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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#207: Behind the Scenes

People usually bring their A-game when they know they’re being observed — but they’re often at their most interesting when they think no one’s watching. There’s a reason we’re all so intrigued by “behind the scenes” content, whether it’s about a celebrity we love, or an industry we find fascinating; getting to see all the work that goes into making something happen, especially when it looks effortless to the untrained eye.

With this week’s prompts, we’re lifting the curtain and going backstage. Whether we’re following a character who’s getting a break from the effort of performance, or exploring an industry where most of the action happens behind the scenes, let’s see what happens when we finally call “cut”.

PS — If you’re curious about the “behind the scenes” of Prompts, we’d love to have you! Get your own backstage pass by applying to be one of our volunteer judges.

This week's prompts

Set your story on a film or TV set, starting with someone calling “Cut!”

Dialogue – 46 stories

Write about a person who constantly has to put on a persona (e.g. at work, in their relationships, etc.) who can finally drop the facade.

Character – 80 stories

A journalist has been granted permission to visit the premises of a lab carrying out top-secret work. They could never have anticipated what they’d find…

Science Fiction – 38 stories

Write a story about a magician who never reveals their secrets — until now.

Character – 31 stories

Set your story in the kitchen of a bustling restaurant.

Fiction – 39 stories

Stories

“Baughbird” by R.L. Lamm

Submitted to Contest #207

"Cut," said the cook in awe. "Cut like a parish crowd in 1950s Alabama. You're a saint, Baughbird!"A crisp bow. "No, not a saint. I'm just the arrow in Guy Gisborne's heart.""End scene!" called Kidson coldly. "Hold your applause, people, until he's out of my fire."The offscreen cast and crew wanted to clap, to whistle, and to rave. Was that not what Baughbird commanded by his mere presence? To say nothing of his delivery? His poise and fixture? He had ad-libbed, sure, but what could Kidson possibly rail against him for this time since he was...

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“His Friend's Last Request” by Mary Ann Ford

Submitted to Contest #207

Author's Note; Just keep in mind that although it's not written that way, the characters have British/English accents.“Cut! . . . Reshoot . . . Take 347 . . . Rolling . . . Lights! . . . Camera! . . . Action! . . .”Albert Cole leaned closer to his fellow actor, Hugo Quill, “This is ridiculous. We’ve been ‘ere since four this morning and they’re still doing the same scene.”“They’re just running on empty as far as sleep goes. You know, even we get silly when we’re tired,” Hugo reminded in his usual good-natured way.“I think Matt is always sill...

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“The Commercial” by Robert Ford

Submitted to Contest #207

The Commercial Cut! Print that one. Set up for the fuckin’ cat food demo.” The foghorn-like voice that filled the sound stage belonged to Jackson Korman, the creative director from Jordan, Day and Green. He was exceedingly short, but very wide and walked like a wounded duck. His face seemed to be locked in a perpetual sneer. But at the moment the sneer looked confused. “Where the hell is the goddam storyboard? Is this what the board calls for?” The script girl dutifully responded, “It is,” she said simply. &nbsp...

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“Buried.” by Lara Deppe

Submitted to Contest #207

“I’m calling ‘Cut’." He whispered so quietly that I wasn’t sure I heard him. “What did you say?” “Liv, I wish I could’ve given you more.” I laughed right out loud. “More of what?”’ “To start, a new car. A bank account with more than $32.00 in it. An apartment with two bathrooms.” He chuckled. “A husband without cancer.” “Are you dissing on my car?” I reached for his hand. “$32.00 is extra. The rent is paid, we have ramen in the cupboard, and we paid the electric bill last month. What else do we need? And I wouldn’t trade the husband in for ...

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“The tumour” by Autism Active

Submitted to Contest #207

She threw her keys on the table and they landed with a brittle bang. What aday. She was tired. In another lifetime she’d have been reaching for the bottle. Now, she turned to the kettle, shook it: enough for a nice cup of tea. She checked the clock. It was just after four in the afternoon. Looking through the window, the sun was fighting its way through copious clouds and she could see it would succeed. Heck, what was she waiting for. She ignored the hot, boiled water and ran for the stairs. With an air of happy abandon, she fired shorts, a ...

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“The Last Letter” by Q K

Submitted to Contest #207

(Note: This story speaks of mental health, disassociation, and indicates suicide/self-harm.) Dear Mom, remember when we’d write each other letters after what we could call events in our lives. It didn't matter what it was or how minor the moment. Award ceremonies, heartbreaks, embarrassing times, graduations, funerals, etc. We’d pour emotion onto the page, say all the things we thought we couldn’t in person. I want to thank you for the memory you engraved in my brain tonight. Tell you, I love you before I leave. Explain the gravity of lif...

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“Shifting Reflections” by Jimit Gandhi

Submitted to Contest #207

Chapter 1: A Mysterious Awakening Amanda Fields opened her eyes, greeted by unfamiliar surroundings. Confusion overwhelmed her as she realized she had awakened in an unknown bedroom, with no recollection of how she had gotten there. As she tried to gather her thoughts, something peculiar began to unfold. She glanced at the mirror and discovered that her reflection was not her own. She was someone entirely different. Her eyes fluttered open, greeted by an unfamiliar ceiling. The room was shrouded in shadows, with faint rays of sunlight seep...

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“Running Away From Himself” by Kas Strobel

Submitted to Contest #207

Alex shoved his feet into a pair of old running shoes and laced them up with a sigh. He didn’t really want to do this, go run with Cassidy, but he knew that he had to. After all, he was the one who pushed for a running partner. After two months of putting off inviting her for a run, she had invited him on a run the last time they saw each other – in Costco, both buying cases of kombucha – and for some unknown reason, he had said yes. He wasn’t sure why he was nervous. He’s a trauma surgeon, and a damn good one. He saves lives on a daily basi...

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“Trust A Try ” by Danaé Morriah

Submitted to Contest #207

I chose a Vinyl from the pile and turned toward the curious shop owner. He nodded in my direction, approving of my ability to appreciate a classic. An eyebrow raised with his nod, signifying not many women my age would’ve picked it, but something about me didn’t lead him to ask further questions. Something likely related to his planted stance behind the counter, tapping his pen to The Miseducation of Lauren Hill, flipping through a catalog that predates the music it accompanies. He was just as Mother described. Tall, relaxed, and obnoxiously...

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“Superhero Putting on a Facade” by 3i Writer

Submitted to Contest #207

One day, a gigantic sea creature suddenly appeared near the city’s coastline and had the intention to reach its shore. A guy called Jack Legend sensed that the sea creature would obliterate the whole city within an hour once ashore. He was well-known and well-loved by all in his city as the mightiest superhero of justice. So once again, it was up to Jack to save the day. He stormed out in his most iconic suit and magnificent cape to challenge his oceanic adversary. When the monster saw Jack Legend approaching, it released purple fumes from i...

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“Breaking the Facade” by Camille Dixon

Submitted to Contest #207

Note: Contains some physical violence and suicide. I never guessed my mom was having an affair with Jack Bishop. Looking back, I remember playful glances and small gestures. I see now she maintained her act as devoted wife and mother to avoid another failed marriage. None of us—especially not my stepdad Brian suspected when she cheated on him, but when he found out, he cracked. I missed every hint. My mom would go shopping three times a week. On Saturday mornings, she spent...

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“The Masks Must Go” by William Flores

Submitted to Contest #207

William Flores, LMSW About 2,400 Words 140 Darrow Place, 17E Bronx, NY 10475 347-605-5027 wflores1952@gmail.com Note: This story contains topics concerning mental health and substance abuse which might have triggering effects on some readers. ` The Masks Must Go By William Flores “Good morning Mr Diaz. Members of the board of directors, and some of our investors, are gathered in the conference room. They’re eager to congratulate you on your latest success, winning the National Therapist of...

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“The Memory of Mel Scott” by Eoghan Ó HAnluain Fay

Submitted to Contest #207

Mel Scott walked up High Street towards Magdalen College, Oxford. Though the sky was speckled with clouds, it was certainly a sunny day. With this in mind, it was decided that they would gather outside at St Swithun’s Quad. This was to be the college reunion of Mel’s former fellow students, marking a decade since their graduation. Not since before the Great War had Mel walked through the college gates. It struck him, as it always had, that this was a magnificent place. For three brilliant years these grounds had been a home. Carved i...

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“The Voice of an Angel” by Beth Nolan Conners

Submitted to Contest #207

Sara listened to her last, pure note as it sailed past the stained glass windows and reverberated through the church. She sighed happily. “That was wonderful!” Emily Clapman, who was 85 and deaf in one ear, said enthusiastically. “You are so talented!” “Thank you, Emily,” Sara responded warmly. Now to get out of here and head home. “Good night, Sara.” “Good night,” Sara replied to the conductor as he gathered his music. “Drive safely.” Her inner voice added, “And it’s Sah-rah, not Sair-ra for the upteenth time.” Sara gathered her ...

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“Better?” by Kara Niccum

Submitted to Contest #207

He moved her hand out of the way to retrieve the bacon from the chest freezer. Closing the lid, he resumed whistling and walked back into the house. His bright-eyed beauty sat at the breakfast bar, smiling at him. They'd had a wonderful night, and now, he was making her breakfast. She was absolutely giddy with appreciation. After he put the French toast and bacon on the plate, he held up a finger. "One last thing," he said, and went out the front door. He came back with a rose from the bush his wife had held so dearly. His lover smiled as ...

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$250

Prize money

234

Contest entries

96

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Jul 21, 2023 EST

Won by Derrick M Domican 🏆

Title: Speed Fate

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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