#161: Digging Deep
Released to much critical acclaim, Jennette McCurdy’s recent memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died is one of the most talked-about books of the summer (and potentially the year), not least because of its provocative title. But behind the clickbait-y headline, the book is a masterclass in memoir writing — digging deep into McCurdy’s life and deftly handling sensitive material, including her time as a child actress and an abusive childhood.
This week’s prompts are inspired by some of the themes in McCurdy’s memoir — the pressure of stardom at a young age, finally speaking one's truth, and starting a process of healing — encouraging you to explore the complex and often gritty nature of human relationships and emotions.
This week's prompts
Start your story with someone sharing a secret that has a big impact on everyone.
High School – 39 stories
Write about a character who lives a seemingly charmed life.
Teens – 25 stories
Write about someone who needs to face their past in order to move forward.
Adults – 73 stories
Stories
“All You Need Is a Cat” by Michaela Dennean
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #161
“Nerves” by AnneMarie Miles
Submitted to Contest #161
“Take Me Home” by Suma Jayachandar
Submitted to Contest #161
“Purgatory ” by Mary Sheehan
Submitted to Contest #161
“Cellared” by Katharine Widdows
Submitted to Contest #161
“A Series of Unfortunate Accidents” by Graham Kinross
Submitted to Contest #161
“The Duke Of Plaza-Tourette Syndrome” by Chris Campbell
Submitted to Contest #161
“If What You Say Is True” by Robert Gilgoff
Submitted to Contest #161
“A Fugitive Doubts” by John K Adams
Submitted to Contest #161
“A Perceived Life” by Lucy Starr
Submitted to Contest #161
“J-Wocking” by Graham Kinross
Submitted to Contest #161
“The True Divine Comedy” by Beck Rafter
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #161
“Danny's Big Day” by Kendall Defoe
Submitted to Contest #161
“The Farm” by L. E. Scott
Submitted to Contest #161
“The runaway secret” by Julia Vines
Submitted to Contest #161
$250
Prize money
241
Contest entries
125
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Sep 02, 2022 EST
Won by Marty B 🏆
Title: Long Distance Phone Call
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!