#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.!
This week's prompts
A character crosses paths with a stranger who looks eerily familiar.
Dramatic
–
67 stories
A chance encounter brings together two old friends who have changed in surprising or strange ways.
Short Story
–
47 stories
Write a story that includes the line “Have we met before?”
Dramatic
–
140 stories
A character finds a clue or object linking them to a stranger.
Character
–
58 stories
Stories
“The adulteress ” by Ramesh Matham
Submitted to Contest #271
“The Heat of Darkness” by Luca King Greek
Submitted to Contest #271
“Rain Water” by Arora Gleans
Submitted to Contest #271
“An Awkward Work Meeting” by Rozmarin Ideas
Submitted to Contest #271
“The Timeclock Punchers” by KA James
Submitted to Contest #271
“The Perfect Anna” by Kaitlyn Wadsworth
Submitted to Contest #271
“The Familiar Stranger” by Stevie Burges
Submitted to Contest #271
“Clash with Subconscious Phantoms” by Anna Rajmon
Submitted to Contest #271
“Roots that Run Deep ” by George Georgerfrost@gmail.com
Submitted to Contest #271
“Doppelgoogler” by Aaron Hawkins
Submitted to Contest #271
“Don't Lose Your Head” by Joshua G. J. Insole
Submitted to Contest #271
““What happens when you get to the end of things?”” by John K Danenbarger
Submitted to Contest #271
“MINISERIES: "PEOPLE ARE STRANGE" EPISODE 5: "THE FINAL RECORDING"” by Darvico Ulmeli
Submitted to Contest #271
“A Shared Quiet” by James Scott
Submitted to Contest #271
“CHRISTMAS MIRACLE” by Jennifer Spagnol
Submitted to Contest #271
$250
Prize money
380
Contest entries
134
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Oct 11, 2024 EST
Won by Kate Simkins 🏆
Title: The Bench
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!