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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#280: Talk That Talk

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

As an aspiring author, one story element I constantly struggle with is dialogue. Writing realistic, engaging dialogue is no easy feat — but when done well, it can help readers get to know your characters better, advance your plot, and improve the overall pace of your story.

This week, let’s challenge ourselves by composing stories focused on dialogue. Who knows? You might discover something new about your characters based on what they say (or don’t say)!

This week's prompts

Write a story that solely consists of dialogue. (No dialogue tags, actions, or descriptions. Just pure dialogue!)

Dialogue – 185 stories

Start or end your story with a character asking a question.

Dialogue – 78 stories

Write a story in which two or more people have a conversation — without using any quotation marks.

Dialogue – 36 stories

Center your story around a character who overhears others talking about them.

Dramatic – 37 stories

Write a story that includes someone (or something) saying, “No, don’t!”

Dramatic – 44 stories

Stories

“Greater Guards” by Miller Zwarych

Submitted to Contest #280

Hey Jerry, do you ever think about life? Yes, Beetlebum, it is quite a miracle. No, I mean like how we’re made of mud. Yes, Beetlebum, we are made of mud. What is there to think about? Like, look at this, Jerry. How am I doing this? You are wiggling your fingers in my face. It is a simple motor movement. Mud isn’t supposed to have any motor movements. Look, Jerry, what are we doing here? Simple. Master commands us, and so, we do. Right, and why’s that? I imagine the door we guard is important. Protecting the door protects the world from d...

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“Frankenstein of friendship” by Ksenia Golub

Submitted to Contest #280

It was the day before the holiday. Annie was on her way back to her hometown, filled with eager anticipation of reuniting with her lifelong friends—a married couple she had known for as long as she could remember. She had carefully selected gifts for them and their children, each chosen with love and thoughtfulness. These people felt like family to her, and she believed their feelings for her were just as warm and genuine.Annie had left the town when she went off to college. After graduating successfully, she focused on building her career. ...

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“The Curious Curiosities of Christmas Eve” by K. Klein

Submitted to Contest #280

With a loud pop, the cork released its hold, followed by a soft sigh of escaping gas. Eliza poured the golden liquid into the flutes, a delicate rush followed by a cascade of sparkling bubbles. The effervescent drink fizzed enticingly as they raised their glasses in a celebratory clink. “Welcome to Curious Curiosities, where your fright is our delight,” Eliza said before taking a sip. “But only if you ain’t right,” Delia injected jokingly as they brainstormed catchy slogans for their new antique shop. Their grand opening had been a huge succ...

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“Smell the Flowers, Blow Out the Candles” by Scottie Van Anderson

Submitted to Contest #280

My name is David Young. I am 33 years old. I work remote in tech support, rent my apartment, and spend my weekends with my good friend Jim Beam. Due to poor life choices, I live across the state from my parents, friends, and any support system. Six months ago, my girlfriend of two years - my fiancée of three - left me. Two years ago we moved out here for her work. She kept the house, car, and daughter. Her name was Valarie, our daughter was Jessica. Three weeks ago I was angry - angry, and drunk. I punched a hole in my wall. White-...

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“The price” by Daniel Stuart

Submitted to Contest #280

Trigger warning: Suicide/self harm, physical violence, gore and or abuse.Steve pushed the ladder off the bridge, the sound of metal on metal piercing the quiet of the night. It had taken months of hard work to get to this point but now, now it was time to reap the rewards. "Please don't make me do this." Steve pleaded, the last of his words punctuated by a splash as the ladder hit the water below. "You knew this was the price when you took the deal Steve." I said forcing him over the guard rail. "I held up my end of the bargai...

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“Avalanche” by WJ Lawrence

Submitted to Contest #280

Content warning: Themes of terminal illness, grief, and emotional distress.I watched the sky as I walked home, feeling closer to the moon than anyone else on my own planet. The shadows across the sidewalk felt alive tonight, to the extent that I stepped over each one so as not to hurt them for they also knew the pain of being present yet not always seen. I shoved my hands in my pockets to escape the bitter chill and heard the telltale shifting of pills inside their container. How many others were like me, now tied to the rattle inside their ...

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“The Harveysburg Incident” by B.A. Klapper

Submitted to Contest #280

“Please state your name for the record.”“You know my name, I've been here for eight hours, when am I going to be able to go home?”“I understand you've had a very trying couple of days, please just go over it one more time for us and we’ll let you go home. If you could please state your name for the record.”“Alex Callingham.”“Miss Callingham...”“Mx.”“Mx. Callingham, what is your age?”“26.”“And where do you live?”“Harveysburg, Ohio.”“Have you lived there long?”“A couple years. Since I finished college.”“And your place of employment?”“The...

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“MPD Crisis” by Bobby Hall

Submitted to Contest #280

You did it again, didn't you? Did what? You know damn well what, you had to go and do it again! No I didn’t, you did. What? Are you five years old now or something? You know we’re the same age. I can’t believe your selfishness…you really are the bane of my life. Come on now, why did you do it? You were asleep. So…what? You just take any opportunity to become an animal? I have needs. Your needs keep wrecking us. Did you even take precautions? Of course you didn’t, silly question. You don’t care about us...

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“Fried Brains” by Abi Heinrichs

Submitted to Contest #280

“Did you tell Harry?”“Did I tell Harry.”“You said you would Sean. You’ve had plenty of time.”“Sure.”“Sure?”“Hm?”“Sean!”“What?”“Don’t look at me like that. I’m trying to have a conversation with you.”“Is that what this is?”“Sean. I swear to god if you don’t put that book down—”“Hold on…”“You’re disgusting. Do you know that?”“Oh Lord.”“What? What is it?”“You’ve never disemboweled a person have you?”“What! You’re rotting your brain Sean—now put that down—”“Rotting my brain. Harry wanted me to read this you know. Besides…”“Besides what? Sean. Be...

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“Undone at the Seams” by Daryn Schvimmer

Submitted to Contest #280

“Pass me that eyeball.” “No, the one on your left, the hazel ones not the green ones.” “I don’t know. Do you really want the creature to look identical to Perry?” “What’s the point of defying the laws of nature if we’re not getting the real deal back?” “If it were the real deal–here’s your goddamn eye, Roger–why are we using the torso of a random man we found in the river last week, the arms of a recently deceased Leonard from next door, and the legs–ugh, I don’t even want to talk about the legs. The only thing this m...

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“Joyful Grieving ” by Meredith Moyer

Submitted to Contest #280

"I always thought you were the strongest person to ever exist.""Evidently, that is not the case.""I would laugh, but I just can't seem to. I really don't remember the last time I did, to tell you the truth.""Neither can I.""Okay, that was funny.""Glad I could help.""You think I'll ever laugh at someone else's jokes?""I hope so. I hope you do everything you did before I left.""I don't know that I want to. It feels like half of me has vanished with you.""That half is there. You just have to call for her.""Trust me, it goes straight to voicemai...

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“Did you hear?” by Esme Bonner

Submitted to Contest #280

`"Did you hear?”“Of course I heard, who told you?”“Janice, in accounts.”“Big mouth on Janice.”“Huge mouth on Janice.”“Who told her?”“Apparently she was there.”“What?! When he-”“Yup.”“But why on Earth would she be there?”“No idea.”“Gosh.”“I know.”“Shocking, but sort of…”“Not?”“Well you don’t like to imply things.”“No, of course not.”“I mean, I wouldn’t want anyone to think that I thought that he, well… you know?”“Perish the thought.”“But he was, I mean as much as anyone can be-”“The sort?”“Don’t you think?”“People like that always are. Sensit...

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“Well (#Reedsytalk)” by Katie Weed

Submitted to Contest #280

“Well?” “Well what?” “Well, did you tell her you’re falling in love with her again?” “Oh. No.” “Well, why not?” “She’ll take it the wrong way?” “How can anybody take that the wrong way?” “She’ll think I want to, like, move in together or something.” “And you don’t?” “No. Uh, No.” “So you just want to sleep with her.” “No, I don’t want to do that either.” “What the hell? “Exactly. That’s why there’s no point in telling her.” “Okay . . . Well, whatever then. Where does that leave us?” “Oh. Well, I still like going out with you.” “Great. Well, ...

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“The Worst Mother on the Planet” by Christine Richardson

Submitted to Contest #280

“Gilbert! Darling! What a surprise!”“Mom, my key didn’t work.”“I had the locks changed.”“Where’s my new key?”“Sorry, I don’t have a spare. Oh, how delightful -- you brought Jennifer! Hi! I haven’t seen you in ages!”“Well, you know how it is, Dory. Two jobs, three kids, volunteering, the day care board. It’s just one thing after another!”“I never was on a day care board, and I had only two children and one job. But even that was too much. I see you brought your own coffee. Pick a seat and relax.”“We brought you a lat...

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“The Daughter of Juan Simón” by Nicholas Warack

Submitted to Contest #280

"Where's this girl's husband?""She doesn't have one, Constable Calzadilla.""Then, where is her family?""I've never met them nor seen them. I've only talked to her in passing.""Well, hell, Ignacio, did she ever mention anything regarding her kith or kin?""I believe her parents live across town.""Well, how about you go out and find them.""Find them? But, sir, I'm just a milkman. I only knew to get you because she hadn't put her milk bottles out. I can't deliver such a message.""Then who am I to send? Survivors of the plague have already left, ...

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$250

Prize money

380

Contest entries

138

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Dec 13, 2024 EST

Won by Jay Wayne 🏆

Title: 45 Seconds

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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