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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#108: Elemental

Water, air, fire, earth, and void: together, these five elements make up one of the earliest systems used to understand our world. Ancient cultures in Greece, Persia, India, and elsewhere all believed that everything they saw could be broken down into these five core categories. While the system doesn’t hold much water scientifically, we still hear echoes of these ancient classifications today — from the groups of astrological signs, to the magical systems of fantasy worlds.

For this week’s prompts, I’m going back to basics, and exploring each of the five core elements in turn. I’m excited to see what you build out of the building blocks of — well, everything!

This week's prompts

Write a story about a voyage on a boat.

Adventure – 42 stories

Write about a person or object vanishing into thin air.

Thriller and Suspense – 44 stories

Write a story about a team tunneling down into the centre of a planet.

Science Fiction – 6 stories

Start or end your story with a house going up in flames.

Dark – 55 stories

Write a story about a character who’s trying to fill an empty space, literally or metaphorically.

Angst – 55 stories

Stories

“The Bad Thing” by Stacey Iannazzo

Submitted to Contest #108

S. Hileman Iannazzo The Bad Thing Reedsy - Elemental Contest Entry 8/20/2021 The boy's name was Joseph, that was the only information the detective had managed to get after a half hour or so of sharing the small interrogation room. No last name, just Joseph. The kid looked to be about 12, maybe 13, he wore his hair long and in need of a cut. He was unkempt and filthy down to his blackened fingernails. The beat cops picked him up walking alone on the train tracks, just after dawn this morning. He had ...

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“WHAT YOU LOVE MOST” by Atizay Fantezi

Submitted to Contest #108

JADIS“I feel for you. I really do” Ivan said with a sympathetic look, “but there is nothing I can do for you.” He sat there waiting for an emotional reply, but he didn’t get one. Jadis’s face held no emotion. “Your son is dying.” She said, Ivan, Rubbed his chin. Jadis stood up abruptly, “he's still your son, even though you’ve abandoned us.” In a shaky voice, she asked, “How can you not spare but a little of your money?” He stood up, “I have a family to take care of Jadis, I’m no longer responsible for you, If you don’t stop bother...

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“An ordinary Day” by Angela Bencivenga

Submitted to Contest #108

An order day sun trying to peek through the clouds. All the sleepy houses not making a sound. No one is outside as if everyone quietly disappeared into another world. In our house my dad is getting ready to go work. My mom is getting ready to come with me to hairdressers. I’m going to be a bridesmaid later today. My little sister Marie followed my dad around from room to room. “Daddy play with me please “ Marie was getting excited because we were planning another trip to Disney, her favorite place.? After her adoption becomes final we we...

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“From the Flames” by Manuel Trujillo

Submitted to Contest #108

The woods appeared untouched by the flames yet nothing else seemed to be spared as Andrew watches it all burn. His house, car, and all the valuables within were all but gone and would soon be reduced to ash. The anger and despair he had felt earlier were now replaced by a numbing acceptance as he watched on. Firefighters now begin to arrive to continue their eternal fight with the elements.Through the thick smoke and fiery blaze, one could see the luxurious house was an impressive build with its imposing entrance and three garage doors.The f...

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“Little Faith” by B DZ

Submitted to Contest #108

“And who’s ready for Bible time?” Miss Calloway smiled with satisfaction as the Lil’ Lions of Pacific Grove Church’s Sunday School program scampered to the foam mats on the floor. The children were all between 6 and 9 years of age - perhaps the last joyful stage of childhood before the onset of hormones and self-consciousness and true awareness. Miss Calloway smoothed the front of her skirt and clasped her hands together, “Today, we’ll be learning about how Jesus helped his disciple Peter walk on water. And just li...

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“Heartless Storm” by Paradox Pilot

Submitted to Contest #108

Despite what people will try to tell you, life and nature are not human. That may sound like that goes without saying, but let me explain. Life and nature are not singular beings, they're concepts: categories we use to define something surrounding us. They don't have a will; they don't have feelings. And they can’t care. It’s why I hold nothing against them; there isn't a "them" to be had. I always explain this to fellow passengers on the ship. Strange storms are popping up in several locations, contradicting reports time and time agai...

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“The A(de)scent to Atlantis” by Bernardus Bernard

Submitted to Contest #108

At first, I didn't find its gargantuan silhouette mesmerizing. It was a tall drink I didn't need more of on account of my already loose grip of reality, tyrannized by a black shade of stupor. But then the kindled outline yodels an alluring number. It seeps into my arteries, commanding my fins towards the open gate as it ushers me in. I never expected the myth to be real. The depth harbors behind its hypnotic black a marine city where penetrating sun-rays dare not linger. Many books and scriptures and lores and documentaries f...

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$250

Prize money

202

Contest entries

207

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Aug 27, 2021 EST

Won by Rachel Kenley Fry 🏆

Title: I Leave the Six Blank

Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.

Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!

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