#183: Opposite Day
January 25th was National Opposite Day — the day when topsy-turviness rules, and nothing is as it seems. On Opposite Day, you’re supposed to say the exact opposite of what you mean. And while this holiday is probably just one for kids, it’s a fun excuse to think about the ways we communicate, and about the concept of “opposites” more generally.
Opposites are a frequent source of inspiration for writing; whether your opposing forces provide balance, or are at odds with one another. With that in mind, this week’s prompts are all about obfuscation, contrast, and swapping between extremes.
This week's prompts
Write a story about someone who is cursed to always say the opposite of what they mean.
Dialogue – 26 stories
Write about a character who uses sarcasm as a defense mechanism.
Character – 15 stories
Write a story that includes the line “We’re just too different.”
Angst – 67 stories
Stories
“Witness Correction” by PJ Aitken
Submitted to Contest #183
“When Tomorrow Finally Comes” by Sarah Martyn
Submitted to Contest #183
“The Tango of the Sun” by Story Time
Submitted to Contest #183
“Julia Wakes Up With ChatGPT” by Scott Christenson
Submitted to Contest #183
“The Dungeon of Deus ex Sapiens” by Graham Kinross
Submitted to Contest #183
“The Taunting Tongue” by Russell Mickler
Submitted to Contest #183
“Aerelian” by C.B. Chribby
Submitted to Contest #183
“In Too Deep” by Michelle Oliver
Submitted to Contest #183
“A MIRACLE” by BRUCE MARTIN
Submitted to Contest #183
“Quija” by Louise Muller
Submitted to Contest #183
“Not A Nice Girl ” by Rissa Bee
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #183
“The Gladstone Bags” by Amanda Ellison
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #183
“Sunny and Stormy, we're just too different.” by Mark Nicholson
Submitted to Contest #183
“Golden Thread” by John K Adams
Submitted to Contest #183
“You’re Using Too Much Water” by David Ader
Submitted to Contest #183
$250
Prize money
249
Contest entries
125
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Feb 03, 2023 EST
Won by Laurel Hanson 🏆
Title: Of Harpers and Heroes
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!