#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
“Room 533” by John McPhee
Submitted to Contest #252
“Stolen Time” by Sepp Van Gurp
Submitted to Contest #252
“It’s Janet” by Paul Littler
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Heaviest Emotion” by Brittaney Gambrell
Submitted to Contest #252
“Followed Home” by K.C. Hammond
Submitted to Contest #252
“Broken Royals ” by Natalie Portera-Sickler
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Yellow Bullet” by Ben LeBlanc
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Wee Fella” by Jonathan Todd
Submitted to Contest #252
“We Can Be Heroes” by Joe Smallwood
Submitted to Contest #252
“Watch Your Step or Step Out to be Heard” by Pete Gautchier
Submitted to Contest #252
“Perplexity.....” by Julie Grenness
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Dreamer ” by Alex Parise
Submitted to Contest #252
“Echoes of Obsession” by J.T. Monroe
Submitted to Contest #252
“Don’t You Wish” by Jack Karolewski
Submitted to Contest #252
“The Cold Eyed Kidnapper” by Katelynn Seavey
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!