#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.!
🥇 Winner
“The Bench” by Kate Simkins
🏆 Winner of Contest #271
⭐️ Shortlisted
“The Faces in the Mirror” by C. H.
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #271
“Perfect Strangers” by Sophie Jackson
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #271
This week's prompts
A character crosses paths with a stranger who looks eerily familiar.
Dramatic – 68 stories
A chance encounter brings together two old friends who have changed in surprising or strange ways.
Short Story – 48 stories
Write a story that includes the line “Have we met before?”
Dramatic – 141 stories
A character finds a clue or object linking them to a stranger.
Character – 58 stories
Stories
“The Bench” by Kate Simkins
🏆 Winner of Contest #271
“The Guinea Pigs” by Howard Halsall
Submitted to Contest #271
“A Thousand First Meetings” by Alexis Araneta
Submitted to Contest #271
“The Right Questions” by Tim Kulp
Submitted to Contest #271
“A Rowing Pit Offers Hours of Sit-up Sleeping” by Daniel Rogers
Submitted to Contest #271
“How I met your mother.” by Trudy Jas
Submitted to Contest #271
“One Short” by Joe Sauers
Submitted to Contest #271
“A letter to death” by Angela Zuluaga
Submitted to Contest #271
“In The Morning Light” by Breanna Dawn
Submitted to Contest #271
“The Patagonia Llamas Connection with the Ship Destiny's Dreams” by Kristi Gott
Submitted to Contest #271
“Malheur à deux” by Max Wightwick
Submitted to Contest #271
“Raisins and Almonds” by Scott Taylor
Submitted to Contest #271
“Night shift” by Stasia Komadinko
Submitted to Contest #271
“THE ILLUSIONIST” by Darvico Ulmeli
Submitted to Contest #271
“Familiar Strangers” by Jim LaFleur
Submitted to Contest #271
$250
Prize money
384
Contest entries
135
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!