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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#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 – 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

Set your story during exam season, when tensions run high and a minor incident sends your protagonist into a panic spiral.

Character – 30 stories

Stories

“DARKENED REALIZATION” by Adeyosola Adeniyi

Submitted to Contest #223

A wave of sorrow engulfed me as his voice echoed through the phone. I gingerly lowered the device, my legs unable to fully support the weight of the emotional turmoil that suddenly consumed me. The world seemed to blur as I struggled to find my balance, each step feeling like a deliberate effort to remain upright. For those initial moments, words failed me. Doubt crept in as I started to entertain second thoughts, and a sense of regret slowly took root in my consciousness. As I stood there, phone in hand, the gravity of the situation settled...

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“The Teacher is Always Quiet During the Test” by Michael Savoie

Submitted to Contest #223

Jenny sprinted through the quad her mind focused on the presentation she was about to give. Frazzled and upset, she didn’t see Dr. Whitcomb until it was too late. Wham! Books, backpack, and a pair of glasses flew. Jenny looked up from the ground into the concerned eyes of Dr. Whitcomb. Glancing down, she saw his outstretched hand offering her aid in regaining her feet. “Thank you.” Jenny sputtered, trying to act as though everything was okay. Dr. Whitcomb’s arched eyebrow indicated that he knew something wasn’t right. “I’m so sorry…” J...

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“Seligman's Dogs” by Sarah Duffey

Submitted to Contest #223

“Just allergies,” Marshall said, rubbing his nose raw with his sleeve in the library bathroom. A fellow psychology major, Byron, rinsed his hands in the neighboring sink. “Ugh, sounds awful, man.” He turned off the faucet. “I guess you can’t help it, though.” Marshall sniffled. It felt like someone had shoved soggy newspaper up his nostrils. “No, I guess I can’t.” Byron shook his hands dry and followed Marshall out. The arrhythmic clacking of keyboard keys rang through the library as students hastened to finish final papers. Some teete...

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“Now It Begins” by John Steckley

Submitted to Contest #223

Now It Begins My First Thoughts on Campus When I first walked onto the university campus after finally being accepted, albeit conditionally, I thought “Now it begins.” I will finally be moving ahead in my dream to be a professional writer, a published author. Some of my favourite books, and short stories have been written on these very grounds. Good writers have been inspired right here, perhaps where I am standing right now. I hope to become one of that number in my time here. In high school I wrote a few poems that g...

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“The Exit Room” by Henry Harris

Submitted to Contest #223

THE EXIT ROOMDaniel Sposta sat quietly in the stacks of Adelphi University’s library. Students rarely went to the stacks, so Daniel more than often found himself alone. On this Saturday morning, he was studying for a Thermodynamics final exam. He was a senior engineering major, scheduled to graduate in May. He rose from the table and stretched his legs, walking to the window and then meandering about the quiet sanctum of the stacks; an area spanning no more than 1500 square feet. Suddenly, he came upon a room with a ...

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“Just Trying To Study” by Max Phantomhive

Submitted to Contest #223

Everything I’ve been through. All that I have done. Of all days. This had to happen on the one day I’ve finally been able to get out of bed for more than just classes. I went to the library, my favorite place. They have a small cafe in the corner, with the huge circular windows next to them. This area in front of the cafe, it didn’t have chairs, or tables. It had beanbags and lap tables. Due to price cuts last year, this was the best they could do. Some rowdy freshmen broke the tables and chairs, they did get expelled and forced to pay f...

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“MYSTERIOUS DOOR, MYSTERIOUS ROOM” by Melinda Madrigal

Submitted to Contest #223

What's that noise? knock, knock, tap, tap. I've been hearing that noise for a long time. I get up from my seat and begin to walk. I follow the noise to the back of the library. I don't believe my eyes. it's a door. It's unlike any door I ever seen. It doesn't match any door in the library. I open the door. It only opens half way. I can make out an empty room. I close the door.I know the library very well. I've been coming to the library at Columbia university for the past three years. I walk pass this section of the library all the time and ...

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“The Room that Led to Freedom” by A Kathryn Vaughn

Submitted to Contest #223

Dr. Melissa Hines turned off the light on her desk and headed to the door when four seniors burst into her office. Faces white-like sheets with looks of sheer terror, the students spoke all at once in such loud voices, that Dr. Hines had to use one of her ear-splitting whistles to get their collective attention. “Now then, Bethany, you go first,” Dr. Hines said in her calm librarian voice. “It’s Luis, Dr. Hines, he’s missing. He came to the library last night and no one has seen him since,” said Bethany, a tall girl with long dark hair p...

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“You're Next!” by Serenity Reads

Submitted to Contest #223

In the quiet of the night, Lena once again found herself in a perplexing situation. She had always been a curious child, sticking her nose in places where it most certainly did not belong. This time was no different, and it might just get her expelled. Still, she found herself burning with questions that needed answers as she tiptoed through the halls of her academy. It all started when she received a text from her roommate, Monique. Monique claimed she was out of town visiting her parents and wouldn't be back for a few days. This made Lena ...

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“The Devourer of Children ” by Daniela Nowak

Submitted to Contest #223

Trigger warning. Sensitive content. …Greek… Greek... “Greek mythology! You slick bastard… Now…” C for Cronus. Curtis slides his finger over the spines of the books, looking for... “Aha…” The book’s murky green spine sits tightly squeezed shoulder to shoulder between two much larger spines of dark burgundy and pastel mustard. “Cannibalism. An act of love, hate or an urge to devour.” Mr. Anethena spoke in today’s class. “Which one is it? Let’s look at it from the eyes of the Greek Gods.” The professor strolled into the room ten mi...

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“The Tunnel Door” by DaVonne Rochelle

Submitted to Contest #223

The Tunnel Door By DaVonne R. Armstrong The air in Sullivan University Library was stagnant. The thin layer of dust that hung suspended in the atmosphere was disturbed only by the occasional shift of a student making their way to the loo or, if they were lucky, leaving for the night. The simple sign on the doors of the building warned students to study at their own risk, air conditioning broken. On the second floor of the four-story building, the graduate seminar hall was packed to the hilt with students. Each one encased in glass study r...

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“Confessions From A Mythical Legend” by Gary Robinson

Submitted to Contest #223

“I had no idea that this small area of paradise existed in this library!” the skinny, spectacled, first-year student adjusted his glasses while handing a librarian assistant his student identification. Lou, the library assistant, smiled. “Ah, I am happy to hear you say that. I have worked in special collections for four years at Shasta College and am about to graduate. I love this place.” Lou scanned his student identification, confirmed his status, and asked, “How can I help you?” The young man struggled to adjust his backpack on his ...

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“The Secret Room of Oxen University” by Kerri EuberHolcomb

Submitted to Contest #223

The lights were dim, making the old university library look like it belonged tucked away in a haunted mansion. From cobwebs adorning every corner of the library, to the massive oak stained shelves that held what seemed like every book in existence. Sarah sighed, closing her book as she tossed her pencil aside. This was pointless, she couldn’t focus tonight to save her own soul. As she was about to zip up her bag and leave, she heard a small clatter from the other side of the library. “That’s weird, Mrs. Reifen said that I’d be the only here ...

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“Two rival academics pursuing the same grant” by Nita Manna

Submitted to Contest #223

This is the last class of the day and math teacher Ruby mam is still writing formulas in the black board. I am too tired to focus but I’m still taking notes so that I can review them after I get home in the evening. I am starving! I look at my best friend Jane, she doesn’t look tired at all! I wish I had Jane’s level of energy. When it comes to study, Jane is always focused. Jane relocated to our town two years ago, and we’ve been best friends ever since. It didn’t take much effort to be friends with Jane, as if we were born to be best frien...

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“THE MIGHTY HOPES THAT MAKE US MEN” by Jolanta Polk

Submitted to Contest #223

I enter the rehearsal room, sensing something meaningful will happen to me today, and immediately spot her vixen face, green eyes, and corn-colored hair. She has a unique look about her. Maybe it's the way she nibbles on her bottom lip when she smiles. She is new to the band and must have joined while I was in Nicaragua last month. For the first time in eighteen years... When I see her surname on the list, my heart skips a beat. Sophie Candelle… Rioting emotions obstruct the passage of words in my throat. I brace myself and continu...

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$250

Prize money

184

Contest entries

84

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!

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