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

“Nothing to be Afraid of” by Sumra Khan

Submitted to Contest #76

Nothing to be Afraid of Kuhne: How can it be possible? ( The boy standing nearby was trying utmost to be looked as sure of whatever he said.) Weasley: Trust me. I told you what I actually had seen out there. The tree leaves themselves will tell the story of the previous night. It was damn horrifying. (He pointed to the left of the orchard. Although there was fog yet some parts of the tree were visible. And it was really the shortest day of winter.) Kuhne: And what if you are lying? I am not going to spare you. You know me the way I d...

Read story

“Jack Steiner” by Gabrielle Louw

Submitted to Contest #76

“I don’t know, I find it hard to believe.” He scratched his head, his expression growing uncertain. “Look, I want to help you, but I’m going to need your collaboration.”“The best I can do is tell the truth. I’m not guilty.”“But you were at the wrong place at the wrong time,” Matthew commented. “Several people saw you fleeing the scene minutes before the body was found.” Jack sighed, running a hand through his hair. ‘I know’ He mumbled.“You claim you didn’t see her body when you headed to the garage…”“I swear I didn’t. She must have fall...

Read story

“Cheater” by Rachel Macmorran

Submitted to Contest #76

“That’s it for today, people. Remember, I need 5,000 words parsing an element of symbolism in chapters 11-12 by Wednesday’s class, please. Ms. Baker, can I speak to you for a moment?”“What’s up, Doc?”“Amusing. I wondered if you had chosen a theme for your essay this week?”“Actually, I have already finished a rough draft.”“Oh, have you? I see. It’s just that I always enjoy your insights, and I had a particular thesis that I would be interested to see you work with.”“Well, I really like what I’ve got going now.”“Doubtless. It’s just that, as a...

Read story

“A First Date” by Nate Crookshank

Submitted to Contest #76

"I'm so glad you made it." Todd said as he smiled politely. "I almost didn't!" Emily replied, out of breath. "I couldn't find a parking spot for the longest time, I ended up having to walk here all the way from the park." With great relief she took off her jacket and fitted it to the back of her chair before sitting down. "Hello!" Declared the waiter, right on queue. "My name is Richard and I'll be serving you today. Can I start you off with something to drink?" "Just water for me, please." Said Emily. "Same for me, without ice." Said Todd. ...

Read story

“Tell Me, What Do You Mean?” by Jade Orien🍀

Submitted to Contest #76

2 friends sit on the couch eating popcorn while watching a film."Do you like watching movies here?" He said."Yeah, I hope to continue watching movies here if that's ok?" She asked"Yea that's fine, I was hoping for you to say that" "For me to say what exactly?" "I don't know, what did you mean?""I meant that I like spending time here because you pick good movies to watch.""Oh ok, that's what I meant as well.""What did you mean?""I meant that I like the choice of movies that I pick for us to watch.""Oh ok, because I thought you meant something...

Read story

“Words” by Hope Reynolds

Submitted to Contest #76

She felt like a piece of trash. When a friend needed her after a break-up. And she actually was reaching out for connection, she did not know the blasted words to say (beyond the basic "I am here for you. That is not true").I just asked her questions, like I was an interrogator. Why don't I have the words? Why can't I be more encouraging?Maybe it is because she didn't believe in saying pretty little nothings she didn't really mean (most of the time, anyway; and not because she was harsh, unkind, or abrupt. Just as a matter of honesty and lov...

Read story

“The Quarrel” by Anastasia Ifinedo

Submitted to Contest #76

When we got home, the first thing he did was slam the door. Although the sound jarred my nerves, I had to appear unfazed. After all, I wasn't at fault here. "You should be thankful I'm educated, Daniel." He crossed the living room, ducking into the kitchen. If my husband thought he could ignore me and the events of tonight, he had another thing coming. "You just can't say 'no', can you?" I asked after following him. He opened the refrigerator with unnecessary force and peered into it. I was getting to him. Good. ...

Read story

“Behind Those Blue Eyes” by Aubrey Maria ✌

Submitted to Contest #76

By Aubrey MariaSympathy was a rare thing for Lucy to experience. But on that chilly morning, as she sat in on a study group, she felt no different than any other day. Lucy didn't expect anything to be different – nor should it have been. But there was a newcomer sitting the farthest seat away. He had tousled red hair swept to the side. His smile could be seen a mile away and Lucy couldn't help smirk to herself and think, 'who does this kid think he is?' Inside her, she felt a pang of jealousy. Was it the fact he was happier than sh...

Read story

“The impostor Among us ” by Harley Quinn

Submitted to Contest #76

Hello I’m bananas3000. I’m a really shy guy and do not talk to people much. I’m yellow in color. I wear a banana peal on my head as a hat. My body is just a bone covered with rubber, and I carry an oxygen tank everywhere weather it’s in an office, HeadQuaters, or a spaceship….Can you guess who am I?...Yes you guessed right, I’m a crewmate from among us……WAIT!....Isn’t among us just a game …Well yes, it is a game but not “just” a game. We, the crewmates have a whole life behind the game….And yes, there are real parasite creatures called impos...

Read story

“The Truth” by Rexy Rexy

Submitted to Contest #76

“Hastings Private Detectives, how may I help you?” “James, it is me, Laura. Sorry to trouble you at this hour, I know it’s late, but I just wanted to know the progress of the case.” “Hi Laura, of course, of course! Don’t you worry about it, we detectives work all hours. Remember what I told you? You can call me any time, any time at all. As a matter of fact, I was just about to call you.” “Oh yes? You found something?” “Are you sitting down?” “It’s that bad huh?” “Afraid so. Your intuition was right, Laura. This man, Sam, is not ...

Read story

“Trespassers” by Parul Srivastava

Submitted to Contest #76

“Quite chilly, isn’t it?” “And your special ginger tea is just the right thing for the season!” “Hehehe….here….careful, it’s hot! I’m so glad you visited, Neena. I was beginning to wonder what’s new in your life. So tell me?” “Ah! Anne, your mischievous smile and this ginger tea. You know how to get anyone to spill the beans.” “Well….” “See….that one again! It’s like you know everything and still want to indulge people in storytelling. Anyway, life’s going on fine….my editing job, husband, home….same old.” “Nothing new?” “Uh-hu...

Read story

“Black mail” by Tariq Saeed

Submitted to Contest #76

Mr and Mrs Gold Martin were paramount figure in the society. Every party,every gathering seemed incomplete without them. Mr Gold ,like his name ,was a billionaire cum politician and Mrs Gold was daughter of a business tycoon. They were leading a prosperous life .Mr and Mrs Gold's family were considered “The Lucky Family of 2013”due to, Mr Gold's father became president of the bank and his mother appointed as Minister to Women Affairs. His Sister Became High Court Judge. Mrs Gold’s father became personal Assistant to the G...

Read story

“Three Fools, A Wizard and a Lieutenant” by Carole Cobos

Submitted to Contest #76

“SHUT UP!” “What a fool!” “Who does she think she is?” “Why is she standing on the table like that?” “Another word from any of you and I’ll show you true screaming, and it won't be coming from me.” “...” “You realize that we all lost, right?” “...” “What can we possibly gain? Are you really going to send your soldiers to count how many of their comrades died? To settle this? Is that really what you are going to do?” “...” “What is the point? We all lost. This obsession is going to be our downfall. Your people will rebel...

Read story

“The Briefcase” by Terri Bertha

Submitted to Contest #76

The Briefcase “Hey, what’s up? Whatcha doing?” “What do you mean, ‘whatcha doing’? Duh, I’m sitting at my computer typing. What do you think I’m doing? I’m trying to write a story.” “A story? A story about what?” “A story for a contest. It’s supposed to be a story that’s just dialogue between two people.” “Oh, you mean like two people like us having a conversation?” “No, I don’t think anyone would want to read a story on our discussions. It’s a story about when I met Tom at the airport for a latte the last time I was out of town.” ...

Read story

“The All-Shtar” by B Easton

Submitted to Contest #76

“Sally was perfect, and shince she was perfect, she couldn’t be anything lesh.” “You’re over-correcting Toby. Remember, go slowly. You get the shh sound by bringing your tongue back and the ss sound by bringing it forward. Let’s try the sentence one more time.” “Okay, Sally was perfect and… since… she was perfect, she couldn’t be anything less. Better?” “Much better. So, now that the exercises are done, let’s just talk and I’ll see what else we can work on before we finish for the day.” “Shure-sure, what is new with you?” “Well, my sist...

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 ⭢