Menu

Prompts

Contests

Stories

Blog

Menu

✕

CONNECT

Editing Design Marketing Publicity Ghostwriting Websites

BLOG

Success Stories

APPS

TOOLS

Book Promotion Sites Book Review Blogs Booktube Channel Guide Book Title Generator Character Name Generator Independent Publishers Literary Agents Literary Magazines Pen Name Generator Plot Generator Publishers Directory Short Story Ideas Writing Contests Writing Exercises Writing Scholarships

ABOUT

About Reedsy Terms Privacy

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

“That Day” by Reilly McKevitt

Submitted to Contest #76

Reilly McKevitt Contest #76 8 January 2021 That Day That day I woke up with a smile, and an ounce of hope. The type of hopefulness that provided clear skies, sunny days, and a field of flowers that danced peacefully in the wind. Some days it was hard to speak. The doctor said it was anxiety. That I had so much in my brain but it wouldn’t let it out. But that day? That day felt different. That day the sky was pink; vibrant, and glimmering with possibilities. The morning calls of early birds had finally begun. My legs, clad in the worn, gray...

Read story

“Fixer Upper” by Julia Snyder

Submitted to Contest #76

One… two … three. The thoughts begin to slow down in my brain. One … two … three. I remove clammy palms from a tear streaked, puffy face. One … two … three. My breathing steadies as I take note of my surroundings. I remind myself that I am safe, I am healthy, I am alive. I sit up straight, take a deep, shaky breath, and put my pen down on the page. December 27th, 2020 Trying to constantly survive yourself is like living in a house that is constantly falling apart. For the majority of my life, I’ve been holed up in the basement of this ...

Read story

“Timing is Everything” by Kelsey Harder

Submitted to Contest #76

Brian stood in the corner of the locally owned coffee shop anxious to try again. He looked at his note and reviewed each line to ensure all the possible questions have been answered. His mind quickly read each step and knew exactly what he meant. He rubbed his hand over the scarred flesh and bone on his skull. A nervous habit and ever-present reminder of what he lost. He sighed and pushed himself away from the wall. He walked to the bar smiled tightly at the young girl wearing the brown apron and hat of the company. “Good morning. How ...

Read story

“Mumbling” by A.J. Brown

Submitted to Contest #76

The girl’s face caught Eric’s eyes immediately when he saw her walking by in front of him. She had one of those pretty faces that made a guy think about how he’d like to hang out with her. It was nice to fantasize but what was he actually going to do? He couldn’t approach her – he didn’t even know the girl. She lay out her blanket and then sat up a beach chair not too far from him. She was there by herself. He couldn’t help but continue to look over at her. She didn’t seem to notice as she was just looking ahe...

Read story

“Words ” by Aish Samnothra

Submitted to Contest #76

Once upon a time in a city of bailout a very weak baby was born her face was pale and pink and her hands were small then other normal newborn babies. She came out as young 9 months baby so nobody understands why that baby is so weak. Her mother named her Diana. When Diana turn 9 she always used to stay close her mother and anybody she used to meet told her she looks so weak like a little thing and she younger than her actual age and people often told her that she needs to take proper diet. Her mother did everything for her daughter to be hea...

Read story

“Not This Time” by Michelle Knight

Submitted to Contest #76

It started out a perfect day. The sun had splashed pink clouds across the horizon and rivers of silver light ran through the streets. Pero had jumped into the day in high spirits. The weather was only a sign from above, his plans for today will definitely come out better than he had anticipated. His girlfriend, Alice, wouldn’t know what hit her when she comes over.This is why the sudden change of the skies to grey and the thunder mumbling overhead had thrown him off balance. What could possibly have changed in two minutes? A cold and wet eve...

Read story

“The Guard” by Anjali Goel

Submitted to Contest #76

“Rodriguez, lights out in five.” The guard stalks over to Rodriguez’s cell and raps on the bars. “Quit fuckin’ around, wouldja?” Rodriguez scowls, flipping the guard off when he thinks his back is turned. But the guard sees. He always sees. It’s his job, after all. But he stays quiet-- one rude gesture isn’t worth it. After completing his rounds, the guard ambles down the long, concrete hallway that ends in his office. He’s in no hurry-- after all, watching over a complex of sleeping inmates isn’t exactly a job that requires haste. His ch...

Read story

“Just Perfect” by Amy Jayne Conley

Submitted to Contest #76

Ten days before. Jemmy is staring at her screen. James Green is coming to the office for the last time in a while. She clicks away from her emails and loads up her online personal training portal, and books five personal training sessions. Alright alright alright oh my god this is IT!! He’s coming – right. First things first, get project material before Miss Just Perfect does. Plan advertisement event – don’t forget to bring six tablets to demonstrate software. Ohhh, I have to tell him. He’s going to Australia soon. I’ll… well, I’ll have to...

Read story

“Summer vacation” by Dewan Tasin Islam

Submitted to Contest #76

Summer vacation is packed with a lot of fun, happiness, adventure and enjoyment. It is a wonderful opportunity to explore new things. There are several things that you can do at this time such as dancing, painting, cooking, singing and more. For a majority of children, it is also an ideal time to visit grandparents or go on a vacation trip. All these things make summer vacations the most memorable time for a person. I will share with you what I did on my summer vacation. It was the first time I had joined a summer camp. It was an interesting...

Read story

“Sailing Away” by Brooke Hazelip

Submitted to Contest #76

“He’s not coming,” Anna said, blowing a large pink bubble and popping it with finality.“He’ll be here,” Kayla said. Her eyes scoured the horizon in search of the white sail with the faded blue line cutting across its center. “He promised.”Anna kicked at the sand while her stringy brown hair blew around her face. She smacked at the gum in her mouth and readied it for another bubble.“Don’t blow another one. Your hair will tangle and then Mama will make me get it out,” Kayla said.Anna rolled her eyes and returned to her chewing. “How much longe...

Read story

“A Simple Question ” by Oren Reed

Submitted to Contest #76

“I don’t know. Life’s been a little rough. I guess it’s been rough for everyone. It’s hard all around, you know? My job has been kind of shit, lately. It’s not even the work. I’m not that big of a people person; you know that. But even I can slap on a fake smile and turn up that customer service voice like it’s my second personality. It’s not the customers that are the problem. It’s the people I work with. “It’s insane what I put up with. There’s one manager I can stomach. She’s fine. I can respect her, though I can’...

Read story

“Your Desires Pave Your Way” by Tom Kottackal

Submitted to Contest #76

Your Desires Pave Your Way “Dad, I’m grown up and I want you to divide the property and give my share of the wealth. I need it as early as possible.” Cyprian, the pet son, demanded from his dad. “My beloved son, do you lack anything here? Whatever I have, it’s all yours. Don’t go away from your dad’s protection and security. Life alone is difficult, my son. Don’t go away from your home.” Dad expresses his concern for his son. “ I don’t want to hear anything. I’m fed up of remaining under your control. Give my share of the property and let ...

Read story

“A Dark Day” by Yvette Francaise

Submitted to Contest #76

A door locked behind me as I waited to be buzzed into his prison. He gave a dark smile filled with evil and waved playfully. A buzz woke me up as I sat five feet from his ordinary face. His blue eyes glittered with excitement. "It has been years since I have seen a friend." He expressed coldly. "At least you could have dressed better." Feeling uncomfortable, I smoothed my white blouse that tucked into a black leather skirt. I shifted my black flats nervously. He was already testing the proverbial waters. I clicked my recorder o...

Read story

“The Mafia's Accountant” by Bruna Cavalcante

Submitted to Contest #76

“Honey? Honey!? Where are you?” “In here, in the bedroom!” “Ah, there you are.” “You are home early, what’s wrong? You seem flustered.” “Pack some things, we need to go. Where is that brown suitcase we have?” “What do you mean we need to go?” “We… We have to go away for a while.” “What? Away where? For a while? Mitch, look at me! What are you talking about?” “Look, I got a message from Marcola today and... It’s not safe for us here - You can’t take all of these shoes, pick like, two pairs.” “Marcola!? The mob guy from the news? He messaged y...

Read story

“Debate To The Death” by Roth Sassin (inactive)

Submitted to Contest #76

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT'S THE MOMENT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!!" "Yeahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!" "WELCOME TO. . .DEBATE TO THE DEATH!!!" "Wooooohooo!!!!!!" "I'M JONATHAN, YOUR HOST FOR THIS WEEKS DEBATE, AND LET'S MEET THE CONTESTANTS! FIRST UP, RILEY FROM DALLAS, TEXAS! TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF RILEY." "Well, I'm very stubborn, and I argue a lot with other people, because I have lots of opinions, and I support them thoroughly. I came here today to show that my arguments aren't just petty word fights. My goal is to get the ten t...

Read story

Load more stories

$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!

Explore more writing prompt ideas:

Adults Writing Prompts ⭢

Adventure Writing Prompts ⭢

Angst Writing Prompts ⭢

Character Writing Prompts ⭢

Christmas Writing Prompts ⭢

Dark Writing Prompts ⭢

Dialogue Writing Prompts ⭢

Dramatic Writing Prompts ⭢

Dystopian Writing Prompts ⭢

Fall Writing Prompts ⭢

Fantasy Writing Prompts ⭢

Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Fluff Writing Prompts ⭢

Funny Writing Prompts ⭢

Halloween Writing Prompts ⭢

High School Writing Prompts ⭢

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Holiday Writing Prompts ⭢

Horror Writing Prompts ⭢

Kids Writing Prompts ⭢

Middle School Writing Prompts ⭢

Mystery Writing Prompts ⭢

Narrative Writing Prompts ⭢

Nonfiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Novel Writing Prompts ⭢

Poetry Writing Prompts ⭢

Romance Writing Prompts ⭢

Sad Writing Prompts ⭢

Science Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Short Story Writing Prompts ⭢

Spring Writing Prompts ⭢

Summer Writing Prompts ⭢

Teens Writing Prompts ⭢

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts ⭢

Thriller and Suspense Writing Prompts ⭢

Valentine's Day Writing Prompts ⭢

Vampire Writing Prompts ⭢

Winter Writing Prompts ⭢