#253: Slow Down
As the weather heats up, so do our calendars. After the long winter months of social hibernation and rained-off outings come the months of non-stop activity in the sun. Barbecues, beach days, and vacays await — and while all this fun is great, if you're anything like me, you may also find it a touchoverwhelming. Combine this frenzy of socialising with the 24/7 world we now live in, and the demands of work and family, and suddenly you're struggling to catch a moment's peace, even when you're supposed to be relaxing.
This week's prompts invite you to take a pause and reflect before we head into the busy summer season. Whether your characters are looking for an escape from their fast-paced lives, or just want to hold onto a particular moment in time, let's pump the breaks and slow down for a while.
This week's prompts
Set your story over the course of a few minutes; no flashbacks, no flashforwards.
Narrative – 94 stories
Start your story with a character canceling their plans.
Angst – 26 stories
Write a story that contains the line, "I wish we could stay here forever."
Dialogue – 89 stories
Write about a character who has the ability to pause the passage of time.
Fantasy – 71 stories
Stories
“Sewage & Sunlight” by Elizabeth L
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Perfect Holiday” by Paul Simpkin
Submitted to Contest #253
“$3.50 for a New Life ” by Rosa Rodriguez
Submitted to Contest #253
“Wishes” by Connie Elstun
Submitted to Contest #253
“Vices and Visions” by Yesica Mayen
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Parking Lot” by Thomas Dennis
Submitted to Contest #253
“Time Spent” by Tommy Maximum
Submitted to Contest #253
“Killing Time” by Daniel R. Mangru
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Question of the Question” by Joshie Livingston
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Fold” by Jordan Martinez
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Stars We Still See” by D'Spencer Luyao
Submitted to Contest #253
“Boomer Bloomers!” by Julie Grenness
Submitted to Contest #253
“Sofia Sloth’s Journey to Mindfulness” by Anika Klix
Submitted to Contest #253
“A Moment of Stillness” by Tyrone Winder
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Thunder Chopper” by Cameron Hoormann
Submitted to Contest #253
$250
Prize money
335
Contest entries
119
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Jun 07, 2024 EST
Won by Maria Adamkiewicz 🏆
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!