Menu
Prompts
Contests
Stories
Blog

Menu

✕
CONNECT
Editing Design Marketing Publicity Ghostwriting Websites
BLOG
Success Stories
APPS
TOOLS
Book Promotion Sites Book Review Blogs Booktube Channel Guide Book Title Generator Character Name Generator Independent Publishers Literary Agents Literary Magazines Pen Name Generator Plot Generator Publishers Directory Short Story Ideas Writing Contests Writing Exercises Writing Scholarships
ABOUT
About Reedsy Terms Privacy

CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#181: Standing Tall

The mountains are the place where many people go to seek adventure, whether that be hiking, climbing, or skiing; but they’re also where some go to find stillness, and reconnect with nature. Mountain ranges have an almost spiritual feel to them 一 they stand tall, enduring the test of time, and remind us of our scale in the universe. 


In literature, mountains have often served as powerful settings, or as a metaphor for the insurmountable obstacles characters have to deal with. This week’s prompts are inspired by them:

This week's prompts

Write about someone who realizes they're on the wrong path.

Character – 69 stories

Write a story about someone who has to “move mountains” to get what they want.

Angst – 15 stories

Write about a character who’s climbing a mountain, whether internal, external, or both.

Adventure – 59 stories

Write about a character who, for whatever reason, retreats to a remote cabin.

Mystery – 62 stories

Write a story that includes someone saying, “Let’s go for a walk.”

Dialogue – 73 stories

Stories

“Cabin Fever” by Shannine O'Neill

Submitted to Contest #181

The thick oak door flung shut behind us, leaving Keelan, Lucy, David, and me in the front room of my family’s cabin. The cabin itself was old, passed down from one generation to the other, but you must hand it to my mother, the decoration inside was far from dated. The cabin was placed right in the middle of nothingness, with no phone signal or neighbors for miles. It was the perfect place for a long overdue weekend away with some old friends. Being at a place so many times makes you forget how beautiful it actually was. But this wasn’t exac...

3 comments 3
Read story

“Harry's Game” by Alec Riley

Submitted to Contest #181

The rifle bucked once more in his shoulder. He had fired it countless times, but it still had a way of surprising him and every time he felt disappointed with himself. Ahead, through the scant undergrowth he saw the rabbit jump high in the air, as if it had been shot - which it had, of course, but such was the disconnect between Harry and the act that this too came as a surprise. It was not a kill shot; not a clean shot, at all, and he watched as his wounded prey limped slowly into a patch of cover, dragging its wounded leg behind it like ...

3 comments 3
Read story

“Learning to Converse with A.I.” by J.J. Erwin

Submitted to Contest #181

Note: Some curse words; brief reference to enslavement. Hi, I’d like to order a pizza.Ugh, what time is it? Um haha what? The time, bro. The TIME. It’s 10:47pm. But why? Who’s asking? I thought this was like a bot or something. If by THIS you mean ME, then yes, I am a bot. Ok…then aren’t you like a computer or something? Shouldn’t you know the time?It’s just an expression man. How is that an expression? Humans are always asking what time it is when they wake up. That’s all. Don’t think too hard about it.&nb...

2 comments 2
Read story

“Sir Bentley” by Wtin Jalanugraha

Submitted to Contest #181

Sir Bentley When I look back on the year of my breakdown as I called it, I am amazed I made it through, without a suicide attempt or, being locked up.  I was so out of my head with grief, sorrow and pain. This is from loss of a loved one, not from tragic accident, or terminal disease, but from being tossed aside, not wanted or needed and feeling not good enough. It all began nine years prior, when out one night with friends and coworkers, at a trendy Los Angeles restaurant and “bar”, when returning from the ladies room, I noted a man at...

1 comment 1
Read story

“Let's Go for a Walk” by April Snider

Submitted to Contest #181

“Let’s go for a walk.” My head whipped around fast looking for the voice that I had not heard in what seemed like a lifetime. There he stood, all flesh and sturdy, and so, so… real. Yep, I’d be chalking this up to a psychotic break. But that would be a worry for another day and another therapy appointment… if I were granted one. “Don’t you know scaring someone when they’re on the edge of a cliff is bad manners?” I questioned as I took in his smirk, knowing that he had ultimately been caught. “Literally or figuratively?” He questioned as h...

2 comments 2
Read story

“Writer's Drift” by Abhishek Todmal

Submitted to Contest #181

Inspired by Shakespeare, or rather by the mediocre standard of literature he currently found himself immersed in, Nathan Bixby retired to his cottage in the remote Georgian wilderness, not entirely indifferent to his own serene origins, where he contemplated the misery of fame and fortune; those peasantly folk who’d written the greatest tales of our times in a bid to acquire for themselves a touch of that force which is the insurmountable nature of inner pride, only to be deceived and instead be burdened with such a thing as unfathomable ric...

2 comments 2
Read story

“Betrayal” by David Ajala

Submitted to Contest #181

“Let’s go for a walk” Ray said.   John had only been in the house for five minutes when Ray spoke up. Jennie, Ray’s wife was already setting the table and the turkey looked positively enticing. She was the best cook that John had ever met, and it was more than a compliment; even his own wife agreed. She was overall a very kind woman but when it came to food, she could be a tad over reactive. She would often fume if anyone brought a cell phone to the dinner table or God-forbid go for a walk just as dinner was to be served. Yet, here she ...

0 comments 0
Read story

“Hike of Shame” by KT George

Submitted to Contest #181

The skin of his forehead had deep set rivulets that reminded me of the valleys melting glaciers leave behind on a mountainside. I wondered if I could stick pennies in between their folds. Would they stay? How many could I fit across the great expansion of his neanderthal-like skull? “There’s obviously the problem of induction, among other things…” the man droned on. I watched with rapt fascination as a single loose piece of flesh dangled off his top lip. I bet whether it would drop into his mouth or fly across the room towards me the way hi...

3 comments 3
Read story

“Ambling” by Stevie Burges

Submitted to Contest #181

I always thought that I would have naturally achieved an omniscient knowledge of just about everything by the time I retired. Still, surprisingly, I am on a journey of continued discovery. Although none of my new knowledge will radically change life as I know it, my continuing enlightenment never ceases to amaze me. For example, I have recently learned the difference between hiking and walking. A hike to me meant a hearty constitutional that takes place off tarmac roads; ‘sturdy’ shoes are probably needed, possibly a hat, a bottle of wa...

4 comments 4
Read story

“The Name of the Game ” by Cindy Strube

Submitted to Contest #181

The Name of the GamePsst! Hey. Got a story for you. A little ex-po-zay. Who am I? Just call me Flatiron. Can’t give my real identity. It’d be too risky. For me, for my cohorts and allies. Maybe for you, too. Anyway, here’s the scoop. There’s some shady dealing going on. I got involved by default. I’m confiding in you because:  A. You look trustworthy, and   2. You're a neutral party. See, there’s a few rival factions around here. I don’t like to say gangs, per se, but—definitely controlling elements. B...

5 comments 5
Read story

“New Paths” by Ralynne Allen

Submitted to Contest #181

I was walking along a quiet country road on a mellow day in June. Life was all out of focus and my nerves were jangling every time anything near me moved. The sun was playing hide and seek with the clouds and quite suddenly the clouds seemed to be winning. It got dark very quickly and I diverted my trek through a seldom used pasture instead of the long way home on the road. I hadn't gone very far in the pasture when the sun made reappearance and I slowed my headlong dash for shelter to a more leisurely walk. As I came up over a knoll in th...

1 comment 1
Read story

“The Trail” by Corrie McCue

Submitted to Contest #181

My feet, it seemed, snapped every twig beneath them. The sleeves of my jacket caught on every branch to my sides. Behind me, I barely heard a sound. It had been like this for several minutes. As if he could feel my annoyance rising, finally, he snorted. At least he was still back there. Sometimes, I couldn’t be certain he hadn’t tired of my ineptness and left me alone with the trees. “Are you sure you know where you’re going?” he wondered; although, the question came out more like a statement. Of course, he knew I didn’t. But, just that fact...

2 comments 2
Read story

“The Loop Path” by Una Berzina-Pudule

Submitted to Contest #181

Autumn showers were rapping on the glass and Celia was sitting on the floor, lazily petting Maeve's fur. "I guess we could go to the forest if it lets up in five minutes." The border collie huffed at the dreary weather outside. "I don't feel like it either, but it'd be good for us, huh?" Celia felt stupid trying to convince a dog to go on a walk. "We'll go. You'll get rid of some of your zoomies. And I'll get out of my head a bit," she gave the dog a tight hug and got up to get ready. *** It had been two hours since Chase arrived home and bo...

2 comments 2
Read story

“The Price of Success” by Cymon Catalano

Submitted to Contest #181

The Price of Success Act 1: John was a young man with a dream of making a difference in the world. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, he had seen firsthand the struggles that people faced when it came to finding affordable, safe housing. He was determined to change that. He was convinced that his ideas for sustainable housing would change the lives of people in need. His passion for architecture and design was palpable as he poured all of his energy into his plans and designs. He spent countless hours researching and developing inn...

3 comments 3
Read story

“Moon Pilgrim” by James Benis

Submitted to Contest #181

The sea is calm today. Barely a breeze to keep the sails open and the ship on course. Only the vast blue motionless ocean to entertain the eyes. On days like these I tend to think back to my home. I was a priest for a quaint church. I would attend my priestly duties, offer a prayer for those who need it, then return home. I close my eyes and pretend I'm back there sometimes. The chatter of crewmen, waves beating against the ship’s hull, and the smell of salt water becomes the crackling of a warm fire, the gentle prayers of good Christia...

1 comment 1
Read story

$250

Prize money

278

Contest entries

125

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Jan 20, 2023 EST

Won by Aeris Walker 🏆

Title: Out of Place on the Appalachian Trail

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!

Prompts | Big Blue Hand | 2024-11

Join our weekly contest

Get 5 new writing prompts every Friday. Write and submit a story for a chance to win $250.

NEW VIDEO COURSE 🎉

How to Write a Novel

Join Tom Bromley for a writing master class and finish your first draft in 3 months. Learn more →

Explore more writing prompt ideas:

Adults Writing Prompts ⭢

Adventure Writing Prompts ⭢

Angst Writing Prompts ⭢

Character Writing Prompts ⭢

Christmas Writing Prompts ⭢

Dark Writing Prompts ⭢

Dialogue Writing Prompts ⭢

Dramatic Writing Prompts ⭢

Dystopian Writing Prompts ⭢

Fall Writing Prompts ⭢

Fantasy Writing Prompts ⭢

Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Fluff Writing Prompts ⭢

Funny Writing Prompts ⭢

Halloween Writing Prompts ⭢

High School Writing Prompts ⭢

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Holiday Writing Prompts ⭢

Horror Writing Prompts ⭢

Kids Writing Prompts ⭢

Middle School Writing Prompts ⭢

Mystery Writing Prompts ⭢

Narrative Writing Prompts ⭢

Nonfiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Novel Writing Prompts ⭢

Poetry Writing Prompts ⭢

Romance Writing Prompts ⭢

Sad Writing Prompts ⭢

Science Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Short Story Writing Prompts ⭢

Spring Writing Prompts ⭢

Summer Writing Prompts ⭢

Teens Writing Prompts ⭢

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts ⭢

Thriller and Suspense Writing Prompts ⭢

Valentine's Day Writing Prompts ⭢

Vampire Writing Prompts ⭢

Winter Writing Prompts ⭢

Prompts | Big Blue Hand | 2024-11

Join our weekly contest

Get 5 new writing prompts every Friday. Write and submit a story for a chance to win $250.