#235: Running Wild
Every day, countless people around the world participate in some form of running, from jogs to ultramarathons. And that simple act of putting one foot in front of another is a deceptively meaningful one; it’s something that transcends pure sport, and that can be used as a metaphor for various life experiences.
Running has a powerful psychological effect, as it often mirrors or influences our mental state. Just think about how often it pops up as an image in literature, to express a character's behavior or mindset (think running on empty, moving in circles, heading towards trouble, escaping problems, racing against time, and so on). This week, let's explore the theme of running and some of its interpretations in storytelling.
This week's prompts
Start your story with one or two characters going for a run.
Adventure – 37 stories
Make a race an important element of your story.
Narrative – 44 stories
Write about a character who suddenly cannot run anymore.
Character – 42 stories
Write a story that includes someone saying, “You can’t run forever.”
Dialogue – 65 stories
Stories
“Put Me with the Cicadas” by Robert Egan
Submitted to Contest #235
“Saturday in Seattle” by Sean Packard
Submitted to Contest #235
“The Runner” by Story Time
Submitted to Contest #235
“She's leaving home” by Trudy Jas
Submitted to Contest #235
“And the Gold Medal goes to the Queen of diplomacy.” by Rebecca Detti
Submitted to Contest #235
“Dogs, rabbits and bears” by Vid Weeks
Submitted to Contest #235
“At Hampton Court Palace” by Michelle Oliver
Submitted to Contest #235
“Run, Maggy. Run!” by Trudy Jas
Submitted to Contest #235
“The White Tower” by Helen A Smith
Submitted to Contest #235
“No More Games of Run and Hide” by Myranda Marie
Submitted to Contest #235
“Why Your Daughter Won't Come Home” by Angela M
Submitted to Contest #235
“A Decently Modest Proposal” by Allan Bernal
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #235
“Hitting the wall” by Sophie Irish
Submitted to Contest #235
“Runner in the Rye” by Jack Kimball
Submitted to Contest #235
“Currere Stadio” by Kristal Eckhardt
Submitted to Contest #235
$250
Prize money
310
Contest entries
120
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Feb 02, 2024 EST
Won by Kajsa Ohman 🏆
Title: KILLER IN THE WILLOWS
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!