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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 Palm Reader” by Mary Corbin

Submitted to Contest #76

I didn’t know how hard it would be. Truth-telling to strangers and friends alike can be tricky but when you see the kind of stuff I just saw? Well, that’s just more than I can handle. I started this thing as a fun parlor trick, something I read about in a book. A way to impress people. Or stand out in the crowd.To get people to like me by telling them what they want to hear. It takes real talent to find out stuff, to see it but to think about all the things you should say but never do. I do it for them, really, it’s not about me.But I just d...

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“Speak Up” by Daniel W

Submitted to Contest #76

Ryan watched from the edge of the lunchroom table as the four 7th graders sat down a few seats away from him. He recognized them as the kids in all of his classes: the popular, outgoing, smart, and helpful kids everyone seemed to look up to. The kids who got 100s in Math 3, of all classes. The kids who brought glory to Weddington Middle School through winning math competitions and reading the most books. No one else was on the level of Ava Wong, Rishi Chandra, Kevin Huang, and Amun Kera, otherwise known as The Group. Ryan, who had ju...

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“"Sarah's" Social Anxiety” by Teaghan Durand

Submitted to Contest #76

I’d say I’m a very peculiar person. I have an extensive vocabulary, excel at public speaking, and am burdened by a mind that never seems to stop thinking of new things to do or say, yet I am the worst at socializing. For me, public speaking is situated in an entirely different realm than small talk: when talking in front of many people, you often have time to prepare, time to ease your mind. When in everyday social situations, I freeze up. I’m not able to practice or anticipate what I’ll need to say, and often can’t get the words out even wh...

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“Speak No Evil” by Bobby Bone

Submitted to Contest #76

The sound of the alarm clock echoed throughout the room. Antonio did his best to reach over and hit the snooze button but to no avail. The arduous task of sitting up, bending forward and striking the snooze button was necessary so getting up and starting his day was now the plan. It was earlier than normal for Antonio as he usually cut everything close when meeting deadlines. Another miserable day was his first thought as he struggled to get out of bed and head to the bathroom. A disappointing feeling came over Anton...

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“The Little Things ” by Rach Nordin

Submitted to Contest #76

We’re in math class together, doing work. He sits one desk over. He doesn't have a desk partner today, probably due to the cold that’s going around. He’s quieter without his friend. Probably missing him. I could talk to him instead, ask him where his friend is. His head is down, staring at his work, looking at it but not seeing, clearly in another place in his mind. I wonder what he’s thinking about. He has earbuds in, designed like airpods, but cheaper, the same brand as mine. He’s methodically tapping his fingers against the desk, to the t...

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“What I Wish I Had Told You” by C Z

Submitted to Contest #76

When you first sent me to preschool, I cried every single day. At the end of each day, you'd take me home and hold me in your arms as I let out the last tears of the day, and then you’d send me right back the next day. If only I could tell you how much that early experience, your unwavering toughness and trust in my potential, helped shape me into a stronger person. You were never one to give up on me. When I teetered off course, you were always there to brush off the dust and set me back on track. I wish you would do that now, as this great...

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“An Inconvenient Confession ” by Laura Richardson

Submitted to Contest #76

Many years ago, rain was lightly pattering on the windows as my bus's gentle rolling was slowly rocking me to sleep. It had been a long day, and I just wanted to get home after work. It wasn't very cold outside, but the bus had its heaters on and the warmth helped me start to doze off. But unbeknownst to me, instead of a nice rest, I was going to have an experience that taught me about tolerance and patience when connecting with others."Do you mind if I sit there?"I reluctantly opened my eyes a little. A young woman was standing i...

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“THE PRIEST AND THE COBBLER'S DAUGHTER” by Sivaram Govindaraj

Submitted to Contest #76

“Saleem, how long have you been running this shop selling coconuts and fruit?” “It’s over twenty years I think. You say you’re a cop newly transferred to this place.” “Yes. I want to hear about this place and people. You’re an old timer and I’m sure you could tell me a lot.” “Ahead is the very steep mountain road with many twists and turns to the mountain resort. People who come in buses, cars and so on halt here to worship at that temple opposite praying for a safe journey.” “How is business here?” “It isn’t booming but I earn enough to mak...

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“The lady and the traunt.” by A.A Lawson

Submitted to Contest #76

"When did you leave?" "Before Mrs toldya's hens cried." "Around dawn, then?" "If you say so." "When did you get here?" "The same time the sun pushed them clouds away." "Mid day." "I don't know, lady." "It's okay. How did you find the wagon?" "'Twas all suzy's idea." "Suzy brought the wagon?" "No." "Did she steal it?" "No." "So how did she get it?" "I don't know." "You'll have to work with me ,Willy." "Where's Melly?" "Your friends are with the other officers telling their stories. I advice you do the same ...

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“THE CHOICE” by Rain Ashford

Submitted to Contest #76

Ah, so we meet again. I thought it might have been later than sooner, but FATE decided it so.Looks like she did. So how have you been?An urgent choice must be made, and you want to make unpleasurable small talk? So very like you.Ug, so incredibly formal. Loosen up a little would you? This one’s choice will be easy. Life’s been cruel to him. He’ll choose me. Just wait and see.You do know I hate that phrase with a passion. I do not decide that. Our good friend FATE does. If I had my way, you would not have a job.You’re being cruel again. Don’t...

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“Growing up in the Stars: Nova’s Story” by Katharine Johns

Submitted to Contest #76

This is a prequel to “Child of the Stars”, featuring Nova’s backstory portrayed through dialogue)-kindergarten-“Caelum! Guys!” Little Nova called after her male classmates. “I want to play ‘rocket’ too!” “Girls can’t play “rocket’!” Caelum scoffed. “It’s dangerous!”“you pretend you’re on rockets and missions!” Nova bit back. “Pretending isn’t dangerous!”“Teacher! Teacher!” The two of them hurried to snitch on each other. She told Caelum to let Nova play before her attention was needed elsewhere. “Then you sit here and be ...

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“Violin Transfer” by Brammy Rajakumar

Submitted to Contest #76

“One-third of college students transfer before receiving their degree. Did you know that?” “I didn’t. You drove all the way back to our old high school just to tell someone that?” “One out of three means that in every threesome that happens at college, one of those people is so dissatisfied with the experience that they leave their school altogether.” “And, I guess, you also came to pick up that old violin swinging by your side. You’re planning to practice that thing at college?” “Practice having threesomes? You kno...

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“Choosing Monsters” by Mae Welton

Submitted to Contest #76

“Tell me a story.” “What?” “Tell me a story! Tell me something interesting. I want to hear something interesting.” “Once upon a time… there was a brave little girl.” “Hmm, sounds like the story might be about me.” “You’re not a little girl, anymore.” “I imagine myself to be.” “Fine. Once upon a time, there was a brave little girl. And she wouldn’t stop asking for stories, so the monster gave her one. And it was terrible and sad. The end.” “That’s not a real story,” “I’m not in the mood for a real story today. Are you?” “I...

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“Lycaon and Medusa” by Aathisha John Kennady

Submitted to Contest #76

LYCAON AMD MEDUSA Scene 1: Transformation of Lycaon at the palace of the Arcadian kingdom. Lycaon: (with a devilish smile)oh! King of all gods! It is truly an honour for me to prepare a feast for you. (Zeus sits at the Royal Table) Please, enjoy your meal. (Looking at the food and knowing the evil plan of the King, Zeus becomes furious). Zeus: &nbs...

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“Shoulder the weight of a diamond” by Zorana Lorden

Submitted to Contest #76

“Once upon a time..” “Don’t start it that way!” “Why not?” “You’re being facetious Al. I hate it.” “Fine. Yesterday.. is that better?” “Much.” “Alright, but like, it doesn’t have the same drama. The same level of intrigue.” “We’ll live.” “Now who’s being facetious, Carrie? “No, that was sarcasm. There’s a difference.” “What’s the difference?” “Do you really care?” “No, not really. So anyways, yesterday I was driving along—“ “Wow what an unusual activity for a Monday!” “Well, I was telling it in a more interesting way, but you shut me down.” ...

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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.

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