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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

“The Gift” by Edward Regenye

Submitted to Contest #261

Charleston HouseMorningsideSurrey SU10 9SBMy Dearest JasonThank you ever so much for your novel anniversary gift. And the gold ribbon was such a clever touch for our Fiftieth. Everyone at the party had a comment. Even your father who said it was so typical of you. He and I are debating where to keep it. I want the drawing room, but your father is insisting on the garage. Watch this space!Sorry you could not make the party but totally understandable. It was good to hear that the doctor in Zurich was so posit...

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“Good Neighbors” by Anna Tolly

Submitted to Contest #261

9/15/17 Dear Mrs. Johnson,Thank you so much for the gift basket you brought over! The soups were delicious. It’s been so hard to cook meals with the new baby, so I really appreciate it. I can’t wait to try out that restaurant. Being new to town, it’s good to know what places to try (and good to know we have kind neighbors to recommend them!) Between Jack, Charlie, and myself, those treats were eaten up in no time too. We’re glad to have you as our neighbor.Your friend,Rae Campbell 7/27/18 Dear Rae, Thank you for the delicious raspberri...

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“A Eulogy of Gratitude” by Pete Gautchier

Submitted to Contest #261

Prompt: Write a story in the form of a series of thank you cards (and as an expression of gratitude to someone.) A Eulogy of GratitudeThe late Frank Sinatra made popular in his song, My Way1 these words:“Regrets, I've had a few But then again, too few to mention I did what I had to do And saw it through without exemption I planned each charted course Each careful step along the byway And more, much more than this I did it my way”Yes, I did it my way and now I am scurrying to jot down these thank you cards before I fall asleep. Thank you…Mom ...

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“Thank You! -Management” by Marsha Marrow

Submitted to Contest #261

I had always been more of a ‘smile through everything and don’t show your frustration’ type of person. Always one to avoid making waves. Instead, I would keep my mouth shut at all the trivial things that bothered me, convinced that nobody else needed to hear me gripe. I was not a pushover, but not one to seek any unnecessary drama either. That is until I realized the power of anonymity behind the mask of a card from “Management.” The first time I wielded my newfound strength was in the laundry room of my apartment. All the washing ma...

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“The Reunion” by Joyce Schook

Submitted to Contest #261

Dear Morgan,I just want to express my gratitude to you. Your kindness meant the world to me. You were more than just a great hostess, you were a friend to me. At first I felt out of sorts in your home but you quickly made me feel welcome. I was relaxed and comfortable in no time. I was forever that shy kid who always held her tongue. You gave me permission to be my most authentic self. And I just want you to know it meant a great deal to me. There are still angels on earth, I believe that because I found one in you. I am still trying hard to...

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“TO THE ONES WHO STOOD BY MY SIDE, THIS ONE IS FOR YOU” by Melinda Madrigal

Submitted to Contest #261

For the longest time I've been having a problem, a very big problem. I alienate family and friends. I was kicked out of my family. Everyone hated me but they still came to help me. To make me see I was destroying my life. One day I realized what I was losing and I decided to get help. These Thank You Cards are for those who never gave up on me and for those who were tough on me. First, I want to say thank you to the big guy up in the sky. Without your love and guidance, I wouldn't be here. When I needed someone to talk too, you were always t...

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“Thank You (A Confessional)” by Cameron Navarre

Submitted to Contest #261

For nurse Sarah Robinson,Thank you for taking such good care of this old man in his final days. I couldn’t have asked for a more compassionate and competent person to guide me towards the end of the line. I have no doubt that, even if you knew who I was, and what I did, you would have treated me with the same care and respect that I have come to receive these past few days. As a final request, my hope is that you can help these letters find their way to their intended recipients. If you are curious and would like to know more about the man y...

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“30 Unread Messages” by Hannah Rose

Submitted to Contest #261

From: Drew VogtTo: Paige MillerSubject: Slay!!!!Received December 13, 2023 No cap, that was the BEST corporatey holiday function I’ve ever been to! Zanksssss for being the best party planning buddy everr!!! Who knew tech nerds had rizz. Lots of us are meeting up for happy hour Friday. You should join us. Bet!Stay classy,Drew VogtSales Representative-From: Carrie PriestlyTo: Paige MillerSubject: Party Planning SaviorReceived December 15, 2023Paiggeeeeeeee!Thank you for basically planning the holiday party all alone! So sorry I had totally for...

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“Harrison, Harry, My Love” by Shannon Haffely

Submitted to Contest #261

Tw: substance abuse, mental health, cussingTo: Harrison My therapist said I should write you a thank you note. A THANK YOU NOTE. Un-fucking-believable. What am I supposed to say? Thank you, for leaving me? Thank you for breaking my heart into thousands of pieces and stomping on them in your wake? How is she even allowed to have a degree? A thank you note. It makes more sense to write you a “fuck you” note. God. Thank you, Harrison. Thank you so much for being the perfect fiancé until you weren’t. Thank you for being so goddamn...

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“This Little Box” by Grace Page

Submitted to Contest #261

This Little BoxThank you for this little box. I love the flowers on top…the red and pink roses all special formed of clay, and the leaves etched with those lines goin down the middle and little ones for detail goin out. Martha Lou did a fine job. She told me she uses her own box for keeping thank you notes. She says that when you count your blessings, you have more of em. I don’t know whether that’s right or not but here goes. Thank you for the wonderful supper Ma made for my birthday. Thank you for the gifts my sisters gave me like this lit...

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““Thanks for the Memories: Sorry About Your Face.”” by Beau Danner

Submitted to Contest #261

Dear Jake, Thank you so much for coming to my 40th birthday party! It was an honor to have you there. Hosting a party can be a lot but seeing you there made it worth it. So sorry you had to leave early. I know how much you like fireworks. At least you finally got to meet my fiancé Isobel. Your Friend,Thomas Tiberius Gatley______________________________Dearest Noah, Thank you so much for coming to my party! It really meant a lot to me. Isobel said that you were a riot and everyone loved your impromptu standup at the DJ booth. Although you wer...

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“Thank You Notes” by Cheryl Pope

Submitted to Contest #261

Thank You NotesBy Cheryl PopeDear Aunt Sally and Uncle Ray,Thank you for coming to our wedding and for the twenty-five dollar check. We’ll put it to good use. Joel enjoyed meeting you. He’s never met anyone from Hoboken and he loved your accents. You’re right, it would have been lovely to have Sicilian Pizza at our reception. We’ll have to remember that for our next party. You both looked great. I loved Uncle Ray’s new toupee. So realistic!Your niece, #Dear Mrs. Johnson,Thank you for playing the organ at o...

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“Peril in London” by Day Williams

Submitted to Contest #261

Peril in London I loved my girlfriend, Regina. We had been together for two years. I wanted to show my gratitude to her. She had taught me how to paint better, how to write better, how to kiss better. She had made me feel like a prince in his castle. I knew little before she came along, I was humbled to admit. Yet she flew to England to study literature, and I missed her so much my bones ached. I stared out the window for hours on end. Now I had only a few days before classes started for the semester. If I missed one class, I would b...

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“Torrent” by John Graham

Submitted to Contest #261

God, how do I make them understand? I needed to thank him…somehow. Is he a him? I really hope I'm not misgendering them. I'll have to learn how that all works…wherever we go. Jesus, how can this be real? I should rest. But they might leave. What if I never see him again? No, I need to do this now. I have to thank him for saving my life.***It had been six months of staying indoors. The weather advisory reports were stark. All over the world, people were dying of heatstroke. Entire cities had been displaced because of the rising temperatures. ...

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“The Perfect Gift” by Lorra Spitzer

Submitted to Contest #261

Through the pristine glass of the kitchen sink window, Alexis spotted her elderly neighbor, Mr. Jenkins, teetering among the tangled vines and overgrown vegetation of his forgotten flower garden. It had been a month since he had patiently nursed her back to health. Though she thanked him, the words felt like a mere chuckle compared to her depth of gratitude. “What do you need, my old friend?” she pondered as she placed the final cooking pot on the white drainboard. Suddenly, Mr. Jenkens collapsed to the ground. Without hesitation, Alex...

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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!

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