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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

“Star Judgement” by Erik Pajer

Submitted to Contest #76

STAR JUDGEMENT “Welcome, please sit down”, she gestures towards an overstuffed, comfortable-looking chair. “Thank you, I have never done anything like this before I must admit.” “I have done this many times, you have no need to worry. I know why you have come here, you seek truth in your end of days”. “Yes, for too long I was locked in that cell, away from existence. Unable to comprehend the solitude I was forced to endure. Darkness absolute in form, swirling around me always, why I was captive I know not why but for many...

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“Illumination” by Terra Bransfield

Submitted to Contest #76

“Jesus chris’ Chrice, jus’ do it already, why don’cha?” “I dunno man, I don’t think I’m ready.” “What d’you mean you don’t think yer ready? What d’ya think is gonna happin’?” “Well, it’s kinda a lot of pressure and I just...I don’t think I can do it yet.” “An’ why the heck not?” “Well it kinda looks hard.” “Jesus chris’ Chrice, it’s s’posed to be hard. But s’not so difficult once you get the hang of it y’know?” “Maybe not to you it’s not! But I never done this before.” “We all, one point or ‘nother, never done this before. Only way y...

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“Being the Beaver” by Lori Koenig

Submitted to Contest #76

“I didn’t expect to see you here today,” Jane said with an air of concern. Tim shuffled inside and replied, “Well, I hoped you’d have some extra time for me. I know we usually do Thursdays, but…” “It’s fine Tim, I’m free. Let me just put the kettle on.” “Thanks, but I can’t stay that long, really…” he said, looking down at his feet, and then out the window, staring at a squirrel rampaging down the tree outside. “I’m just feeling so out of place today.” “Some days are like that, for everyone,” she said, as she settled into her large brown ...

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“Matchmaker” by Anna Binabdullah

Submitted to Contest #76

"For the hundredth time, Anna, I'm not going to do this. I'm already 74 for gods sake!" "Congratulations! I see your brain still works, you can count that high! You still got that charm, gramps. Women are going to love you." "I'm not quite sure that's what women focus on. " "No gramps, of course they do. Men focus on looks and women focus on brains. Lucky for you." "Gee Thanks. A guy likes nothing better than to hear he's ugly." "Psh, you're not ugly. You're just a bit too old to be good looking. See, you got the wrinkles here and here... oh...

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“A Fork in the Road” by Trevor Tisdall

Submitted to Contest #76

“Hello.” “John it’s Sarah.” “Oh Sarah-love, I was thinking of ringing you. I only just said to Bazza a moment ago, I need to ring Sarah. I was thinking …” “John, don’t go on I’ve something important that I need to say.” “Oh! Hang on let me go to somewhere quiet. Baz, I’m just going to talk to Sarah, okay? ” “Where are you?” “Um… we’re at the pub.” “I thought you were fixing your car with Barry.” “Um…Yeh. Now that’s better. What’s happened is, there’s a problem with the ECU and he has to get parts.” “You’re not playing the p...

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“The watchmaker's clocks” by Ivelina Hristova

Submitted to Contest #76

It was a late summer night, and I was on the porch with my grandpa, who we all called Pops. The summer breeze was spreading the crickets’ symphony. Somewhere in the dark, we could hear the soloist – an owl. My heart was filled with excitement. I loved these moments because the tales of the old man accompanied them. Grandpa got seriously ill a few years ago. Since then, he has not been able to stay long out of bed. I cuddled next to him and listened in awe. - Elizabeth, you've grown up! Look at yourself! In a year or two, your feet will touch...

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“Earth-1” by Cally Howell

Submitted to Contest #76

“Samantha Rodney Packs.” “I dunno. Sometime in 5584, I think. The clinician said I was seventeen, last time I went. That wasn’t too long ago.” “Earliest place I remember was Earth-234. After mum left, we went to Earth-98, then I can’t remember the next one. Then Dad died and I just sorta drifted.” “She was - or is, I dunno - an astrological something. Spent a lot of time looking at pictures of the sky.” “He didn’t have a job, ’til we left 234. Then he did odd jobs, whatever the Network needed.” “Oxygen deprivation. He forgot his mask one tim...

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“Voice Recognition” by Paul Heller

Submitted to Contest #76

Voice Recognition A story told only in dialogue Paul Heller Paulpaul9443@sbcglobal.net 2868 Words + Hello. ^ Hey. Collin. + Who’s this? Who do you want to talk to? ^ You. Collin. + Want to tell me why you’re calling? ^ Just checking in, brah. + It’s crazy here, man. We got everyone coming, it’s a busy day. Are you one of the cousins? You need a ride because the invite specifically said be here an hour ago? Who’s this, “brah”? ^ Who do you thi...

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“End of Conversation” by Katherine Lambton

Submitted to Contest #76

“Hey Casey, how's it going? How’s life with the lovely baby?" You really just had to call now? I just put her down for a nap... I meant for me to nap; she's been sleeping great throughout the day. Me, however, I don't even remember what sleep is. "Is mom around? Maybe she could help you with her." You just missed her. She's heading to the store right now to pick up some more diapers for Alice. "Wow! She's been going through those really quickly, I mean even for a little one." Yeah, apparently she's allergic to green beans so that's been an i...

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“Always” by Anastasiia Antonova

Submitted to Contest #76

"Jesus Christ, are you blind?! Can’t you see there are people around? Besides, why would you need a trolley just for…""Claire?""Lynda? Lynda, is that you? Oh my God, I haven’t recognized you with this… this new haircut.""Thanks. Do you like it? I’m sorry, m``am... I’m sorry I bumped into you, Claire. I’ve always been absent-minded. You know that.""I sure do. So how’s life? How’s everything?" "Oh yeah, I’m grand, all is grand. Jack and I – do you remember my Jack?""Yeah, I think so. Was it that chap that you were dating in college?""No, ...

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“Hello Stranger” by Luna Sparkles

Submitted to Contest #76

"Hello” she said to the quiet man sitting on the bench in the park. The woman walked this path every other day for the exercise and lovely view, and the man was always there radiating a peaceful aura. Although she was a shy person by nature, her curiosity finally got the better of her and she impulsively decided to speak to this intriguing person.“Hello” he responded simply.“May I sit with you for a while?” she asked pointing to a spot about six to eight feet away on the next bench.“There is room and you may sit there” he said matt...

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“Be Careful, Honey” by Natalia Anglada

Submitted to Contest #76

"I can't do this anymore, mom." "Honey..." "No." "Honey, please listen." "Do not call me honey." "Okay, Elizabeth then. Whatever your name is, I need you to listen to me." "Why should I? You've given me no reason to trust you or your word." "That's not fair. I'm your mother. Isn't that enough?" "After all that you've done, you still have the nerve to call yourself my mother?" "Like it or not, Elizabeth, I am your mother." "Not anymore, you're not..." "You're being crazy." "You are not my mother because I am no longer ...

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“Two Old Friends” by Sarah Hughes

Submitted to Contest #76

“Evening.” “Evening! Glad you could make it. But what took you so long?” “Got lost on the way over. I haven’t been to your place in a while,” he said. “Funny. The world’s ending and I’m the only person you could think of to invite over?” “Unfortunately, yes. You are the only person I know well enough to want to have here. Care for a drink?” “You got anything good?” “I have a bottle of water, a carton of milk, and a bottle of wine.” “Won’t the milk curdle out in this heat?” “Seriously? I don’t think it will have enough time to curdle.” “Heh, ...

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“THE AWKWARDLY SARCASTIC JOB INTERVIEW” by Kevin Rigney

Submitted to Contest #76

"Hi Kevin! Thanks for meeting with me today. Looking forward to getting to know you better and seeing if your background is an optimal fit for the position of Training Manager." "Hi Tom! Thanks for taking the time to meet with me as well. When I saw your job posting at www.lotsofjobsyoumaybeoverqualifiedfor.com, I jumped at the chance to send you my resume outlining my 42 years of professional career qualifications that will most likely cause you to feel that the only job I'm really qualified for is yours. Hope the 8 page Word document gra...

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“Wendy Saves Herself” by Laurel Ibrahim

Submitted to Contest #76

“What did you do to your hair?” Peter asked sternly.“It’s a Pixie cut, and I love it.” Wendy retorted.Peter stared at Wendy. His gaze like a ray gun, attempting to diminish Wendy who would normally cower in his presence. Seeing her stand there, unshrunk, Peter resorted to his other favorite tactic.“Who would want you like this? You look like a boy. You’ll never marry again. You’ll never have anyone to take care of you. You’ll be homeless.”“Who says I want to remarry when this divorce is finalized? I am perfectly capable of taking care of mys...

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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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