

Read story

“The Man I Want to Be” by MJ Pennell

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #19

MilkCheeseChocolateChipsCookiesVodka

Read story

“Shopping Lists and Farmer's Markets” by Jacob Towne

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #19

My Abuela's house was always full of warmth. The wafts of steam and aromas enticed you in, and the food kept you there. Walking into the single story mission-style home that my Papi had bought when they were first married, the smells emanating from the kitchen made your nose tingle and mouth water. As I stood there, barely tall enough to see over her counters, I watched as my Abuela weaved her kitchen magic. Every action had a purpose, and every ingredient had a reason.&nbs...

Read story

“First Impressions” by Annie Percik

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #19

“Hey, Jad, I’ve got something!” Yisaheur swivelled around in his chair, waggling his eye stalks excitedly at his crew-mate. He stabbed a tentacle towards his console, where jagged lines were jumping about across one of the screens. Ma'jadaloon was more jaded. “Really?” She yawned widely, all three rows of her teeth on menacing display. They had been out in deep space for a very long time, with nothing whatsoever to show for it, except incredible boredom and a tremendous desire to lay eyes on a...

Read story

“The Gift Shop” by Frances Ippolito

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #19

As a child, Octa loved going to the zoo. Her parents, both exceedingly loving and nurturing, had paid for years of family memberships so that Octa could spend as much time as she wanted watching, observing, and studying the captive animals. Octa, like many children, was fascinated with the natural world and all the variations of life that existed. At each enclosure, she would press her face against the wall, misting the glass with her hot breath while she searched the plants, trees, and fabricated structures for camouflaged or shy creat...

Read story

This week's prompts

Write a short story about someone in the middle of a very long and busy retail shift.

Funny – 41 stories

Write a short story about someone searching for the perfect gift for their partner.

Romance – 60 stories

Write a short story about someone watching a convincing infomercial.

Funny – 20 stories

Write a short story about a shop that takes place over a span of years.

Narrative – 41 stories

Write a short story about someone based on their shopping list.

Character – 49 stories

Stories

“Things that are hard.” by Cam Croz

Submitted to Contest #19

EggsMilkFlourSugarButterBaking powderVanillaSalt

Read story

“Man-Eater” by Kelsey Marlett

🏆 Winner of Contest #19

It’s Man-Eater today — slick, metallic, with a scent like wet paint — and it’s twenty-five dollars and my brain is still trying to kill me. The clerk looks at me like I’m a stray dog. A mixture of pity and disgust. She isn’t wearing a nametag, but she looks like she could be an Ashley or Rebecca. My brain says, You’re useless. The clerk says, “Do you need any help?” I turn the lipstick over in my hands. The door bangs, making us both ju...

Read story

“Tools of the trade” by Miles Gatling

Submitted to Contest #19

"Why did you kill him, Stan?""I said I want my lawyer.""Come on now. You're making this way too difficult. Just admit it, it'll be easier on your sentence.""Hey don't blame me for something I didn't do. Give me a lawyer, then I'll ta...

Read story

“What the Christ... Mass” by Yoomi Ari

Submitted to Contest #19

That’ll be £5.99 please, Mrs Wane,” I grunted, as my eyes were drowning in a tedious liquid that could only be seen accommodated in my body during the Chr... Christmas... Christmas period.I could hardly even say the word Chris... oh forget it; it was a word that would captivate my vocal cords. My whole body would spasm or shudder at the sudden thought or even saying the simple 9 letter word.Frustrated, Mrs Wane clinked the pounds (in her hand) and the abundant amount of pennies deliberately; she loved m...

Read story

“The worst customer” by Alex Sandoval

Submitted to Contest #19

I have two jobs during the holidays because I hate myself and I don't get invited to many parties anyway; at least not the ones that are held at a time that clashes with my schedule. In the morning I work as a cashier for a department store. The children's section is probably the worst place to be in. I lied in my resume about working better under pressure but so far so good. No one has tried to call the manager on me; the parents are simply too ti...

Read story

“The Shop Under the Hedge ” by Anna K Firth

Submitted to Contest #19

The shop was built in the hedgerow by Mr. Hornberg’s field; a neat shop with brass trimmings on the door and a velvet cord bell pull, even though the sign said to step right in. The little doormat was very new and bristly and the word ‘Welcome’ had been put on with fine dark paint that crackled when you stepped on it. When the door was opened, a string of red and blue bells tinkled softly, hanging down from the ceiling. Also hanging from the ceiling of thick wooden beams were shining copper kettles, painted every color y...

Read story

“Almost an Override” by Keri Dyck

Submitted to Contest #19

“I’d like to price match, those, please.” The woman in front of me pointed at the butter I had just scanned through. I stopped mid-scan on a loaf of bread. It scanned twice. I flinched, hit the void button and scanned it again. Repeated with the butter. Tried the price match, which of course did not go through. Called for an override via the speakers. Accidentally said “Override to lane three, please. Love you bye.” Blushed like mad. Laughed it off to the customer who was impatiently waiting. Explained the delay.

Read story

“The shop on the corner of the space-time continuum” by Marte Van Der Linden

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #19

Inside the little shop on the corner, space and time have folded themselves back to reveal a thousand rooms on fifty different floors. The shop is more than a thousand years old. Harald Helgason, the first owner, still lives in a distant corner of the ground floor, where he sells furs and silver jewellery and trades with Viking raiders. The future confuses him, so he rarely ventures onto the upper floors where his descendants live. He has five sons and daughters, and they run the shop on the floor above his. Two of his grandchildren sell ...

Read story

“행복한 꿀벌 (Happy Bee)” by Natasha Arnold

Submitted to Contest #19

Dribbled with milk and cookie crumbles was a list. This list was crumbled deeply into Rea’s pocket, stuffed between a used tissue and keychain. On her list was scribbled: 아빠를 위해 (for Dad),행복 (

Read story

“The Ring” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #19

“You must be kidding!” Chloe said. She looked around for support.Chloe stood behind the jewelry counter at Bloomies. Being a potential customer, she didn’t mind spending time with me. She still had hopes of selling me some extravagant gift for my wife, Heather.Chloe and Heather were best friends. She focused on me and gave me a very serious look. “Dan, I would not steer you wrong on this.”I interrupted, “Maybe on some things…”“…But not on this.” She smiled without humor. “If you value your marriage…”“Chl...

Read story

“The Gift Shop” by Ari Jackson

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #19

Edgar Alan died in 1874, age ten, struck by the back-wheel of a horse drawn buggy. Some say the wheel found a deeper love within the strands of his burnt umber painted, feathery locks, and refused to part with them — for the wheel dragged him across the cobblestone by the knotted locks of his hair, forty-three feet past the starting mark before it finally let go. They say he painted the town red that night. The streaks of blood, splattered where he bounced, but painted beautiful straight lines down where he dragged. Crimson Valley, ...

Read story

“Convince Me” by Whitney Trang

Submitted to Contest #19

It was going to be one of those nights. Lorelei knew it. She sighed and turned on the TV. She read articles saying if one were looking to fall asleep, it’s best NOT to watch TV. But she couldn’t lay there, alone in the dark anymore. “Everyone please welcome Jorjanna Byers and Knozall!” The handsome man in a blue suit introduced a dark haired woman standing next to a twelve inch metallic r...

Read story

“Ms. Potts' Flowers” by Najwa Zandlo

Submitted to Contest #19

There probably isn’t a soul in this town that doesn’t remember or hasn’t heard of Ms. Potts’ flower shop. It’s the abandoned shop downtown, sandwiched between an artisan soap store and a boutique that sells overpriced clothes for teenagers. There’s a smell now. Well, that’s a little inaccurate. There was always a smell. It used to be flowers, but now it smells like something akin to rot and loneliness and something wet and dry at the same time. People used to come for miles to buy Ms. Potts’ flowers. I remember being young, ma...

Read story

“Aki's List” by Whitney Trang

Submitted to Contest #19

Turkey Gum Lottery ticket They were the only items on the list written on a pink sticky note with red ink. None of them were crossed off.

Read story

“The UnderRoad” by Adriana K. Maxwell

Submitted to Contest #19

You could easily go past it. It is a drab little building, built right under the bridge. It has mottled walls of brown, grey, and tan bricks, darkened by the exhaust from the cars going by or floating down from the road above. Apparently, windows had been used to fill in any gaps in the wall. It was the only logical reason for their scattered position and mismatched styles. But if you go through the black door with the bright yellow trim, they say that you will find help. It doesn’t look like it.&nbs...

Read story

Load more stories

$50

Prize money

211

Contest entries

0

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Dec 13, 2019 EST

Won by Kelsey Marlett 🏆

Title: Man-Eater

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 ⭢