Dream up a secret library. Write a story about an adventurer who discovers it. What’s in the library? Why was it kept secret?

Posted in Adventure on May 17, 2024

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✍️ 97 stories

“Bones In The Jungle” by P.H. Wryder

Submitted to Contest #251

Trees and vines blurred as Agar rushed through the jungle. His feet slapped against the wet ground in a desperate attempt to escape. He ran as fast as he could but feared it would not be enough. A part of him begged to turn and check but the rest of his mind and body assured him this would be a final act. Just keep moving. Agar did not even attempt to think about what direction to move but simply followed the path of least resistance. Maybe a game trail. Maybe a trap. Maybe a pointless route that would lead him back to where he started. No t...

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“Ida's Secret, Unfurled” by Callisto Shanafelt

Submitted to Contest #251

Lily had not expected for her godmother to leave her entire book collection to her once she died. Her mother had come to her apartment—a desolate and empty place now that it was never to be graced by Ida’s presence—letter in hand, eyes red from crying and glistening with more tears yet to come. Despite Ida’s fervent passion for literature, she always kept her library close, not allowing anyone to come near enough to brush a finger across a single spine. Lily had found it odd when she was younger, but it quickly became a normality, and expec...

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“Apocalyphra” by Jennifer Newton

Submitted to Contest #251

The winds howled across the blue sands of the endless desert, a violet sky pierced by towering sanguine stones that bore the names of a hundred and one dead lords. Scaled hounds prowled with the arid gales after their scuttling dinner and in their wake left shallow footprints. Distantly sands curled by the coming cold winds spoke with frost and lightning that threatened to rend flesh from bone in an instant. High above in the sky stared a pale weak sun that languidly watched the desolated land. A thin furred green figure stood atop a towerin...

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“The Lost Annals” by S.G. Williams

Submitted to Contest #251

Dim amber light from his torch reflected off the damp cobblestones as he walked through the old passageway. Sir George stepped carefully, the slick stones and the just steep enough incline of the passage could spell an unfortunate end to his exploration if he lost his footing. Behind him, a hand running against the wall, Yorri carefully followed his steps. Neither spoke as they focused completely on keeping their footing, Sir George occasionally glancing up to see if his torch light reached the end of the declining passage. Each time he did ...

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“Library of the Purple Dragon” by Jessica Ward

Submitted to Contest #251

The Mysterious Vanishing Hole. That was the name the duo had given the thing when they’d begun to chase it fourteen years ago. They had followed it across the four oceans, the seven continents, and one hundred ninety-five countries. And it seemed that once they’d made the decision to cease chasing it, it decided it was time for them to find out the secret. The duo stood around the edges of the hole, staring into the dark abyss. Over a decade of searching and this is what they find. A tiny opening that showed nothing but darkness. “We could t...

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“Satan Saves The Day” by Katie Dunbar

Submitted to Contest #251

The day started like any other. I was sipping a cup of coffee when I heard the post drop onto the mat. Among the usual dross was an official-looking letter, bad news? Yes, the worst. My wonderful Grandma had passed. This was so unexpected, that I doubled over, the shock took my breath away. Then the pain hit me, and sobs caught in my throat. I fell to my knees. Time passed, my sobs stilled. Then I thought about her being all alone, and more tears flowed. Hours passed. I felt so overwhelmed by sadness. Eventually, I fell into an uneasy sleep ...

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“Dark Places” by Maya Mason

Submitted to Contest #251

Warning: Vague references to abusive relationships. I could feel LeeLee’s gaze on me as I kept my own eyes steadily trained on the water cup in front of me. It was one of those textured brown cola cups that I remember vaguely from pictures of the 90’s. Either this diner has the oldest cups ever or they found a retro restaurant supply to help drive home their diner theme. Hugging a cold cup in my hands was something I liked to do to help me keep myself grounded in the moment. But I knew LeeLee wouldn’t let me drift away even if I want...

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Dream up a secret library. Write a story about an adventurer who discovers it. What’s in the library? Why was it kept secret?

Submissions are closed

✍️ 97 stories

“Bones In The Jungle” by P.H. Wryder

“Ida's Secret, Unfurled” by Callisto Shanafelt

“Apocalyphra” by Jennifer Newton

“The Lost Annals” by S.G. Williams

“Library of the Purple Dragon” by Jessica Ward

“Satan Saves The Day” by Katie Dunbar

“Dark Places” by Maya Mason

🌟 Similar prompts

Write a story about discovering a lost manuscript. It can be from a famous (or infamous) author, or an unknown one.

Your protagonist is a writer who discovers a new favorite author. How does their writing, or even their own personality, change as the protagonist falls under the writer’s influence?

Write a story about a future academic (or another influential person) “rediscovering” a book that, in its time, was dismissed. The book can be fictitious or real.

Your protagonist is a voracious reader. Lately, they’ve been noticing odd synchronicities in the books he or she is reading. What does the protagonist discover is happening?

Contest #251

Enter our weekly contest!

$250

Prize money

234

Contest entries

76

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

Explore more writing prompt ideas: