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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 Unspoken Truths” by Carlos L. Delgado

Submitted to Contest #76

THE ANALYST ran her pale fingers over the intricate grooves covering the crystalline surface of the recovered airship lacrima, rousing the souls stored within. Shareholders—wearing fine silk robes, cascades of jewelry, and colorful Sashes of station—whispered into their sleeves while others made a show of pointing out the soul-shards placed before each seated attendant. Opposite the Analyst, far at the head of the bustling boardroom table, a sash-less greybeard glowered at her, unwavering. Above him, the stuffed and mounted head of an ursoka...

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“Speak yourself” by Goparaju Pooja

Submitted to Contest #76

I was a person who usually cannot speak my heart out with other people. I tried so hard to do that but I couldn't even speak freely with my own parents,family members and close friends. The only reason behind this was I always used to get a thought what if they feel bad or hurt or uncomfortable. So I always used to keep things to myself. So there came a point in my life where I was to choose my career. I loved Maths soo much,but my parents wanted me to become a doctor it was the subject which I hated the most of all,But I couldn't refuse t...

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“Someday” by Anna Smith

Submitted to Contest #76

There is a girl who lives in two worlds. The first is the real world. Half of her lives there. In this world, she is known as the woman who hardly says anything at all. That’s a lie. She is not known in this world at all. Instead, she is a woman who apologizes to people who bump into her. She is a woman who takes the coffee orders and accepts that her name is not Jessica, but Jennifer to most people. She is a woman who goes home at night alone, knowing that she hasn’t said anything important in over six months. But the other half of her? The...

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“Love Always” by Crouton 828

Submitted to Contest #76

Trigger: Suicide Date: August 10, 2017 Dear Paul, I saw you at school today. You looked as dashing as ever. I don't think you noticed me though. Why would you? It was our first day of college, and you entered our dream school with an arts scholarship, and the title of "Best Actor" from the summer competition. I entered the semester on a scholarship from good grades and a completely clean record, not that anyone cares. I did try to say 'Hi' to you. I promise I did. I thought about how I would just, walk right up to you, and say, "Hello, ...

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“Nina from Customer Service” by J. Noda

Submitted to Contest #76

“Hello, this is Nina from Ryder Share. How can I help you today?”“You can tell me why my stupid account isn’t working and you’d better make fast it, Nina.” She could hear the sneer in the man’s voice as he over pronounced the two syllables of her name. Was it a sexist thing or just a jerk thing? God, it was just her first call today. “Sure, happy to help your car sharing experience go more smoothly. May I ask who I’m speaking with so I can take a look at your account?”“I just told the god damned machine who I am so why the hel...

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“The Man” by Shelby Wagner

Submitted to Contest #76

Stop. What do you mean, stop? It was terrifying; I’m still shaking. I don’t want to be alone in this! Just stop. Please. I don’t think you understand. I was standing there, next to that little boulder that looks like it has a face. You know which one I mean. Yes, but... Please. I was standing by that boulder and enjoying the view. All I wanted was fresh air. The water was so smooth, it looked like a mirror. It was incredible, with not even a wisp of a breeze to stir the slightest ripple. I was just taking in the way the trees looke...

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“Happy Anniversary” by Sylvia Lucas

Submitted to Contest #76

"Good morning Darling." "G' morning." "Did you sleep well ?" " Just not long enough." " Ah, Tibby ?" "Yes, Tibby. That cat had me up at 6.30. Bad enough on a week day. She didn't really want anything when I got up. I think she just likes to see me up and working....like the humans around here." "Coffee smells good." " Coffee always smells good....help yourself, there's plenty perc'd." " Thank you love. I'll just toast a couple of slices." "Oh, no full English breakfast ?" " You're not offering and I'm not cooking," "Saving your appetite for ...

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“The Doorman ” by Aditi Acharla

Submitted to Contest #76

-Please tell me you ate the pavlova. There’s now some discourse on it. I think it’s disgusting and [redacted] is adding fuel to the fire by trying to get the person who bought it to own up. October 30th, 5:00pm. You are dating the Olympic swimmer? -Yes. I actually met her during my break and- Occupation? -Doorman of- Quarter Moon Hotel? -No that’s really far away. I work at The Orville. That’s a very grand hotel, wouldn’t you think? -Yeah it is. Very busy as well. Do you like working there?&nbs...

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“Life in a 3x3 Frame” by Ari Fargo

Submitted to Contest #76

Part One Hello “What do you think, Jackson?” “Don’t know.” “Do you want to hold her??” “Don’t know.” “Well… daddy and I are thinking about her name. Do you want to help?” “What name?” “Maybe Annabeth?” “Nope.” “Mommy likes Annabeth. What about Taylor?” “My friend’s named Taylor. He’s a boy.” “Taylor can be a girl’s name, too.” “Taylor is a boy.” “Well, we have one more - June.” “June. Junie!” “Sure, we could call her that.” “Can I hold Junie?” I Missed You “Mom! Over here!” “Hey Junebug! How was camp? Have you had fun? Make friends?” “On...

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“Mr. Ragtag ” by Neisha Sutherland

Submitted to Contest #76

5:27 PM "Now remember.. Jessica is allergic to pollen, so don't let her outside today. It's awful this time of year. Her bedtime is around eight o'clock. Do not give her any sugar past 7:30. I've made that mistake before and I can assure you that you do not want to make it as well. After she has gone to bed, feel free to help yourself to anything in the fridge that is not specifically marked other wise. If you need absolutely anything, feel free to call me." "Sure thing, Ms. Thompson." "Whatever you do, don't let her go into the b...

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“Interview” by Janssen Serrano

Submitted to Contest #76

"Who is going to be next?" Artemus thinks. "Make sure the file is complete. The furniture is clean. All the organized files are here. All right..., onto my next client. He's at the door right...now." "You may now come in," he says. "Sorry. I know I'm late," a man says. "Don't worry. Please close the door." "Should've gotten early, kid?" "It's not your fault. Please have a seat. Shall we start the interview?"&nb...

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“Apocalyse Cow” by David Mowry

Submitted to Contest #76

“Why are we still out here Sarge? I’m tired of following this cow around.”“Do you want the world to end Private? ‘Cause this is how you make the world end! Now pick up that shovel!”“Yes Sarge. But I mean, do we really have to follow it around? Even if the stupid cow swallowed that bomb, why can’t we just wait until it comes out with the cow pies and pick it up then? We been out here all day.”“We can’t afford that kind of mistake you numbnuts! I thought I explained to you that this was the new, top-secret ion bomb! Powerful eno...

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“Life Coach” by Gloria Opadokun

Submitted to Contest #76

"Close your eyes, you need to learn to trust." I chuckled as I led my twin by the hand to the balcony. "What are you, my life coach?" She chuckled back. "Something like that. I need all your senses to be at alert. Especially the sixth one." I continued guiding her slowly as she walked delicately forward. "Feel the surrounding and tell the story , see it behind your eyes....oh um....i need to blindfold you. Sorry. It's just that your eyelid is shaking a lot, so if this is going to work, then I need to blind fold you." I slipped off dad's ti...

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“CONVERSATION FROM HELL AND BACK” by Mimi Mazzarella

Submitted to Contest #76

CONVERSATION FROM HELL AND BACKBy Mimi Mazzarella “Yes, may I help you?” asks the nasally operator. “HELL-oooo? Is this 411, Information?” gruffs the Prince of Darkness into the cell phone. “It certainly is, sir. Whom are you trying to reach?” “The Lord, King of kings,” says the Devil. “Seems I can’t get a direct line into Heaven.” “That’s because it’s a restricted number.” “Well, unrestrict it! I wanna speak to the Head-Honcho upstairs, Mr. God Almighty.” “An...

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“End Of The Day” by Kevin P Michaels

Submitted to Contest #76

“Hurry up, it’s cold!” “I’m coming, I’m coming.” “Get your ass in here and shut the door, I’m wasting all the heat. Damn, it’s cold!” “I feel fine.” “I would too if I was sitting there with those on my lap. What’s that smell?” “Pepperoni and onion. I’m the pep, dad’s the onion.” “One topping on each?” “No, both on both.” “Not my favorite combination, but I wouldn’t complain.” “What would you add to balance out the flavors for your taste buds? Turn right on Elm.” “I would if this idiot in front of me would move. C’mon, Jac...

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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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