#246: All Fun and Games
We all know the saying “it’s all fun and games” — and the perhaps less-used ending, “...until someone loses an eye.” There are many variations of this saying, but they all boil down to a similar idea: play has its time and place, but things may take a turn for the worse if you’re not mindful.
This week’s prompts are inspired by games and play, and especially that strange territory when something lighthearted suddenly turns more serious than intended, asking you to find the golden balance between the pursuit of fun and its consequences.
🥇 Winner
“Hearts Are Trump” by Sarah Coury
🏆 Winner of Contest #246
⭐️ Shortlisted
“The Unintended Masterpiece” by Jim LaFleur
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #246
“Swingset Blues” by Heather Eldridge
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #246
“Coming Home” by Natalie Portera-Sickler
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #246
“Mike Buford's Last Life” by AR R
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #246
This week's prompts
Write a story that includes the phrase “It’s all fun and games…”
Dialogue – 57 stories
Write a story about someone who takes a joke way too far.
Character – 26 stories
Stories
“Hearts Are Trump” by Sarah Coury
🏆 Winner of Contest #246
“The Unintended Masterpiece” by Jim LaFleur
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #246
“When Love Swings Back” by Alexis Araneta
Submitted to Contest #246
“...Blow Your Head Off ” by Mary Bendickson
Submitted to Contest #246
“The Stickler” by Howard Halsall
Submitted to Contest #246
“Dancers of the Sea on the Mystical Coast ” by Kristi Gott
Submitted to Contest #246
“THE JOKE THAT MADE THE WORLD CRY” by Darvico Ulmeli
Submitted to Contest #246
“Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are” by Hannah Lynn
Submitted to Contest #246
“Jingles” by Nicholas Thomas
Submitted to Contest #246
“Before” by K.A. Murray
Submitted to Contest #246
“Best It Can Be” by Jack Kimball
Submitted to Contest #246
“Swingset Blues” by Heather Eldridge
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #246
“Orphan Clown” by E.L. Lallak
Submitted to Contest #246
“Coming Home” by Natalie Portera-Sickler
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #246
$250
Prize money
243
Contest entries
99
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Apr 19, 2024 EST
Won by Sarah Coury 🏆
Title: Hearts Are Trump
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.
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