#265: Bon Voyage with Aja Pollock
This week's contest is a takeover in collaboration with Reedsy freelancer Aja Pollock. Stay tuned for more exciting takeovers with other freelancers and online writing communities, publishers, and magazines in the future!
Hello, writers! My name is Aja Pollock, and I’m a developmental editor and copy editor. If you’ve ever wondered what Bob Dylan, Joyce Carol Oates, Jesmyn Ward, and Ron Burgundy have in common, the answer is: me!
You can check out my Reedsy profile here.
My contest theme for this week is something lots of us have been doing this summer: traveling. I find that being in an unfamiliar environment, or in the liminal space between home and a destination, helps me connect with the present moment, inspires me to reflect on the past, and gets me thinking about new possibilities for the future. I also find that it can intensify human relationships and heighten the good and not-so-good qualities of travel companions. I hope these prompts will help you explore the interior and exterior journeys of discovery that go along with travel.
Special Update: The Results
Aja's top three picks for this takeover were: 1) "Eleven Years of Hope" 2) "Bubbles" and 3) "The Casket Girl's Guide to Ghosts"
Here's what she had to say about the winning story, "Eleven Years of Hope": "I like the author’s interpretation of the prompt, and I love all the unexpected turns of phrase and how well they evoke Alexander’s way of perceiving the world. I also appreciate the economical writing; instead of fighting the short form and trying to cram in a lot of information and detail, the author does a deep dive into a particular moment of Alexander’s life and uses carefully chosen, specific, high-impact details that still manage to convey a lot."
This week's prompts
Write about someone who’s traveling away from their hometown for the first time.
Character – 56 stories
Stories
“The Traveling Mystery ” by Cory Wilson
Submitted to Contest #265
“Where to?” by Steven Kendall
Submitted to Contest #265
“Silence May Legion” by Mel Reed
Submitted to Contest #265
“Silent Tears: A Child's Journey” by Patrick Wilson
Submitted to Contest #265
“Vinny's Way” by Michael Palmieri
Submitted to Contest #265
“Experienced” by Alex Papakirk
Submitted to Contest #265
“Final Departure” by S. R. Whitworth
Submitted to Contest #265
“Change of Plans” by Lennie Couture
Submitted to Contest #265
“Flying Not So Hiigh” by Normajean Olin
Submitted to Contest #265
“Outbound” by Christopher Kooker
Submitted to Contest #265
“A mysterious stranding” by D.C. Reed
Submitted to Contest #265
“A Day in History” by Lee James
Submitted to Contest #265
“A Surprise to His Family” by John Steckley
Submitted to Contest #265
“The Necklace” by Shay Donald
Submitted to Contest #265
“Pericles - first landing” by Robert Hart
Submitted to Contest #265
$250
Prize money
259
Contest entries
111
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Aug 30, 2024 EST
Won by Victor David 🏆
Title: Eleven Years of Hope
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!