#301 This Was Not the Plan with Sincerely, Vee
This week, we're running a takeover in collaboration with AuthorTuber Venus Wambura, also known as Sincerely, Vee. This contest’s winner will not only be awarded $250 — they’ll also receive a special bonus prize: personal feedback from Venus! Here's what she has to say about her takeover:
Hi, writers! I’m Venus Wambura, and I’ve been documenting all the ups, downs, and plot twists of my writing journey on AuthorTube for over three years now. (You can check it out here for writing vlogs, reading challenges, lots of caffeine, and more!)
Speaking of unexpected turns… this week’s contest theme is inspired by real life. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life rarely goes the way we think it will. You can plan everything perfectly and still end up somewhere completely different (sometimes better, sometimes… weirder).
For this contest, I’d love to see stories where the plan falls apart — beautifully, awkwardly, hilariously, or heartbreakingly. Maybe your character ends up somewhere they never intended. Maybe the thing they didn’t anticipate turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to them. Maybe the day ends with a bottle of wine, a call with a loved one, and some ugly crying…
This theme can go in any direction: romantic, chaotic, heartfelt, even a little magical. Whatever direction you take, I can’t wait to see what twists and surprises you come up with! Happy writing!
Special Update: The Results
Vee's top pick for her takeover was "Digesting Darkness" by Daniel P. Douglas. Here's what she had to say about the winning story: "Such a quietly powerful piece! The concept of literally 'eating grief' pulled me in right away – it was so strange that I couldn't imagine where this story would go. But it became a brilliant and moving way of exploring the weight of grief. There are so many emotionally rich moments and memorable lines that truly linger. This story is haunting, beautifully written, and will stay with me for a long time."
Congratulations to contest winner Daniel P. Douglas and the runners-up, Warren Flynn and J.S. Matkowski!
🥇 Winner
⭐️ Shortlisted
This week's prompts
Write a story about someone who trusts or follows the wrong person.
Dramatic
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54 stories
Center your story around something that doesn’t go according to plan.
Short Story
–
135 stories
Write a story about someone who tries to fix a mistake but ends up making things worse.
Dramatic
–
19 stories
Center your story around a character whose biggest fear or worst nightmare comes true.
Short Story
–
59 stories
Write a story that includes the line “This isn’t what I signed up for.”
Short Story
–
102 stories
Stories
Ocean Tsunami Surge Carries Away the Ship Destiny's Dreams
Submitted to Contest #301