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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#88: Fairy Tale Truths

Did you know that April 2nd marks Hans Christian Andersen’s 216th birthday? Andersen’s work has been adapted and reimagined so many times it's become part of our literary DNA. In fact, it's hard to imagine the world of fairy tales without them. And while some were based on old folklore, many sprang from his own imagination — sometimes even incorporating details of his life and using the genre's fantastical trappings to write parables about his experiences.

This week we invite you to use your stories to explore larger truths. Whether you set them in a magical fairy tale realm or not, stories are a wonderful way to examine important ideas. So sit back, reflect, and prepare to let your imagination run wild through the forest.

This week's prompts

Write a cautionary fable about someone who always lies.

Adults – 116 stories

Write a story about an ordinary person speaking truth to power.

Adults – 68 stories

Write about a prince or princess who is asked to give up something valuable as part of a deal to escape the world they come from.

Fantasy – 190 stories

Write a fairy tale about an outsider trying to fit in.

Kids – 173 stories

Write about an author famous for their fairy tale retellings.

Teens – 73 stories

Stories

“Imposter Syndrome” by Adam Schwartz

Submitted to Contest #88

Once upon a time, a doppelganger was challenged to a contest by a boy. The boy was young as far as humans go and angry as only a small child can be. He had committed some minor human offense and been sent to his bedroom as punishment. The doppelganger waited the requisite five minutes before opening the boy’s door and letting itself inside. Seating itself gently on the rocketship bedsheets, it placed a slender, manicured hand on the child’s head. The doppelganger stroked the boy’s hair for a moment, then allow...

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“The Toad and The Princess” by Sofia Lake

Submitted to Contest #88

The haze of sunrise barely broke through the dark shadow surrounding Mari’s high school. Like ants to a nest, students trudged through the cold fog of an autumn dawn. Mari Ho trudged just a little slower than the rest. She knew once the fluorescent lights of the building hit her face, she’d have to hide it all. She’d have to hide the redness on her cheeks and around her eyes from crying on the drive to school. She’d have to hide the bags under her eyes from not getting enough sleep. She’d have to hide her anger at her parents—at her world.&n...

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“AN APPLE OF DISCORD” by Raja Mukherjee

Submitted to Contest #88

AN APPLE OF DISCORD (Criminals must leave some clues to find them.) [Some words:- My relative Sanku uncle's close friend was Alok babu. Alok chand (35 Years) is a very simple man. He did many odd jobs in his life but to find the truth is his passion. He became a Goverment Employee once but resigned from his job because he doesn't like to tamper the truth behind the lies. He wants to work freely .He is the main character in this detective story. He leads the role of the detective having so much efficiency in this work. All of his...

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“Supernova” by The Creech

Submitted to Contest #88

Some men have an undeniably powerful presence. When they walk into a room, the air changes. All wandering eyes latch onto his inflated chest and raised chin, all ears perk up at the sound of his commanding tongue, and all minds cannot help but wonder about him. Men of power, money and self-importance dominate everything in their path. But sometimes a man possesses this presence separate from petty traits—a presence that is innately rooted in his being. It originates from wisdom, strength of character, charisma and accumulation of curiosities...

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“Was A Princess ” by Kirrtanaa Thanesh

Submitted to Contest #88

In the kingdom of Orwynde, up at the castle, King Edward sat on his throne, counting out the money that needed to be paid to the guards. Queen Mary was with the royal dressmaker. They were discussing a new suit for Prince Andrew who was out on his horse. Meanwhile, Princess Isabel was having an archery lesson with the skilled archer, Henry Alby.“That needs work,” said Henry.“What do you mean?” protested Isabel. “That was bull’s eye!”“Not quite, but don’t worry. Nobody is perfect in the world,”“Yeah?” said Isabel.“Well, this week’s lesson is ...

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“The Heart's Desire” by Amy Jayne Conley

Submitted to Contest #88

They say love is the thing that kills a man. Love makes the brain turn to mush. Love makes bad decisions seem like the best there is, and forces man to abandon logic. They say love is blind, but perhaps the meaning of that is not that love transgresses the physical, but rather that love can make man blind to what lures him to his fate. But yet, every man will eventually fall in love. Large walls flanked the towering, gilded castle on all sides. Walls high and low, walls thick, walls with small portholes through which archers could fire arr...

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“The King's Last Smile” by Katharine Widdows

Submitted to Contest #88

The young Princess Lydia scratched her head and looked nervously around the forest clearing. She was right on the edge of troll territory and didn’t want to stay there long. The witch soon appeared in the dappled light between the copper birches. ‘You’ll swap them today?’ Snarlock passed a leather purse to the princess. ‘Yes. You’re sure you can get me out of the palace?’ ‘I’m brewing a potion to make you entirely inconspicuous. Leave your window open. I’ll bring it to your balcony then we’ll go to the rendezvous point. Someone ...

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“The Warning Siren” by Boba Chan

Submitted to Contest #88

The sun's rays came streaming through the window. I was curled up in my warm blanket, half conscious. The fibers were warm, and i almost drifted into slumber when a loud siren from outside woke me. I drowsily opened my eyes, and covered my ears with my cold hands. I listened to the sound of the siren through my hands. 'Beep beep beep...BEEP!' That sound...I can't remember what it means. I have never heard that warning siren before. Each siren means something new. Hold on.. If i don't know the siren that means it's most likely an emergency! I...

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“What would you do if a witch asked for your name?” by Jane Syphert

Submitted to Contest #88

Christina knocked on the door in front of her a little harder, knuckles stinging. The witch finally opened the door. The graying skin sagged off her face, and sent a slight shudder down Christina's spine. The witch was well known throughout the land as one of the best witches for people who wanted to get out. Christina held up a small, amulet carved with a careful touch, in front of her. "Is it true that you sent her away?" The witch gave her a wide smile that seemed unnatural. Her gnarled hand reached out and grasped the amulet, pulling i...

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“Tribal and Religious Sanitation” by Philip Ebuluofor

Submitted to Contest #88

Even during her time in junior secondary, she had seen them returning from the same meeting she don't want to be part of now as adult. She was wondering if those educated women among them for years couldn’t bring about the change, is she the one to do that?. No, the right thing remain to focus on her dreams and prayers and be strong in resisting the advances of the suitors and pressure from her parents and siblings. For years now, she have been able to do that and its getting intense nowadays. Bilya Muhammad don’t even want...

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“Kangaroo Court” by Robert Consiglio

Submitted to Contest #88

People’s War Crimes Court, New Altron City, Jecos province, Artican Protectorate of Paradeshia, planet Piasha The blaster clatters to the ground and the many spectators packed in the courtroom's gallery let out a collective gasp. “This weapon,” says the prosecutor,” was found in the possession of this deviant.” He points his finger at the defendant, sitting, huddled in the defendant’s box, being restrained by a force field. A hissing sound can be heard emanating from t...

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“REVENGE BEST SERVED. . . ” by Neel Anil Panicker

Submitted to Contest #88

Jagannath meaning Lord of the Universe. Crown Prince Jagannath! Ah, the ironies of life! What a joke! What a cruel joke was destiny playing out, mused the young man, his words a scream that ricocheted off the palates of his mouth, then died_agony filled gasps releasing into the outer world ala a newborn's labored arrival. The outer world for the 'Crown Prince' was a six by six square foot hell hole; a pitch dark all stone dungeon located fifty feet under the ground, a hellish pit sans light, sans sound, sans contact with the oute...

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“Sorry...” by Sumaiya Shaikh

Submitted to Contest #88

SORRY… I always loved reading fairy tales, sci-fic, mystery. But, here, in my village, ‘Senu’, girls are not allowed to read, write, study, do business. What girls here are allowed to do so is, entertain men (not just any men, but your husband.) to do house chores, handle kids, and teach them the manner to behave in public. And, we are allowed to wear only gowns, if we like it or not, we have to wear it, our opinions don’t matter. You must think, how come I know to write, and read…so pause there, tell your mind cells to relax, I am giving y...

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“The Two Sided Man” by Hana J

Submitted to Contest #88

Be warned of the man beneath the hood. The black straggling veil. For he has a wicked tendency to tell you you’re untold future. He will ruin you, he will spite you with his words and cast you truths at the palm of his hand. Be warned of the truths of this two sided man. “This book is stupid,” AJ says, skimming through the pages. “What book?” I ask ...

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“"POWER IN THE WORK FORCE"” by Robin Simon

Submitted to Contest #88

Lidia Jenkins, is an editor for a news paper in her town, very quiet, kept to herself kind of person, but she will chase any story and will be at every rally there is that will stand for justice and truth. Everyone complimented her on how great a job she would do on every assignment but this particular day she came across the reading on the march for equality and it gave her idea. I am a hard working woman, and spite all that I have to deal with at work, we need to be heard and people need to understand we need to stand up for getting the ...

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$50

Prize money

622

Contest entries

0

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Apr 09, 2021 EST

Won by Shannon Ethel 🏆

Title: No More Happy Endings

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!

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