#271 Familiar Strangers with Barnes & Noble Press

This week’s contest, "Familiar Strangers," is hosted by our friends over at Barnes & Noble Press (B&N Press). In addition to receiving the usual Prompts top prize of $250, the winner of this takeover will also be given a special bonus prize from B&N Press: a NOOK Glowlight 4 e-reader! We'll let them take it from here...



In a world where connections are often made with a scroll or a swipe, our contest’s theme invites storytellers to explore the ways our lives intersect with other lives that seem both familiar and unfamiliar.

Our takeover explores the nuances of identity, perception, and the surprising nature of our encounters, whether through digital interactions or in the real world. From the tension of mistaken identities to the warmth of rediscovered relationships, the possibilities for storytelling are rich and diverse.

This week, let your stories merge recognition and mystery, leading your characters on journeys of discovery, surprise, and revelation. Good luck!

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ReedsyConnection to share your stories (and potentially be featured on our social accounts)!

Special Update: The Results

Barnes & Noble Press's top three picks for this takeover were: 1) "The Bench" 2) "Perfect Strangers" and 3) "The Faces in the Mirror"

Here's what they had to say about the winning story: "We chose 'The Bench' as our winner because of its truthful simplicity. This short story is a microcosm of life, told with a subtle voice. The reveal was touching, and reminds us all of the inevitable march of time, as well as the love that we carry until the very end."

Congratulations to contest winner Kim Simkins and the runners-up, Sophie Jackson and C.H.!