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Official contest
Status: Open
Hosted by Nate
Entry deadline: Closes Aug 31, 2026 · 37 days remaining
Official short story contest. Less than 500 words.
Prompt
Write a story of no more than 500 words in which one seemingly insignificant action changes everything.
It might be:
- A stranger holding a door open
- A misspelled name
- A coin dropped in the wrong place
- A message sent one second too soon
- Someone deciding not to look back
The first sentence must contain the small action. By the final sentence, its true consequences must become clear.
Any genre is allowed. The consequence can be enormous, deeply personal, or simply unexpected.
Rules
One entry per person. Under 500 words. Must be suitable for all ages.
Entry details
• Max entries per member: 1
• Word count: minimum 50 words, maximum 500 words
• Entry methods: submit contest-only text
• Anonymous judging: yes (linked works are not allowed)
Prizes
- 1st place: $50 USD Amazon Gift Card
- 2nd Place: $25 USD Amazon Gift Card
- 3rd Place: A pat on the back
Discussion for this contest lives in this topic and on the contest page.