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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

“Guardian Angel” by Catherine Stockwell

Submitted to Contest #261

Saturday, June 22 Well, it looks like my baby brother, Tommy, has messed up again. The new wife, the one called Jolene, left him, and she took the air fryer! I knew from the moment I met her (skinny little thing she was), that she was no good and just after whatever money Tommy still has left. I took the 145 bus over to visit my brother this afternoon. You should have seen him, sitting on his screened porch, staring out at his overgrown yard…the sight of him! He was wearing a raggedy old flannel shirt and a pair of sweatpants, looking like h...

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“Gratitude ” by Joan Earley

Submitted to Contest #261

Dear Gratitude Journal, I’m thankful that Religious Education is a non-exam course. I’m thankful that Ms. Nelson is not going to actually read you, just check off that we wrote something in you. I’m thankful that this exercise is finally oooover for today. Yours sincerely,Max ————— Dear Gratitude Journal, I’m thankful I’m not Alastair Bliss. Today he wore a suit to history class. Everyone made fun of him, of course, hooting when he walked in. He smiled as he lowered himself into his chair and then raised a pale hand. It was not t...

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“Today was...” by Andy Ortega

Submitted to Contest #261

June 8th 2024 As mandated by my therapist I will be writing a gratitude journal every day for three months. It’s supposed to help with my bad mood that everyone is calling depression. Let’s see, today I started the morning by going to therapy so already off to a bad start. Then I went to my job at the city library. The AC shut down and it was a ninety-degree weather kind of day, no clouds. It was so hot I felt like I could’ve passed out from the heat, but I didn’t. So I guess that’s one good thing that happened today. June 10th ...

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“The Journal” by Susi Jones

Submitted to Contest #261

Don't you think it's kind of extra to keep gratitude journals, seriously I don't even want to think about it. I don't like the word gratitude. It is a contradiction in my life. Who does that? Who wastes their time with gratitude journals? Not me! What's wrong with people who have to search so hard to find something positive. I don't have to make any effort to think about the darkness. What about a thankless journal? I could knock one of those out in no time. If they only knew. I wake up every day deciphering rea...

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“The Rip Off” by K Ford

Submitted to Contest #261

The Rip Off I was in Lowndes County, Alabama, on a work assignment. Upon finishing, one of the workers on site asked, "Hey man, you like basketball?""Heck yeah!""Well, Ben Wallace's old high school is right down the street if you wanna check it out and see where he used to play ball."He gave me some straightforward directions on how to get there. I put my tools and parts in the truck and was on my way. As I was driving, I came up on a side street. The voice inside my head told me, "Turn right here." This, of course, was not the direction to ...

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“Orca” by Branson Kennedy

Submitted to Contest #261

This story was inspired by a song called "You Better Run." by Toismic.____________________________________________I once again have found strength.Because of him. All because of what that man did for me.He protected me.Single-handedly,Swiftfully,Powerfully.I should be dead right now.Ajax, the vile man. The Cobra defector.This is his doing. The Utanic Empire is at its limits.The occupation, the desolation, the confrontation, all of these ended at the destructive fists of a man they call The Bull.For years, the Utanic Empire maintained its gra...

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“Murrow Farm ” by William Keleny

Submitted to Contest #261

Murrow FarmBy William KelenyThe axe hit the post, causing the ravens to take flight. &...

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“From One Heartbeat to the Next” by Malinda Hall

Submitted to Contest #261

THANKS A BUNCH! 🍌 Dear Carol,Sorry for the cheesy card, I just wanted to send you a note of thanks for meeting with me today, and since we’ve only just met, this seemed most appropriate. I’m still not sure about calling you “Carol”, as it seems little informal, but here I am, giving it a shot. Anyway, thanks again.Sincerely,Andi Johnson YOU ROCK! 🪨 Dear Carol,Sorry again for yet another cheese-tastic card, but you said you really liked the last one, so I figured I’d stick with the theme. I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant about you meeting...

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“A Love Story - Written in the Form of Thank You Notes” by Audrey Schatz

Submitted to Contest #261

12.05.22 Hello! Thank you so much for the cookies you baked me!! It was a wonderful 'welcome' gift to the apartment complex. I've left the empty container along with this note just outside your door x Elife :) ___________ 22.05.22 Hi! I'm happy that we keep running into each other on the elevator. It's always so nice to chat with you! Thank you for buying me that morning coffee at the coffee stand yesterday when I accidentally left my wallet at home. You are too kind! Elife ___________ ...

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“Thanks Again, Anna” by Sarah James

Submitted to Contest #261

April 25thGrandma and Grandpa, Thank you so much for the beautiful engagement gift! All of the jewelry is absolutely beautiful and has such a storied history. I think I might wear the earring and necklace set that has the rubies for the wedding, I think you said that was from your 40th wedding anniversary, right? Those might be my favorite. Rachel and I are very excited to start this journey and celebrate with our families, and we are so grateful to have such love in our lives. Things are definitely going to get a lot busier around her...

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“Being Polite” by Tempest Phoenix Smith

Submitted to Contest #261

Thank you, Vicky, for sending me the woven mats Grandmother Victoria made. You won’t remember her, of course, but she was the sweetest person you could hope to know. I’ve never understood why your mother named you after her because she died before you were born.It means a lot to be able to display the weaving when we entertain family. Nobody realised that your mother took them away with her to California. We thought they had been lost in all the upheaval after grandfather died with the house having to be sold and Aunt Bogna moving into a muc...

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“A Thanksgiving Letter” by Oveta Jenkins

Submitted to Contest #261

A Thanksgiving Letter Dorian was daydreaming of all the times in her life that she had been grateful. Her parents, teachers, friends, neighbors, family members, friends, and strangers along the way all gave Dorian what she needed to survive a specific time in her life. Anguishing over the fact that she had never really expressed her gratitude in writing, she decided to write a Thanksgiving letter full of thank-yous to share with her family and friends. Dear Family and Friends,I am grateful for what you have given me throughout this jo...

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“Ses Souvenirs” by Whitley Richardson

Submitted to Contest #261

I never thought I’d be writing this at all, let alone at 25 years old. Before death comes for its appointment with me, I need to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Mama, I never thought I would have made it this far without you. I know you have always felt that I was too young to remember; I know what happened to the man who would be called my father. The memories are faded, but the images are there, and I put them together long ago. So, I thank you for saving me. I know that he is buried in our backyard and that you put him there....

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“Letters to a Loved One: 'Til Death Do Us Part” by Jacob Knodle

Submitted to Contest #261

Anna,Thank you for coming to my birthday party. I really like the ninja turtles you got me. The red one is my favorite. My mom said you could come to the fair with us next week! She said you have to ask your mom though, so you should do that.I’m so happy were in Ms. Gardner’s class together. Are you nervous? You shouldn’t be. My brother said second grade isn’t that hard. Don’t forget to ask your mom about the fair.Theo Anna,I had a really great time going to prom with you. You looked amazing. I hope you had fun, even if I really am the clums...

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“Lost in Translation” by Cristina Ochoa

Submitted to Contest #261

Tiny slips of paper passed back and forth through the slender gap in the door frame at 2323 Barnaby Lane.“Thank you.”“No, thank you.”“No, really, thank you.”“Please, thank you.”“No, I insist, thank you.”“No, really I insist, thank you.”This contest of credits had been passing back and forth for over an hour—a steady stream of compliments and gratitude. The appreciation and acknowledgements were beginning to get out of hand. Francis knew that, but he couldn’t help himself. How else could he repay Rachel for what she had given him?Rachel felt ...

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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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