#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
“The Boy in the House” by Carson Lupton
Submitted to Contest #253
“A Crow's Caw” by M B
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Time Mender” by Lee Kendrick
Submitted to Contest #253
“This House Can’t Stand Forever” by Sue Hunter
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Demon of the Mist” by Kathy Frizzell
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Spark on Shoreline” by S JG
Submitted to Contest #253
“A quieter Kind of Life” by John McPhee
Submitted to Contest #253
“Rushing to His End” by H C
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Strings of Destiny” by Jordan Isaac
Submitted to Contest #253
“Reply All” by John Werner
Submitted to Contest #253
“Thank God for canceled plans” by Dee Bello
Submitted to Contest #253
“Luca” by Joe Smallwood
Submitted to Contest #253
“Home” by Sepp Van Gurp
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Worst Timing Ever. ” by Lark Malloy
Submitted to Contest #253
“Alive” by Jeff Macloud
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!