#273: Locked Away
Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ReedsySecrets to share your stories (and potentially be featured on our social accounts)!
Ah, secrets. What is it about the unknown that’s so alluring? Do you relish the implicit power of knowing confidential information? Do you love the feeling of connection and exclusivity that being told a secret brings? Or do you enjoy dissecting other people in your head after you’ve discovered their deepest, darkest secrets?
This week, let’s write some stories that unravel long-buried truths — and maybe even a character’s entire life in the process.
🥇 Winner
“Venus Buried” by Asia W
🏆 Winner of Contest #273
⭐️ Shortlisted
“Piccadilly” by Vladimir Stefan
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #273
“Don't Tell Anyone.” by Meredith Moyer
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #273
This week's prompts
Write a story in the form of diary/journal entries about a secret or confession.
Short Story – 68 stories
Begin your story with someone either being followed or following someone else.
Dramatic – 52 stories
Write a story with the line “Don’t tell anyone.”
Angst – 80 stories
Your character is invited to a secret meeting. Who invited them, and what do they encounter?
Short Story – 40 stories
Write a story that hides something from the reader until the end.
Dramatic – 112 stories
Stories
“Venus Buried” by Asia W
🏆 Winner of Contest #273
“Altered State” by Harry Stuart
Submitted to Contest #273
“Afternoons with Martin” by Alexis Araneta
Submitted to Contest #273
“Mistress of Doubt” by Daniel Rogers
Submitted to Contest #273
“Ancient Artist of the Orchid Cave - Voyages of the Ship Destiny's Dreams ” by Kristi Gott
Submitted to Contest #273
“The Unravelling” by Howard Halsall
Submitted to Contest #273
“The Accidental Champion of Cringe” by Jim LaFleur
Submitted to Contest #273
“Piccadilly” by Vladimir Stefan
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #273
“Corpses in The Closet” by Max Wightwick
Submitted to Contest #273
“Son of Satan” by Sophie Irish
Submitted to Contest #273
“The Book-Seller” by Kate Simkins
Submitted to Contest #273
“The Matchmakers ” by Robert Egan
Submitted to Contest #273
“The Request” by Kendall Defoe
Submitted to Contest #273
$250
Prize money
352
Contest entries
160
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Oct 25, 2024 EST
Won by Asia W 🏆
Title: Venus Buried
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!