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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

“Colours and Clandestine Meetings in Foreign Places” by Azola Jubisa

Submitted to Contest #260

‘When can I expect it to arrive?’ ‘Just leave your details; your name and your contact number.’ She smiled and handed me a pen and a piece of paper. I scribbled the details on the parchment and slid it back to her as I held my hands together against my lap. ‘Let me make a few calls before I send you off.’ A shadow fell over me and I gazed back to me...

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“The Sound of Light ” by Eric Schrag

Submitted to Contest #260

The Sound of Light Part 1 – DO you remember the movie Contact? I owe a lot to Carl for writing that story. It’s all because of the leading star (pun intended), Ellie, that I became a radio astronomer. The movie came out around the time I was a teenager, and I had better things to do than watch a sci-fi drama. It looked like it was going to be a slow and boring love story with a little outer space sprinkled in. But my girlfriend at the time was obsessed with Matthew McConaughey, so she dragged me to the theater to see it on the big ...

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“The Secret History of Water” by Rich Graces

Submitted to Contest #260

The absence of daylight in the surrounding area betrayed the fact that it was actually noon. Darkness enshrouded the sun, blocking its rays from shining through.A slowly advancing horde paused and hovered, awaiting their orders. But none came. The wind blew steadily from behind, pushing them onward, so they continued.Although the crowd was as numerous as the sands on the seashore, without their commander leading them, they felt as if they were wandering aimlessly, unsure of where to go next.Suddenly, a thunderous rumble filled the sky, echoe...

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“A Murder House” by Hazel Needham

Submitted to Contest #260

A Murder House At first, Ethan didn’t hear the screaming. The day had been ordinary. Work was uncomplicated - The Guildhall Theatre’s production of A Doll’s House had run without interference - and he was already acclimatising to life on Victoria Street. The ritualistic politeness of the neighbours, the squirrels patrolling the front lawns, the quiet of the road. He had feared it could be boring for a first-time buyer, more his parents’ taste than his own, but he revelled in the peace. The freedom. Courtesy of his stewarding job, Ethan was f...

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“In the Silence of the Forest ” by Lunn Ann

Submitted to Contest #260

I am looking at the water as it ripples through the brook. Whispers of rustling leaves, little four-legged creatures scurrying on the ground, while birds sing songs in the tree tops above me. The sound was deafening as it echoed loudly through the dense trees. I stood for a moment to gaze at which way the brook was moving over the shiny stones underneath. The water moved to my left, which meant I needed to follow it to my right. I couldn’t remember which way I was told to go to find the source. Thoughts were barely coming out as I trusted th...

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“Foe or Friend” by Ron Conte

Submitted to Contest #260

When someone yells "duck", one should lower his head, rather than turn around to see why he should duck! At least that is running through Doug's mind as he recalls the past few moments. Maybe he doesn't trust his classmate known as The Roach who yelled out that one word unexpectedly. Although the Roach and Doug have been classmates for almost half the school year, Doug keeps his distance from him. It was Doug's first year at a Catholic elementary school. He does not make friends easily. All his classmates have been together at the same sch...

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“Where’s mommy?” by Noor El Zein

Submitted to Contest #260

Ever since I could remember, it was just me and my dad. My mom died when I was five. I didn’t remember much of her to be honest. My dad said she had died in a car crash and that I was with her when it happened. He said I would’ve died too but by some miracle I survived with only a scar on rhr back of my neck. That’s why we never drive anymore or go anywhere. He said that if anything happened to me he would never forgive himself. He said I looked like her alot but there were no pictures of her that I could compare myself to. We live in a...

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“Hollywood Tail” by Steve Bourne

Submitted to Contest #260

I only worked with her the one time, but we was instant friends from the start, and she’ll tell you the same. During the days when she couldn’t face the cam’ras, when her insecur’ties et up her confidence and her fears cramped her gut so much as she found she couldn’t function prop’ly, we’d crawl under the set and she’d tell me about her life and her days before becomin’ famous. I ain’t never worked with anyone more famous than her. Sometimes Ralph and young Tommy come with us, they share a love of animals; dogs and horses mainly. Tom...

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“Autumn ” by Abi Geraci

Submitted to Contest #260

Autumn is gone. It’s Wintertime. I’ve always enjoyed this time of year. The snowfall has been lighter than normal. Only a bit of dusting every once and a while. But by the midday sun, it melts into puddles then evaporates, floating off into the sky to be snow another day. Even though the weather hasn’t been bad, the town seems quieter. Like everyone else was snowed in, couldn’t get their cars out of their driveways. Or like everyone is mourning something. Why should the mourn anything? Their lives are fine. Nothing happened to them. I get we...

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“Just Sayin'” by Chris Baird

Submitted to Contest #260

“Bless me Father for I have sinned. It’s been sixty-five years since my last confession and” “Excuse me, did you say sixty-five years?” “I did, Father” “Guess we’re going to be here for a while, eh?” “Don’t think so. I’ve led a boring life.” “Why so long away, son?” “Please don’t call me son. I’m older tha...

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“A Desert Twist” by Daniel Brandt

Submitted to Contest #260

“You never told me what you did before the draft,” Johnny said. The light from the flames danced over his face. “What does it matter, whoever that was I ain’t no more”. Charlie replied, biting off a piece of jerky, and stared into the fire. His eyes were distant. Johnny leaned back on his hands, crossed his legs, and looked up at the starry sky. Around them the Nevada desert engulfed them, dry, desolate yet inviting strangely. It attracted the dreamer, the lost, and the searching to its vast expanse. “Come, cross me and fortune awaits on the...

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“Kitty ” by Collette Parker

Submitted to Contest #260

Thomas turns his book over on his knee and puts the spectacles he can no longer read without to one side. He is sitting in his favourite rocking chair in a cosy corner of the lounge surrounded by piles of books and sheets of piano music. The late morning sunshine beams through the open French doors and he can smell the aroma of sweet pink dog roses. His younger brother George is digging over a new flower bed in the garden of the Cheshire home they share. Thomas gently strokes his long white beard, watches George break up the soil ...

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“Embracing the Unexpected” by Susanne Howitt

Submitted to Contest #260

Sarah stepped out onto the balcony of her small flat, a glass of wine in her hand, and savoured the balmy summer evening. What was it that drew her outside on this particular night?Perhaps she was looking for the gentle caress of a cooling breeze on her flushed cheeks. Or maybe she longed to bask in the glow of the rising stars and savour their soft radiance to calm her restless mind.More likely, however, it was the distant whisper of a male voice that lured her outdoors. She leaned against the metal railing and sipped her wine as she strain...

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“The Table in the Window” by Ann Martin

Submitted to Contest #260

The Table in the Window Ann Martin Olive spotted the waiter the moment they walked into the reception room at the Grand. Her elbow jabbed Eric right where the middle button of his dinner jacket was threatening to throw in the towel. “It’s him!” she hissed. “You know, Charlotte’s ex.” In moments of intensity, Olive had a habit of silently and exaggeratedly mouthing certain words, as though they were too potent to be uttered aloud. “You know, the one who’s in the MAF...EE..YAH!” She elbowed her husband again. “Pretend you haven’t seen him...

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“A father for Niamh” by Jeffrey McDonald

Submitted to Contest #260

Niamh is a young Irish girl, with bright blue eyes, flaming red hair, freckles, and pasty white skin that burns within minutes in direct sunlight. Having just discovered who her father is, her desperate need for counsel has brought her home to a familiar place.Her late mother, a free spirit, seduced the wrong man, a man she should have left alone. Months later, when she found herself pregnant with Niamh, she did what any desperate, young woman would have done, she confronted the man. The reception he gave her was not what s...

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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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