Write about a character who is pathologically ambivalent, until something shakes them up.

Posted in Narrative on Nov 1, 2022

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✍️ 33 stories

“Premonition ” by Sarah Wolfe

Submitted to Contest #155

“Come in,” Scott said in response to a knock on his office door. He had been staring out the window of his corner office at downtown Chicago watching people go about their day. Coming in and out of shops, carrying coffee or shopping bags, sometimes both, some people were staring at their phones, some were holding hands. He wondered what their lives were like, what they did for a living, which people were tourists and which were locals. “Your lunch meeting just called to cancel.” Marie Pederson stood in his doorway filling the frame...

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“Spoiled Meats” by Ashley Ulery

Submitted to Contest #155

Warning: Contains strong language. “Hey, Lauren called off. You’re working a double.” A statement, not a question. I turn my face toward Tacky Tie Guy, also known as the deli and produce manager, to say something, but before I can lift my eyes, I see the heel of a creased pleather shoe stepping around the corner. I smile, close-lipped, and turn back to slicing deli ham, on sale, for $4.99 a pound. Well, at least that’s more money to put in my savings. Ten hours later, I limp through the automatic double doors of the grocery store, stiff-le...

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“Marble and Verve” by Kris Hawkins

Submitted to Contest #155

“Let’s get married.” The statement rolled off his tongue like a marble. Miranda lay beside him, languid strands of hair trailing across one cheek, their tips pinned to the wet crease of her lips. Bed springs creaked as she sat upright to look into his eyes: lids lowered, pure as opals, resolute. A dark heaviness slithered into Miranda’s chest. She half-smiled and said, “Okay, but are you sure? You really mean it?” “More than anything I’ve ever meant in my entire life,” he promised. He popped his eyebrows as though surprised, and his ...

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Write about a character who is pathologically ambivalent, until something shakes them up.

Submissions are closed

✍️ 33 stories

“Premonition ” by Sarah Wolfe

“Spoiled Meats” by Ashley Ulery

“Marble and Verve” by Kris Hawkins

🌟 Similar prompts

Start your story with a character facing a situation that isn't awful, but isn't great.

Write a story that includes a character using the phrase “swings and roundabouts.”

Write about a character who gets good and bad news in quick succession — not necessarily in that order.

Set your story in a kids’ playground, or at a roundabout.

Contest #155

Enter our weekly contest!

$250

Prize money

194

Contest entries

78

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

Explore more writing prompt ideas: