#72: Shocking Developments
Have you ever heard that there are only so many types of stories in the world? Some people say seven, some say three, some six… Regardless of the number, the idea is that you can boil down any narrative into universal templates.
While it’s true that many stories do follow familiar structures (and understanding them can help you learn how to craft a compelling narrative), there’s so much variety in how those structures unfold that the best stories still feel fresh and original.
One of the ways writers manage this is by filling their stories with unexpected details — so this week, our prompts are all about characters finding themselves in situations they’d never have imagined. But to really get something unique, don’t stop there: ask yourself what would happen if your characters made each of the possible choices before them, then write the one that surprised you the most!
🥇 Winner
“Currents” by Julie Ward
🏆 Winner of Contest #72
⭐️ Shortlisted
“Loving the Sun ” by Maya Ad Astra
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #72
“The Shadchan” by Kirsten Porter
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #72
“Old Sailor, Bruce and the Brute. ” by Philip Alexander
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #72
“Ones and Zeros” by Lynn Bigham
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #72
“K, his name is K.” by Kara O
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #72
“The Introvert” by Theresa Anna
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #72
This week's prompts
Stories
“Currents” by Julie Ward
🏆 Winner of Contest #72
“Loving the Sun ” by Maya Ad Astra
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #72
“Feverish Nights” by Danny -
Submitted to Contest #72
“Unexpected Love” by Writer Maniac
Submitted to Contest #72
“Innocent Until Proven Guilty” by Writer Maniac
Submitted to Contest #72
“Paternal Stranger” by Writer Maniac
Submitted to Contest #72
“Weight of the Tide” by ~ Rookiewriting ~
Submitted to Contest #72
“And They Shall Inherit the Stars ” by Jubilee Forbess
Submitted to Contest #72
“Live and Let Die” by . .
Submitted to Contest #72
“Twisted Prayer” by Nainika Gupta
Submitted to Contest #72
“The Unofficial Student” by 𝕜𝐞𝕟𝐝𝕣𝐚 𝕤𝐭𝕠𝐧𝕖
Submitted to Contest #72
“All for Her.” by Jace A. King👑
Submitted to Contest #72
“To Trap a Kiss (To Trap a Heart Part 2) ” by Nainika Gupta
Submitted to Contest #72
“Adan” by Echo Sundar
Submitted to Contest #72
$50
Prize money
687
Contest entries
0
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Dec 18, 2020 EST
Won by Julie Ward 🏆
Title: Currents
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!