#122: Spree Season
What comes after Thanksgiving? Black Friday, of course! Though this massive shopping occasion originated in America, it’s since become normal practice in many parts of the world. And did you know the reason why this jolly season has such a bleak name? (Hint: it’s got nothing to do with sales and discounts!) Apparently, the police once used “Black Friday” to refer to the bumper-to-bumper traffic and crowds congesting streets as people rushed through their holiday shopping.
With this origin story in mind, here’s our gift to you this week: five prompts inspired by this strange and exciting intermission in the end-of-year holiday season. (And if you’re looking for actual gifts with a writerly flair, we’ve got 60 gift suggestions for you.)
🥇 Winner
“No Forwarding Address” by Laura Jarosz
🏆 Winner of Contest #122
⭐️ Shortlisted
“Parcels” by Ivan Cardoso
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #122
“Black Friday” by Chesley Richards
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #122
“Holiday Magic” by Cathryn V
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #122
“Mushroom Jam” by Forrest Folen
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #122
This week's prompts
Write about a character who’s stuck in a shopping mall.
Christmas – 27 stories
Start your story in the middle of a traffic jam.
Thriller and Suspense – 27 stories
Write a story about a limited edition item going on sale.
Thriller and Suspense – 12 stories
A package arrives at your character’s house, but they didn’t order anything. Write about what happens next.
Thriller and Suspense – 59 stories
Write about a character who won’t (or can’t) shop for the holidays.
Christmas – 25 stories
Stories
“No Forwarding Address” by Laura Jarosz
🏆 Winner of Contest #122
“Perception ” by Liz W
Submitted to Contest #122
“Parcels” by Ivan Cardoso
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #122
“5 Minutes Past” by Alex Sultan
Submitted to Contest #122
“Red Blood, Cold Winds and Green Knights” by Graham Kinross
Submitted to Contest #122
“Reverend Bartlett” by Ruth Porritt
Submitted to Contest #122
“Black Friday” by Chesley Richards
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #122
“Featherless Bipeds” by Deidra Whitt Lovegren
Submitted to Contest #122
“Late to My Own Wedding Day” by Rose McCeldry
Submitted to Contest #122
“Holiday Magic” by Cathryn V
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #122
“The Season of Evil” by Daniel R. Hayes
Submitted to Contest #122
“I'm Late” by Mariah Heller
Submitted to Contest #122
“After the Storm” by Sjan Evardsson
Submitted to Contest #122
“Mushroom Jam” by Forrest Folen
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #122
$250
Prize money
150
Contest entries
104
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Dec 03, 2021 EST
Won by Laura Jarosz 🏆
Title: No Forwarding Address
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!