#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 ‘human touch’ to your work and interactions can also be a way to show empathy and compassion without physically touching. And when that ‘human touch’ is missing from someone or something, it can start to verge on the uncanny.
This week’s prompts are centered around the concept of ‘the human touch’, both literally and figuratively — the comfort it can bring, but also that otherworldly and uneasy feeling we can get when there’s a distinct lack of it in the art and creations we encounter.
🥇 Winner
“⭐️ Shortlisted
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“Anand's Lamp” by Marty B
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“This week's prompts
Start or end your story with a character receiving a hug or words of comfort.
Dramatic
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107 stories
Write a story about someone who is losing feeling in their hands and/or fingers.
Character
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47 stories
Write about someone with a Midas touch: everything they touch turns to [fill in the blank].
Character
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39 stories
Write about an AI or person trying to inject a ‘human touch’ into their work.
Science Fiction
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50 stories
Stories
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“Just A Friend ” by Zach Shapiro
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“Feel This ” by Nina Herbst
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“$250
Prize money
298
Contest entries
131
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Sep 01, 2023 EST
Won by Jonathan Page 🏆
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.
Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!
