#200: Heard it Through the Grapevine
It’s perhaps not our most virtuous impulse, but it’s a very human one. The desire to gossip, tell tales, and share stories we’ve heard about others doesn’t always win us friends, but it’s born from a real evolutionary need. Psychologists speculate that the original purpose of gossip was to keep us safe, helping our ancestors identify potential threats, build bonds, and learn what behavior was deemed acceptable or unacceptable by their peers. And, for better or worse, that habit has stuck.
Of course, gossip can (and often does) go too far. It’s up to you how it plays out in this week’s stories; will your characters face consequences for their loose lips, or will gossiping actually save the day?
This week's prompts
Write a story that includes the line “my lips are sealed.”
Adults
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96 stories
Your character is known as the town gossip. One day, it comes back to bite them.
Adults
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22 stories
Write a story about someone trying to track down the source of a rumor.
Adults
–
36 stories
Stories
“From the Fourth to Bastille Day” by Anne Shillingsburg
Submitted to Contest #200
“Love Wouldn't Melt” by Tom Skye
Submitted to Contest #200
“The Devil's Rain” by Benny Shaw
Submitted to Contest #200
“The Case of Arnold Palmer” by Nicholas Thomas
Submitted to Contest #200
“Instant Dismissal” by Chris Miller
Submitted to Contest #200
“Mirrorline” by John Werner
Submitted to Contest #200
“When Boredom Strikes” by Laarni Odsey
Submitted to Contest #200
“Jude's game” by Bianca Wise
Submitted to Contest #200
“Rude Words Will Harm You” by Jed Cope
Submitted to Contest #200
“Quantum banana breaks internet” by Robert Egan
Submitted to Contest #200
“Gossip is a Thing with Feathers” by Ellen Neuborne
Submitted to Contest #200
“TWO SAUCERS OF STRYCHNINE” by Susan Catucci
Submitted to Contest #200
“SECRETS OF A SMALL TOWN” by Melinda Madrigal
Submitted to Contest #200
“The dark secret ” by Sasan Sedighi
Submitted to Contest #200
“Tales Told in Vain” by Ian James
Submitted to Contest #200
$250
Prize money
211
Contest entries
116
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Jun 02, 2023 EST
Won by Katharine Widdows 🏆
Title: Three Questions
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!