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!

#201: K-popular

South Korean girl group Blackpink recently made history by becoming the first Asian act to headline Coachella, performing in front of over 125,000 people (and millions more tuning in via live stream). This isn’t the first “Korean Wave” (or Hallyu) to reach foreign shores; before Blackpink and BTS there was PSY with “Gangnam Style” and groups like BIGBANG and SHINee, to name just a few. Now we’re on to a 4th generation of idols taking over social media with dance challenges and catchy tunes.

K-pop is a fascinating universe with some of the most dedicated (and at times overbearing) fans in the world. Like all things, it comes with the good and the bad. Behind the uplifting messages, the discipline, and the talent also lies a high-pressure industry, one which has sparked debates about artist exploitation and the price people are willing to pay for fame. This week's prompts are inspired by K-pop, its fans, and the dizzying highs and lows of megastardom.

This week's prompts

Set your story at a large entertainment venue, after the show has ended, amongst the discarded plastic cups and confetti.

Adults – 53 stories

Write a story from the point of view of a “sasaeng” (an obsessive fan).

Character – 34 stories

Write a story about someone who has put “Blood Sweat & Tears” into getting where they are — only to question whether it was worth it.

Angst – 47 stories

Write a story inspired by SHINee’s “Ring Ding Dong”, where someone can’t get a song out of their head no matter how hard they try.

Funny – 16 stories

Write about someone who has always done something as part of a group, and is now starting to set out solo, or vice versa.

Character – 20 stories

Stories

“The Immortal Impaler” by Allan Bernal

Submitted to Contest #201

I address this letter to you, Helena, though you may have succumbed to the wrath of Valache, the Immortal Impaler. This letter may just be my thoughts screaming out into the void, but I pray someone hears my message of hope. I’m escaping from the jaws of the beast itself, the crown castle of Vallia, where Valache himself dwells, and despite the horrors I’ve seen, I have also witnessed one unthinkable moment. Valache the Immortal Impaler has been dealt a mortal wound before my eyes. As you know, Valache has spent the last two decades unitin...

Read story

“Benali's Finale” by Benjamin Boxer

Submitted to Contest #201

Johnny Benali took two solid shots to the face, ignoring his coach’s countdown from the corner. Everybody in the Milton Arena, including Johnny, knew he’d lost the first round. Staring into his opponent’s face, he mouthed “Come on, punk!” as best he could without losing his mouthpiece. Not having the right angle to throw an elbow or enough time to take Johnny to the ground, Diego Alonzo--the number one light heavyweight contender--seemed content with doing exactly what Johnny had told him to do. Alonzo threw two undefended punches, one to ea...

Read story

“Punitive Stakeout” by Mark VanTassel

Submitted to Contest #201

Content Warning: Language, Violence, Sexual Themes Punitive Stakeout A History from the Strength of Old By Mark VanTassel Erde Date: 999 (Earth 1979) The notes of ‘You Could be a Champion’ blared through the walls. Again. There were three of them trapped in this box. Rickard and Drexler were surveillance specialists. Chun was a senior field agent. At least he had been until last week, when Director Tbela demoted him to surveillance duty and placed Rickard over him. The apartment was six hundred square feet divided into a pair of ...

Read story

“And You Have to Pay for the Elephant Too” by Michael Jefferson

Submitted to Contest #201

London Langtree continues to twist the tuning pegs on his guitar, a task he began over an hour ago. As if to excuse his obsession, the frail, blonde-haired musical genius smiles boyishly at his bandmates. Axel Welch, Rails Rainsford, and Steady Eddie Evans glance nervously at each other as the rumble from the impatient crowd thunders in the background. “Gimme that!” Axel, Mystic Touch’s husky, short-tempered rhythm guitarist yells, yanking the instrument from London’s hands. Frustrated, Axel twists the tuning pegs until two of the strings...

Read story

“My Dumb Phone” by Joe Smallwood

Submitted to Contest #201

“You know, I was at church the other day and something weird happened.”“What?”“No one’s phone went off.”“Who is No-one?” my friend asked.“Nobody’s phone went off! There was no disturbance!”And that was the start of it. The new me. The next day my smartphone fell down my apartment garbage chute. Ker-plunk! Accidentally or was it on purpose? Only my subconscious knows! It didn’t cost much anyway. Super small squinty-eyed-cracked-dim-screen, and five years old. Android had already given up on it. No more updates. So, no big loss. I sauntered in...

Read story

“Fighting!!” by Kayla Ayers

Submitted to Contest #201

The saying “time flies when you’re having fun” had never been more appropriate for her than in this moment, the music continuing to play while the group on stage waved and said their goodbyes. Their smiling faces were just as bright as the stage lights. Bits of confetti still fluttered in the air like snow as the group made their way back to the center of the stage, where a screen slowly lowered. But they kept waving, even when only their feet were visible, crouching behind the screen to keep waving at their fans. Sure, it had been ...

Read story

“Stage Face” by Brittany Butler

Submitted to Contest #201

“I just need some air. Please.” “Oh my God, fine! Fine! But we’ve already lost half an hour because of this little incident. We don’t have the time, Hyo. You’re holding everyone up, you know that?” “I know. Sorry. I’ll be fast.” “You’d better be.” Hyo held her tongue as she turned around and headed towards the stage. Despite having barely recovered from a panic attack, she still had to spend the better part of ten minutes convincing her manager to let her have just five minutes to herself. She didn’t know what triggered it. One minute sh...

Read story

“Angel Wings” by Ralph Aldrich

Submitted to Contest #201

“That’s it for tonight’s show! Have yourself a safe trip home!” The announcer made that statement about twenty minutes ago, but I still stand here. My ears are ringing from the loud music. The last stanza of the Angel Wings hit song echoes through my brain repeatedly. “Shut Up, Shut Up, Just Shut the Hell Up!” I don’t even like the song. But I’m mesmerized by the cute girls who sing it. I know I’m too old to be following a K-pop group. I think their ages are from eighteen to twenty-one and I...

Read story

“Soul and Stone.” by Eneas Dante

Submitted to Contest #201

The Roger's Art Centre, at the heart of New York, now looked deserted as darkness slowly wrapped the arena. Members of the technical team could be seen moving their equipment off the dimly lit stage. Some fans could still be seen loitering around, possibly reminiscing about the concert. Eternity V, a popular Kpop band, had just given a performance for the ages. The rest of the arena looked messy as if a battle had been fought there with plastic cups and confetti as weapons. Volunteers could be seen bravely cleaning the place up.&...

Read story

“Silent Applause” by Ian James

Submitted to Contest #201

PROLOGUEInspector Nurzalina locks gazes with the silver-haired man. His weather-beaten features can't hide his wealth, an aura backed by the bling on his wrist. "Pleasure, Inspector," he greets, flashing a faux salute.Nurzalina nods silently, struggling to maintain her politeness. It's remarkable how this old man exudes such confidence, showing no remorse for encountering her in such a public setting."I just read the newspaper," he persists. Nurzalina nods again, growing impatient. "Mr. Ho, I've got family shopping to do. Excuse me.""Just Ji...

Read story

“Her” by Marissa Marie

Submitted to Contest #201

Per the recommendation of my therapist who, if I may be so impolite as to mention, does not appear to know an ass from an elbow, I am going to write here about the events that have transpired today. This is despite the fact that today has not been different than any other day, and thus all of the details I paint out here will be the exact same thought processes I have been conveying to said therapist verbally for the past seven months, but I digress. As for what occurred today… I went through all of Her social media photos once again,...

Read story

“Coulda Been Someone” by William Simon

Submitted to Contest #201

The right hook landed clean. Vincent must have thrown a million punches in his life; he’d probably been hit by just as many. There was nothing he understood better, nothing that felt more familiar. He knew the fight was over as a contest. Joe Maddison reeled back, he instinctively raised his hands to protect his face but he looked like a sailor trying to keep his balance amidst a storm. His legs unsteady beneath him, he staggered backward drunkenly. Vincent felt the moment, heavy around him. Normally when he fought, he was a blank sl...

Read story

“Therapy” by Mitchell Stephens

Submitted to Contest #201

She drops on the couch like a dead weight, and sinks into the beige polyester fabric between two cushions. Therapy. It’s her first session, and Officer Julia Mendez does not want to be here. She has just finished a morning shift, and although off-duty, remains in her Uniform, utility belt and all.“Long day?” asks a man in a finely kept suit, sitting to his chair across from her.“About to be even longer” she says smugly.“I am Doctor Lester Garlin, Head Counselor and Therapist for the 3-1 District. As I understand it, your Chief of precinct ga...

Read story

“Blood, Sweat, and Sprinkles ” by P.J. Lowry

Submitted to Contest #201

As usual for one of his shows, the air felt electric as the crowd erupted with cheer. Their excitement shook the stadium so hard many were surprised some didn’t think there was an earthquake in progress. Meanwhile, the man standing on the stage basked in the waves of adoration, his heart pounding with a mixture of exhilaration and trepidation. The man known to all was Rodney Rivers, a once-ordinary man who had poured his heart and soul into his music, sacrificing everything along the way to grab that golden ring. Rodney had finally reached t...

Read story

“LONELY” by Melinda Madrigal

Submitted to Contest #201

Nobody ever said being at the top was the loneliness job in the world. Nobody ever said being famous was cutthroat and ruthless. Fame kicked me in the butt. It used to be fun and glamorous but not anymore. I use to have fun but that time is no more. I worked hard to get to where I am. I poured all my heart into my work. Blood, sweat and tears, I gave it all. Now I question if everything I gave is worth it. I lost so much time making it to the top. All I want to do now is return to a normal life. My friends and family are gone. No, they a...

Read story

Load more stories

$250

Prize money

170

Contest entries

94

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Jun 09, 2023 EST

Won by Chris Miller 🏆

Title: The Bequest

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!

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 ⭢