#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
Stories
“RiffRaff” by Jeff Stone
Submitted to Contest #223
“Diary of a Clowning Student” by Caitlin Beitel
Submitted to Contest #223
“REGAI” by AB Casadella
Submitted to Contest #223
“The peel-back” by Mike Rancourt
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!
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