#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.
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
“Forest People 2” by BRoOkE HAs A COwBoY HAt
Submitted to Contest #42
“A life in silence” by Marte Van Der Linden
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #42
“Play Dead” by Najwa Zandlo
Submitted to Contest #42
“Open Your Eyes” by Reuben Howard
Submitted to Contest #42
“The First Winter” by Lynn Penny
Submitted to Contest #42
“Wish You Were Mine. ” by Avery Mason 🍍😇🤩
Submitted to Contest #42
“The Hermit” by Tula Singer
Submitted to Contest #42
“Smokescreen ” by E. Jude
Submitted to Contest #42
“Where It All Began” by Deborah Angevin
Submitted to Contest #42
“Goodnight, Daniel ” by May Mills
Submitted to Contest #42
“Silver Hollow” by Lourdes Cruz
Submitted to Contest #42
“Doubles” by Crystal Lewis
Submitted to Contest #42
“Ananya's Perfume” by Phoebe Barr
Submitted to Contest #42
“At the Start of the Rainbow” by Gip Roberts
Submitted to Contest #42
“Lilith's Sister (Sunrise Part Two)” by Holly Pierce
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!