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.
Scroll down to read our winning stories for January, February, March, and April
We begin with the prompt, followed by our winning story
January 2025
First time we have selected two winners!
Prompt for January: Today in 1923, American jazz vibraphonist Milt Jackson was born. He played from age sixteen until his death in 1999. The list of notable vibraphonists is relatively short, so, today especially, we appreciate the resolve to pursue a passion. Like jazz, you can never be quite sure where it will take you next.
Write a 53-word story about a craft
Hooked
by Eliza Eperon
In, out—the rhythmic sound calms my brain, silence in a sea of turmoil.
The hook catches the yarn, I sigh, this is the expensive stuff. It doesn’t matter, what I’m creating will last generations.
It will be a centerpiece, a warm hug, a talking point.
Until the cat throws up on it.
~ ~ ~
53-Word Bio
Eliza Eperon is from England where she can often be found crocheting whilst listening to rock music such as Queen and Ghost. She thoroughly enjoys writing stories and wishes to pursue a professional career in publishing. Eliza is combining her skills in imagination and creativity to work on her first full-length fantasy novel.
“A Life of Legacy”
by Zoe Fraser
Wrinkled hands that once touched wood suddenly went cold. A daughter, heavy with child, sunk into grief as her father would never see his unborn grandchild. Months went by. Tiny laughter and cooing filled the house. A cradle, lovingly crafted, rocked the small sleeping child, as the clock ticked softly on the wall.
~ ~ ~
53-Word Bio
Zoe Fraser is a thirteen-year-old student who resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her mom, dad, younger brother, and gerbil. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, writing, and playing piano. This is Zoe’s first writing competition she has won, and she certainly hopes that it won’t be her last.
February 2025
Prompt for February: Most decisions have pros and cons. Bilbo Baggins had to weigh them when deciding whether or not to go on an adventure with a company of dwarves. He would repeat this exercise often; from cavernous depths to treetops to cliffside paths from which, if he were not too careful, he could easily fall.
Write a 53-word story about balance
"Bake Off"
by Magdalena Naziemiec
Her favorite cookie was fussy but simple, elegant but understated, crispy but tender. She practiced folding the batter until it flowed like lava, but not so much that it deflated.
It was about pride in her technique, not winning first place. Still, she didn't expect to be bested by a boxed brownie mix.
~ ~ ~
53-Word Bio
Magdalena Naziemiec loves to bake as much as she loves to write, but is still working on her macaron technique. She is in the middle of moving 1000 miles with her boyfriend and is excited to trade highway traffic for hiking trails. She continues to dream of the day they get a corgi.
Editors’ Note
We congratulate Magdalena on becoming a two-time winner of the 53-Word Story Contest. Her first story, “Innovation,” won the October 2023 contest (prompt: a blend) and appeared in Issue 251, Jan-Apr 2024, of Prime Number Magazine. Her story was also selected for inclusion in our 53-word story anthology, What Dwells between the Lines.
March 2025
Prompt for March: Three letters: R-U-N. Simple enough. We all know what it means. Or do we? Of course there is the obvious definition: “to go faster than a walk.” Did you know that there are over six hundred other definitions for “run”? And that is only if you use “run” as a verb. Surprise us!
Write a 53-word story about a run
Election Day
by Susan Prause
Jillian’s mouth falls agape, the empty ballot box looming large in front of her. The recount had confirmed George Hillman’s victory. A bet is a bet… She saunters toward him, his puckered lips protruding in the air, to concede the race for Fourth Grade Class President. The cooties, alone, will likely kill her.
~ ~ ~
53-Word Bio
Susan Prause is thrilled to have her first short story publication in the 53-Word Story Contest. Susan works at a large academic health center in Minneapolis and is mom to an extraordinary fifteen-year-old and two very spoiled cats. Writing has long been a passion she is now ready to share with the world.
April 2025
Prompt for April
Meaning a blending of idioms, we get the word “malaphor” by combining “malapropism” and “metaphor.” To win this month, authors will want to make sure their stories stick out like a sore throat. We editors can’t wait to read through all the submissions, but we’ll burn that bridge when we come to it.
Write a 53-word story about a slip
Last Body
by Paula Benski
Jim drags the last body to the edge of the dock. After this, he’s done. As he gives it a shove, his foot slides out from under him, sending them both crashing into the water together.
Annoyance turns to panic as his foot gets caught in the chain attached to the cinder block.
~ ~ ~
53-Word Bio
Paula Benski lives in central Florida and writes every chance she gets, usually at the expense of a good night’s sleep. When she is not writing, she can be found reading, playing her flutes, or grinding her own flour for baking. She claims she is very close to giving up on sleep entirely.