#268: Reap What You Sow
It’s that time of year again — days are getting shorter, leaves are beginning to change their colors, and birds are starting to head south. While farmers across the world look to reap the rewards of their hard work, destiny too has its own harvest in mind…
The winds of fate are blowing over our short story contest this week, with prompts centered on getting what you deserve. What goes around comes around, as many like to say — so, whether your story is about someone reckoning with the skeletons in their closet or finally getting their just desserts, embrace the season of change and spin a tale where actions have consequences.
🥇 Winner
“An Apology to Mankind, Two Days After First Contact” by D Gorman
🏆 Winner of Contest #268
⭐️ Shortlisted
“Trial by Egotism” by Joseph Ellis
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #268
“Alone at the End of the World” by Matthew Henry
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #268
This week's prompts
Your character gets everything they ever wanted — only to realize the true cost.
Short Story – 73 stories
Write a story about someone seeking forgiveness for their past actions.
Short Story – 94 stories
Stories
“An Apology to Mankind, Two Days After First Contact” by D Gorman
🏆 Winner of Contest #268
“The Unowned Deceit” by Harry Stuart
Submitted to Contest #268
“Through A Locked Door” by Daniel Rogers
Submitted to Contest #268
“A Cocktail of Truths” by Arthur Ingham
Submitted to Contest #268
“Echoes of Yesterday” by Jax Wilder
Submitted to Contest #268
“No Do-overs” by Murray Burns
Submitted to Contest #268
“it starts with (1) text message” by Jing L.
Submitted to Contest #268
“Past Imperfect” by Helen A Smith
Submitted to Contest #268
“Saved by a Laughing Parrot on the Ship Destiny's Dreams ” by Kristi Gott
Submitted to Contest #268
“Bargain on the Orient Express” by Trudy Jas
Submitted to Contest #268
“Pollen from One's Past” by Max Wightwick
Submitted to Contest #268
“Door Knocker” by Story Time
Submitted to Contest #268
“In Perdition, Seeking Absolution” by Angela Murphy
Submitted to Contest #268
“Out of Hand” by Tommy Goround
Submitted to Contest #268
“Innocence Lost” by Christina Miller
Submitted to Contest #268
$250
Prize money
290
Contest entries
135
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Sep 20, 2024 EST
Won by D Gorman 🏆
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!