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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#247: The Great Unknown

Few pursuits ignite the imagination and spirit quite like exploration. From sailors discovering new countries and their inhabitants, to astronauts uncovering ancient civilisations on far away planets, we are as hungry to hear stories about exploration as we are to explore ourselves. We often feel the need to venture beyond the familiar confines of our lives, whether that’s simply exploring a new corner of your hometown, or embarking on a mission through forgotten tombs.


This week's prompts delve into the essence of exploration, inviting you to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure. So, ready your maps, steel your resolve, grab your pen, and prepare to explore the unknown...

This week's prompts

Write a story in the form of diary entries, written by an explorer as they make their way through what they thought was an untouched location.

Adventure – 66 stories

Set your story on a spaceship exploring the far reaches of space when something goes wrong.

Science Fiction – 32 stories

Center your story around a character’s personal exploration, whether it's trying a new hobby, visiting an unfamiliar place, or learning something completely new.

Character – 88 stories

Imagine a world where exploration is forbidden, and write a story about a character who defies this rule to satisfy their innate curiosity.

Dystopian – 59 stories

Write a narrative about a group of scientists exploring the deepest parts of the ocean.

Adventure – 13 stories

Stories

“The Musings of Mr. Carrow” by Evvan Erb

Submitted to Contest #247

Day 12 It’s been several days now since I was separated from Paul and Mary. I still can’t shake the chill in my boots from the rain of that night. I’m just grateful I still have Pachu to keep me company. Despite my isolation I’ve found great comfort in the beauty of this land. The flora and fauna appear untouched, their beautiful hues of blues, purples, yellows, and colors that I couldn’t dream of describing. The animals here are mostly docile and roam in abundance. I have fear of hunting them for not wanting to disrupt this glorious ecosyst...

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“Not what we seem” by Orwell King

Submitted to Contest #247

As the deep space exploration drone, "Odyssey," approached Proxima Centauri, tension filled the control room. Engineers and scientists gathered around screens displaying the drone's telemetry and images from deep space. Months before the launch, the space agency had assembled a team of experts from various fields to work on the Odyssey project. Engineers, scientists, linguists, and even psychologists were brought together to ensure the mission's success. The team spent countless hours in simulations, testing every possible scenario and fine-...

5 comments 5
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“Heart Failure” by Perseus Patroclus

Submitted to Contest #247

Stars. Twinkling bursts of light. Bloodshot, glassy eyes. He has given up.He was supposed to save everyone. Save the world. Save it because the crops wilted. Save it because the water rose and flooded. Save it because the ice dissolved. He was supposed to save it because the earth was about to combust, like his aircraft did a few milliseconds ago.The view would probably take his breath away if he could breathe. He knew what would happen. He was not holding his breath- if he did, his lungs would expand, turn into balloons, and eventually pop....

6 comments 6
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“Shrimp Pizza and Spumoni” by Michael Jefferson

Submitted to Contest #247

Kelly tries to ignore the noise in her head. Tap… Tap… Tap… Terry, her husband, notices her frowning. “Something wrong, babe?” he asks, handing Preston, their three-year-old son, a chocolate Tootsie Pop. “I want one too!” their five-year-old son, Steven whines. “It’s just a headache,” Kelly replies, fumbling through her pocketbook. “I only have grape or orange left, Steven.” “But I want chocolate!” Tap… Tap… Tap… Kelly takes a deep breath. Closing her eyes for a moment, she tries to concentrate on the carefree circus music in the background....

4 comments 4
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“A Mahogany Bench” by R K

Submitted to Contest #247

The park was cold and empty, but I still thought it would be a greater comfort than my room in my parent's house, where they would glance at me accusingly as I tumbled up the stairs. My friend Sian was with me, and much less drunk than I was, which would not have been too difficult. After a treacherous five minute walk out of the taxi and towards the park's entrance, we arrive at Sian's favorite childhood spot: a mahogany bench. The seats are red and probably filthy, and when we sit down on them, Sian has puts his head on my shoulder. “...

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“A Cry For Help Disguised In a Makeover” by Hirra Khan

Submitted to Contest #247

“It’s short enough already” my mom says as she’s about to put down the scissors after finally agreeing to give me a haircut that I had been asking for weeks. “No, keep cutting it. I want it shorter” I assure her as she’s getting ready to walk away from the scene. “If I cut it any shorter, you’ll start to complain that I went too short the same way you always do.” My mom has always been my personal barber, who runs after me every couple months with a pair of scissors in her hands telling me that it’s time to cut my hair as they have gott...

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“When Love Requires Death” by Naya's A Writer

Submitted to Contest #247

I’ve always been a serious learner. Before I graduated, I grinded my nose into my homework every day, night and hour. My friends told me to take a break and go out, maybe do something else other than studying, but I’d always refuse. The side of my middle finger was always red, for there was a pencil in my fingers as long as I was awake. A homework or exam preparation sheet was always in front of me, even at mealtimes.  I barely slept each semester, but, oddly, I never had any eyebags or got tired. If I do sleep, I will fall asleep holdi...

2 comments 2
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“To Walk” by Glen Wiley

Submitted to Contest #247

Bill stepped into his cube, but before he could set down his coffee and get settled, Sam barked, "Bill! Happy Monday man! One more week and we launch!" "Good morning, Sam.", Bill sighed, "Can it wait until I get some caffeine in my system?" Sam's enthusiasm could be a bit much sometimes. "I'd really like to get settled before we start talking; give me a few minutes." After so many years working together, Bill knew Sam wouldn't be slowed down, so he sipped his coffee and looked over his glasses at Sam, giving him quiet permission. Bill wrappe...

2 comments 2
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“Reviving Her Picasso ” by Natalie Ballestero

Submitted to Contest #247

Cora briskly strolled up to her shiny, grey car, pushing the unlock button on her key fob as she reached the driver side door. She grabbed the door handle and yanked it open, flopping down into the driver's seat, forcefully shutting the door, and pushing the lock button. She raised the key with shaking hands and put the key into the ignition, slowly turning it tell the engine began to hum.               Cora leaned back, resting her upper body in the curve o...

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“Adventure of a lifetime” by Judy Mosher

Submitted to Contest #247

I settled into my seat and looked eagerly out the window of the car as the conductor started his spiel of safety directions. I looked away from the window long enough to register the total disinterest of the other passengers as well (does anyone ever listen to the safety speeches)? Who could concentrate with the captivating adventure awaiting us. I could already see the mountains in the distance and the winding stream out the window begged to be followed. The conductor was dwindling down and I turned my attention back as ...

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“I Don’t Belong Where the Good People Are” by Sauntering Vagabond

Submitted to Contest #247

I Don’t Belong Where the Good People AreBy Robert Benn            I think I understand now why The Doctor keeps the Tardis broken.  Making the plan destroys the mystery.  Knowing what to expect!  Well then why go if you know what’s there?  People, I watch them from overpriced cafes sometimes, my favorite is St. Mark’s square.  I like the children chasing the birds.  I feel hopeful in their astonishment and glee.  ...

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“The before time” by Bruce Callahan

Submitted to Contest #247

In the before-time, water was plentiful.  You could turn on something called a faucet and fresh, clean water would spill out for all to enjoy.  The wasters, as the before people came to be known, did not worry about the day when the water ran out.  They used it to grow a decorative grassland in front of their dwellings.  Filled up exclusive wading areas meant for recreation. They dammed up rivers to feed their gluttonous ways.  Changing the landscape, changing the world to fit their needs.  By the time, the wast...

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“The Captain of El Dorado” by Dr. Stephen A Salaka

Submitted to Contest #247

Chapter 1: All That No Longer Glitters The New Byzantine Empire wrapped its sterile fingers around the throat of the world. Within its beating heart, the State Archival Repository, the air hung heavy with antiseptic and the silence of a soul meticulously dissected, every thought cataloged and controlled. Every day, Larissa Vale bled a little more into the monotony, her once bright spirit dulled by endless rows of artifacts, sterile histories, and the ever-watchful eye of the Directorate. Oh, but what a farce it all was – the meticulous order...

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“Forbidden Knowlege” by Kayla Wikaryasz

Submitted to Contest #247

(CW: Story contains allusions to the Salem Witch Trials; death; religious trauma; and the incorrect usage of "Indian" when referring to "Native Americans;" hinted to racism towards Native peoples.) She hid the leather bound book in the corner of her room where the floorboards were loose, where she could pry them up with ease to reveal the secret hiding spot. Where she kept the forbidden knowledge away from her mother, father, and sister, Lucy. It was knowledge that her world, the world upon the banks of the Salem Port, feared. Still, the for...

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“Candeo” by 𝔊𝔲𝔞𝔡𝔞𝔩𝔲𝔭𝔢 𝔗𝔢𝔩𝔠𝔬𝔫𝔱𝔞𝔯

Submitted to Contest #247

“Never go out without someone who knows the way.” That was the rule.  I always thought that rule was rubbish.  “You can go and explore if someone who knows the way goes with you, Carli. You just need to ask, and someone will.”  I said inside my head that it was not exploring if someone was showing me the way. But even if someone had been there before, I decided it was exploring if I was discovering something for myself.  “This place is safe.”  Safe from what? I never asked aloud.  “There is danger you don’t unde...

3 comments 3
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$250

Prize money

258

Contest entries

101

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Apr 26, 2024 EST

Won by Madeline McCourt 🏆

Title: DANGER: UNSTABLE GROUND

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!

Prompts | Big Blue Hand | 2024-11

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Prompts | Big Blue Hand | 2024-11

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