#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
“Return from Morning Walk” by Travis Shank
Submitted to Contest #253
“"Handle It"” by NevaJ Lunday
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Elephant Cafe” by Alex McColm
Submitted to Contest #253
“Nadir” by Haley Connolly
Submitted to Contest #253
“Sky” by Alan Hancock
Submitted to Contest #253
“From the Bottom of a Bottle” by Z.J. Blight
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Splintered Looking Glass” by Marley Monroe
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Vibrating Skin ” by Eunice S
Submitted to Contest #253
“A Mother's Disappointment ” by Bec Newton
Submitted to Contest #253
“Wedding Ring Quilt Inspiration” by Sharon Kirby
Submitted to Contest #253
“In My Defense” by Joseph Hawke
Submitted to Contest #253
“Stay Forever” by Misty Dearing
Submitted to Contest #253
“A Busride to Heaven” by Zeeshan Mahmud
Submitted to Contest #253
“Destined To Die” by Naya's A Writer
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Bench” by Susan Lamphier
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!