Write a story in the form of a letter, or multiple letters back and forth.

Posted in Short Story on Aug 18, 2023

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✍️ 147 stories

“Water Cooler Rendezvous” by Don Tucker

Submitted to Contest #212

To: sbrennan@harperaeronautics.comSubject: Tuna SandwichDear Susan,I have left several notes on the refrigerator in the break room, but it keeps happening. Three times in the past two weeks, my sandwich has gone missing. My friends and family call me boring; I like to think of myself as a man of routine. For the twelve years that I have called Harper Aeronautics my home, I have eaten a tuna sandwich on rye bread for lunch. Now I know what you're thinking, why would my dedication to tuna sandwiches and how I prepare them be of a concern to Hu...

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“Processing Center” by Taylor Major-Dame

Submitted to Contest #212

(Author's Note: This story contains material concerning mental health, suicide, and violence.)January 3rdH, Do you remember when you learned how to tie your shoes? I don't remember exactly. I remember the frustration of not being able to, then one day, I could always do it. Isn't it odd certain lessons from our childhood have stuck with us to this very day? Tasks that we see as mundane were once so challenging. I brought this up because Martha, my oh-so wonderful sister, stopped by my office today. She wants to orchestrate a celebration of l...

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“My Dad, the Politician” by Fernando César

Submitted to Contest #212

Dear Mister President Daddy, Mummy pointed you out on the TV yesterday. I’d been asking forever to meet my dad! I said “nice to meet you”, but now I’m sending it so you can hear it too. Mummy says you can't come to my birthday party, ‘cos you’re very busy, solving all the problems. She says I should be lucky I don't have any problems, but I wish I did so you could come to my party. Love you, Daddy, Dear Mr. Senator Daddy, Mummy says you’re not President, but a Senator. I’m sorry I called you President. I think you didn’t answer before ...

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“Bury Our Secret ” by Davina Drema

Submitted to Contest #212

Trigger warning ⚠️ Mental HealthHey Mama,I know it’s been a while and you’re probably wondering what I’ve been doing with my time or why I haven’t been around much, but then again, you have a bird's eye view of everything now, so you probably already know. Hopefully you’re not too disappointed, maybe you could even understand what’s been going through my mind. If not, this letter should provide some clarity on these last few months for me. You’ve never been one to judge, but before I continue with my life choices, I wanted to talk to yo...

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“Correspondence” by Michael Robinson

Submitted to Contest #212

From Lucius Iulius Nerva to Gaius Sempronius Flavianus Greetings, I write to you from Alexandria, using the new telegraph. These Greeks are clever lads. I sometimes wonder why they are not our masters. They say that all of Romania will soon be strewn with telegraph wires, making communication almost instantaneous. I have taken up my posting as an aedile to Marcus Aelius Sejanus, appointed governor of Aegyptus by the Western Emperor. My trip from Rome wa...

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“The Osprey” by Stefanie T

Submitted to Contest #212

Dear Emmett, I watched the osprey fly across the lake this morning. He was searching for breakfast and after effortlessly diving into the stillness of the water, he came up short. He reminded me of you. Please, read this with your heart open, as it will be our last connection in this lifetime. I guess I could just text you but there’s not enough tangibility in that. I want you to feel the weight of my words as you read them, if you read them, and to touch the same paper that I held. I’m not looking for a response from you, bu...

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“FRANKLIN & RUSTY - The Pen Pals” by Les Clark

Submitted to Contest #212

FRANKLIN & RUSTY The Pen Pals By Les Clark March 4, 1933 Dear Mister Prezdent I only have a pensil to rite you so if it smears, well, you can have someone help you read this. I know I need help reading my own riting. Haha!. I live in a small town in Ohio you probly never herd of. My pop gets the Sunday Columbus newspeppers. Over breakfast this morning, he was reading to us that you are the new president. My mom gave me the rite spelling but thinks you’ll be okay with the rest of my letter. I’m nine and in the fourth grade. I ai...

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“Cora's Letters” by Andrea Corwin

Submitted to Contest #212

Day five, January 18, 1964 – Alaska or Bust Dear Mom (and Dad), We are somewhere in the Yukon, driving day and night. You disapprove of this move, especially driving to Alaska, but please know we will be okay. It’s an adventure for this Midwest girl! The studded snow tires grip the road well (usually). Picture this, Dad – we tied our old waterbed frame to the roof of the van, placed our boxed belongings into the frame, covered it with tarps, and tied it down with heavy straps. Along the road or when stopping for fue...

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“A Letter before Death” by April-Josephine Simmons

Submitted to Contest #212

Warning to readers: this story involves gun violence and possible graphic imagery. My Dear Alison, I Write this letter to you as I spend my last hours alive and therefore must inform you of what has happened to me and to prove my undying love for you. I never told you that I received a letter from our son on the 14th of August, 1923. I am truly sorry that I spent two years searching for him without telling you what I was doing. All the frustration you must have had with me, yet you still stayed true to me. I will never understand your lo...

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“Purple Crayons” by Stephen Bollich

Submitted to Contest #212

"Thom!" Stephen shouted into the ether. "What? Hello? What?" Thom looked around attempting to discover the source of the voice, knowing he was alone in the house. Oh right! It must just be the white noise machine he was so fond of. It occasionally made sounds he could misconstrue as his name. "Thom! It's Stephen! That guy who regularly calls on you to serve as a character in his short stories because it's easier than coming up with other characters and there's like this particular vibe to the whole space now and it's sort of developed ov...

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“To Rose Ann” by Jon LaDuca

Submitted to Contest #212

My Dearest Rose Ann, My hair is longer than it used to be – the grey curls up over cracked ears and shakes in slight autumn winds. You used to cut it for me every two weeks after Church with your father's old barber set while explaining that I couldn’t let my hair grow out because if I died tomorrow, I’d “Look like a twat.” I hoped I’d go bald but you prayed harder than I did. So here I sit with my hair growing over my ears and down over the collar of my red polo. The same polo that you had me wear every Sunday. My hands ha...

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“Mountain View Retreat” by Jessica Crockett

Submitted to Contest #212

Dear Dolores, If you hog all the food again, I will scratch your eyes out. Love Always, Betty Dear Betty, Your well-endowed hind quarters could use a little less food in your life. Warm Regards, Dolores Dear Dolores, I regret to inform you that the music committee voted, and you have been removed from the roster. Permanently. Love Always, Betty Dear Betty, I saw the funniest thing yesterday. I watched you get chased around the garden by that dog, Winston, and then get rescued by the boss lady. Haven’t cackled like that...

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“The Immigrant” by Linda Johnston Lloyd

Submitted to Contest #212

Dear Zawhea, What a voyage I had! I cannot begin to relate the entire story in writing. Yet I will give you some details, so you might have an idea of what I experienced. My cabin was clean, small with a porthole, and I was able to sleep comfortably. A few days after we left Marseilles, I heard that the head chef needed extra help. I met with him and soon I was working. The job kept me busy and gave me extra liras, or, as they say here, dollars. I worked side by side with...

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“The Omens of War” by Joseph Peck

Submitted to Contest #212

To the Cossacks of Taridistan: As High King, son of Eckvar; brother of the sun, moon, and the stars; grandson and viceroy of Tengri; ruler of the Eastern Steppes; King of Kings, Ruling over Rulers; Khan of Khans, never defeated; Eternal Master of the Golden Horde; steadfast guardian of the tomb of Yemo; the chosen of Tengri Himself; the hope and comfort of Eckvarians; confounder and great defender of the lesser races – I command you, the Cossacks of Taridistan, to submit to me voluntarily and without any further resistance, and to cease and ...

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“Dear Grandma” by Robin Butterworth

Submitted to Contest #212

Thursday 1st September 2022 Dear James, I just wanted to drop you a line at your new address – I wouldn’t be much of a grandmother if I didn’t mark the occasion of you finally moving out! I think it is so good that you have struck out on your own at last. I know this job isn’t what you really want to be doing, but I am sure good things will come your way if you can buck your trend and knuckle down to some hard graft. I think this is a better foot in the door than your “degree” in any case! I was surprised I had to address this t...

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Write a story in the form of a letter, or multiple letters back and forth.

Submissions are closed

✍️ 147 stories

“Water Cooler Rendezvous” by Don Tucker

“Processing Center” by Taylor Major-Dame

“My Dad, the Politician” by Fernando César

“Bury Our Secret ” by Davina Drema

“Correspondence” by Michael Robinson

“The Osprey” by Stefanie T

“FRANKLIN & RUSTY - The Pen Pals” by Les Clark

“Cora's Letters” by Andrea Corwin

“A Letter before Death” by April-Josephine Simmons

“Purple Crayons” by Stephen Bollich

“To Rose Ann” by Jon LaDuca

“Mountain View Retreat” by Jessica Crockett

“The Immigrant” by Linda Johnston Lloyd

“The Omens of War” by Joseph Peck

“Dear Grandma” by Robin Butterworth

🌟 Similar prompts

Write an epistolary story set during a major historical event. The event may be the subject of the letters directly, or be referenced in the background.

Write a story about a pair of pen pals.

A mysterious letter is delivered to your character's home. It's not addressed to them, but they can't resist peeking...

Set your story in a post office.

Contest #212

Enter our weekly contest!

$250

Prize money

304

Contest entries

129

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

Explore more writing prompt ideas: