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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#76: He Said, She Said

Is there anything more satisfying for a writer than that moment your characters suddenly come alive in your mind? For me, this often comes in the form of a conversation — I know I finally understand them when they start talking to each other without any effort on my part.

From witty banter to subtle conversations packed with unspoken threats, there’s so many ways dialogue can drive a story forward. As you craft your stories this week, really think about what your dialogue is saying about your characters. What are they willing to admit to each other, and what are they trying to keep hidden?

And in case you need a little help crafting the perfect retort, here’s a few resources to get your characters talking:

This week's prompts

Write a story told exclusively through dialogue.

Dialogue – 349 stories

Write about two people who just can’t seem to understand each other, no matter how clearly they think they’re speaking.

Sad – 79 stories

Write about a character who is incapable of telling even the smallest lie or half-truth.

Character – 80 stories

Write a conversation that takes place between two people who refuse to say what they mean.

Dialogue – 58 stories

Write about a character who’s always thinking of things they’ll say to people, but who ends up saying very little when they finally get the chance.

Character – 219 stories

Stories

“The Story of Ralph Biggins” by Liv F

Submitted to Contest #76

Warning: This story contains themes about suicide. Ralph Biggins woke in a cold sweat, convulsing uncontrollably, gasping for air, petrified he was about to choke. Not here, not like this, he begged the universe, struggling to breathe. In a few short hours, morning would come and steal another part of his life away. He would have to confront his corporate prison. And he would have to confront Her. ****** She was menacing, condescending and deplorable. She never said a nice word about anyone, unless it profited her situation. She wanted...

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“Home Front” by Gloria Opadokun

Submitted to Contest #76

I have lived in my head for as long as I know. In my head, I am fearless and strong and not being yelled at, or forced to do things I do not want to do. There's a universe in my head and in it, I'm pretty awesome. There was enough love in that universe too, love that builds up others and doesn't tear them down. There's heartbreak in my world too, but you heal to come out stronger and tougher, but there's always love. Maybe Dad has a favorite among us girls and I'm his least, but in my world, I wouldn't be needing anyone's love, because I'v...

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“More Than That” by Lucy Newman

Submitted to Contest #76

“I’m telling you, I’ve never felt better. Once I started writing again I’m like a new person. Like I’m living again, you know?” I told my friend Kasey as our lovely server slid our plates in front of us. “Let me know if you need anything else ladies. Enjoy!” she stated, grinning widely before turning away. She took a sip of her coffee and set it down gently in front of her. “Lucy, are you taking your meds?” she asked. What do you mean, am I taking my meds? “Yes, of course I am,” I replied. Kasey and I had been friends...

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“The Real Waiting Game” by Carole Cobos

Submitted to Contest #76

Trigger warning: abuse I’ve played this game many times before. It goes like this: If the teacher asks me about my day I will tell her the truth. But I lie. If she notices the bruise under my chin I will tell her how I got it. I lie again. If I make a friend who likes me and will stick by me, I will confide in her or him that my home life isn't as it should be. His name is Noah and we always hang out at the mall or his house. If my PE teacher notices my limp, I will tell him how I got i...

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“Beautiful Maire” by Emma Taylor

Submitted to Contest #76

Marie sits in front of the mirror, her reflection beaming back at her. Tomorrow is a big day. Lucy has invited her out with Martin’s friend. It is a perfect opportunity to mingle and maybe even meet someone. Her fingers pat the top of her head and follow her hair to its end. Imagine if she was blonde and not a cross between a chocolate brown and a bunt umber, and if the sun tinted her skin in shades of amber and not bleached her pink. She traces her lips, her pinky finger rubbing the rims of her mouth. So thin and flat—hardly inviting. She...

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“Everything I Could Have Said ” by Kathleen M.

Submitted to Contest #76

The cart rattled over the cobblestone path, the sounds echoing through the empty street. Pavel sat in the back with his cloak wrapped around him to keep away the morning chill. He faced away from the destination, not wanting to watch as the imposing fortress loomed closer and closer on the horizon with every step the horse took. The driver whistled a cheery tune that grated on Pavel’s nerves, and he knocked on the side of the cart to get the driver to stop. The man shot him a glare, but remained quiet. Without the added distraction, Pavel al...

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“Dictionary” by Chris D

Submitted to Contest #76

"Where did all the donuts go?" 'What donuts?' "Is that- are you all wearing donuts as halos?" 'Maybe.' "I brought those donuts to eat, Lucifer." 'There's no sign that says for eating only.' "There shouldn't have to be. They're donuts." 'You multiplied fish. Just multiply the donuts.' "I- fine. I will get more donuts." 'Thanks bro.' "Don't call me bro." 'Yes ma'am.' "Did you just take all the donuts to make more halos?" 'No.' "It's rude to talk with your mouth full." 'It's rude to accuse people of making donut halos.' "I can see your demons w...

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“Aliza Truman” by Neveah Afternoon

Submitted to Contest #76

"This is the last Freak I'm giving you this week, and if you don't pay me two gold pieces, then you'll be losing your most trusted supplier." "You know the Knights are picky about the Freaks people bring in nowadays. It's not easy for me to just hand over one like I used to before. Aliza, I'm telling you, you should think yourself lucky for getting seven silver pieces. The Hunter that you just walked away received one bronze piece." "Listen, Xander, this Freak is different. This Freak can form objects out of light, and I've seen ...

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“Milk” by Laura Ash

Submitted to Contest #76

“Like this?” “Just like that. That’s really excellent.” “That’s a first. No one’s ever said that before. Do you think she’s comfortable?” “I should think so. Now, just gently, bring her towards you. That’s it. Like that.” “Hold on. Let me just get my t-shirt out of the way.” “Don’t worry about that, just, that’s it. There we go. Can you see? She’s opening her mouth.” “She’s never done that before.” “That’s great. Now, just give it a few seconds. There we are and...ooooh, Evie.” “She’s crying.” “That’s ok.” “She opened...

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“Unhappy Returns” by Linda Brodsky

Submitted to Contest #76

"Hi. I hope you can help me." "I'd be happy to try." "I would like to return this blouse." "Is there something wrong with it?" "No." "Then why do you want to return it?" "It was a gift." "Which does not explain why you want to return it." "Well, the truth is I’m not fond of the color." "You’re not fond of blue." "Not this shade of blue." "What have you got against royal blue?" "Is that what you call this color, royal blue?" "Isn’t that what you call this color?" "I didn’t know the color had a name."...

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“Ghost Left and Ghost Right ” by Hope Emilia

Submitted to Contest #76

Trigger Warnings: Cursing. Themes of mental, and emotional abuse. Murder, death, and beyond.“I don’t understand.” “Me neither.” “What’s going on now?” “I don’t know.” “That’s dumb, why?” “I don’t know.” “You never know these things.” “How am I supposed to know if you don’t know either?” “I don’t know, you should know!”“Stop it already! I’ve had enough of you and not knowing.” “Fine, whatever. We should look in the other room.” “We already looked in there.” “Well, maybe we should look aga...

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“Stars in our Scars” by VinceiyVenus Claridad

Submitted to Contest #76

Stars in our Scars“Papi.” Deenoh came in, panting, tears drenched his eyes and pink crumpled his face. “Yes, son?”, he replied after a round of seconds, in a calm, unruffled voice. He was preparing dinner in his favorite blue apron. Deenoh heard the pleasant clattering sound of frying pork. “She,” he sighed. “She failed me!”, he blurted into tears. “She slathered my love away!”It was a rather tranquil night, Melanie, his mother, was out of town for official business. She’d be home in a couple of days. It is evident that the man in ...

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“The Hunt” by David Goodman

Submitted to Contest #76

“Where is he”, as the door flew open. Silence filled the room. “I don’t like repeating myself” Still not a sound was made. “He was spotted here not long ago.” “No idea stranger”. Came a reply “Drink, whiskey”. Walking up to the bar. “There, take it”, as a bottle with a glass appeared “You”, taking a shot of whiskey “Tell me where he is”, glancing over into the corner. “Who are you looking for”. “Tall, has a scar on their cheek, walks with a limp, last seen headed this way”. “Doesn’t ring a bell, sorry”. “Ahhh”, ...

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“Grimm Conversations In a Wagon” by John Walsh

Submitted to Contest #76

“Listen, you amphibian bastard! You’ll tell the rubes what I tell you and make it convincing or there’ll be hell to pay” The Ineffable Cagliostro rapped his walkingstick on the floor of the wagon. “Do you think it’s easy talking all day when you’re a frog?” said Wilhelm the Prophetic Frog. “My tongue is backwards and I have no voice box.” “You have no trouble giving me backtalk.” “Backtalk! You know I am a king.”&nb...

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“The Bigfoot Society of Scranton Monthly Meeting” by Dana Schellings

Submitted to Contest #76

“Good morning, everyone, and happy new year! The first 2021 meeting of The Bigfoot Society of Scranton will now come to order. We’ll start by welcoming new members Marshall and Lisa. Marshall, what beings you here today?” “I’ve been a believer ever since I was ten and my family went camping at Raccoon Creek. One night I got up to pee and I saw a large, hairy, two-legged creature walk through our campsite and disappear into the bushes. My sister says it was just our dad sneaking a cigarette but I know what I saw. She’s been teasing me about...

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$50

Prize money

787

Contest entries

0

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Jan 15, 2021 EST

Won by Rinnie Leigh 🏆

Title: Him

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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