#23: Winter Wonderland

By the time the holidays have passed, and the first week of January is in full swing, it's impossible to deny one fact any longer: winter is here.

Shorter days and colder temperatures often mean more time spent indoors writing. This week, we suggest you sit by a window and let the wintery world outside inspire your newest piece of short fiction.

This week's prompts

You go for a walk in fresh snow. Suddenly you realize you're not leaving any footprints.

Fantasy – 128 stories

Write a short story that takes place in a winter cabin.

Winter – 76 stories

A busy city is quieted by a big blanketing of snow. Write from the perspective of two (or more) characters who live there.

Winter – 51 stories

Write a short story about someone experiencing their first winter.

Winter – 31 stories

Write a short story about people stuck in traffic during a blizzard. There's nothing much to do but wait, and talk...

Dialogue – 67 stories

Stories

“Pushed To The Edge ” by Jackie Black

Submitted to Contest #23

As the sun began to set on the barren, frost covered trees lining either side of the highway–Chandler Wagner’s blue 2017 Audi SUV dashed through the EZ Pass toll lane crossing into New Hampshire. Chandler Wagner was at the wheel while his girlfriend, Tara Daves, rode shotgun. “Jesus. It felt like we were going through Massachusetts forever,” Chandler remarked to Tara. “Well we were because you always neglect to pay attention to where you’re going,” Tara ...

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“Breakfast is Ready” by Toni Hall

Submitted to Contest #23

“Breakfast is ready” Susan had been lying awake in bed for half an hour after she felt his heat leave from beside her. Her heart began to quicken until she heard the sounds of firewood being cut outside their cabin. She became nervous again when the sound disappeared, only to be relieved when she then smelled bacon cooking downstairs. “Here I come!” she yelled back.She grabbed her robe and began down the stairs, gripping the handrail for support. Glancing down at her hand, holding tightly onto the rail, she immediately let go and descended ...

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“If you go down to the woods today...” by Tom Housden

Submitted to Contest #23

‘Brrr! It’s bloody freezing out here. Can’t you walk faster? My hands are freezing, in fact, everything is starting to get numb.’ Mark protested.‘Not everything I hope!’ Jenna said cheekily with a sexy smile.‘Jenna, can you think of anything else except, well, you know what. No, that part of my body is not numb... yet. But if we stay out here much longer and we don’t get to the cabin, it’ll seize up like the rest of my body is starting to, so would you get a move on please,’ was Mark’s reply.‘You know how this weather makes me, Mark. I just ...

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“A City of Cold and Insufferable People” by Julia Newman

Submitted to Contest #23

I woke up to silence. A rarity in this city. There was a thump from the man who lives above me, but it was muted. Like I was listening underwater. The cold winter air drifted through the crack in my window. The rickety panes never let it shut all the way. A soft light shone through my curtain. A light that usually came about before my morning alarm woke me up. I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. 5:45am. I had fifteen minutes until my alarm would shatter this gentle morning. I pulled my quilt closer. The dense knit trapping m...

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“An Awakening” by Heather Sidwell

Submitted to Contest #23

An AwakeningbyHeather P.F. SidwellIt was January twenty-fifth in Salt Lake City Utah. The Holiday season was well done and over with as Kava Winly peered out into the frigid, Utah winter night. Kava had lived in Utah all her life but the cold, snowy winters always caught her a bit off guard and she longed for a warmer climate. The lights on Temple Square had been taken down but as Kava peered out her tenth floor apartment window she couldn’t help admiring the beautiful temple in the falling snow; with all its lights a glow, it was beaut...

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“Frozen Angel” by Ali Richardson

Submitted to Contest #23

Bali The silence draws my eyes open with a snap. The usual buzz of traffic and people is non-existent; the hush frightens my heart more than the banging and clattering of activity. My shoulder creaks as I sit up in my small bed, the squeaky mattress bringing me solace in the overwhelming silence. Even my sisters are silent, their numerous mouths are open wide, but only the peaceful melody of snores emerge. The world must be ending, silence is not our city's strong suit and is oftent...

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“My First Winter ” by Angelica Puga

Submitted to Contest #23

Home Here in the Bahamas, we don't get snow like the northern countries. Instead we only get, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, and storms. Fortunately I don't have to shovel the driveway or the side walk every time it snows. Less work for me, I guess. Where are my manners! My name is Astrid. I am sixteen years old and I am the oldest of four children. I have two younger brothers and one sister. Both of my parents are wildlife conservation ecologist, and what they do is conserve the wildlife and the inhabitants that live there. Because of my ...

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“PERSONAL DRIVER” by Dee Wes

Submitted to Contest #23

A voicemail alert flashes across the upper portion of the screen of a cellphone held in a right hand. With a gloved thumb, the driver touch the alert. The message plays."This call is for Johnnie Iota," speaks the recorded female. "You are being reminded to make a payment to remedy your delinquent account no later than midnight, tonight, Central Standard Time to avoid terminating your contract and thereby causing legal action to be taken against you. Visit our website for details on how to submit your payment online or call the payment center...

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$50

Prize money

353

Contest entries

0

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Jan 10, 2020 EST

Won by Angeliki P 🏆

Title: Pied Piper

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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#23: Winter Wonderland

This week's prompts

You go for a walk in fresh snow. Suddenly you realize you're not leaving any footprints.

Write a short story that takes place in a winter cabin.

A busy city is quieted by a big blanketing of snow. Write from the perspective of two (or more) characters who live there.

Write a short story about someone experiencing their first winter.

Write a short story about people stuck in traffic during a blizzard. There's nothing much to do but wait, and talk...