#279: Embrace the Unknown with IndieReader
This week’s contest, "Embrace the Unknown," is hosted by our friends over at IndieReader. In addition to receiving the usual Prompts top prize of $250, the winner of this takeover will also be given a bonus prize from IndieReader! We'll let them take it from here…
Hi! Amy from IndieReader (IR) here. If you’re not familiar with IR, we’re one of the original (paid) review services for self, hybrid and independently published authors, providing professional book reviews since 2009, in addition to unique marketing and distribution solutions.
This year has definitely been very memorable (and stressful!) for many of us. Interestingly enough, experts suggest that a helpful way to cope with anxiety and stress is to reflect on the things you’re afraid of — and then write about them! With that in mind, our contest’s theme for this week is inspired by scenarios of disaster and survival.
Feel free to interpret our five prompts in various ways. Write a funny post-apocalyptic tale, a story filled with both despair and hope, a narrative that weaves romance and a potential doomsday — the choice is yours! Hopefully, after writing, you’ll find that things aren't as desolate as they once seemed.
(As a bonus prize, the winner of this contest will be given a discount code for 20% off an IR Pro Review! And for everyone in the Reedsy community, be sure to check out IR’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday holiday special: when you purchase a Regular or Rush IndieReader Pro Review, save big on IR Discovery Awards, which will be 50% off for three days only!)
Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ReedsyUnknown when sharing your writing (and potentially be featured on our social accounts)!
Special Update: The Results
IndieReader's top pick for their takeover was “The Empty Laboratory” by Kashira Argento, which they described as well-written and well-conceived. They think it manages to paint a compelling picture in such a short story.
Second place goes to "Foxholes" and third place goes to "How To Go Back."
Congratulations to contest winner Kashira Argento and the runners-up, Daisy Tetlow and Max Sinclair!
🥇 Winner
“The Empty Laboratory” by Kashira Argento
🏆 Winner of Contest #279
⭐️ Shortlisted
“Foxholes” by Daisy Tetlow
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #279
“How To Go Back” by Max Sinclair
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #279
This week's prompts
Write a story from the POV of a zombie, mutant, or infected creature.
Adventure – 77 stories
Follow a character who’s looking for someone or something.
Character – 57 stories
Write a story about someone confronting their worst nightmare.
Dark – 62 stories
Center your story around a person who believes they’re the last human on Earth.
Dystopian – 64 stories
Write a story about a character who’s lost.
Narrative – 74 stories
Stories
“The Empty Laboratory” by Kashira Argento
🏆 Winner of Contest #279
“(fragmented)” by Harry Stuart
Submitted to Contest #279
“Tree of Life” by Daniel Rogers
Submitted to Contest #279
“Undead and Underappreciated” by Darvico Ulmeli
Submitted to Contest #279
“Just an old woman” by Trudy Jas
Submitted to Contest #279
“Last Man Standing” by Howard Halsall
Submitted to Contest #279
“All the Ways We Learn” by A.R. Eakle
Submitted to Contest #279
“Foxholes” by Daisy Tetlow
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #279
“The Albatross from the Ocean's Heart Meets the Ship Destiny's Dreams ” by Kristi Gott
Submitted to Contest #279
“The Fallen Grace” by Max Wightwick
Submitted to Contest #279
“Given Up” by Ghost Writer
Submitted to Contest #279
“Seeking Fair Lady” by Mary Bendickson
Submitted to Contest #279
“Gas Station at the End of the World” by Asia W
Submitted to Contest #279
“The Magic Eye of Simulation” by Tom Skye
Submitted to Contest #279
“Broadcast” by James Scott
Submitted to Contest #279
$250
Prize money
334
Contest entries
146
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Dec 06, 2024 EST
Won by Kashira Argento 🏆
Title: The Empty Laboratory
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!