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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#9: Little Women

On September 30th, 1868, the first volume of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was published. This December, 151 years later, the eighth(!) film adaptation of Little Women will be released in theatres. Suffice it to say, this book has stood the test of time and remains a favorite amongst readers.

In honor of Alcott's novel, this week's writing prompts are all themes and elements pulled from her seminal family drama. And don't worry if you haven't read the book or aren't too familiar with the March family — these themes are all universal!

This week's prompts

Write a story in which societal rituals and expectations play a key role.

Fiction – 18 stories

Write a story that focuses on the relationship between siblings.

Middle School – 57 stories

Write a story about someone whose lifestyle has changed and is learning to adjust to new circumstances.

High School – 34 stories

Write a story that uses flowers as a symbol.

Spring – 32 stories

Write a story about unrequited love.

Romance – 60 stories

Stories

“Empty Whispers” by Kira Carroll

Submitted to Contest #9

Protective stone walls stood vigil above the overgrown treetops, proud despite the cracks and dirt that coated their every inch. Once, this place had been grand, with each inch of every building intended to represent the best, most well-maintained prison that ever stood. But now, Jeremy could hardly recognize anything. “Hello everyone! Welcome to Stillwater Penitentiary! One of America’s most haunted locations!” The tour guide said, the sweetness of her saccharine smile leaking into her words. Rolling his eyes, Jeremy looked up a...

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“Rain” by Laura Leighty

Submitted to Contest #9

I stared out my window, heavy rain pounding against the glass. My forehead pressed against it as I looked out. It was cold, but I didn’t care. I was too entranced by the scene unfolding in front of me. I watched as my neighbor - and best friend - got into the car with her new boyfriend, a warm smile across her face. I could feel as tears started to form in my eyes as I looked on, but I refused to let them fall. It didn’t make sense. Why was I so upset about this? She was just my friend. Just my friend and nothing more. Sure, I’d been i...

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“When You Know” by Heather Tabata

Submitted to Contest #9

A thin curl of lemon colored icing oozed from the metal tip of Avery’s pastry bag onto the scraped smooth blanket of frosting. She completed the daffodil’s last petal and stepped back. The cake, destined for a housewarming party for one of the ritzier families in town, sat on the gleaming granite countertop. She nudged the cake stand a bit to the side and ran her thumb over her left ring finger. One day. It’d be her turn. One day. Just one more flower there, right below the scroll. The metal tip hovered j...

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“Respectful Distance” by Jacob Oligschlaeger

Submitted to Contest #9

“He looks like he needs a hug mom!” Leo shouted, pointing towards the hippo paddling across the murky waters of its personal swimming pool. “I think he just needs a friend,” Leo’s mom responded in a mumble. Her eyes drifted from her son and looked over to the rhino enclosure behind them. Leo was at the age where he believed the world revolved around him and he was indestructible, so he did not take this as a passing remark. He saw it as an instruction. With his mother’s eyes focused on pachyderms less reminiscent of oiled potatoes, Leo pulle...

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“Possibilities” by Angela W

Submitted to Contest #9

They were having dinner at Olivio’s when Miguel asked Tessie to be his girlfriend. Having a boyfriend at the age of sixty-two struck her as silly, something meant for a much younger person and not a grandmother. “What do you say, Tessie?” he asked. The creases around his eyes deepened in the candlelight. He was a handsome man who spoke with a smooth, elegant Spanish accent, the veritable heartthrob of the Elderberry Senior Center, where they’d met a year ago. &...

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“My Golden Cowboy” by Grayson Symes

Submitted to Contest #9

Everyone in the bank flinched and several fell down to the floor from the sheer force of the explosion. Cassidy and I strolled in through the gaping hole in the wall that was clouded with smoke. We stopped just outside of the majority of the smoke and Cassidy stuck his pistol straight into the air and fired off a single shot causing everyone in the vicinity to flinch once again. I think one lady even yelped. “Alright everyone,” his booming voice filled the room. “If y’all couldn’t guess by now. This...

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$50

Prize money

201

Contest entries

0

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Oct 04, 2019 EST

Won by Sofia Lago 🏆

Title: What Dead Songbirds Sing

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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