#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!
This week's prompts
Stories
“First Snow” by Hana Alradai
Submitted to Contest #72
“About Turn” by Josephine Andersen
Submitted to Contest #72
“I was Living, but He was Dying” by Elliot G
Submitted to Contest #72
“Consequences ” by Mary Rungo
Submitted to Contest #72
“Evermore Mariyah” by Nushrica Choudhury
Submitted to Contest #72
“Stay” by Threese Belivett
Submitted to Contest #72
“Marcy’s Matchmakers” by Tavia Lawrence
Submitted to Contest #72
“The cat's out of the back. ” by Dede Dee
Submitted to Contest #72
“Redeeming Rescue” by Annie Rae
Submitted to Contest #72
“The Pixie Queen” by Jmen Seso
Submitted to Contest #72
“Unexpected role” by Emma Harris
Submitted to Contest #72
“You Are A Warrior” by Bella Miller
Submitted to Contest #72
“ Caffeinated Karma ” by Jessica Morgan
Submitted to Contest #72
“Sudden Triumph” by Thompson Emate
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!