#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
“Orbison's Memories” by Kay Davies
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Magnum Opus” by Moshe Davidovici
Submitted to Contest #252
“Message in a Bottle” by C.J. Carlin
Submitted to Contest #252
“All Hearts are Green” by Lee Youngblood
Submitted to Contest #252
“Virtual Reality 2056” by Ollie Batchelor
Submitted to Contest #252
“Romantic Flowers” by S.E. Tomlinson
Submitted to Contest #252
“Miss Perfect” by Rho Ryan
Submitted to Contest #252
“Reunited” by Phelps Bean
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Boy Who Loved Flies” by Zeeshan Mahmud
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Three” by 𝔊𝔲𝔞𝔡𝔞𝔩𝔲𝔭𝔢 𝔗𝔢𝔩𝔠𝔬𝔫𝔱𝔞𝔯
Submitted to Contest #252
“Angel of the House” by Amanda Greystone
Submitted to Contest #252
“Be careful what you wish for ...” by Julie Lathan
Submitted to Contest #252
“Dear Rebecca” by Irene Cornwell
Submitted to Contest #252
“Be Careful What You Wish For” by Ed Wooten
Submitted to Contest #252
“AI Meets Internet Dating” by Grace Solo
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!