#42: End of Story
Reaching the end of a story is a bittersweet thing. Upon reading the final word of a particularly good piece, you’re often hit with a sort of story-hangover: the ache of wanting to stay in the world of the tale, yet knowing there’s no more story to be read.
A truly excellent ending can mitigate that pain — which is why, as a writer, it’s crucial to nail the end of your own stories! Of course, this can mean different things for different pieces. A great ending might underscore a story's theme, or it might pose more questions than it answers; it all depends on context and execution. For more info, check out our tips for crafting a memorable ending here, and then dive into our ending-themed prompts below!
p.s. — We're hosting a Live Copyediting Workshop! On May 20th, Editors Tracy Gold and Julie Artz will take to YouTube to copyedit passages submitted by writers like you! For a chance to have your writing featured, click this link to register for the event and you'll receive submission instructions by email.
🥇 Winner
“The Firebird's Answer” by Phoebe Barr
🏆 Winner of Contest #42
⭐️ Shortlisted
“A life in silence” by Marte Van Der Linden
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #42
“Hollow Winds” by Iris Koga
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #42
“Sweaty Hands and Date Plans” by Aqsa Malik
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #42
“Shadow of a Doubt” by Megan DeRouin
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #42
“The Odds of Logical Failure” by Gwen Anderson
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #42
“Mama Moon” by Georgia Brown
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #42
“The Book of Dreams” by Barry Litherland
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #42
This week's prompts
Write a story that ends with the narrator revealing a secret.
Mystery – 162 stories
Write a story that ends in the past.
Teens – 68 stories
Write a story that ends with a character asking a question.
Narrative – 260 stories
Write a story that ends by circling back to the beginning.
Short Story – 214 stories
Stories
“The Firebird's Answer” by Phoebe Barr
🏆 Winner of Contest #42
“Your Story” by A. Y. R
Submitted to Contest #42
“A Mother's Leverage” by Cynthia Prokarym (Scott)
Submitted to Contest #42
“story of a lifetime” by Sadia Faisal
Submitted to Contest #42
“The Hope in Our Stars” by Kelechi Nwokoma
Submitted to Contest #42
“Made of Fear.” by Avery Mason 🍍😇🤩
Submitted to Contest #42
“Truth or Dare” by 𝔸. Triangle
Submitted to Contest #42
“Pride in profession” by Sadia Faisal
Submitted to Contest #42
“Unfriendly waiting” by Sadia Faisal
Submitted to Contest #42
“In the wake of Death” by Gurpahul Singh
Submitted to Contest #42
“Sarang” by Jubilee Forbess
Submitted to Contest #42
“Medium Lemonade With Extra Ice” by Lata B
Submitted to Contest #42
“Murderer” by BRoOkE HAs A COwBoY HAt
Submitted to Contest #42
$50
Prize money
904
Contest entries
0
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - May 22, 2020 EST
Won by Phoebe Barr 🏆
Title: The Firebird's Answer
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!