#156: The Mandela Effect
Nelson Mandela was an enormously influential figure in world history: the first president of a new democratic government, South Africa’s first Black head of state, and a global icon of democracy and activism.
This week, our prompts delve into a lesser-known phenomenon that his legacy also sparked. Despite the iconic leader dying in 2013 at the age of 95, many people worldwide vividly recall news coverage announcing Mandela’s death in the 1980s. This mystery led to the coining of the term “the Mandela Effect”, or a memory that is falsely shared by multiple people.
From famous quotes that were never spoken (Vader never actually said “Luke, I am your father”), to facts we swear have changed over time (many recall being taught there were 52 US states, not 50), there are countless examples of the Mandela Effect out there. This week’s prompts explore this weird world of false memories, alternate universes, and all things strange.
🥇 Winner
“We/I” by Sjan Evardsson
⭐️ Shortlisted
“The Liar” by Kathleen Fine
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“This week's prompts
Write about two characters arguing over how a past event happened.
Sad
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35 stories
Write a story where a character is experiencing parallel realities.
Science Fiction
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68 stories
Write about false news coverage of an important event.
Nonfiction
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17 stories
Start your story with a character or a narrator saying, “Don’t you remember?”
Middle School
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62 stories
Write a story about a pathological liar.
Dark
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40 stories
Stories
“We/I” by Sjan Evardsson
“The Liar” by Kathleen Fine
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“$250
Prize money
222
Contest entries
95
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Jul 29, 2022 EST
Won by Sjan Evardsson 🏆
Title: We/I
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!
