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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#54: Second Chances

"Third time's the charm."

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

"Rome wasn't built in a day."

The English language is full of aphorisms that get at a universal truth: human beings aren't perfect, and oftentimes we need to keep trying (and trying again) in order to get something right.

This week's prompts all revolve around the theme of second chances. Whether your characters are circling back to something from their past, getting a start on something they put off for a long time, or simply in the process of learning after a swing and a miss, we're looking forward to the 'second acts' you come up with!

And speaking of layered characters, on August 12th, bestselling novelists Caroline Leavitt and Gina Sorell are hosting a free webinar on creating believable characters. RSVP here!

This week's prompts

Write a story about high school sweethearts coming across one another after many, many years apart.

Romance – 283 stories

Write a story about someone going back to school as a mature student.

High School – 88 stories

Write a story about someone looking to make amends for a mistake.

Adults – 223 stories

Write a story about someone struggling to learn a skill that in no way comes naturally to them.

Funny – 154 stories

Write a story about a TV show called "Second Chances."

Novel – 108 stories

Stories

“Semi-Permanent” by Mackenzie Blackwood

Submitted to Contest #54

The lights were much hotter than Betty had expected. It seemed everyone but she knew exactly what to do. She stood in the middle of a fake living room. Slap a straw hat on her and she'd be an uncanny match for a scarecrow."Right, where's the new one?" A voice commanded everyone's attention. It belonged to a tall, broad woman in a leather coat.That must be the Director, Betty thought. That terrifying woman could only be a Director.Betty tried to make herself known but all that escaped from her mouth was a pathetic squeak. A man, a crew m...

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“Cronus” by Evita Astraea

Submitted to Contest #54

“There was a time when all actions were final: people made decisions, faced consequences, and lived with regrets. Most people were unhappy due to the inexistence of second chances…” The handsome host on the screen continued speaking as Cronus watched from his couch with a bag of Salties in his hand. His room was in darkness and disarray, clothes and dishes scattered about only visible under spontaneous flashes of light from the television. Colors from the screen tinted the blue of his eyes, the brown of his hair, and gave life to the palene...

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“Second Chances Pilot” by David McGrath

Submitted to Contest #54

Second Chances Pilot Theme Song: Last night I sat by you and wondered why you won't hold my hand? What's this spell you've got me under? Please give me a second chance. The rain may come the wind may blow but I've got you so I'll always know As long as I've got you I've got a second chance! Act 1 scene 1 Int. Chance's apartment, daytime. Chance is living with his identical twin brother, Chance, who is sitting on the couch, watching tv. The Chance watching tv is seven minutes younger so will be known as Chance Jr. and the other by just Chance...

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“A Chance for Acceptance” by Jules Highton

Submitted to Contest #54

The auditions are my first unexpected slit of hope, just like sunlight that sifts light into our day. Prisons weren’t an experience that were admired, although gawking and edging away (not so) discreetly are common reactions. I am looking for work, but twenty years in jail aren’t impressive on a CV, meaning I needed income, because currently funding my apartment is challenging. My parent didn’t associate with “threats to society”, so no assistance would be found through them. It’s stupid but my eyes well. I’m not sure what I’m auditioning fo...

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“Second Chance” by Valerie Allen

Submitted to Contest #54

Second ChancebyValerie Allen“That's okay, Melanie, I understand.” Olivia tucked the phone between her shoulder and her chin and moved from the sink toward her laptop on the kitchen table. “I appreciate you letting me know. I'll be alright, the Melbourne Airport has a shuttle to the Orlando Airport. I'll give them a call.” Olivia glanced at the time. “I'll check to see if I have enough time to catch it.” She hung up and let out a deep sigh.Doug wandered into the kitchen. “What's going on?”Olivia didn't look up. She continued to search the com...

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“The Last Episode of Second Chances ” by Noah B

Submitted to Contest #54

The Last Episode of Second Chances By: Noah Bhalloo I always dreamed of going on the show Second Chances. And I was sitting at the Christmas Tree while my family was going to surprise me. I opened a lot of presents and none of them seemed to be what I really wanted. Then, the last one was my jackpot. I opened it and it said, “Congratulations, James Garmand, You have won a ticket to Second Chances.” I screamed with joy and hugged everyone in the room. I was going to Seattle to be on the show Second Chances. The show was about a chance t...

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“Diego Frontera” by Alex Arias

Submitted to Contest #54

Good evening to all the parents, half-asleep elderly, and introverted teens. Thanks for tuning into your favorite show, Second Chances! I’m your host Diego Frontera and boy do we have a good one up for you tonight. First up we have Miss Daisy Reginald, looking very spiffy in her retirement home-provided night gown, if I do say so myself. Let’s see the horrible, horrible occurrence that passed in aisle three of Shopmart last Wednesday. Three. Two. One. Action! There we see her, standing up- oh! That gave me a fright. You thought she was ...

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“Imitating Art ” by Dana Schellings

Submitted to Contest #54

Jackie had been working on Second Chances long enough to know their story before they even opened their mouth. She looked over the middle-aged woman standing nervously in front of them. The uninspired haircut, bland makeup, and mom jeans told her that “Sue” had married young and spent her twenties and thirties as a cook, housekeeper and chauffeur for a gaggle of children. Now the nest was empty and she needed a new purpose in life, which usually meant going back to school. “Okay, Sue,” she said, planting a warm smile on her face, “In two m...

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“Adeline and Cameron” by Ethan Allan

Submitted to Contest #54

Everything is laid out and set for dinner. Chicken with rice and a red bell pepper cut into halves, bell pepper being the only vegetable I can stomach, the same thing I have had for the previous four nights. Breaking the ear-ringing silence, the gentle sounds of “La Mer” float from the living room of my apartment to the kitchen where I sit, at my table, fit for one. I’ve been living in France for two years now and I still barely understand any of the lyrics, I just like the accent. Familiar enough to me that they make me feel like I belong h...

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“I'm Sorry, Alex Diaz” by Madelyn Weissman

Submitted to Contest #54

"Well, pal, I better head out. I've got to get the kids ready for school tomorrow which means the alarm goes off at 5 A.M. sharp! Catch you in the office." Phil pushed back from the bar and grabbed his coat. "And do me a favor, Alex, just try and put yourself out there!" He winked as he strode out of the bar. I appreciate Phil, as a friend and a co-worker, and I know his intentions are good but my God! I am so sick of everyone telling me to put myself out there. Is it really so wrong to be thirty and single? Didn't Jenna Rink say thirty, fli...

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“Back To Us” by Mardene Carr

Submitted to Contest #54

Marcia pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head, rubbed her eyes and blinked. Was that really who she thought it was? Marcia had not seen Bryan in 20 years and here he was in the car opposite her at the stop light. She replaced the sunglasses and pressed hard on the gas. "Whew, thank God he was not paying attention" Marcia said out loud. "That was close" Marcia was the youngest teacher in the Department of Computer Studies and well-liked by her students. She loved to teach and looked forward to every session she taught but today ...

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“Trinidad ” by Laura Otaigbe

Submitted to Contest #54

Vlad hurriedly undid his tie and threw it across the room, hitting the opposite wall. He was frustrated and boiling with rage. He had enough. He was tired of being used as his father’s errand boy in their company. Sure, his dad built the company with his own father before Vlad was born but he was sure he had earned his place. Vlad joined Ivanov Incorporated since he graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Brown University. He juggled working as his father’s understudy and getting his masters for a year after that, accompanyi...

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“Lesson of life” by Roger Sharp

Submitted to Contest #54

In my youth I was ready to party, it was time to get geared up for the Tramps Super Party with a long haired wig, an old trilby hat, an old mackintosh tied up with a piece of string, a pair of battered spectacles, woollen fingerless gloves, a scarf, a pair of old boots, a little dark makeup with a light dust of talcum powder to grey my beard, as a finishing touch was a dirty old army nap-sack. Then I drove over to collect my friends Colin and Sheila, their front door was given a hefty knock. Sheila was to answer, she d...

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“Dreams, Coffee, and the Wind” by C. Forrey

Submitted to Contest #54

I used to dream of him randomly and often. When I did, I awoke with sweat on my brow and a sinking, aching ball in the pit of my stomach. The morning brought reality. Time with him was not real. I awoke exhausted from seeing him again, having spent the night finding new ways to repair old broken bridges, new ways for him to apologize, new ways for me to forgive him. Each time I discovered him in my dream, I saw the rope of hope dangle loosely in front of my face, teasing. I grabbed it without hesitation every time. Reconciliation awaited me ...

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“Detective Lycan and the Lost Trinkets of Istanbul” by Marco Aguirre

Submitted to Contest #54

This is a story about mystery and culture, but more importantly, reunion. Desired reunions that keep our hero up at night in hopes to finish what is unfinished. It was a dark winter night in downtown Indianapolis. The Indiana State Museum was shipping out some exhibitions that were covered by crates. By the time the trucks had left out from the back, the curator had exited out of the front doors. He walked beside the canal parallel to the road in which a mysterious shadow was walking from far away, with each step they took, coming closer. I...

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$50

Prize money

856

Contest entries

0

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Aug 14, 2020 EST

Won by Mollie Rodgers 🏆

Title: Where the Water Meets the Sand

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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