#70: To Err Is Human
The other day I realized I’d made a pretty big mistake in the book I’m writing. This isn’t anything new. Writers of all skills levels make plenty of mistakes — if we didn’t, editors would be out of a job — but it’s still frustrating when you realize you’re going to have to throw out a few thousand words.
But writers aren’t the only ones who make mistakes, or at least we shouldn’t be. In order for your characters to grow and be interesting as people, they’re going to need to make some bad choices of their own.
This week, let’s dig deep into all the things your characters can mess up, whether it’s because of a deep-seated character flaw or just a really bad stroke of luck. The sort of thing that will haunt them for years to come, fuel their deepest regrets, and form a cornerstone of their personality going forward. It may be tough to put them through the emotional wringer, but I promise your story will be better for it.
🥇 Winner
“⭐️ Shortlisted
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“Room #133” by Kevin Leonard
“Knobby Knuckles” by David G.
“Box People” by Piper H
“Small Acts” by Lily Joseph
This week's prompts
Write about a character who everyone thinks is guilty of something terrible, but isn’t.
Thriller and Suspense
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182 stories
Write about someone trying to atone for a mistake they’ll never be able to fix.
Angst
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198 stories
Stories
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“My Mistake 🔪” by Ari Berri
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“Unforgivable ” by B. W.
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“Painful Deeds” by . .
“$50
Prize money
747
Contest entries
0
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Dec 04, 2020 EST
Won by Irene Rebello 🏆
Title: What you made me.
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!
