#223: Academia
A recent re-watch of Gilmore Girls has had me thinking about academic life — there’s something uniquely compelling in the combination of idolized institutions, tweed, the pursuit of knowledge, and thousands of young people all living in close quarters. I’m not alone: dark academia is an established genre by now.
This week, let’s step into the halls of ivy together — I’ve got academics, libraries, students, and exams in these prompts, so whether your imaginary life in the academy is dark, fantastical, suspenseful, or humorous, I hope you’ll find a prompt that feels right.
This week's prompts
Start your story with a student discovering a hidden room in a university library.
Mystery
–
77 stories
Write about two rival academics pursuing the same grant.
Character
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14 stories
Write a story in which a jaded academic makes an unexpected, rash decision.
Angst
–
41 stories
Write about a student reporter uncovering a university scandal.
Mystery
–
22 stories
Stories
“DARKENED REALIZATION” by Adeyosola Adeniyi
Submitted to Contest #223
“The Teacher is Always Quiet During the Test” by Michael Savoie
Submitted to Contest #223
“Seligman's Dogs” by Sarah Duffey
Submitted to Contest #223
“Now It Begins” by John Steckley
Submitted to Contest #223
“The Exit Room” by Henry Harris
Submitted to Contest #223
“Just Trying To Study” by Max Phantomhive
Submitted to Contest #223
“MYSTERIOUS DOOR, MYSTERIOUS ROOM” by Melinda Madrigal
Submitted to Contest #223
“The Room that Led to Freedom” by A Kathryn Vaughn
Submitted to Contest #223
“You're Next!” by Serenity Reads
Submitted to Contest #223
“The Devourer of Children ” by Daniela Nowak
Submitted to Contest #223
“The Tunnel Door” by DaVonne Rochelle
Submitted to Contest #223
“Confessions From A Mythical Legend” by Gary Robinson
Submitted to Contest #223
“The Secret Room of Oxen University” by Kerri EuberHolcomb
Submitted to Contest #223
“Two rival academics pursuing the same grant” by Nita Manna
Submitted to Contest #223
“THE MIGHTY HOPES THAT MAKE US MEN” by Jolanta Polk
Submitted to Contest #223
$250
Prize money
184
Contest entries
83
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Nov 10, 2023 EST
Won by AnneMarie Miles 🏆
Title: Cerulean
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!