#204: Wild, Wild West
The days of the old American West have long held weight in the collective imagination of storytellers. There’s a mythic power to it. Tales of survival, revenge, and itinerant gunslingers still draw us in, whether for a bit of adventure or to ask deeper questions about morality and philosophy.
The desolate desert landscapes, the struggles and conflicts between settlers and Native peoples, the wandering heroes, all these elements and more have inspired writers across genres, from George Lucas to Stephen King. Perhaps the best thing about a Western is its malleability and creativity: its ability to be set anywhere from America in the 1800s to a galaxy far, far away. So this week get your cowboy hats (or space helmets) ready as we go to explore the great unknown.
Plus, you're invited! 🎉
The second issue of PROMPTED, our literary magazine, is coming soon — and to celebrate, we're holding a live online event next Thursday! Find out more and get your free ticket right here.
This week's prompts
Write a story about a stranger coming to town and shaking up the order of things.
Character
–
56 stories
Set your story in a desert town.
Adventure
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52 stories
Write a story about someone undertaking a long, dangerous journey.
Adventure
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39 stories
Write a story about someone seeking revenge for a past wrong.
Dramatic
–
73 stories
Stories
“The Desert Basement” by Christine Bialczak
Submitted to Contest #204
“One More Time” by Kate Welch
Submitted to Contest #204
“Road to Nowhere.” by Elijah Rose
Submitted to Contest #204
“The Last Ride of Cole Cody” by Roger Skrypczak
Submitted to Contest #204
“Personal Uber to Another World” by Bob Faszczewski
Submitted to Contest #204
“A Perilous Journey into the Enchanted Wilds” by Lintu Mol Louis N
Submitted to Contest #204
“Pinocchio Promised” by C. R. Lukische
Submitted to Contest #204
“THE TOWER CURTAIN” by Andrew Bell
Submitted to Contest #204
“Administrative Error” by Jed Cope
Submitted to Contest #204
“Snake Bites ” by Maggie Lovitt
Submitted to Contest #204
“High, Far, and Unknown” by Cajek Veilwinter
Submitted to Contest #204
“The Trial of Big Bill Gantz” by Mark Linsky
Submitted to Contest #204
“Circle of Outlaws” by Brandon Breeze
Submitted to Contest #204
“It's The Brakes Todd” by Morgan Leigh
Submitted to Contest #204
$250
Prize money
298
Contest entries
94
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Jun 30, 2023 EST
Won by Katy B 🏆
Title: The Ungentling
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!