Shortly before the publishing company went bankrupt:

“Didn’t think you could come, Steve?”

“I just rejected that manuscript.” he explained. “Saved me loads of time.”

Steve often chatted with mates about books he received. This one, about a magic school, was too conventional and old fashioned to publish.

“What was it called?”

“Someone and the philosopher’s stone...”


...
First time I've done this, but decided that I wasn't sure this said all I wanted it to after posting it. Had a complete re-write, and came up with this:

Steve couldn’t be bothered reading the whole manuscript.

It wasn’t bad, but was too old fashioned, and formulaic to publish nowadays.

Plus if he left now, he’d have time for a few drinks.

As he posted the rejection letter, he muttered: “Sorry Miss Rowling, Harry’ll have to be published elsewhere.”

Plug

I’ll apologise now.

This isn’t a proper story. In fact it isn’t even an improper story.

Cos it’s not a story.

As the title subtly hints, it’s a mere plug for my new project.

So, if you find 50 word stories just that bit too long, try clicking here.

Thanks!

Offensive Words

Donna couldn’t believe that Carter had just used ‘the C word’ to refer to her.

“How dare you!” she accused. “Never use that word about me!”

“I’m sorry,” Carter gently replied.

He waited a while, before Donna began to sob.

Carter spoke again.

“There are a number of treatment options...”

No, No, No!

With hindsight, his problem had always been obvious.

After starting small, the number of pills he took snowballed.

To onlookers, he appeared to do nothing except guzzle down tablets, with increasing speed.

Now though, he had accepted his addiction, and was taking the first step towards recovery.

Pac-Man entered rehab.

Bitter aftertaste

What began as a simple piece of marketing was having disastrous repercussions.

Accidents had undeniably happened, and the Salt case set a dangerous precedent; compensation costs had been astronomical.

What’s more, Willy had received letters from the legal representatives of Gloop, Teavee, and Beauregarde.

“Damn those golden tickets!” he uttered.

Resolutions

He wanted to aim high.

However, his potty mouth and sweet tooth made his resolutions (giving up sweets, and swearing respectively) seem unachievable.

Three weeks in, though, he’d made no slip ups.

Innocently, he accepted a toffee offered to him at the cinema.

Then, the realisation hit him.

“Oh bollocks!”

Cold Turkey II

Tommy entered, and glanced around the room.

The residents showed all the telltale signs; uncomfortable fidgeting, inability to concentrate, and generally, a sickly look.

He’d seen it all before, of course.

“Cold turkey.” he stated.

It wasn’t a question.

“Give over!” moaned Cheryl. “I’m still full from my Christmas Pudding!”