Theshortys Stories

A warm welcome to our poets and storytellers! Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning for another year, we're delighted to have you here. The Shortys is a place to challenge yourself, celebrate creativity, and connect with a community united by a love of words and creative expression. On September 1st, this year's prompts will be revealed. You'll then have the entire month to bring your ideas to life and share your work. So sharpen your wits and ready your words. We're here to encourage one another, cheer each other on, and have fun. We can't wait to read what you create. Let the ride begin. The Shortys Team

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Elok is a little caterpillar who begins her journey as an innocent, curious, and naïve creature. She meets Sulastri, Dimas, and Aditya-three friends from different worlds who teach her many things about life, nature, food, and what it truly means to be a good creature. But as time goes by, Elok's hunger slowly turns into gluttony. She eats without restraint, devouring the leaves around her without considering the other creatures who also depend on those trees for food, shelter, and survival. Without realizing it, her unhealthy habit gradually changes her-not only physically, but spiritually as well. When she finally faces the anger of her neighbors and witnesses the consequences of her actions, Elok begins to understand that she has allowed greed, envy, pride, resentment, vanity, and many other harmful traits to take control of her heart. She then retreats into a private chamber she names "THE COCOON." But Elok is not merely hiding from the world. Inside that dark chamber, she begins a far more difficult journey: a journey deep into her own heart. There, Elok must confront the dark traits that have been living within her. She battles Greed, Envy, and other destructive qualities one by one, while struggling to understand who she truly is and how she should live her life. And when the cocoon finally opens, every creature is left astonished. The greedy, selfish, and seemingly ugly green caterpillar they once knew is gone. In her place emerges a beautiful butterfly with radiant golden wings-not merely because her body has undergone a biological metamorphosis, but because her heart has transformed as well. Because sometimes, the greatest metamorphosis is not the transformation of the body. It is the transformation that takes place deep within the heart. 🦋🌕✨

Welcome to The Shortys Library of Winners! In here, we celebrate the talented poets and storytellers whose creativity, dedication, and passion for the written word earned them a place among winners and honorable mentions in our annual competition. Congratulations to every writer and poet featured here. Your achievements are something to be proud of. May these achievements inspire you all to take up the challenge and see your name here in the future. All our best, The Shortys Team.

The robots' spaceship is threatened by a robot gang. They end up hiding out and setting traps... but the gang gets stuck in a successful bank heist.

*** The Ambys 2025 Round 3 Qualifier *** Joyful moments and precious memories, but also turbulences and overwhelm: we all go through ups and downs. Like ocean waves, days can be harsh and moody, other times calm and soft. Unlike on land, at sea, direction is a longer process to figure out. Thus, the question at the centre: How does one navigate this boat called life? This poetry collection covers the vulnerability and inner strength of being human mastering life under different weather conditions. Like a compass, these poems seek to provide guidance, bring comfort and to spark hope along the way. Disclaimer: This collection touches upon mental health issues (depression, anxiety, etc.). *** 🥇In March 2024, the poem "Sisters Bond" received a "special mention" from @justwriteit for the #JustWriteCollabs! 🏅In November 2025, the poem "Shattered" made it into the longlist of "The Shortys 2025". 🥇Since June 2026, the collection is featured in the "Verses are Us" reading list of the NewlyWrittenBooks team. 🥇In July 2026, the collection placed 1st in the category "Best Title" in the "PurBean Awards 2026." 🏅Rankings: - November 2025: #15 poem; #1 learn; #1 connect; #1 ambys; #15 challenges - December 2025: #1 navigation; #1 standup - May 2026: #10 in poem *** Copyright © norafelane. All Rights Reserved.

"A genie presents you with two options to live your new life or live a lie. You choose the lie." Written for The Shortys 2025 hosted by @ShortStory All Rights Reserved © AJ Byers

Bintari is a young female hippo, just over a year and two months old. She is chubby, cheerful, and a little bit of a tomboy. Together with her wise Auntie Sari, Bintari learns about the importance of eating in moderation, respecting other creatures, and understanding the true meaning of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika-Unity in Diversity. When Bintari joins a big swimming race in the river, she encounters Obelia the crocodile and Maurita the snake-two fierce predators whose arrogance and greed ultimately lead to their tragic demise. This story teaches us that true happiness lies in simplicity, kindness, and the wisdom to live life with balance and compassion.

Ben thought his museum trip would be boring - until a mysterious creature the size of a dinosaur looked him straight in the eye and quacked. Hidden beneath the Ancient Life Exhibit lies a magical valley where Duckosaurs roam free - creatures that are part dinosaur, part duck, and entirely impossible. But when the Omelette Knights arrive to steal their eggs, Ben must rely on courage, quick thinking, and a loaf of bread to save his new friends. A lighthearted fantasy adventure filled with humor, friendship, and the reminder that not everything is what it seems - especially when it quacks.

(✔️ COMPLETE ✔️)Amelia, a 15-year-old nerd falls in love with Simon Smith, the hottest, bitchiest, baddest freak anyone has ever seen. . . Although there's a secret. He makes her do everything for him, but what makes it even worse, is it isn't true love. Will Amelia be able to find true love again? Read it till the end! * * * Note: This is a two-part story. Read the first, then the next. If you like the book, make sure to leave some comments and vote!

Fancy writing some short fiction? This collection contains a series of prompts that can be used as a personal challenge, a way to compete with your fellow Wattpadders and of course a great place to find some great stories. Everything from vignettes to flash fiction, a celebration of all things Short Story