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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#260: A Twist in the Tale

Has a friend ever recommended a book or a movie with the line, "The twist is amazing"? I usually hate when they do that. Even if they don't spill the beans on what the plot twist is, just knowing there is one can spoil the fun. I won't be able to resist trying to pre-empt the plot, and guess what that it might be — but a truly great twist is always rewarding, whether you expect it or not.

Here's a twist I'm sure you saw coming: this week's contest is all about them. Your readers will know there's one on the horizon. Can you still manage to surprise us?

This week's prompts

Write a story with a big twist.

Dramatic – 188 stories

Write a story in which a character learns something unexpected about someone they thought they knew well.

Mystery – 63 stories

Write a story about someone who realises the story of their life has been pre-determined — until they decide to divert from the expected path.

Character – 31 stories

Write a story that includes the line, "I didn't see that one coming."

Dialogue – 41 stories

Write a story using the most clichéd twist of all; it was all a dream.

Narrative – 105 stories

Stories

“The Ghost of Wicker Street” by Sofia Peralta

Submitted to Contest #260

There was an old house at the end of Wicker Street. Its windows were boarded up and the roof shingles had begun to fall off. Ivy was creeping up its brick wall and the wooden porch steps were now rotten and soft. The house had been abandoned for over a decade, in which not a single soul dared to step foot inside. Xavier knew he had to explore it. His mother had forbidden him from going anywhere near the house, saying that she’d explain when he was older. But, Xavier didn’t want to wait until he was older so he took matters into his own hands...

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“The Beast” by Ceiling Yolk

Submitted to Contest #260

August 11th, 1385 Today, I chanced upon the most unlikely friend. He’s somewhat diminutive, and his form seems to flux and shift. Encircling his head are rings, and his visage boasts tens of hollowed eyes, each brimming with a boundless curiosity toward me. Never before have I ever beheld a creature consumed with the same zeal for existence as I. Alas, he hasn’t got a name, which we must remedy as I do not believe our last conversation was the final time we will ever speak. Mother would never approve of this arrangement, so she mustn’...

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“How To Play A Human” by Search Bar

Submitted to Contest #260

“Goodbye,” you said.The best way to break someone’s heart is to pretend that you care about them. You were good to me. You stood by my side every night when I thought I was never going to make it. You helped me bury my prejudices and become a better person. You believed in me when I had nothing. My only possessions at the time were unreal ideas for the future. But you listened and understood, encouraged me to keep going because you truly thought I’d be someone great someday. You were the best thing that ever happened to me. They say you neve...

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“A Butcher's Tale” by Tisheia Frazier

Submitted to Contest #260

Black umbrellas. Black suits and dresses. Black stilettos and black boots. Mourners always have a way of wearing black. They gather around like flock, from the church to the grave. All for a “good and honest man" that everyone knew to be the best butcher in town, Ole man Richie. Everything was in sync except for the one wearing a blue polka-a-dot dress. No one noticed her but Edgar, the deceased's long distant nephew. He inherited the cobwebbed butchery; little did he know that it would come with a price. Cut the meat, slice it, carve it. Ta...

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“On the way to Egypt” by Wade Gilbert

Submitted to Contest #260

On the way to Egypt. By Wade Gilbert “I’m only tellin’ ya this Lad 'cos you’re here and you’re askin’. If ya wana hear some more yarns from a crazy old man’s travelin' days, then I'll tell ya. Fill that glass and I'll fill ya head” Pap jibes, ”From back when I didn’t use my head too good but I had the heart of a lion,” he says and mumbling softly continues, "and the balls to match," he chuckles, starts coughing and rummaging deep into a pocket for his hankey. There is blood on his lip. I look away. We all know he’s ...

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“This Bird’s Gonna Fly” by Michael Jefferson

Submitted to Contest #260

“They’re at it again,” Dana Dunaway says to her husband, Matt. Matt cocks his ear toward the kitchen window. “They’re probably arguing about him spending too much time at his plastic surgery practice,” Matt comments. “Maybe he told her she needs some work done,” Dana jokes. “She doesn’t.” “You’re not supposed to notice.” “And you have no reason to be jealous,” Matt counters. “Man, she’s got some set of lungs.” “And a salty vocabulary,” Dana adds. “Not everybody’s as perfect for one another as us. You think we should intervene?” “It might n...

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“The Lies Between Us” by Angie Lucas

Submitted to Contest #260

Laura’s mother was a drug addict. It started with alcohol, when she and her twin brother were very young, and progressed quickly. Even as a child Laura can remember thinking there was something different, something very wrong, with her mother. She wasn’t happy, though Laura couldn’t say why. She had a loving husband, two children (finally, after years of fertility treatments, Laura learned much later), a decent house. She probably didn’t feel quite fulfilled in her career, having dropped out of medical school after less than a year and takin...

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“Breakfast in Bed” by Nina Shylo

Submitted to Contest #260

Betsy woke slowly, just as she did everything these days. The morning sun weaseled its way through the cracks in the curtains, bathing the room in a muted glow. She lay still and quiet on her bed, doing her morning inventory of her aches and pains. Fortunately, there weren’t too many yet. As long as she wasn’t moving, it was only the weight of her body holding her back, the idea that even lifting an arm would be too much of a task for her time-worn body. Back in her day, that feeling had only come after skiing all day and partying all night ...

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“A Twist of Destiny” by Rudy Greene

Submitted to Contest #260

The moment she popped out of her mother’s womb, she was destined to be a superstar. Or so the family thought. Her father was an accomplished concert pianist, and her mother sang opera at the Met. Her grandfather had been the composer for the stars and her grandmother, an accomplished actress. How could she not make her mark in the arts. Even her name Star screamed success. She was an adorable baby with blonde hair and blue eyes. As she grew her beauty only increased. She reached puberty earlier than most of her peers and was a fashion model ...

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“The Break” by Hannah Ryerson

Submitted to Contest #260

I sat at the table, balling up and unfolding a napkin in my hands over and over while I watched my friend waltz effortlessly around her kitchen, chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, adding spices and salt to a bowl. Kylie complained about being single, but all things considered, she had it together a lot more than I did.“I can’t believe this happened a month ago and you’re just now telling me,” she said as she handed me a plate with a chicken sandwich, salad, and grapes on it. I felt my stomach rumble. I’d only eaten half a sandwich a...

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“Unwritten Future” by Derek Macleod

Submitted to Contest #260

Chapter 1: Alex's Growing UneaseAlex walked to the backdoor of the community hall, his eyes scanning over the wedding preparations. It had been a long day in the fields, and he wiped the caked dirt off his clothes. The pristine white tablecloths, neatly arranged floral centerpieces, and gleaming silverware should have filled him with anticipation. Instead, a knot formed in his stomach.Leah glided over, her steps deliberate. "There ya are, Alex. What d'ya think of the decorations? Our families worked so hard on 'em."He conjured a grin. "They'...

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“Kaleidoscope of Paradoxes” by Samantha McWilliams

Submitted to Contest #260

Today was a new day. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself. Even though hope felt elusive, Robert told me to fake it. “That’s how everyone does it, dear Effy. No one really has any hope.” I imagined the sentiment was meant to make me feel better, yet I found myself standing in our brand-new kitchen peering at our newest addition with dead eyes. The Meal Prep Master Pro. Everything a kitchen needed. There was no need to touch anything now. All the shiny knives were tucked away out of my reach. Wouldn’t want another accide...

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“Sent Packing” by Maggie Jakins

Submitted to Contest #260

Sent Packing by Maggie Jakins ‘Come on, Jen, it’s your big birthday today and I promised to take you out for tea and a bun. You can get a discount now on Wednesdays,’ Frank reminded his wife tactfully as he searched for the car keys. He wanted the day to go to plan and was keen to get going. Keeping a secret, especially from...

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“The Hero of Plastic Trash” by Jeff Meade

Submitted to Contest #260

The Hero of Plastic Trash“Dad, this has been a great day!”"Oh yeah, Berkeley? What made it so great?” “I’ve decided I love mini golf! I don’t remember doing this before, and you can’t do it where we live.”“True dat. Mini golf doesn’t exist in Uganda.” It was really nice to see my 11 year old engaged in something other than screens. A day at the Fun N’ Stuff is also just a healthy blast of American culture for a young tween diplomat.“I’ve had a good time too, Dad. Can we do the boats again?” 6 year old Quincy just couldn’t get enough of ...

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“Elvis At Work” by JMH Flood

Submitted to Contest #260

The bell on the door rang, as a customer entered. Betsy looked up and saw Young Elvis - alive and well and looking very handsome headed towards the science fiction section. Betsy had seen many strange things at her job, but nothing quite like this. A typical day would include someone with their cat in a stroller, dressed up in ballroom dancewear. Or, a dog that says, “I love you” plain as day when the owner said it to them. But, never had she seen Elvis in the store. “Ow!” Betsy whispered to herself after she pinched the inside of her elbow ...

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$250

Prize money

428

Contest entries

131

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Jul 26, 2024 EST

Won by Elizabeth Hoban 🏆

Title: You

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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