#222: Show Me The Way
When navigating life’s challenges, we could all use a little guidance — someone who can show us the way, or give us the wisdom we need to follow the right path. In literature, much like in reality, coaches and mentors are often central to a protagonist’s development, offering training, advice, or tools to succeed in their Hero’s Journey.
What's fascinating about mentors is that they come in different shapes and forms. They might be a nurturing figure, who offers wisdom and support; a harsh and unyielding professor, who demands the impossible; an unconventional thinker who brings a unique perspective. Sometimes the guidance doesn’t even come in human form: perhaps it’s a dream, a spirit, a faith, or an item, like a totem, a book, or a map.
This week’s prompts are all about people (or things) that, in one way or another, have a pivotal role in someone’s journey.
This week's prompts
Start your story with a student on their first day of apprenticeship.
Teens
–
19 stories
Write about a character who has a love/hate relationship with their mentor.
Character
–
36 stories
Write about a mentor whose methods are controversial.
Character
–
22 stories
Write a story about a character who finds guidance in an unlikely place.
Dramatic
–
81 stories
Write a story that includes someone saying, “You’ve got this.”
Dialogue
–
54 stories
Stories
“Goodbye Darkness, My Old Friend” by Khadija S. Mohammad
Submitted to Contest #222
“Thank you, Lyddie Loo ” by Myranda Marie
Submitted to Contest #222
“Filling the Void” by Ty Warmbrodt
Submitted to Contest #222
“Psychopomp, Day One” by Humble Sparrow
Submitted to Contest #222
“The Wisdom of Trees” by Aaron Galassi
Submitted to Contest #222
“Staying Alive in Slovia” by Scott Christenson
Submitted to Contest #222
“Teaching Tanri’Sal” by Cecilia Englishby
Submitted to Contest #222
“The Devil's Own Children” by Jonathan Page
Submitted to Contest #222
“The Eggcentric Apprentice: Finnegan's Whimsical Way” by Pino De Francesco
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #222
“The Avalanche” by Nicholas Andrew Clark
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #222
“Theon the gemini” by Malaika Shaikh
Submitted to Contest #222
“Mentor” by Helen A Smith
Submitted to Contest #222
“In the Box” by John K Adams
Submitted to Contest #222
“A Real Ham-and-Egger” by Jonathan Page
Submitted to Contest #222
$250
Prize money
212
Contest entries
101
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Nov 03, 2023 EST
Won by Audrey McKenna 🏆
Title: Just Like Him
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!