#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
“A new beginning ” by Howdle Gavin
Submitted to Contest #204
“With Apologies to Lee Van Cleef” by David Sanchez
Submitted to Contest #204
“Sunrise at Dusk” by Abbie Davis-Marsh
Submitted to Contest #204
“Hoofprints in the Dust” by M B
Submitted to Contest #204
“In Venom and in Vain” by Amie Moorehead
Submitted to Contest #204
“The Anger that is lost” by Maria Babar
Submitted to Contest #204
“"Gold Pinky Ring"” by Ellen Ziegler
Submitted to Contest #204
“Bass Reeves: Judgement Day” by Arnold Edwards
Submitted to Contest #204
“Crumpet?” by James Larder
Submitted to Contest #204
“Mariana Trench” by Haley Roeder
Submitted to Contest #204
“Source of the River” by J. S. Bailey
Submitted to Contest #204
“George West” by Joyce McBurney
Submitted to Contest #204
“The Invitation” by Jim Cowles
Submitted to Contest #204
“Prosperity” by Daniel Legare
Submitted to Contest #204
“Prokop Comes Home” by Evan Halvorson
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!