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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

“Deep Red Relief” by Nevada Gay

Submitted to Contest #260

Sensitive content; substance abuse, physical violence, gore. "They'll call you in soon," said the receptionist. "You can have a seat wherever you'd like until then." "Thanks," I mumbled. The waiting room was empty, except for one young woman who sat in the center. She was a brunette with clear skin and didn't look older than nineteen or twenty. I remembered when I was that beautiful. Before my eyelids got puffy and my hair began to shed. I made my way to the seat in the corner, the least visible in the room. My eyelids were heavy. My head ...

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“The Great Baby Bust: Operation Newborn” by Josephine Damm

Submitted to Contest #260

Sergeant Milford stood on the sidewalk, staring into nothing. The site was bustling with officers; diverging oncoming traffic, making calls, and – like Milford – just standing there, scratching their heads, throwing careful glances at the bus parked on the street. When the call first came in he’d had to check his calendar but, as it turns out, April Fools Day had come and gone three weeks ago. "I’m just repeating to you what the woman calling in said to me," the operator had said, irritation glazing every word. "She’s likely a code 43. ...

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“The Weatherman's Elephant” by A. Lea Frost

Submitted to Contest #260

*This story contains themes of death and injury. I died. Cold entered my bloodstream, injected with the hardness of an iceberg covered in blood. The weatherman said it would be hot and humid on this mid-summer’s day in Europe? Mexico? Southern California? I give up. Where am I? They were never right. It was cold. Very cold. Tundra cold from where I lay on the concrete. Cars race around my silhouette, warming the pavement. I can smell the heat, intertwined with the tainted rubber, rising. Still cold. “Hey, mister, are you okay?” A bent over ...

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“Closet. Mahogany. Keyhole.” by James Kulp

Submitted to Contest #260

It was all a dream. The fashion model. The singing competition winner. The ballet dancer on the stage. They all slowly faded as she opened her eyes to a feeble ray of sunshine on her face. Ellie could still feel the silky straps on her shoulders as she walked down the runway, could still hear the melody of her winning song, could still taste the rapturous applause as she gave a graceful bow after the ballet performance. And, of course, Trinity was there. She was always there, helping her put on makeup, adjusting her dress, encouraging her, a...

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“Mary” by Catherine Robertson

Submitted to Contest #260

Bright green leaves the size of his hands rustled overhead. Spanish moss swayed lazily as if there was a breeze. They were draped over the massive branches of an ancient oak tree this kid managed to conjure. He was impressed. The entire scene was incredibly detailed. Unlike the typical blurry color blocks and vague shapes people usually created, content to add the minutiae in their own minds. Bugs moved in the dirt, the leaves had shapes and veins, and the tree itself was tall enough to block out where the sun might be. He couldn’t quite tel...

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“Filling in the Blanks With Giraffes” by Alex Rohling

Submitted to Contest #260

A room of chilled recycled air, soft buzzing electricity, chemical sanitation. Windowless. Harsh white lights.Three gather around the Simulacrum Screen. Below, a brain is submerged in translucent amber fluid. A wire runs from the brain to the screen. A tube runs from the brain to a pouch like an IV drip.The brain has been stained so that its purple vein highways contrast with the dull grey flesh. On another screen, neural lightning bolts flash and fade."Progress, Ambrose?""We tried love this morning.""I told you to try fear.""It's too soon. ...

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“The Greatest Dream of All” by Eccles Garstang

Submitted to Contest #260

Do you ever have that thing where you know that you need to get up early for something, like to catch a plane, and your body will NOT let you relax? So, instead of getting the restful sleep you need ahead of a big day, you wake up every hour on the hour, stressing that you’ve overslept? Did you know that’s called ‘Disrupted Rest and Excessive Awakening Malady’? And yeah, I’ve got that malaise big time because first thing in the morning is the most crucial event of my career.It's the Annual Associate Acceleration Convention. This is a hu...

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“Deep Waters” by David Pelcastre

Submitted to Contest #260

Since I was a kid, I always dreamed of being a sailor, I guess this desire was due to the admiration I had of my father, he used to tell me stories about his adventures during the voyages he was part of; I was captivated while listening to him, how could I forget those stories?, the one when he had to take care of some exotic birds they brought from Africa; the time when the crew witnessed a combat between the Royal Navy and some pirate ships; I still remember when he told me that one, when he saw a big pod of orcas following the ship for a ...

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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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