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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#277: Something Wicked This Way Comes

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ReedsyWicked to share your stories (and potentially get featured on our social accounts)!

If you’re a musical lover like me, you’ve probably marked your calendar for the release date of the upcoming Wicked film adaptation. With gorgeous costumes, a superstar cast, and new renditions of beloved songs like “Defying Gravity,” the movie is sure to be a treat for Wicked fans around the world.

I first saw the Wicked musical in my late teens, and although more than a decade has passed since then, I’ll never forget how much it moved me. In addition to its breathtaking special effects and impressive performances, the musical also has heart. It shows the origin story of a notorious fictional character, the Wicked Witch of the West, and explores relatable, resonant themes — from identity and self-acceptance to the notion of “good” versus “evil.”

This week, let’s conjure up some stories inspired by Wicked. Set your story in a fairy tale land, write about a misunderstood, overlooked character, or do something completely unexpected with the prompts… it’s up to you!

This week's prompts

Write a story about an outsider or social outcast who will do anything to fit in.

Angst – 40 stories

Start or end your story with two friends who become enemies/rivals, or vice versa.

Dramatic – 22 stories

Write from the POV of a fairy tale character sharing their side of the story.

Short Story – 110 stories

Center your story around a character who longs for something they’ve lost.

Dramatic – 86 stories

Write a story with the word “wicked” in the title.

Short Story – 65 stories

Stories

“The Justifications of an Evil Stepmother” by Ekta Garg

Submitted to Contest #277

You hear her humming as she sweeps the hearth for the fourth time today. She normally hums, the girl who has fallen asleep more than once in the ash of the fireplace because of how tired she is during her chores, but today the melody is a bouncy one. You can hear her smile as the notes skip along the way she had earlier when she went to the garden out back. You are the reason she’s so happy. You are also the reason why, even though she doesn’t know it yet, she will end the day in a puddle of tears. You promised her the only wish she’s expre...

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“Wolves In Silk” by Michael Palmieri

Submitted to Contest #277

*Includes sexual violence and substance abuse* I used to think being one of Bo Peep’s girls meant something. Safety, respect, maybe even a little glamour. But once you’re hers, you’re not a person anymore—you’re a sheep. Dumb, obedient, waiting to be led somewhere you can’t come back from. I never wanted to kill someone, but life happens. I figured it was either him or me. Now, it’s neither. Bo’s sent her dogs, and here I am in the back seat of some PI’s beat-up sedan, pretending I’ve still got a choice. “You’re quiet,” he said, glancing at...

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“The 4th Clan” by Ellen Talboom

Submitted to Contest #277

The passing of a pet friend Elfton, leader of the 4th Clan of the Forest Tribe, stood at the head of the Monument Mound. His head lowered; fingers clasped together. The moment has come. The gathered Forest Tribe noticing, stopped chatting and stood around the Mound. All were settled in. Elfton nodded. the gong sounded. All were quiet. The Story of Life begins. Elfton stood silent. Then took a deep breath. "Elfcat belonged to no one. She came to us from nowhere. A friend to all". The Tribe nodded. Silence. "Remember the storm of...

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“The Wicked Stepmother” by Bettina Karpathian

Submitted to Contest #277

Queen Clementina hurried back to her chambers, plunked her crown down on the table, shed her dress and kicked off her tight satin shoes as fast as she could. She put on her house slippers and fluffy dressing gown and gratefully sank into her armchair. Her maid Dulcie tutted as she scurried around picking up discarded items of heavy, jewel encrusted clothing.“I know, I know. I should be more careful, but they’re so darn uncomfortable to wear. Bring me a large, cold Chardonnay and my magic mirror when you’re done hanging those up, there’s a lo...

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“What she left behind” by Lucy Benson

Submitted to Contest #277

I used to believe that the line between good and evil was solid. I had it straight and clear in my mind: I was good, and she was evil. Right now, I am not so sure.That the sorceress is evil is still beyond doubt in my eyes, and indeed in the eyes of the kingdom. Is there another way to describe someone who would curse something so beautiful, so pure? And yet, I have bestowed my own curse upon my daughter. For surely to grow up away from one’s mother is a curse. And to tear a babe from her mother’s arms… well, perhaps I have cursed more ...

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“Maritime Elves” by Allysa Agnes

Submitted to Contest #277

They always think the worst of us because we are different, we are blue, and we live by the sea in such houses underground. Sure, it’s made of sand, but we found a way to make it solid. So solid we can literally live under the sea… People say it’s magic, so maybe that’s why they fear us……But we are always eager to help as some people can testify…My name is Lily and my hair is white. My ears are spiky, and I turn into a mermaid when I touch water. I heard that’s how people call those creatures with fishtails… But maybe they simply saw my kind...

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“The Bottled Spirit and the Entitled Youth” by Alicia Bablick

Submitted to Contest #277

Inspired by Grimm’s tale 'The Spirit in the Glass Bottle'The telltale rustle of movement overhead penetrated the ground and roused me from my stupor. “Let me out! Let me out!” I screamed as I always did on the rare occasions when I thought there might be a living being nearby.A moment later a response came. “Where are you?” The voice was barely audible through the layers of my prison. But it was a voice at last!“I am here down among the roots of the oak tree. Let me out!”Then I began to hear the blessed sound of earth being moved. How long h...

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“What have I done?” by Veronica Hues

Submitted to Contest #277

Two shrill blasts of the trumpet sound and emergency lights on the kingdom map blink on. There is a red light near the perimeter wall indicating where the emergency signal is being sounded. My stomach sinks, not another one. We hitch the medical wagon to the strongest steed and in less than one minute we are on the trail, headed to the wall. I pull back on the reigns and give a firm “Whoa!”. The gallop comes to a halt, and I throw myself off the saddle. We’ve arrived at the wall. I can’t explain why but I hate this wall. I look up at the to...

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“The Queen Mother” by Clara Zhou

Submitted to Contest #277

The rumors will tell you that I tried to kill my stepdaughter, Snow White–daughter in everything but blood–but I was just trying to mother her right and keep her safe. Drip. Drip. Drip."Mother!" Snow cries, leaning into the bars of my prison cell. "Mother, why are you here? What happened to you?" I don't answer for a moment, watching water drip from a stalactite in the ceiling. I do not know exactly why I am here, although I have a guess. I do not know why I have been chosen to be villainized in this story, except maybe that the pe...

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“Murder in the Marigolds” by Sarah Jo

Submitted to Contest #277

"Up, Mari!" rang my mother's muffled voice.My eyes peeled open. I tossed the rag I used for a blanket off and sat up, glancing out the window at the graying sky.My bones felt stiff as I shifted my feet to the cold, wooden floor.It creaked with the few steps it took to reach my old chest with its cloudy mirror and a bowl of icy water. I forced myself to cup some and scrub my eyes and cheeks. After drying, my eyes still ached, but I felt slightly more alert.Dressing for the cool spring weather required two tunics—only one would be too threadba...

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“The Hero’s Name” by John Richardson

Submitted to Contest #277

A fire crackled in a black stone hearth, as its fading embers cast a warm, amber glow on the wooden beams of the common room at the Walking Wheel Inn. The inn was notorious for its savory stew, juicy meats, and potent ale. The first snow of winter was falling, and the smell of roasting meats was like a siren call to weary travelers in search of a warm bed and a hot meal.Barmaids wove their way through the crowd carrying plates of food and mugs of ale, while patrons sat around at tables telling stories and playing games of chance. The innkeep...

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“It didn't have to be this way” by Clarissa Venter

Submitted to Contest #277

The first time I met my brother, I did not greet him. He quietly entered the looming house, and we traversed the creaking floorboards like unwelcome animals. ‘Is she asleep?’ He picked up a dusty photo album but kept it firmly closed. ‘She should be knocked out for a while.’ I eyed him carefully. He refused to glance back at me. I wondered if he even recognized me. Jacob’s stubborn face looked just like his photos, except he was worn and old. There was a hint of red mocking his tufty hair. Those searching eyes analyzed every busy corner of t...

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“Zade” by Laura Paz

Submitted to Contest #277

Trigger Warning: This story contains a miscarriage. It’s been 7 days. Only one week since Emily wrapped her arms around her legs in the shower. Since clots of blood flowed out of her body. Since tears and water couldn’t be distinguished as they rolled down her face into the shower. She couldn’t contain the sobs that racked her body or calculate the time that passed as she remained there. Just yesterday she heard herself tell her coworker that it was only 8 weeks. It was an excuse that rolled off her tongue easily that spoke to ...

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“The Phoenix and the Songbird” by Raymond Yang

Submitted to Contest #277

Long ago, in an ancient land, there lived a Phoenix whose wings bore the colors of dawn and dusk and whose flames carried the weight of eternity. While her kin dwelt in solitude atop mountain peaks, she spent her days soaring above the forests, seeking something she could not name. On a day touched by Fate, the Phoenix heard a melody so pure that it answered the yearning in her immortal heart. There, perched upon a branch of oak, sat a small Songbird whose plumage was plain but whose voice echoed the heart of the forest. Their gazes met, and...

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“oranges” by Mara M

Submitted to Contest #277

september came without warning, really, and i had to do squats every evening of august to be able to stem the month to come. no one tells you it’s all in your head.i think it is saturday today. the dust always settles on saturdays as if allowing itself that one day of rest before swindling away again on monday. i think of the oranges lying in the carefully threaded basket on the kitchen counter. the door of my bedroom is closed and i know if i would just open the window then the curtains would start breathing again, gulping and collapsing li...

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$250

Prize money

323

Contest entries

120

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Nov 22, 2024 EST

Won by Troy Phillips 🏆

Title: The Three Little Pigs Incident: A Building Inspector’s Report

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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