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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#254: The Talk of the Ton

Dearest readers,

It has come to our attention that the conclusion of Bridgerton’s third season is nigh upon us. I, for one, can’t wait to be swept up in the latest rumors and scandals of the ton — and so, in my excitement, I am writing to you to request you share your own scandalous tales. If you're not familiar with Julia Quinn's Regency romance novels or Netflix's popular TV adaptation of them, fret not; tales of forbidden liaisons, star-crossed lovers, and gossipmongers are as old as time. Besides, who doesn’t love a bit of Austencore?

In honor of this momentous occasion, I must ask you — gentle writer — to sharpen your quills and step into a world of high society, social scandal, and regency pomp...

This week's prompts

Set your story at a Regency-themed fair.

Short Story – 12 stories

Write a story where a rumor starts to spread. Your protagonist is either the topic or the source.

Short Story – 54 stories

Write a story about two characters who start as mortal enemies but learn to embrace their differences.

Short Story – 37 stories

Write a story where an important conversation takes place during a dance.

Short Story – 78 stories

Write a story in the format of a gossip column.

Short Story – 37 stories

Stories

“Stormy Seas” by Christine Hamilton

Submitted to Contest #254

Her long brown hair danced like Medusa’s snakes in the ocean wind. The sails were full as the ship’s bow crashed through the waves. With this current and wind, we should be in Jamacia tomorrow. Maria stood at the foredeck, her face pointing into the sun. Taking a deep breath, she soaked up the fresh air. This smells better than the cesspit below the deck. Feeling refreshed she made her way down the steep wooden steps. The air was heavy with the musty smells of rotten food and urine. Descending i...

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“Barbie Comes to Los Angeles” by Amelie Peterson

Submitted to Contest #254

July 1, 2022Lost Angeles Reporter - “Talk of the Town” Column.-BARBIE COMES TO LOS ANGELES-(Top-Secret Pics Included!)Rumor has it that Barbie was seenon our very own Venice Beach in LA, onMonday. An onlooker (who has asked toremain anonymous) snapped a picture ofBarbie, standing next to none other thanher known lover and admirer: Ken himself.(Go to page 2 for an exclusive sneak peek!)The onlooker stated that Barbie sawthe camera - and begged for the photo to bedeleted - but the picture was saved, and latershared with the Lost Angeles R...

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“A softly spoken melody” by Alva Osterlind

Submitted to Contest #254

The evening began with excitement. The folks of the ton milled around the ballroom, talking in high-pitched voices, laughing excessively to make sure the people around them could hear how much of a good time they were having. She was standing arm in arm with him about to start the first dance of the ball. The person she was certain she was going to spend the rest of her life with. Their bond signified both their friendship and their trust and she was proud to know that there would be no more doubts. Not after yesterday night, when promi...

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“The Rumor Mill” by Joi White

Submitted to Contest #254

Katie had always been a bit of an oddball. She was an introverted teenager, who spend most of her time reading or sketching in her notebook. She wasn't popular, and for the most part, she liked it that way. But when a rumor starts to spread about her, it seems like her quiet life is about to be upended. Was she ready for a crazy change? It starts with a rumor that she's a witch, that her doodles hold mysterious powers, that she casts spells on the people around her. It seems absurd, she knew that. But it was hard to look away as people start...

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“How To Fix My Mistake” by Fredrich TheFrogdrick

Submitted to Contest #254

“Did you hear?” A blond girl in my class whispers to one of her friends, “That girl who sits in the back? I think her name is Iris. Well, apparently, she’s awful! Eliza told me that she had a friend who she turned into a dope head.” They may be pretending to whisper, but I can hear their gossiping from across the classroom, so can the whole class, but no one seems to care, not even the teacher.“Oh yeah,” one of the brunettes beside her responds, just as eager to gossip. “Well I heard that since she was a kid she’s been a drug mule!” When I h...

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“A Dance to Remember” by Kirsten Fabish

Submitted to Contest #254

I smoothed out the wrinkles on my silk dress slowly and carefully, the dress felt soft and cool against my skin. Silk was much more luxurious than the leathers and armor I was used to wearing. This event was a long time coming and I was nervous as there had been celebrations like this before but never had I been permitted to be a part of it. My father would never allow it, it would be too embarrassing for him, for the world to see me and maybe even interact with me. I know he was just secretly hoping to marry me off tonight, maybe even scare...

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“Midnight Waltz” by Fern Everton

Submitted to Contest #254

CW: This piece contains light profanity and mentions of violence. Viewer discretion is advised. This story and its title is inspired by the piece Midnight Waltz by David Garrett and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I do not own anything of the piece and all rights belong to its rightful owners. “I said no dancing!” “You said no distractions.” A mischievous glint plays in Blue Jay’s eyes as he drags me onto the shiny, slick dance floor. In a panicked attempt to not crash into two other dancers, my heeled shoe snags the tool of my dres...

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“Adversary-"To Be or not to Be"” by Pete Gautchier

Submitted to Contest #254

Prompt: Write a story about two characters who start as mortal enemies but learn to embrace their differences.Adversary : To Be or not to BeThe cry “Help Me” was whispered by a terrified voice fearing it would be heard by his nemesis. With supersonic hearing, our hero Superman appears on the scene. He uses his super powers to battle his nemesis known as Rex Luther. The hostage is released, but Luther escapes to continue his rampage of terror on other unsuspecting humans. Superman’s adversary has not been brought to j...

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“At the Metapsychical Salon” by Luca King Greek

Submitted to Contest #254

Some arrived on foot from East Side apartments, others alighted from 5th Avenue trolley cars, and a swaddled few pulled up in automobiles. Regardless of starting-point, mode of travel, or status in the upper strata of Manhattan, they each faced the same bitter wind on the sidewalk, the same battle for advantage at the cloakroom, and the same squeeze into the ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria.The Women’s Entertainment Club was host of a Metapsychical Evening featuring the most prominent Psychics, Spiritualists, and Clairvoyants of the day.&nbsp...

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“Whispers of The Masked Viperess Vixen” by Noted Moments

Submitted to Contest #254

It was supposed to be a quiet Wednesday in the office, but somehow the regular rowdy bunch of gossips still managed to make a scene as usual. Melissa chuckled to herself as she whispered to her coworker, "I'm telling you, it's Vanessa. She's got the whole 'secret identity' thing down pat. And just look at her—she's always quiet, shy, and never gets into trouble. She is the Vixen, I swear on my life!" She was referring to the recent news sensation about The Masked Viperess Vixen, a mysterious villain who kills anyone just to satisfy her lust...

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“Monsoon ” by Rosemary Tracy

Submitted to Contest #254

The June evening was sticky and fragrant, carrying laughter, music and the smell of charred corn and spiced meat through the air. Booths lined the street and the square with art, jewelry and knickknacks. Families with exhausted looking parents crowded around vendors of face-painting and kettle corn to wait their turn. Above us, the Jersey Lily balcony held beer-drinking patrons who overlooked the Main Street across from the ancient courthouse. Every so often the high pitched laughter of a table propping up several tipsy women in rhinestone b...

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“On Goldenrod” by Noah Tillier

Submitted to Contest #254

The most beautiful flowers tend to bloom their brightest in the gray fog of a downpour. Have you seen the dew play across the petals of the red rose or trail down the torso of the goldenrod and flush the yellow flowerlets with a kiss to the roots? The deep green, rich umber, and steely gray sound of rain resonated throughout the forest and across the brown rooftops of the hamlet of Vena. A poor young woman – whose wavy brown bangs were obscured by the sopping summer hat she wore – had finally entered the awning of one of the smaller houses. ...

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“The Hour and Minute Hand” by Catherine Ream

Submitted to Contest #254

The Hour and Minute Handby: Catherine Ream The sun rose behind Georginton Valley, glossing the sky with luminous colors. Today wasn’t an ordinary day for it was the annual Georginton Valley Regency Fair. The event that our small town is most well known for and caters towards quite the crowd. One year, however, distinguishes itself amongst the others; this is where our story proceeds. This year, I was twenty and an aspiring fashion designer so to answer your question, I created my dress of which I spent months on. I constructed a classic che...

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“The Legend of Sun and Moon” by ♡ Tana ♡

Submitted to Contest #254

“Olivia,” he says, smiling at me. “I’ve written a vow.”He is wearing a cream colored suit, and there is an explosion of violets tucked into his breast pocket. He is so close to me I can smell them, and the sweet warmth of his skin. The minister bows his head and steps back, allowing us as much time as is required. After all, this is about me and him and no one else.“Hunter,” I breathe, “I wrote one too.”Sun had pearls for teeth, and his hair was made of tamed fire. He smelled of brimstone and bonfires and hearths burning too hot when h...

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“Compassion Amidst Desolation ” by Rob Taylor

Submitted to Contest #254

The screams and shouts of agony have faded away. The wind whips across the body-laden grasses, carrying with it the scent of death and decay. The cries of the dying cut through the wind only to be buried in its cold, empty silence. The grasses are patches of crimson red glistening towards the sun, a haunting reminder of the blood spilled this day.A lone man steps cautiously through the blood-stained bodies. His name is Marcus, a seasoned warrior with a face weathered by countless battles. He's shirtless, covered in mud, blood, and swea...

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$250

Prize money

218

Contest entries

88

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Jun 14, 2024 EST

Won by Phoebe Barr 🏆

Title: Found Family

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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