#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
“Love + Coffee ” by Geneva Rioz
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Passage of Fate” by Oliver S. Andreasen
Submitted to Contest #253
“Her” by Wesley Fesperman
Submitted to Contest #253
“Sands of Time” by Lauren Normac
Submitted to Contest #253
“A Pausing of Time ” by Trinity Larsen
Submitted to Contest #253
“Pop” by Jessie Squires
Submitted to Contest #253
“Gone For Good” by Kaley Verheye
Submitted to Contest #253
“A little More Time” by Canon Gram
Submitted to Contest #253
“Killing Time” by Steven Joyce
Submitted to Contest #253
“This was the life.” by Teemer B
Submitted to Contest #253
“Tempest in the South Wing” by Amanda Maillet
Submitted to Contest #253
“Galactic Timelines” by Kim Dyas
Submitted to Contest #253
“Pause, Play, Live” by Ana Shamsi
Submitted to Contest #253
“MorningStar’s Advice” by Jeannie Labelle -Potvin
Submitted to Contest #253
“After the hour ” by Romayne Pavan
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!