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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#217: Tropes

Last week, we revisited the old “show, don’t tell” rule. This week, let’s throw out the rulebook and have some fun.

In your reading, you’ve probably come across some recurring tropes. In romance, we’ve got star-crossed lovers, fake relationships, enemies-to-lovers, and happily-ever-afters. In fantasy, we’ve got Chosen One protagonists, reluctant heroes, and wise mentors. In mystery, we have unreliable narrators, jaded investigators, locked rooms, and remote settings. It goes on.

Subverting these tropes can be fun, but the tricky thing is that you need to do it for a reason, and in a way that enriches your story. Can you do it?

This week's prompts

Write a story about two characters who like each other but don’t get a happily-ever-after.

Romance – 91 stories

Set your story in a creepy mansion — except nothing horrifying takes place in it.

Horror – 64 stories

Write about a person who's been called to mentor someone in a special skill, but doesn't really want to.

Adventure – 27 stories

Write about a sleuth who’s a little too keen, but not because they have a traumatic past they won’t talk about.

Mystery – 10 stories

Write a story about a warrior who doesn’t want to kill the dragon.

Fantasy – 92 stories

Stories

“A Lucky Knight” by Daniel Rogers

Submitted to Contest #217

A sleepy river wound its way through the houses and huts of Hamdorn, a peaceful village in the kingdom of Bardton. The river provided the essentials for the village to thrive: water, fish, and boats laden with goods from Elgin. However, tonight, it added one more essential: a romantic backdrop. Sir Dugmore and Lady Frances walked along its grassy banks, holding hands and speaking in hushed tones. "I don't understand," Sir Dugmore said. "What's so hard to understand about liking dragons?” Lady Frances said. "The part where you like them...

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“Of Lost Moments and Love” by Esmeralda M Kelly

Submitted to Contest #217

Elara traced the intricate design of the bottle with her fingertips, reminiscing about the day she had gifted it to Paolo. It was during a trip to Paris, in a quaint boutique perfumery nestled in the heart of the city. She remembered the shopkeeper's description of the cologne, how it was reminiscent of a timeless era, a scent crafted for men who carried an old-world charm with a touch of modern allure. It was Paolo to the tee.The memories swelled up, almost tangible in their intensity. The Eiffel Tower's twinkling lights, the soft strumming...

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“Unromanticizing Rain” by Rohit Gadewal

Submitted to Contest #217

"You hate the rain?" "Yeah.." "How can anyone hate the rain?" She giggled at my preposterous suggestion, mocking me in her adorable ways. "Well, I do. I've my reasons, pretty stupid ones. But so am I, so I'll let it slide." Her adorable laugh echoed as she chuckled at my stupidity. She knows how dumb I am and how idiotic I can be. "Won't you share them?" she continued, eager to know what ridiculous reason I could have. "You already know all of them." I tried to end the topic. "Come on, talk. You know you want to babble for an h...

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“Project Un: Margaret” by Samuel Bowen

Submitted to Contest #217

“To achieve the greatness we pursue, we must have unwavering devotion to the most vile of tasks. Else, we will not survive the horrors that await us.” - Captain’s log, R. Gunson, Paradigm Prime [Subject: Dr. J. Manson] [Bio: Doctor of genetic sciences, clearance level 5] [Vital Status: Sustainable] [Location: Living Quarters 155] [Archive LT: Live] [Designation: Protocol 2108_Survailence for Review] James held his wife’s hand as he knelt beside her chair. Her dull eyes wide in horror. Her body trembled, yet her fragile muscles refused t...

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“Maturity” by John Losasso

Submitted to Contest #217

Maturity J. LoSasso Jared raised his wrist above his head and checked the illuminated dial. Aside from three lavender scented candles and the sliver of streetlight slicing through the narrow front windows there was no other light in the studio. “You in a hurry tonight, Jared?” Randi’s voice emerged from the darkness. She rolled on to her side and ran her finger down the center of his chest. “Not at all, Babe. Did I seem rushed to you?” He placed his hand on her naked hip and let it slide along the topography of her body. He lo...

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“Love Lost” by Howard Seeley

Submitted to Contest #217

Though fifty years have passed since I’ve said good-bye to Melisa, not a single day passes when I think of her. It was my first day in fifth grade, when I first laid eyes on her. It wasn’t her looks at drew me to her, but her last name: Howells. It so happened that Melisa’s older sister, Becky, was my sister’s best friend, and when I heard her name called out when Mrs. Funk, the fifth-grade teacher had roll call, I turned to see the face of that familiar name. The moment I laid my eyes on her, I was enraptured. Her soft brown eyes and light ...

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“A Story Never Started” by Rachelle Johanson

Submitted to Contest #217

Chapter 1 Madelynn found herself watching James for the third time that day. Madelynn doubted that James had even noticed her though, he was the most popular boy in school, and she was just another one of those girls who were trying to get his attention. Madelynn felt half bad about having feelings for James. She had always said that only the popular girls - the ones everyone pretends to like, but actually hates them - would like him. She said that it was just another stereotypical thing for those girls to do. They likely didn’t even l...

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“UNREQUITED LOVE” by Charles Corkery

Submitted to Contest #217

UNREQUITED LOVE I can recall the first time we met as if it was yesterday. It was at the Drummond’s on the occasion of their daughter’s birthday; Edwina, the younger, if possible, even more obnoxious of the two Drummond girls. What I can’t remember is how old I was exactly. Thirteen? Fourteen?My mother, already, though we did not know it, evincing early signs of the dementia that would gradually reveal itself in all its horror, convinced herself that, as the Drummond family hailed from Scotland, I should do homage by attending the party dres...

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“Albie” by Ian Grogan

Submitted to Contest #217

They lovingly sauntered down the midway, soaking in the atmosphere. And they did so, locked hand-in-hand, as they had done so many times before. The lights and sounds from the carnival games glowed in Albert’s eyes which made Elaine’s heart flutter as she gazed into them. He was wearing his favorite navy blue sportscoat with brown elbow patches and she was wearing her beloved pink dress that swayed with every step. The smell of popcorn lingered in the air, reminding Elaine of their first outing, the movie theater, the first time they could b...

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“Forever Not” by Charles Karalee Ratliff

Submitted to Contest #217

Forever Not The morning hue was magnificent with voracious and vibrant colors. A light and misty fog grazed over the field of sunflowers. A late resting owl swooped down into the field to catch his breakfast. Songbirds were singing a delightful melody of peace and joy. The morning was fresh and inviting. However, Anton was not happy. He could not find any pleasure from the beauty that was right before him. Always before, when he came to this place, his spirit was refreshed and rejuvenated, but not today. He had hoped that by coming to this...

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“Say The Wrong Things The Right Way” by Tímea Kobza

Submitted to Contest #217

The dance floor rumbled under the energetic heels and leather shoes. Music guided the movements of the youths, lively rhythm pushing them closer and closer to each other. Lonel did not share the entranced smiles on his schoolmates’ faces. From beside the snack table, he watched the pleated swing skirts spin high, curling locks bobbing on heaving chests. Punch in his hands, he was wondering what he was doing in the dazzlingly decorated gym hall, among a mass of impetuous students he didn’t even try to like. They were dancing the...

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“Bad Timing” by Ayesha Sayeed

Submitted to Contest #217

Chicago. Wicker Park. A.N. Pritzker Elementary. Room 107. She was extremely confident, as much as a 7 year old could be, excited to start second grade, excited to be at a new school. She was a ball of energy, messy brown curls, a bright red backpack, and a voice that made it seem like she had swallowed a mic. "And what's your name?". "My name is Ayesha Adil Sayeed and I am 7 years old!" She reached out her hand to shake the teachers. "Wow! What a firm handshake!" Ayesha giggled and sprinted away fore she had seen a girl who seemed to have th...

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“The Witch of Thorns” by Alexey Dirigo

Submitted to Contest #217

“The slave has a death wish,” one of the boys mocked. “He’s already tired of playing knight,” another chimed in, his words dripping with disdain. Young Elian paid no heed to their cruel words. Let it be a death wish, he thought. No matter how gruesome his death might be, his feet will remain planted on the path he had chosen. To tread this path, he needed not just strength, but unparalleled strength. His raison d'être was clear—to slay the Witch of Thorns. The very witch who had made Aldoria fell into ruins. Aldoria, once a mighty...

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“The Lilac Beauty” by Ainsley L

Submitted to Contest #217

I stood there so still, so quiet, waiting for him to leave. I could see him walking around the apartment through a very tiny hole in the wall. I stood between two walls waiting for my fate. Would I live to see another day, or would the Nazi find my hiding spot? Would he see the hidden doorknob? Could he hear me breathing? I could feel my heart in my throat pumping louder than the bombs from the night before. There was a strong ringing in my ear as if someone shot a gun behind my head. He turned around. His big boots shook the apartment with ...

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“Redemption Paradise” by Marc Rothstein

Submitted to Contest #217

I leaned over the ferry's railing, captivated by the deep turquoise waters of Lake Huron, as a foghorn's blast signaled our departure from the Tobermory terminal. This was the final leg of my escape from chaotic Chicago. I'd just spent the last ten hours driving the winding roads, trying to unwind how I'd messed up my life. A complete break from my toxic environment made sense. Maybe the island's tranquility would be a balm for my soul and finally silence those fanged voices of self-talk. The last crossing to Manitoulin Island was nearly emp...

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$250

Prize money

284

Contest entries

130

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Sep 29, 2023 EST

Won by Paul Crehan 🏆

Title: Who Are We to Judge the Music of an Octopus?

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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