Mini-Contest #64
The 64th OTP mini-contest launched in February 2026. This mini-contest asked contestants to write a story between 25 and 50 words long that used circles, a circle, or something related to circles as an important part of the story.
We received 296 entries. Here are the winning entries, then the honorable mentions. Five of the six winners are new to OTP.
Third Place by John Cross (new to OTP)
“Any winners?” her mother said, but she barely heard, she was staring at the circle. The circle on the lottery ticket her mother had bought as a stocking stuffer.
The circle said she was a millionaire.
The circle said her relationship with her mother would never be the same.
Second Place by Christine Rains (new to OTP)
Another patch of field ruined. I could do nothing except plant more wheat. My family needed the crops to survive. It was the ninth time this year.
I mightn’t have been so angry if there was wisdom in the circles, but knowing they’re alien gang signs just infuriated me more.
First Place by Veronica A. (new to OTP)
It’s gold, used to catching sunlight, certain of the finger it encircled as its rightful home. So imagine its confusion when it begins visiting darkness, first sporadically, then weekly, slipped into a pocket before hellos are exchanged over music loud enough to drown a vow.
Honorable Mentions (no money, just fame)
Three other entries earned honorable mentions.
Curse words streamed as he circled the living room in a cyclone. His hands dove under the couch and cushions. Blankets, papers, and clothes flew, debris spinning through the air. At the center of the storm, his glasses glinted atop his head like a lighthouse.
by W. Cooper (new to OTP)
None of my co-workers noticed when the time loop started; they were used to hearing Hank say “Let’s circle back” at least seventeen times in every meeting.
by Laura Ruth Loomis (our all-time champion, published in 6 issues and now 12 mini-contests)
We all pretended we hated country dancing in the school hall. Reluctantly joining hands in a circle, small hands that were often sticky and sweaty.
When the music started, everything changed. Smelly Simon skipping and spinning through the air, bowing to me like a prince from a fairy tale.
by Diane Broughton (new to OTP)
Congratulations to the winners and our sincere thanks to everyone who entered the mini-contest.