#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
“Within a dream ” by James Little
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Coffee Between Pages” by David De Leon
Submitted to Contest #253
“Bestie” by Peter Truter
Submitted to Contest #253
“A Glimpse of Time ” by Emily Rose
Submitted to Contest #253
“At the Fair” by Alisonn Rose
Submitted to Contest #253
“Jumping” by S.G. Williams
Submitted to Contest #253
“Alvin's Brother” by Hesri Jjuantena
Submitted to Contest #253
“Stay” by Shannon Feltner
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Silent Visitors” by Ameya VM
Submitted to Contest #253
“Melting” by Connor Hickey
Submitted to Contest #253
“Moonlight Motor Court” by Rick Lee
Submitted to Contest #253
“Carousel Pony” by Danielle Martin
Submitted to Contest #253
“Lost Time” by Joshua Urrasio
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Lesson of the Lamp” by Odile Glatz
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Time Train” by Jim Robison
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!