#252: Obsession
The Netflix series Baby Reindeer, inspired by a real-life stalker story, has garnered millions of views over the past month while receiving both critical acclaim and heavy backlash. In the show, a chance encounter between a barman and a total stranger descends into a chaotic tale of stalking, destruction, and mutual obsession. Delving into themes of personal boundaries, power dynamics, identity struggles, and mental health problems, the show depicts some of the complexities and contradictions inherent in human psychology.
Inspired by Baby Reindeer, this week's prompts are an invitation to explore some of the nuances of human behavior. Whether you write a witty story, a heartwarming tale, or something tense and gripping is up to you!
This week's prompts
Start your story with a character being followed.
Dramatic – 100 stories
Write about a character who struggles to do the right thing.
Character – 35 stories
Write a story in which one of the characters is a narcissist.
Character – 40 stories
Make a character’s obsession or addiction an important element of your story.
Dramatic – 131 stories
Write a story that includes someone saying, “Be careful what you wish for.”
Character – 55 stories
Stories
“A Twisted Game of Fox & Rabbit” by Heidi Boyer
Submitted to Contest #252
“Love at First Sight” by Christian Deery
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Cloaked Figure” by Maggie Brown
Submitted to Contest #252
“Dating sucks” by Meg Lagares
Submitted to Contest #252
“Well Out of It” by Hugh Knight
Submitted to Contest #252
“Sweet Innocence” by Angela Wicke
Submitted to Contest #252
“Terror of the Night” by Rick Siu
Submitted to Contest #252
“Not yet, but Always” by Jennifer Buiswalelo
Submitted to Contest #252
“Prey” by William Simon
Submitted to Contest #252
“They Are Out to Get Me” by Robert Radcliff
Submitted to Contest #252
“Mr. Fluffy” by Steven Shroyer
Submitted to Contest #252
“Following Me” by Joy Watts
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Touch of Fate” by Megan Chapman
Submitted to Contest #252
“Seen.” by Sara Rushbury
Submitted to Contest #252
“HUNTED” by Tanya Humphreys
Submitted to Contest #252
$250
Prize money
361
Contest entries
144
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - May 31, 2024 EST
Won by Danielle LeBlanc 🏆
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!