53-Word Story Contest

Each month we offer a prompt to subscribers of Press 53 and Prime Number Magazine to write a 53-word story—no more, no less—and send it to us by the fifteenth day of the month. Our editors select one winning story, and the author receives a book from Press 53 as well as publication in Prime Number Magazine. Want to play along? Subscribe to Prime Number Magazine for free and we’ll send you the prompt on the first day of each month.

Our prompt for September was: If there is a break in your friendly, familiar conversation, you might come up with a riddle for your audience to think on, or perhaps share some interesting trivia. For example, September 1st is Rocky Marciano’s birthday and he was known to gnaw on a lot of steaks, he just never swallowed one. 

Write a 53-word story about chewing

53-Word Bio
Jason Ryan came to China to study Kung Fu twenty-one years ago and somehow never went home. His proudest writing moment until now was his middle school teacher, Ms. Turley, returning his English paper with, “What is this?” scrawled in red pen across the whodunnit story he decided to write during the exam.

Our prompt for October was: Before Lewis Carroll wrote “Jabberywocky,” he must have looked at the words chuckle and snort, decided he needed both where only one would do, and created chortle. For Halloween I’ll be a wolf or superhero, but still need to just be Dad, walking the streets in portmanteau as a little bit of both.

Write a 53-word story about a blend

53-Word Bio
Magdalena Naziemiec is excited to return to writing fiction after spending months writing and revising her dissertation. Besides writing, she enjoys baking, a hot cup of tea, and curling up with a good mystery. She lives in the Chicago area with her boyfriend and dreams about the day they finally get a corgi.

Our prompt for November was: We’re told its good luck to break one on stage, but any other time is bad. It’s good to have one in a debate, but let’s enjoy a snack and share a few while I tell you about my trip; oh yeah, and the trip that put a hole in one of mine.

Write a 53-word story about a leg

53-Word Bio
Keith Padraic lives in Rhode Island where he works as a graphic designer and content editor. He spends much of his free time writing, exploring themes such as the modern domestic drama, consumerism, and the juxtaposition of traditionalism versus neoteric technologies. Keith’s stories are often inspired by his personal experiences and family history.

Our prompt for December was: In the heart of winter's domain, the winter solstice marks the year's turning point. Day surrenders to night, a symphony of shadows dancing under the starry expanse. Yet, amidst the hushed tranquility, a promise stirs—the sun's gentle ascent, beckoning forth the promise of spring's renewal. The preceding sentences were written by AI.

Write a 53-word story about a code

53-Word Bio
Audrey Brown is a Biology PhD student from Salt Lake City, Utah. While she writes mostly about science, she is eager to stretch her creative muscles by writing short stories and poetry (and maybe a novel one day). She survives the cold winter months curled up with hot chocolate and a good book.