The End of 2024 50-Word Horror Story Contest!
Unleash your darkest nightmares in our bone-chilling contest! We’re seeking the most terrifying tales told in exactly 50 words. Make us tremble, make us shiver, make us afraid to turn out the lights.
Can you craft a complete horror story that will haunt our judges’ dreams? We want stories that linger in the mind long after reading – tales of psychological terror, supernatural dread, or unspeakable horrors.
The Rules:
- Must be a horror story
- Exactly 50 words
- Must be a complete story with beginning, middle, and end
- Submit by January 1, 2025
- Enter as many times as you dare
- Post your story in the comments below
- The most terrifying tale wins
The Prize Package:
- Featured author spotlight on our platform
- Publication in our winter horror issue
- Promotion of your writing-related work/website
- Opportunity to join our horror writers’ community
Polish your most spine-tingling micro-tale to perfection. We’re ready to be horrified, disturbed, and thoroughly unsettled by your compact masterpieces of terror. What nightmares lurk in your imagination? Share them below – if you dare!
Winners will be announced January 15.
Submit your 50-word horror stories in the comments. Multiple entries welcome! Post ’em in the comments.
T. S. Kincaid says
Home from his midnight shift, his heavy boots clomped across the centuries-old floorboards. The mattress squeaked as he slipped into bed. His icy hands caressed me as the weight of his body spooned mine. I rolled over horrified, seeing nothing but the headlights of my husband’s truck arriving home.
T. S. Kincaid says
Damn! The power must be out again. It’s pitch black in here. I wonder how long I’ve been sleeping. Why is it so hot and stuffy in here? Now where did I put my phone again? I try to sit up and bang my head. Oh God! I’m buried alive.
T. S. Kincaid says
Are your hands steady? Are you sure you’re ready? Please do, make it quick and promise, not to get sick. What? Yes, I forgive. Of course, I want to live. Tis the King’s command on this platform I stand for I’ll soon be dead when you chop off my head.
T. S. Kincaid says
Claire wondered if she would ever be able to forget. Their first kiss, his tender loving gazes. The gentle, warm smile as he caressed her body. Those wonderful, passionate, never-ending nights they made love. She wondered if she would be able to forget all of those women he killed.
T. S. Kincaid says
“If you could see yourself through my eyes,” My Mother always said, “You would see how beautiful you truly are.” But that was nothing but a big fat lie. I knew I couldn’t believe her, because even after I plucked her eyes out and looked, I still didn’t see it.
T. S. Kincaid says
“But Doctor,” My wife said. “I thought you said this was a simple procedure. How could this happen?”
“Honey,” I tried to say. “Ask him how long I’ll be this way?”
For I couldn’t move a muscle. Not even my eyes.
“I’m sorry,” said the doctor. “Nurse, call the morgue.”
T. S. Kincaid says
“It’s not the fall, it’s the sudden stop that kills ya.” Bob laughed as he jumped from the plane.
God, he loved the rush. He’d made this jump a thousand times.
The earth got closer. Time to pull the cord.
“Oh shit!” He said, “How could I forget my parachute?”
T. S. Kincaid says
OMG, Richard, I’m so sorry. I feel so stupid! First of all, congratulations on your win. Second, I am new to this 50-word writing, and I submitted all of my stories to you. I truly apologize. Now that I have read all of the submission forms. I promise it won’t happen again.
T. S. Kincaid says
Now I really feel stupid. Please disregard that last comment by T.S. Kincaid. Thank you
T. S. Kincaid says
“Everything looks fine.” The doctor said.
“But doctor, I’ve been pregnant for over a year!” I argued.
“That’s perfectly normal under these circumstances.” The Doctor replied.
“Circumstances?”
“Yes, alien babies always take longer.”
My mind rushed back to the night of that awful nightmare. I realized it wasn’t a dream.
T. S. Kincaid says
“Please come in. It’s nice to finally meet one of Judy’s friends.” My mother said from the kitchen.
“Mother? Who are you talking to?”
No response.
I walked around the corner to find my mother’s dead body and my stalker who promised to kill me if we were ever alone.
T. S. Kincaid says
Mike, from next door, is so weird!
Even the animals in the neighborhood cringe and flee in his presence.
And what’s up with that serrated knife he flashes from under his dark overcoat?
Rumors of people missing when he’s around. And those jagged teeth!
Yeah, I think I’m in love.
T. S. Kincaid says
“Where have you been, Emma?” Her mother asked.
“Out in the meadow playing with Sally,” Emma replied.
“Oh? Is she your new friend? Where does she live?”
“She said they’re up on the top of that hill.” Emma pointed.
“But there’s nothing there but a cemetery,” said Mother.
“I know. Exactly.”
T. S. Kincaid says
I banged on the door. Seeking refuge from the treacherous storm.
It creaked open. A tall candlestick-looking man stood in the frame.
“Thank God! May I come in?”
He beckoned me forward.
I entered saying, “I was told this place was haunted.”
“It is. We’ve been waiting for you!”
T. S. Kincaid says
I saw the way she flirted with him. That pretty pearly smile. Those dreamy, tawny-eyed glances. I warned her to back off. She just laughed at me. Then, without warning, she disappeared. She was delightfully delicious. They’ll never find her charred remains. I warned her. So, who’s laughing now?