#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
“Bearing the Unbearable” by Violet Frost
Submitted to Contest #253
“Lorena” by Lauren Marcellino
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Subway Ride” by Lauren Hill
Submitted to Contest #253
“Sunday Morning” by John Van Winkle
Submitted to Contest #253
“Percolating Thoughts” by Heather Eldridge
Submitted to Contest #253
“Close Encounters of the Blurred Kind” by Matt Austin
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Lighthouse Keeper” by Sarah Coury
Submitted to Contest #253
“Old Spice and Watermelon” by Amelie Peterson
Submitted to Contest #253
“Blood Orange” by Jordan Forrester
Submitted to Contest #253
“A Change of Plans” by Miller George
Submitted to Contest #253
“Shallow Hearts : The Sisters” by Ides Buysse
Submitted to Contest #253
“Whispering Pines” by Wilbur Greene
Submitted to Contest #253
“The Happiest Unnoticed Writer ” by Nagham Barq
Submitted to Contest #253
“be careful what you wish for ” by Emily Farr
Submitted to Contest #253
“TIME OUT” by Caryn Devincenti
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!