List of Past Topics for the WritersWeekly Quarterly 24-Hour Short Story Contest!

2013 marks our 12th year of hosting the quarterly WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contests!

In case you’re not familiar with our quarterly contest, this is how it works. On the date of the contest, at start-time, we send out the topic for that specific contest to all registered entrants, while also posting it online. Participants then have 24 hours to write and submit their stories. The stories “must deal with the topic in some way to qualify” and they must not exceed the pre-assigned word count. After reading the entries for each contest, we can see how difficult it is to come up with a unique plot when working with an assigned topic. But, inevitably, a few writers do manage to successfully break away from the pack.

Here are all the past contest topics. We’ve never published these in one place before so we hope you enjoy perusing these.

Each contest is limited to 500 participants and they usually fill up so don’t delay if you want to participate in this weekend’s event!

1st Place: $300
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $200

Entry fee is $5. You can see the complete list of 85 prizes and sign up here.

PAST TOPICS FOR THE WRITERSWEEKLY 24-HOUR SHORT STORY CONTEST:

SUMMER 2001 WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She walked quickly through the dark streets of downtown and noticed that the only lights illuminating the entire block were from the old barber shop which had been vacant for years. Even the barber pole was slowly spinning in the dark. When she got to the window and looked inside, she was shocked to see a myriad of couples…waltzing…

FALL 2001 WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She shivered violently while running through the cold night air. Orange, yellow and red leaves crackled beneath her tiny shoes when she stepped on them. Why hadn’t her father picked her up from school as he promised? Now she’d be late for her own Halloween Party…

WINTER 2002 WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

It all went back to that one stupid mistake he made in high school. One stupid mistake! ‘I would give anything to live that day again!’ he vowed.

There was a shimmer in the air and a subtle movement, as if the world just shifted to a lower gear. It seemed to get dark and, when light returned, he found himself sitting in a desk, his sophomore biology teacher asking him a question.

SPRING 2002 WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The cryptic message had enough personal information about her that she knew she had to take it seriously. The last part said, “Be at the corner of Third and Main at 10:30 with the recipe and the child or you will be sorry.”

She looked at her watch. It was already 10:00!

SUMMER 2002 WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

It suddenly came to him in a flash, a complete insight, the whole plan, every detail, and he saw that it would work. “The perfect crime!” he thought, “And there is no way anyone can tie it to me. All I have to do is take care of one little detail first.”

FALL 2002 WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

“Double, double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble.” That was how witches did it, according to Shakespeare. But now she was investigating modern witchcraft and had found a woman who agreed to take her to a secret meeting of a real coven nearby. “This should be a hoot!” she whispered to herself. “What to wear, what to wear?”

WINTER 2003 WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

Curled up in bed against the screaming blizzard outside, she tapped the remote control and the television cast a pale light against the dark room. As the screen warmed into focus, she sat upright and screamed. There he was! On television! But he’d been dead for 10 years!

SPRING 2003 WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She felt silly as the man with the odd accent looked down, making benign statements to her palm. Why had she allowed her sister to drag her to this psychic’s convention?

She couldn’t help but roll her eyes as he completed the reading with a dramatic wave of his arms. However, his final words shocked her…

SUMMER 2003 WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

It always looked so easy on television! But she had been teasing the door lock with a bobby pin for almost 10 minutes and it didn’t show any signs of opening. The ocean surf pounding in the background drowned out any clicks that she thought she was supposed to be hearing. Suddenly, the door flew open, she fell forward with grunt, and there stood…

FALL 2003 WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

“I must have taken a wrong turn after the river, Dad. The pavement stopped awhile back and there’s nowhere to turn around.”

“Hold on, honey, I’m trying to find it on the map.”

“You’re starting to break up some.”

“I don’t see any dirt roads in that area. I’m hearing another voice on the line. It’s like a whisper, can you hear it?”

“No, I’m just hearing you and static.”

“hang… now… mine…”

“Did you hear that?!”

“Did I hear what, Dad?”

WINTER 2004 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She looked behind her once again before she pushed open the largest door in the house. She only had a few seconds to search her employer’s office or she risked detection. Her eyes were immediately drawn to a handwritten note sitting in the middle of the desk…

SPRING 2004 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She tipped the deliveryman, closed the door, and excitedly pulled the glittering ribbon from the gold box. Inside, she was puzzled to find four fortune cookies nestled in gold satin. She picked one up, cracked it open, and pulled out the white slip of paper. “What goes around comes around.” She frowned and opened another one. “As you sow, so shall you reap.” She started to tremble as she read the third. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” A bead of sweat trickled past her temple as she reached for the fourth…

SUMMER 2004 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

It had taken him almost an hour to climb over the rocks to the hidden beach. His metal detector was strapped to his back and he didn’t think many other treasure hunters would go to this much effort. It was low tide, so he started at the water line and began sweeping the detector back and forth. On his fifth pass, the detector gave a strong beep…

FALL 2004 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The red, orange and yellow leaves traveling the river contrasted sharply against the black water. Distant thunder and a bitter wind promised an early winter storm. She shivered and walked faster, ignoring the muffled diatribe coming from the burlap sack in her arms.

WINTER 2005 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She screamed, “No! Did you hear me?! I said no!!”

She slapped him hard but he had already catapulted out of reality…

SPRING 2005 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

When he bent down, he discovered a large book with gold lettering lying on its side behind the others. He pulled it from its hiding place, dislodging other books as he did so. When he opened the cover, he discovered that a crude, square area had been cut out of the pages…

SUMMER 2005 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The ocean water was warm, not offering much relief from the relentless heat. It was July 23rd, an anniversary she always honored by returning to the spot where her life had changed so dramatically. She stepped on something hard and reached down. She froze when she realized what she held in her hands…

FALL 2005 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The pristine snow on the hill was marred only by the bright orange and red leaves that had fallen in the night wind. The early snowstorm had pushed fall into winter, but fall was still fighting for recognition. She couldn’t dwell on the beauty around her, however, because she had only moments to decipher the etchings on the gravestone…

WINTER 2006 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She shivered and wrapped her arm more tightly around her little brother. The grocery cart that held their tattered possessions was now full of cans and they steered the rusty contraption toward the local recycling shack. Suddenly, a man in a black coat and hat stepped into their path, thrust a piece of paper into her brother’s bare fist, and hurried away. The two children looked at each other and then at the piece of paper…

SPRING 2006 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

He turned the knob on the short-wave radio, trying desperately to hear any word from the outside. It had taken them three days to arrive at their mountain cabin on foot and they were relieved that no squatters had taken possession of their property in the mayhem.

While his wife and daughter made an inventory of the scant amount of food they’d left in the cabinets last summer, his son hovered near his elbow, also waiting in silence. He dialed slower and everyone froze when the room suddenly erupted with static and a child’s voice…

SUMMER 2006 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic
The group of four tipsy teenagers were playing yet another loud game of Mixin’ Fixion in the back of the commuter bus. After her contribution, the youngest girl turned her face toward the breeze coming through the window, enjoying the canopy of trees along the country road. Up ahead, she noticed a man flagging down the bus while slinging a large black bag over his shoulder. As he stepped onto the bus, he turned his head toward the bag, slapped it, and yelled, “…

FALL 2006 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She turned away from the crisp fall wind, shivering as her long skirt billowed wide and her hair slapped her face. She’d lost her prayer kapp again. Mamm would be real mad. Dry leaves were racing past, heading in the same direction. She’d always wondered where all those leaves ended up, year after year. Some were already brown. That made her sad. The dark orange ones reminded her of Mamm’s pumpkin cookies and she turned toward home. She walked slowly, fingering the package hidden in her apron and thinking about the Bishop’s visit yesterday, when he’d said she was too simple-minded to care for a baby…

WINTER 2007 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

It always happened when the room was too quiet. Random phrases were once again racing in and out of her mind. Black forest, red velvet, white wine, blue cheese, hash browns… Her hands tightened into fists and she furiously shook her head, trying to dispel the obsessive thoughts that assailed her daily.

She wiped her hands across her apron as she turned to the pot that was now boiling over. When she was putting the hot pan in the sink, she noticed a movement in the reflection of the window. She turned quickly, but her guests were still sitting motionless, right where she’d left them…

SPRING 2007 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She could hear the buoy bell ringing in the distance but it was too dark to see anything beyond the receding foamy water. She shivered as the wind picked up, knowing a late-season Nor’easter would hit in the next few hours, and knowing this was her last chance. She raised her arm and threw the glass bottle into the darkness…

SUMMER 2007 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

Mosquitoes buzzed, but kept their distance as the aroma of insect repellent overpowered the smoke coming from the dying campfire. The counselor was getting to the good part of the ghost story and the campers were all quiet, straining to hear the raspy whispers of the protagonist. The sudden sound of footsteps approaching on the pine needle carpet silenced the group. All heads turned simultaneously and the little girls screamed when a man emerged from the tree line, dressed in torn clothing and carrying a pack. The pack started to move as an infant’s startled cry joined the panicked chorus…

FALL 2007 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The vivid hues of the foliage seemed to bring the painting to life. Intrigued, she leaned closer. Blowing rapidly down the cobblestone road, the artist’s yellow leaves were a dazzling gold, the red leaves burned a deep, unnatural maroon, more beautiful than reality, and the dark orange leaves faded around their edges, as if they couldn’t decide which color they wanted to be. She peered closer still, desperately wishing to be there, in that place so far away, and so long ago. Her senses seemed to respond to her subconscious desires and she blinked back startled tears when she suddenly inhaled the scent of wood smoke, felt a cold wind stirring her hair, and saw a movement in the distance…

WINTER 2008 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She always kept the object safe and close to her. Mama made her repeat the promise over and over again during those last days. “I will never show it to a living soul. I will never show it to a living soul.”

She cried about Mama less now, not as much as she had before. She was missing Mama now as she did each night when she removed her scuffed shoes. She then carefully peeled the gray sock off her foot, and waited for the familiar object to fall out. Nothing happened. Panicked, she quickly turned her sock inside-out. It was gone.

SPRING 2008 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She thought she heard water trickling over rocks and turned toward the sound, ignoring the thorns that sliced her short, chubby legs. She sat down, drinking as fast as she could. She jumped up when she once again heard all those strangers calling her name, somewhere behind her, higher up. She wasn’t sure. She quickly stepped back and her hair got tangled on a low branch. She wrenched it free, her panic having dulled all pain hours ago. The forest canopy swallowed her as she sobbed and stumbled, repeatedly whispering to herself…

SUMMER 2008 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The bells on the door were still echoing as she stepped further into the old toy store. The owner winked at her and turned back to his black and white television set. She reached under the rack on the back wall and pulled it out. It was just where she’d left it last week. She approached the counter and put the item down.

He turned to her, grabbed the item with surprise, and said, “This is NOT for sale…”

FALL 2008 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The cast iron pot was blackened and warped, but had provided years of delicious concoctions. Movement caught her eye through the cracked window. She turned her head, but saw only red, orange, yellow and brown leaves racing by in the fierce wind. She shivered as cold air leaked through the window’s cracks, and leaned down to stoke the fire.

Squinting at her recipe book, she scratched the mole on her nose. The fourth ingredient was always the hardest to find…

WINTER 2009 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The small wood stove kept the tiny chapel warm and their snowy footprints had already melted by the door. The dim light from the candle nubs played on the faces of the minister and his wife, and made the bride and groom’s shadows dance on the empty pews.

The minister’s monotone continued, “If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace.”

All four turned abruptly when they heard a cough by the door…

SPRING 2009 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

“Silly Scilla, silly Scilla,” the young girl sang, as she pushed another tiny blue flower into her hair. She knew she would have to remove these adornments before they returned to the house. When Mamm gently cleared her throat, the girl remembered the tiny celery seeds that had been spilling out of her apron all morning.

She sighed and settled down in an empty row, digging her bare toes into the cool soil. She froze when her foot bumped something hard. Scooping the dirt aside with her fingers, she found a tiny, tattered purse. Glancing at her mother to ensure her secret treasure was still a secret, she opened the clasp…

SUMMER 2009 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She was licking the cotton candy crystals from her fingertips when she felt the first raindrops. She joined the other visitors in racing for shelter as the drops turned into a summer afternoon torrent. She ducked into the nearest red-and-white striped tent, almost running into a woman with caked make-up and large rings on every finger. As the girl started to offer an apologetic smile, the woman looked up. Her wrinkled face registered instant recognition and she screamed, “It’s you!”

FALL 2009 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

Weeks of obsessive tending and gentle turning ensured a blue ribbon for his biggest pumpkin next weekend. His chest puffed with impending pride as he fantasized about the envious stares of the other town folk, especially that pretty, stuck-up woman next door, who always looked through him, not at him.

The cold wind started again and he shivered, watching the sky darken too quickly. As bright, painted leaves rained on his crop, he instinctively turned his head toward an infant’s cry. At the top of the hill, under the old Maple, his stuck-up neighbor was shielding a bundle from the wind, fumbling with her blouse…

WINTER 2010 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

From her lap, his shiny black eyes stared up at her as she admired his permanent red smile. Fingering his tiny overalls, she pictured the little ones’ faces, pressed against the icy windowpanes, waiting for her to arrive with another basket of her lifelike, homemade gifts. The last strand of hair was finally in place. As she gently inserted the needle to tie a knot, he lurched in her hand and a high-pitched voice said…

SPRING 2010 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

He’d had a lifelong weakness for football, golf, and younger women but none of that mattered anymore. The vultures were just outside, already fighting over the best morsels. He hadn’t moved or spoken in weeks but, as she reached over to touch the thin vein slowly pulsating in his hand, his eyes flashed open and he said…

SUMMER 2010 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The young girl pulled another pair of pants from the pile of laundry. Between the hot black iron and the fireplace, it was stifling in the small kitchen. The only relief she could hope for was a small breeze coming from the window overlooking the distant waves. Her arm started moving methodically once again and, just as she started to fantasize about a forbidden swim, the iron stopped at a bump in the pocket…

FALL 2010 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

He stood on his tiptoes at the small cabin’s rear window, staring out at the deepening dusk, sensing the excitement in the town’s air. A cold wind seeped through an old crack, tickling his chubby cheek, and a whirlwind of red and orange leaves made him laugh. The corn stalks rustled in the brisk breeze, waving to him. He waved back.

Behind him, Mommy was busy in the small kitchen and delicious smells wafted his way, making his tiny tummy grumble with glee. She was making lots of treats to temp the town’s children. After all, she’d promised him a new brother or sister…

WINTER 2011 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The feet of her pajamas offered no protection as she trudged through the deep drifts. She had been crying throughout her ordeal and, when she lowered her head for protection from the wind, she almost missed a light piercing through the trees. As she instinctively turned in that direction, she heard a train whistle…

SPRING 2011 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The fruit vendor smiled at her through sightless eyes, enjoying the warm breeze and salty air. During casual banter with his customers, he seemed to remember the smallest details, even ones they couldn’t remember sharing with him in the past. The girl had been coming to his stand daily for as long as she could remember. As she turned to leave, she patted his hand and said, “I’ll see tomorrow morning, friend.”

Still smiling, he replied, “No, you won’t…”

SUMMER 2011 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

Strong waves pounded the dark sand just a few yards away. Hidden by beach grass, they embraced, relieved to finally escape their wedding guests. His poetic whispers suddenly ceased as he leaned back, and said, “There’s something I need to tell you…”

FALL 2011 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She was standing on the porch of a sagging cabin with bright yellow leaves collecting around her feet. As the cold wind billowed her skirt, she shivered and wondered if the owner of the purse really lived here. She knocked timidly and the door quickly opened, revealing a tiny girl holding a hideous, bald doll…

WINTER 2012 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

Blue ice stretched to the horizon, fading into the blinding rays of another waning winter sun. She shivered violently as the shifting mass groaned under her feet. She instinctively glanced down, looking for cracks under the transparent sheen. Suddenly, she tensed and dropped to her knees. Desperately clawing at the ice, she screamed…

SPRING 2012 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

With blistered, salty skin and matted hair, they were down to their last sips of fresh water. A recreational day at sea had turned into a fight for continued existence. Slumped on the bow, searching for any hint of a breeze to sooth her burning face, her eyes widened when she noticed something fast approaching in the distance…

SUMMER 2012 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

Growing up on a fishing boat docked in this small northwest coastal town brought stares from townspeople and jeers from classmates. She desperately wanted to escape but, with competitors driving down charter prices, she knew her dad would never be able to afford a replacement. As she sliced open the belly of yet another Salmon, her eyes widened and she dropped her knife…

FALL 2012 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

Their small sacks heavy with apples, they huddled on the cobblestone path, not sure if they could make it back in time. Bright orange and yellow leaves rushed across their shoes and they shivered, their cloaks no match for the approaching dusk. Their eyes widened as the town’s striking clock began to issue its warning…

WINTER 2013 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

Hearing a light thump outside, she walked to the front door and opened it slowly. Wind and snow swirled and the cold lashed her cheeks. By her feet she discovered a small pot with tiny white flowers. She recognized it as a Galanthus nivalis. Footprints in the snow led to and from the porch and a note tied to the slender stalk fluttered in the icy air…

SPRING 2013 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She sat in her favorite spot on the porch of the weathered beach house, the salty air sticking to her skin, the oncoming storm blowing sand across her bare feet. The crisp envelope bent beneath her fingers as she laid it on her lap, and reached for the pen in her dress pocket…

SUMMER 2013 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

Holding the sleeping infant on her shoulder, she gazed peacefully at her surroundings. Tourists wandered in and out of stores, an old man was setting up his easel by the lakeshore, and a child’s balloon escaped into the breeze. A moment later, she looked up as shouts startled her and the baby. Everybody was running in her direction…

FALL 2013 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She wiped her hands on her apron, peering out the window. Red and orange leaves hurried by as the cold autumn wind battered the small cabin. The girl should have been back from the errand by now. At that moment, she saw the flying, fiery red braids. The devil’s mark on her right cheek, a constant reminder, was clearly visible, even at dusk. The girl, breathless, burst through the wooden door.

WINTER 2014 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

He walked among the market stalls, pretending to ignore the whispering and giggling women. His relaxed demeanor, handsome features, and ready smile meant no female in the town missed his weekly sermons and the church’s coffers were overflowing of late.

Feeling a touch on his sleeve, he turned and his smile disappeared. Looking first left and right, he angrily spat, “I told you to never speak to me again!”

She blinked, her long lashes brushing her cheeks, and said, “But, I need to talk to you.” Leaning closer, she paused, and lowered her voice. “You see, I’m…”

SPRING 2014 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The sailboat was anchored just a few yards away and the sun had set. With the campfire slowing dying, and their bellies full of fresh fish, the lovers decided to go skinny dipping. As they descended, hand in hand, into the warm water, he felt something slip around his ankle and pull…hard.

SUMMER 2014 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

She rolled her eyes as another one of her cabin mates tried to stifle sobs. She couldn’t believe she had to stay at this horrible camp all summer! Her stomach growled. As she stepped toward her trunk for a forbidden snack, she tripped on a loose board. Curious, she leaned over to peek between the cracks, and saw…

FALL 2014 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The cold wind battered the fortune teller’s wagon, threatening an early frost. The girls climbed down, simultaneously giggling and shivering about the message the old witch had delivered. As their feet pushed through the red and orange leaves, a shadow emerged from the gnarled maple trees. A bent man in tattered layers stepped in front of the girls, leaned over, and put his crooked finger to his lips…

WINTER 2015 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

A blizzard raged outside, battering the cozy ski lodge. Merry skiers drank hot chocolate and hot toddies, excited about the fresh white powder they’d be conquering tomorrow. Smiling, she took another sip, her eyes briefly wandering from the man sitting before her, to a different gentleman across the room. He was sitting alone, and staring at…

SPRING  2015 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

Sitting on the porch steps, she stared, ignoring the scent of lilacs from the overgrown bush. Her heart lurched when she saw the mail truck approaching, dust in its wake. Would it arrive today? The ancient mail carrier took his time handing her some envelopes and, finally, a large package in brown paper. As he drove away, she dropped the envelopes on the porch, and walked quickly around the side of the house, praying nobody inside saw…

SUMMER 2015 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The sweat vanished from her skin as she sank down into the cool, blue swimming hole. The radio spread a festive mood to the commune members, who were picnicking, sunbathing, and laughing while dropping from the rope swing into the water a few feet away. Everybody got silent, however, when the music was replaced by an automated emergency broadcast network message. Thinking it was just a test, the festivities resumed until the annoying tone switched to a panicked broadcaster’s voice…

FALL 2015 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

The barren, tan corn stalks behind her snapped in the cold evening breeze, the only sound louder than the dry, fiery red leaves swirling around her tiny, shivering bare feet. She’d lost her bearings again and she hoped the dinner bell would ring soon. A gray tree with endless arms and fingers, devoid of any remaining foliage, loomed before her. She gazed at the odd markings on the trunk, which appeared to outline a hand-cut door of sorts. And, as she stared, it opened…

WINTER 2016 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

A heavy blanket of snow illuminated the night while cold flakes pecked at her chapped cheeks. As she took another deep breath, her ears winced at the broken silence. Shivering continuously now, she trudged through the drifts, avoiding obscure stumps and black, low-hanging branches. The item she dragged behind her left a noticeable trail but she knew it would be deeply buried by the storm come morning…

SPRING 2016 – WritersWeekly.com 24-Hour Short Story Contest Topic

A brisk breeze pushed through the hatchway, cooling her sunburned cheeks. Saltwater lapped at the hull. A mariner’s lullaby. She smiled, pondering her perfect life. No people. No stress. Just the occasional storm, and sojourns to the mainland for provisions. Just as her tired eyes closed, violent knocking and shouting erupted on her starboard side…

Each contest is limited to 500 participants and they usually fill up so don’t delay if you want to participate!

1st Place: $300
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $200

Entry fee is $5. You can see the complete list of 85 prizes and sign up here.



Got questions about Print On Demand and Self-publishing? Ask Angela Hoy.

About The Author

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Angela Hoy is the publisher of WritersWeekly.com, the author of 19 books, and the co-owner of BookLocker.com (one of the original POD publishers that still gets books to market in less than a month), PubPreppers.com (print and ebook design for authors who truly want to self-publish), and Abuzz Press (the publishing co-op that charges no setup fees).

Angela has lived and traveled across the U.S. with her kids in an RV, settled in a river-side home in Bradenton, FL, and lived on a 52 ft Irwin sailboat. Angela now resides on a mountaintop in Northwest Georgia, where she plans to spend the rest of her days bird watching, gardening, hiking, and taking in all of the amazing sunrises.

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