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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

“A Reel Fish Out of Water” by Lily Kingston

Submitted to Contest #54

Warning: the following short story contains a carp ton of fish puns. Bass yourself. “Gilroy, please don’t do this,” Bubbles pleaded. “Don’t go making waves.” We bobbed together in large, black waves as the storm raged overhead. Lightning cracked down in the distance. Birds screeched at each other within the dark shadows of the forest bordering the shore. “I can’t, Bubbles,” I said, pausing for dramatic affect. “It must be done.” “No, it doesn’t,” Finley interjected. “You could stay in the ocean. Swimming forever. It’s what you were born ...

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“The Autumn of my life” by Sue Marsh

Submitted to Contest #54

The Autumn of my Life Suzanne Marsh Life sometimes has very strange twists and turns, mine began after I retired. College, I thought, at sixty five. That sounded insane even to me. I have never been one to be deterred once my mind is made up. I decided that what I really wanted to do was to become a writer, not journalism either. I wanted to write short stories. I suppose down deep in my inner self, I knew I really wanted to write. Strange how life gets in the way and it did for me. I married, raised three children and had ten grandchildre...

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“Second Chances!” by P. Jean

Submitted to Contest #54

( Write a story about a TV show called "Second Chances.") Crisis! Yes the world is in crisis! Think tanks have been created to explore the ideas of our most learned and knowledgeable scholars and scientists. The whole world seems to be holding it’s breath but every new suggestion, proposal or idea comes with serious restraints and penalties. The ones who always resist any restrictions by the government are very vocal. The battle is raging with words at this stage. If truth be told, the world is...

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“Could You Love A Sailor?” by P. Jean

Submitted to Contest #54

(Write a story about someone looking to make amends for a mistake.)I don’t care how many years go by. I don’t care how many times I try to convince myself that directly, it wasn’t my fault. In my mind, heart and soul, I know I was involved, deeply involved.It began with me all those years ago. The golden years when life was a lark and I was enjoying my first conquest. No that is wrong, a conquest is when you go after something and win. I never went after Charlie, he was always nearby, waiting in the wings. I pretty much ignore...

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“Justice” by Kira Krieger

Submitted to Contest #54

Twelve-year-old Steven Ross cuddled up with a pillow on the couch in his brother’s house. His sky blue pajamas conflicted with the black leather fabric as well as the darkened sky. Wiping his eyes, he yawned as he waited for his older brother to rejoin him for their movie night. Rylee was in the kitchen, heating up water for coffee and hot chocolate. A figure appeared behind him. As a shadow, they didn’t make a sound until it wanted to. “I haven’t missed much, have I?” she said, throwing off her hood. Rylee jumped around leaning against t...

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“Second Chance TV Series by Mr. Prince De-Grant Brempong” by Prince Brempong

Submitted to Contest #54

Weekly Writing Prompts Mr. Prince De-Grant Brempong Tel.0575086991 Email princedegrant32@gmail.com Email princedegrant37@gmail.com Email princedegrant37@yahoo.com Write a story about a TV Show called "Second Chances." My story is entitled Second Chance TV series. The story happens to be an American science fiction crime drama television series. The TV show was created and produced by Rand Ravich in America a land of opportunity and plenty. The TV show "Second Chance" is based on the following television cast and characters. Among them i...

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“My Boots were made for Walking” by Sue Marsh

Submitted to Contest #54

My Boots were made for Walking Suzanne Marsh Summer of 1966 “Mallory, there is girl that I want to date. I know that this is really rotten timing.” “Rotten timing? I have my prom dress, you said you were taking me. Now what am I supposed to do? I can't return the prom dress back! You are making me look like a fool.” The radio in his baby blue Mustang began to blare, to drown me out no doubt. Then I realized the song was These Boots were made for Walkin, at that instant I decided that so were my boots made for walking. The traffic light ...

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“CONFESSIONS” by PAMELA ABWAO

Submitted to Contest #54

THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER A green-eyed monster resides in me. I actually do not know its gender, you have the obligation of establishing this fact. I don’t know how long this ugly horned creature has lived here but I am a hundred and one percent sure that as a young girl it wasn’t here or could there be a possibility that I was still innocent or better ;still naive .I believe that perhaps my mother served ...

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“Class of 1970, St. Teresa” by Parul Srivastava

Submitted to Contest #54

“The blue one compliments my eyes better……. the black one enhances my suaveness…….. blue……. black…… mmm…….”I could be lost in your eyes forever.“Blue it is!”Kartik showed a teen-like excitement. He was all set with his shoes polished, beard trimmed, suit steam ironed and a little speech ready for the big day.He had initially dismissed the invitation for the centenary celebration of his school. But then another notification popped up – NEW MAIL FROM KIRAN IYERHe skipped a beat. His breath stopped for a moment. His lips parted in awe. His pupi...

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“A Repentant Heart” by Catherine Stevens

Submitted to Contest #54

The screen lights up on his 65” plasma TV as he hops on his old ratty couch. Everything around him is falling apart and rotting with age, except the new TV. Huberus refuses to look at his dismal surroundings and focuses on the screen; a new series is starting today. A drop of dirty sludge lands on his cheek from the hole in the ceiling.“Ugh!” he snarls and drags the couch out from under the hole.Satisfied that he’ll now be dry, He crawls up unto the couch and finds a comfortable spot between the poking coils. Now finally ...

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“Nightborn 9” by Harken Void

Submitted to Contest #54

The darkness hung from him like an oversized cloak, swaying gently as to a nonexistent breeze. So it is true. He is a Nightborn. Rebeca Voltaire found it hard to believe that one of her top detectives was a member of the enemy. “I am not one of them,” detective Cross said, his voice still resolute even after hours of interrogation. She could usually crack men with ease, but Damien… It was as though he spoke the truth. And Rebeca didn’t know if she wouldn’t prefer his words to be lies. “But you joined them willingly,” she said, no...

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“Here’s to Old Sweethearts and New Mysterious White Voids” by Lily Kingston

Submitted to Contest #54

“Benjamin? How have you been?” Luciana squeaked as she clicked her way over in heels to her former high school sweetheart and held out her hand for a shake. He hugged Luciana to her surprise. “I go by Ben, actually. More fun.” His old southern accent from their hometown hung in the air, but Luciana had lost hers long ago. Ben glanced around. “And I’d be a lot better if we weren’t trapped in a white void.” Luciana undid the hug and sighed. “You can see it too, huh? I thought I just forgot to take my antipsychotic meds again.” She clicked h...

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“The Heart Snapper” by Sam Kirk

Submitted to Contest #54

"I am not sure how much longer I will be able to hold on for," Laura re-read the last sentence one more time before putting the worn-out piece of paper back underneath a clay pot in the corner of the room. "It seems like it all began so long ago," she thought to herself and sighed as she stared out the window. Laura read that note probably a few dozen times throughout the past several years. In the beginning, she could not finish reading the letter without sobbing uncontrollably. With time, however, the number of tears she shed during ...

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“Another Chance” by Rose CG

Submitted to Contest #54

I plan on enjoying myself until I discover his picture on the back table with the label "The Departed." In disbelief, I take hold of his picture frame to get a better view of the image in the photograph. Again my hands become clammy and cold as tears saturate my eyes. I realize the man in the picture is my old friend Renny. I should have told him how much I always appreciated his love and friendship. I am unable to find words to express the mountain of regret that swells in my memories of him. I whisper to myself, " Renny, I'...

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“Mistakes” by Tvisha Yerra

Submitted to Contest #54

“It’s my fault, isn’t it?” Justin stays silent, not bothering to look me in the eyes. “Justin, say something.” I keep my voice from cracking. “I don’t know, Katie.” Justin mutters. “What do you mean? You should know.” I lower my voice. “You should know,” I whisper. “Does it look like I do?” I don’t reply this time. “Kat, look at me.” The anger is building up in Justin’s voice. “Does it look like I do, Katie! Hm? You tell me. I obviously don’t know!” He grabs me by the shoulders, making me look at him. I press my lips together. “This is...

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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.

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