#182: Feeling Watched
Being self-conscious is one thing; being paranoid is quite another. Feeling eyes on you changes your behavior, simultaneously casting you in a reality TV show and a dystopian horror film. Do you thrive in attention, feel jumpy, or overthink your every move?
Let’s don our trench coats, take a furtive glance around a street corner, and search the unmoving darkness for answers. Don’t forget your torch.
This week's prompts
Start your story with a home alarm system going off.
Dramatic – 49 stories
Set your story in a society where everyone is constantly aware of unwanted surveillance.
Dystopian – 27 stories
Write a story where someone’s paranoia is justified.
Mystery – 78 stories
Write about a character who wishes they could just disappear — and then they do.
Mystery – 50 stories
Start your story with someone entering a taxi and saying ‘follow that car.’
Dramatic – 33 stories
Stories
“The 11th Figure” by Danielski Belski
Submitted to Contest #182
“Coffee and Danish” by Cindy Strube
Submitted to Contest #182
“You remind me of my dead wife...” by Noon Moon
Submitted to Contest #182
“The Garden of Reflection” by Russell Mickler
Submitted to Contest #182
“The Jasmine Bush ” by Angela Pirozzi
Submitted to Contest #182
“Going Ghost” by KT George
Submitted to Contest #182
“Playing Games” by Kasey Fisher
Submitted to Contest #182
“Storm in the House” by Kathryn Kahn
Submitted to Contest #182
“One Day In the Nursery” by Murray Burns
Submitted to Contest #182
“I Want You Dead” by Rokeia Wheeler
Submitted to Contest #182
“Once Upon A Time” by Rena Aliston
Submitted to Contest #182
“Zack Owen” by Greg Lambert
Submitted to Contest #182
“Growing Pains” by Michelle Solis
Submitted to Contest #182
“Mozambique Noir” by Bryan Westby
Submitted to Contest #182
$250
Prize money
237
Contest entries
154
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Jan 27, 2023 EST
Won by Liv Chocolate 🏆
Title: Careful—You’ll Slip, Fall, and Die on Those Slippery Slopes
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!