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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#212: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

I don't really exchange letters with anyone, but if I did, I'd receive them with great anticipation. There's something very unpredictable about a letter: it can provide insight into a person's most private feelings, make a public statement, or share news of events big and small, from historic events to everyday gossip. You just never know until you open it.

This week's prompts are inspired by all things epistolary.

This week's prompts

Write a story in the form of a letter, or multiple letters back and forth.

Short Story – 147 stories

Write an epistolary story set during a major historical event. The event may be the subject of the letters directly, or be referenced in the background.

Historical Fiction – 30 stories

Write a story about a pair of pen pals.

Character – 26 stories

A mysterious letter is delivered to your character's home. It's not addressed to them, but they can't resist peeking...

Mystery – 64 stories

Set your story in a post office.

Fiction – 36 stories

Stories

“Two Letters Forty Years Later” by Cindy Trost

Submitted to Contest #212

Two Letters 40 Years Later By Cindy Trost Inspired by “A Story About the Body” by Robert Hass The infatuation between a young artist nicknamed The Dead Bee and a beautiful older woman, now known as Rose Petal, came to a quiet end when he found a bowl of dead bees covered with carefully arranged rose petals on his porch the morning after he withdrew his sexual interest upon learning about her double mastectomy. Forty years later, a postman delivers an envelope addressed...

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“That Love Story” by A Inge

Submitted to Contest #212

1820 Longdon, New Mexico. Dear Mar, I wish I could say I’m sorry, but you know I’ve taken the oaths and cannot lie. Our time apart has not quite been long enough to warrant a lengthy ledger of my tedious duties, and you never cared for such things anyway. I will update you to say I am now made a Whipperton, that is a woman of status. I can cook as well as any housemaid, play piano like a master, and stitch tapestries for fun. Certainly, you know my patience is daily tested for I’ve never been given to detail, and I often finish whole tapestr...

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“Right, Friend?” by Christopher Biery

Submitted to Contest #212

__________ Scott, My friend. It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter. As you know, Francine’s death has put me in a fragile state, and I’ve made the difficult decision to move away. Before I met Franny, you had been my closest confidant, and, admittedly, so much more. The past few years have driven us apart, and although we both denied the reason for this fissure I never gave up on rekindling our friendship…until now. I’ve gone up north, beyond Toronto, in hopes of finding myself in these twilight years. Perhaps solitude wi...

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“Doves and Blood” by Mounir El-Mahrouky

Submitted to Contest #212

My dearest Liora.I hope this letter finds you in good health and prosperity, though I have no way of knowing if this will reach you. But as my heart aches, I pray that my efforts are not in vain. The last I saw you, you were running out of your coming out party in tears. And while I wanted to chase after you, I was held back by the snickers of the room. Forgive me for my cowardice. If I had known it would be the last time I saw you, I would have ran into the night and begged you to stay with me, and if you still chose to run, I would have be...

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“THE PRETTY ONE” by Charles Corkery

Submitted to Contest #212

THE PRETTY ONEIt was the first time since her father’s death that she had visited her mother and sister at their new home. She had wanted it to be a surprise; to show that her inherited, unasked for role would not mean a drastic change in their lives. While her father had lived, they had all been so happy, dwelling a quatre, sharing every aspect of their exalted status, her beloved sister her closest companion.How happy they had been. It seemed that nothing could ever come between them. Of course, she had, from the age of six, been groomed t...

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“A Piece of Purple Parchment ” by Maggie Hardy

Submitted to Contest #212

Over a hundred years ago, colored letters were the most popular form of art. A young group of witches and wizards, who called themselves Barrentide, developed a unique form of parchment. This parchment was colored in unique shades, as requested by the buyer, before a spell was put on it. The entire process was special and there were never two pieces that were created the same. But as time passed, certain colors began to carry certain meanings. Red parchment was commonly used to deliver urgent messages. Green was used for special announcement...

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“The Typewriter” by R. Z. E. Parrots

Submitted to Contest #212

For her entire life, Madelyn Doucetta has been fond of convenience. What seemed suitable to her needs was always met with an enthusiastic yes. Her yes’s would typically yield some sort of satisfying conclusion. So when Mrs. Eleanor Colton offered her a position at her bookstore, Madelyn felt inclined to take it. It appeared perfect, especially since the bookstore resides just below her apartment complex. Along with the weekly paychecks, most were put towards her college loans, but overall was a bonus. Very soon would the regular life of Ma...

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“The Hour of Blessings” by Mohendra Shiwnarain

Submitted to Contest #212

At about a quarter to ten, Matilda had settled into her bed for the night. After a long day at work and trudging through the snow, which was pretty heavy this winter, she was ready to get some sleep. But, sleep was the last thing on her mind.Atop the dresser, opposite her bed, was a gold envelope that was the source of her distraction and the focus of her attention. The envelope was addressed to Hilda Copperstone, Matilda’s twin sister, and was from somewhere or something called the Hour of Blessings.She had found the envelope tucked in betw...

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“Forgiveness” by Ashley Sawh

Submitted to Contest #212

I opened my eyes to the sound of the birds chirping. I let out a deep sigh and got up from my spot in the park. As I walked home from the park, my mind kept returning to the argument I had witnessed between my two friends. I just couldn't make sense of it. I shook my head in confusion as I walked. I mean, I get why they were upset at each other, I think. But it seemed like they were taking it too far. I made a mental note to talk to them both later and try to sort out the issue. I pulled the small wooden door on the mailbox and grabbed the s...

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“Retire Now” by Patrick Davey

Submitted to Contest #212

“Hello,” said a cheerful voice belonging to nobody I know. A stern look on my face usually wards them off. I have nothing to gain from greeting you, Mr. Random Man, as you are leaving. Why is that even considered polite? You are leaving and I am arriving. As with two ships passing in the night, merely avoiding each other should be the proper protocol.This line is so long. No wonder that guy was so happy. At least he is proof that the line does indeed move. How much longer until the next customer leaves? The sweat forming beneath my undershir...

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“Pain & Paper: Turning Wounds to Words” by Samyah Fadel

Submitted to Contest #212

CW: Mentions of substance abuse, mental health issues, and death. Mama, It’s almost your birthday. You would have been sixty-eight, but you never made it past fifty-eight. I’m lucky, I guess. A lot of people lose a parent, or both parents, when they’re really young. I was twenty-five. The age when you’re supposed to be coming out of your wild youth and merging onto, or at least close to, your life path. Not me though. I didn’t have a wild youth. I had a wild you. My youth was spent navigating the consequences of your mistakes and vowing ...

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“Picking Up the Pieces” by Charles Sheehan

Submitted to Contest #212

Picking Up the Pieces Ben, Sorry it took me so long to reply to your letter. I recently moved and it took some time for my mail to catch up with me. I included my new address with this letter. I hate it when someone starts out a letter by saying they’re sorry for not having written, but there you have it. It made my day to hear from you. I’ve talked to Olivia several times and she’s kept me up on your progress. You’re fortunate to have such a caring sister nearby. You didn’t need to apologize for not wanting to talk to me. Your recovery n...

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“Inked in History-Letters between a wife and husband caught in the tides of change. ” by Arpad Nagy

Submitted to Contest #212

The First Letter. Lyon France, July 15, 1989. Thaddeus, you're going to divorce me. I'm not on the train to Lyon. I'm in Barcelona. Now, before you call the lawyers and have the papers drawn up—I know I deserve it, and I swore the last time was the last time, but let me explain—I saw my father. I can feel you rolling your eyes, and I get it, but I know it was him this time. It was him! I was getting on the train to Lyon, and I was early at the Milan Porta Garibaldi terminal, so early that I had time to p...

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“Dear Drugs” by Tiffany Snyder

Submitted to Contest #212

Day 1, letter 1 Dear Drugs, We were never supposed to take it this far. My friends try to warn me saying you were toxic and dangerous to my identity. But I didn’t listen. You were something new and exciting. I became obsessed with you. To the point I begin to yearn for the chance to be with you every second of the day. You brought me out of my shell. You help unlock a side of me I never knew existed. Your presence gave me a rush beyond anything I’ve ever felt before. It started out casually then weekly before I knew it you were with me dail...

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“Notifications ” by Meghan Lambie

Submitted to Contest #212

When are you coming home? (Photo of the cat) Late, maybe 9:30. Are there any cookies left? There’s two, I’ll save you one <3 (Photo of the cat) Check out this link - tiktok.com Check out this link - tiktok.com Check out this link - tiktok.com Check out this link - tiktok.com haha (Photo of the cat) When are you coming home? Have you left yet? ?? ….. Sorry sorry sorry I got tied up, I’ve been stuck in meetings. There was a last minute change the client requested but we still have to make the ...

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$250

Prize money

303

Contest entries

129

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Aug 25, 2023 EST

Won by Wendy M 🏆

Title: The Last Of The Bright Young Things

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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