#213: The Human Touch
For most people, platonic touch is a central part of being human. When words are not enough, a warm hug or a comforting hand on the shoulder can soothe, support, and create a sense of belonging. But the phrase has another meaning; adding a âhuman touchâ to your work and interactions can also be a way to show empathy and compassion without physically touching. And when that âhuman touchâ is missing from someone or something, it can start to verge on the uncanny.
This weekâs prompts are centered around the concept of âthe human touchâ, both literally and figuratively â the comfort it can bring, but also that otherworldly and uneasy feeling we can get when thereâs a distinct lack of it in the art and creations we encounter.
đĽ Winner
âThe Porcelain Villageâ by Jonathan Page
đ Winner of Contest #213
âď¸ Shortlisted
âTouching Darkness â by Michelle Oliver
âď¸ Shortlisted for Contest #213
âThe Sculptor of Lyonâ by MichaĹ Przywara
âď¸ Shortlisted for Contest #213
âThe Lucky Onesâ by AnneMarie Miles
âď¸ Shortlisted for Contest #213
âA Touch of Heavenâ by Stephanie Redieske
âď¸ Shortlisted for Contest #213
âAnand's Lampâ by Marty B
âď¸ Shortlisted for Contest #213
âGood Mourningâ by Indee Anna ProsĂŠ
âď¸ Shortlisted for Contest #213
âChatGRW: Generative Romance Writerâ by Joshua Copus - Oxland
âď¸ Shortlisted for Contest #213
This week's prompts
Start or end your story with a character receiving a hug or words of comfort.
Dramatic â 102 stories
Write a story about someone who is losing feeling in their hands and/or fingers.
Character â 46 stories
Write about someone with a Midas touch: everything they touch turns to [fill in the blank].
Character â 39 stories
Write about an AI or person trying to inject a âhuman touchâ into their work.
Science Fiction â 50 stories
Stories
âThe Porcelain Villageâ by Jonathan Page
đ Winner of Contest #213
âTouching Darkness â by Michelle Oliver
âď¸ Shortlisted for Contest #213
âAngel's Decision â by Grace Jasmine
Submitted to Contest #213
âThe Sculptor of Lyonâ by MichaĹ Przywara
âď¸ Shortlisted for Contest #213
âGood Day, Doctor Easterbrookâ by Derrick M Domican
Submitted to Contest #213
âThe Lucky Onesâ by AnneMarie Miles
âď¸ Shortlisted for Contest #213
âHow Do I Make You Feel?â by Jonathan Page
Submitted to Contest #213
âA Touch of Heavenâ by Stephanie Redieske
âď¸ Shortlisted for Contest #213
âManufactured Dreamsâ by Kevin Marlow
Submitted to Contest #213
âIs It Cake?â by Chris Miller
Submitted to Contest #213
âAnand's Lampâ by Marty B
âď¸ Shortlisted for Contest #213
âThe Naked Driverâ by Betha Darling
Submitted to Contest #213
âJust A Friend â by Zach Shapiro
Submitted to Contest #213
âHearts A-Pfishing: A Romance as by J.D. Robbedâ by Martin Ross
Submitted to Contest #213
âI Heard Your Voiceâ by Elouise Woodard
Submitted to Contest #213
$250
Prize money
289
Contest entries
125
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Sep 01, 2023 EST
Won by Jonathan Page đ
Title: The Porcelain Village
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.
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