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 September, October, November, December
We begin with the prompt, followed by our winning story, and the winning author’s bio
September 2025
Our prompt for September was: Historically, September sees stocks trade lower and those who pay attention often count the moments until it ends. Similarly, there are those counting down to the seasonal end of a certain disease-spreading arachnid. No reason to fret about either; time runs as it should and we’ll check September off our calendar soon enough.
Write a 53-word story about a tick
“A Good Start” by Cynthia Kump
Marla surveys the disaster that is her house: the sink overflowing with dishes, piles of dirty laundry, carpets covered in cat fur. She adds “laundry,” “dishes,” and “vacuuming” to her already long list of chores. Daunted at the prospect of hours of work, she writes “Make to-do list” and proudly checks it off.
~ ~ ~
53-Word Bio
Cynthia Kump worked in libraries for nearly twenty years, both news and university libraries. She is still recovering. Her next adventure is undetermined. Cynthia is currently writing a collection of interconnected short stories about a dysfunctional family, which she swears is fictional, and a fantasy novel for children, which she wishes was not.
October 2025
Our Prompt for October was: This month’s prompt could be seen as green or an assortment of colors, or it could be seen as a kiss, or something hidden, something placed in a new location or in the ground. It all depends on how you see it, how you approach it, and how you manufacture your 53-word story.
Write a 53-word story about a plant
“Surrounded by Dandelions” by Violet Windibank
"They're called tanpopo in Japanese."
"What?" Ainsley looked at her friend.
"Dandelions. Isn't that a cute name?"
The girls sat together, surrounded by dandelions.
Pluck
Ainsley's friend picked one. "Make a wish!"
"Okay."
The seeds flew.
"What was your wish?"
Ainsley frowned.
"I wished you were real."
Ainsley sat alone, surrounded by dandelions.
~ ~ ~
53-Word Bio
Violet Windibank is a fifteen-year-old girl from Ontario, Canada. She enjoys reading manga and graphic design. Recently, she has started to read some classic literature. She has two cats named Sequoia and Temple, who are both silly little guys. Her favourite flowers are dandelions, which she likes both the look and taste of.
November 2025
Photo by Zafer Erdogan licensed through Pexels
Our Prompt for November was: Here is something you can pluck, tie, find yourself being led by, be second or third, but first is best, and you don’t want to find yourself up on this. It’s thin and long and is tied to food, literally and by name. It is wishful thinking to tie one around your finger.
Write a 53-word story about string
"Internal Breach" by DK Snyder
Detective Linda Hays pulled red string taut across the evidence board, connecting clues in her investigation of the data breach.
The intern, Ted Davis, smirked. “Computers replaced corkboards. Adapt.”
“Corkboards can’t be hacked.”
Ted snorted. “What would your generation know about stopping hackers?”
Linda pinned up a final photo. Ted’s photo.
“A lot.”
~ ~ ~
53-Word Bio
DK Snyder’s short fiction has appeared in A Right Cozy Culinary Crime anthology, Woman’s World, Shotgun Honey, and Cease, Cows, among other magazines, and is also forthcoming in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine. Her work has been longlisted for The Wigleaf Top 50 Very Short Fictions and nominated twice for Best of the Net.
December 2025
Photo by Jeff Ibera licensed through Pexels
Our Prompt for December: We all have it when the time comes. If you don’t have it, get it, got it? You can also eat it, if you are OK with meat. Enjoy it with others for fun or competition. One thing is certain: this contest cannot be exploited. Do you have it now? Are you ready?
Write a 53-word story about game
“Spring Break” by Jody padumachitta Goch
Dropping down the chute at twenty took forty years off my life. I thought I had game, until someone wrapped my clenched fist in a rope and opened the gate to terror.
In one second I knew two truths: don’t drink tequila in cowboy bars and bull riding wasn’t gonna be my major.
~ ~ ~
53-Word Bio
Jody padumachitta Goch is Canadian and lives in the German Black Forest. Jody’s pockets are full of stories and poems. It’s hell on the wash machine. They hike, rescue words from the lint catcher and read/edit for Does It Have Pockets? Some published work include: Temz, Bright Flash, Moonstone Arts, Third Street. www.jodygoch.com