#69: Ties That Bind
We’re entering the season where families normally gather together in gratitude and celebration — and though many traditions will be taking a different shape this year, staying connected with those we love will remain just as important and meaningful as ever.
This week we’re going to explore the many ways that families influence our characters. Like it or not, our childhoods and the people who raised us have a strong influence on who we become as adults, which makes families a wonderful avenue for exploring backstory and building a strong character.
While writing your stories this week, try to think not just about the events taking place in your story, but the many years of family ties that preceded it. How do longstanding feelings, old wounds, and past events impact the conversations your characters are having now? And how will these events impact their relationship in the future? After all, your characters will be seeing these people for many years to come… Or will they?
This week's prompts
Write about a family adapting a holiday tradition to take place over video chat.
Holiday – 60 stories
Stories
“Christmas in our hearts” by Ricabie Gabriela
Submitted to Contest #69
“Food Fight!” by Antonio Jimenez
Submitted to Contest #69
“Silent prayers” by Tariq Saeed
Submitted to Contest #69
“Do You Love Me?” by You'd Think A Writer Would Have A More Creative Name .
Submitted to Contest #69
“Would You Like To Proceed?” by ✰ 𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐲 𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐞 ✰
Submitted to Contest #69
“It's a Promise....” by Yellow Lemon
Submitted to Contest #69
“Bananas” by Kendall Defoe
Submitted to Contest #69
“Love Peace and Tea” by Qurratulain Bukhari
Submitted to Contest #69
“Van Life Is Best” by Annette Lovewind
Submitted to Contest #69
“''Until when '' set me free.” by Beatrice Kaseke
Submitted to Contest #69
“Family Business ” by Chris Buono
Submitted to Contest #69
“Not My Lie” by Iona Cottle
Submitted to Contest #69
“Rites and Rights of Passage” by John Steckley
Submitted to Contest #69
“The Late Visit” by Al Johnson
Submitted to Contest #69
“South African Christmas Traditions” by Blane Britt
Submitted to Contest #69
$50
Prize money
514
Contest entries
0
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Nov 27, 2020 EST
Won by Kate Le Roux 🏆
Title: To the Lowly Dove
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.
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