Every other month, Writer's Digest presents a creative challenge for fun and prizes. We'll provide a short, open-ended prompt. In turn, you'll submit a short story of 750 words or fewer based on that prompt. You can be funny, poignant, witty, etc.; it is, after all, your story. The winner will receive publication in an upcoming issue of Writer's Digest.
 
Your Story #21: Boat Trip Murder
Seven people board a small boat for a tour of the islands, but when the boat returns to the dock, only six people remain on board.
—From
The Writer's Book of Matches (Writer's Digest Books) by the staff of fresh boiled peanuts, a literary journal. 
 
Submit your story by October 10 at: http://www.writersdigest.com/yourstory