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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#261: Gratitude

Unfortunately, it's true what they say — all good things must come to an end! Today marks my last Friday at Reedsy, and my last week as the host of Prompts. 


Before I get into this week's contest, I'd like to take a moment to thank this wonderful community, for sharing your creativity and enthusiasm with me over the past few years. I have been truly moved and inspired by your entries, and am consistently amazed by the talented, prolific writers who make up Prompts. It doesn't escape me how lucky I am to have read and enjoyed thousands of your stories, and to have been given a glimpse into the worlds of so many authors. It's been a great privilege.


With that in mind, this week's contest is all about gratitude. Whether your characters are thankful for a gift, a person, or a change in circumstance, I hope they find a way to express it.


You'll meet your wonderful new Prompts host Isabella next Friday; but for now, all that's left to say is — thank you!

This week's prompts

Write a story about a character trying to find a way to express their gratitude to someone.

Character – 62 stories

Write a creative nonfiction piece about something you're grateful for.

Nonfiction – 69 stories

Write a story about a cynic who has been told to start a "gratitude journal," and does so — begrudgingly.

Funny – 55 stories

Write a story about an unsung hero.

Character – 53 stories

Write a story in the form of a series of thank you cards.

Narrative – 64 stories

Stories

“I am Grateful that I am a Failure” by Tanner Powell

Submitted to Contest #261

I Am Grateful That I Am a Failure I am grateful that I am a failure. I’m writing this from my two-person kitchen table in a flat across the world from my family, jobless and without prospects. I failed out of a school programme that I dragged my wife and dog out here to pursue, where I need to retake a whole course before I can even receive the degree. Money is getting tight to the point that I wonder whether I should even pay the $5 to submit this. Yet, I am grateful that I am a failure. I always admired people who talked about their s...

1 comment 1
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“Wise Old Owl” by Tempest Phoenix Smith

Submitted to Contest #261

Arthur Tomlinson dragged himself home from the bus stop after an unproductive visit to the doctor.He wanted to get back to his bungalow, slam the door on the world and lose himself in his latest library book. Not plunge into a bottle of his favourite tipple, not any more, but a good novel did the trick as long as it had plenty of action, suspense, and unexpected twists along the way.You could drown in fiction easily enough, forget your current circumstances, ignore the gloomy news which never seemed to get any better and, best of all, not pu...

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“Perspective” by Ebony Batty

Submitted to Contest #261

It was a hot July afternoon, and Matthew hated the sun. The heat swelled around the village like a balloon, trapping unaware victims in a haze and turning skin a blistering red with the suns prickly touch. Plus, the sharp rays had cut through the gap in his curtains that morning and left him feeling particularly annoyed for since then.What he, however, hated even more than the sun, was the newspaper sitting at his door when he emerged to brave the beating heat. It crinkled in the faint warm breeze and had all the use of a beaten doormat. He ...

2 comments 2
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“Over a Cup of Coffee” by Dana Orr

Submitted to Contest #261

(Contains the topic of death during 9/11) Being a girl in a big city was quite the challenge, but here she was. She could never have done it without the help of her parent’s full support. Grade school, first car, college, apartment, big city job. She’d made it. And now here she was, at a ripe 28, stepping off a plane on a warm Saturday morning in rural North Carolina. All her life she’d been hunting a man. Not just any man, but the man. The man who had, in his own way, contributed to her life.  She had talked to the man over the phone a...

0 comments 0
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“Canine Lifeline” by Suzanne Jennifer

Submitted to Contest #261

The blank page stares at me, the snowy white pixels unmarred by groupings of black pixels that amount to letters. I stare back and drop my focus down to the box at the bottom of the page that says ‘zero words’. Zero. The little round empty circle. Like I need to be reminded of what my life amounts to. Zero. Empty spaces. Thanks for that I say to the word count box.Dropping my head, I look farther down. I see my fingers poised over the keyboard in the home position. Hovering motionless but ready, I can’t seem to make them move. Fingers that s...

4 comments 4
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“Skadi, The Hidden Healer” by J.B. Redel

Submitted to Contest #261

“Skadi!” The shrill cry, accompanied by a pounding knock on the door, jolted Alya from her concentration. She pushed back from her workstation and quickly stepped across the small clinic to open the door. Gabriella, the town's baker, stood at the base of the stairs leading from the street above. She was a kind older woman known for her loose lips and penchant for gossip.“It’s little Georgy! He fell, and I think his arm is broken!”Alya noticed the small boy huddling behind Gabriella. He was no older than ten, and tears mingled with snot as th...

0 comments 0
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“Important Not Famous ” by Darsh Mishra

Submitted to Contest #261

In the costal county of Miami, the home of endless beaches. Where there are thousands of tourists that come every day. Where people come to enjoy the warm sun and the cool water. But every good thing has a bad side affect. Being in the costal area would usually bring floods. Many families would be put in danger. Towns would be devastated. The doctors are major hero of Miami. Every one relied on them to help the ones in need. They also loved the police. People will rely on them like they rely on god. The news will be filled with names of...

1 comment 1
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“Cotswolds in the Cold” by Anita Huyer

Submitted to Contest #261

Cold light snow was drifting down to land on the cobblestones and grey bricks of the city. Evening had begun with the grey lightness of a winter night, one of the rare nights when the night sky does not darken, but appears to hold misty secrets of ether worlds. A tall man walked alone through the evening, his long dark coat swirling in a dance with the snow. His long strides carried him through the streets, with his head bowed in deep concentration. He did not look to his left or right to see children cozy in their homes, reading and playing...

1 comment 1
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“She was not a soldier, but a Mother always carries a soldier within” by Prem Swamy

Submitted to Contest #261

Clear night sky, the moon looking slightly bigger than usual with a misty gleam around it, distant stars are shining on second glance…“It is freezing here, Father”, said Matthew.“Hmm…”, The Father.“You seem to enjoy the cold nowadays”, Matthew continued, “You looked tired after you had arrived from the shop, That’s why I made you fresh pottage with cabbage and leek.”“It was as good as fine lamb stew !! Thank you, Son”, The Father.“Let me help you to get to your room downstairs, You’ve been here on the terrace since the sunset”, Matthew.“I’m ...

2 comments 2
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“Daisy Finds the Giant Eye” by Owen Duff

Submitted to Contest #261

Daisy couldn’t find the giant eye.  “Ohh, he is gonna be so flustered,” she said with a tsk, tsk tsk, shaking her head and tossing maracas, a rubber band ball, and four traffic cones out of an oversized chest. Davie stood to her right, staring down through his dark sunglasses with his idle hands tied together in front of his belly.  Daisy looked up and saw him standing like a statue.  “Jesus Christ, Davie, what are you? CIA? Stop standing there like the Men in Black and help me find this damn thing.” Daisy only turned her focu...

2 comments 2
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“Happy Birthday!” by Malcolm Twigg

Submitted to Contest #261

This piece contains satirical and stereotypical mysoginistic and racist reference.Dear Sue,Just a quick note to say how much I appreciated the table cigarette lighter you got me for my birthday. You don’t often see them any more. They’re practically antiques now that everyone has gone over to vapes. Of course, we haven’t been in touch for a while so you weren’t to know that I’ve resolved to give up smoking. No matter, it’s a very nice decorative piece and should come in very handy for what Gerry got me … if my resolve slips at all. You ...

6 comments 6
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“Dear Valentina” by Maria Wickens

Submitted to Contest #261

Dear Valentina,Thank you for the Samaritans brochure, helpline number and wristband. Your concern is appreciated.Janet.Valentina and I met on a work induction course. When Valentina suggested we escape early to get a drink, I accepted, thinking it was a kind offer from one newbie to another.It was not a bar I had been to before. It was quite dark and the walls were painted bordello scarlet and gold. Hanging above the bar was a portrait of a reclining naked lady. Moody black and white photographs of shirtless firemen adorned the walls.The bar...

3 comments 3
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“Little Favours” by Sara M

Submitted to Contest #261

Dear Laura,Welcome to the neighbourhood! Thank you for the cake you brought over. It was delicious. Did you make it yourself? I’m not much of a cook, but hopefully I can return the favour someday.Hope you’re loving your new home!Sal x Dear Laura,Thank you so much for minding the kids yesterday. My mum got taken into hospital and Mike couldn’t get away from work in time to be home for them.Hope they didn’t make a mess in yours!Sal x Dear Sal,Thanks a bunch for the flowers (haha) – there was really no need. Your...

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“Day 33” by C.C. James

Submitted to Contest #261

“We'll only be apart for 33 days. I think we can survive!”“First the gratitude journal, now this.” I mumbled that because I didn't want Calla to take offense to my disgruntle view on what I really thought about laws of attraction nonsense. I had to humor her or else she'll get even more worked up about the wedding in 3 months. Did I say humor her? No, what I meant was agree with her like a good little husband-to-be or else I'm starting this marriage off with probability. And one thing I'm not probable about is Calla. She is my world which is...

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“Some Broken Things” by Fern Everton

Submitted to Contest #261

CW: This piece contains mentions of several sensitive topics, including themes of mental health issues, child abuse/neglect, and sexual harassment. Viewer discretion is heavily advised. Mom,I know we haven’t spoken in a few years, but I wanted to say this before I no longer have the chance. I can’t forgive you for the things you put me through— the screaming, the academic pressure, the neglect of my medical concerns—but I can at least appreciate what you did do that was good, which was giving me a roof over my head and food to eat. Thank you...

4 comments 4
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$250

Prize money

303

Contest entries

97

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Aug 02, 2024 EST

Won by Sandrine Hu 🏆

Title: Dear Aunt Beth

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!

Prompts | Big Blue Hand | 2024-11

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