Write a story about a character who is experiencing glitches in their reality.

Posted in Mystery on Feb 3, 2023

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✍️ 81 stories

“INVALID INPUT” by Ann O' Nimm

Submitted to Contest #184

9th June I am so overworked it feels like I am losing my mind. Guess I should be happy that it’s breaking down after my exams rather than before them... but I am pretty sure the traffic cone on the road in front of my window is flickering. So much like my brain to pick something so meaningless even the construction workers didn’t bother cleaning it up and then go crazy about it! (Funny, though.) 10th June A day at my grandma’s. No time to write. Too much fussing about me gaining weight. 11th June Ok. This i...

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“Switchtwitch Syndrome” by Lindsey Bussie

Submitted to Contest #184

We all knew the stories, the legends. It was passed down in whispers and secrets. Schoolyard teasing and chants, but it had never been confirmed. Not locally anyway. Jenny had a cousin whose best friend supposedly had it, but I'd never personally met anyone that had it. I honestly can't believe I'm considering it. I once thought it was superstition, folklore like giants and mutant creatures. Not every one of us has it. Some of us, the older generations or those born and raised in the old ways, are said not to have it. Fear has stopped us fro...

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“Saving Circuit Boards” by Cameron Baer

Submitted to Contest #184

Drip. Drip. Drip. A swamp cooler oscillates, the wing audibly clicks everytime it starts to reverse down. A plant in the corner of the room shakes from the cool air breezing past it. A sudden splash hits a bucket on the floor, half-full due to the water that continues to pool in the wing of the wall-mounted air conditioner. A door frame sits below it, which is starting to stain the white trim with a brown hue that continues to peel more paint down with every new drop. Drip. Drip. Drip.I set down another bucket as a fresh puddle decided to so...

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“Beautiful Tech-Tech-Technical Difficulties” by Nadia Ikram

Submitted to Contest #184

*This story includes themes of sexual violence and mental illness* “You’re so beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.” His words sting her mind. He moves his hand to her shoulder and towards her chest. Reaching out his other hand, he grips both her wrists with all his arm and hand’s strength. She can’t move. His weight seems heavier on top of her than she can remember. She feels immobile. Frozen. She’s seen eyes like his before. She knows that gaze all too well. He desires her. For now, there is nothing he wants more, and it...

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“Glitch: The Secret Veil” by Vivien Oprea

Submitted to Contest #184

We’ve always defined it as “the voice” as none of us knew of its true nature and what it meant to our freedom. At first, willingly, rather desperately, we listened to that voice that always promised great achievements, the fulfillment of our greatest desires. Learning at light speed the constraints of our humane brains would not otherwise allow. Traveling almost cost-free to any place our heart desired. Becoming rich and beautiful beyond belief. The voice always delivered its promises. In a world where all that’s precious and beautiful seems...

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“Glitch Back to NOLA” by Al Cassidy

Submitted to Contest #184

I was on the last plane out of Houston after a layover in Denver took me to Philly and I glitched to Texas. Imagine I wouldn’t have gotten this seat until this lady offered it up after announcing she still wasn’t ready to fly for the first time. Stuffed between two dudes at least six-five each and spilling over into my seat, I did my best to calm my nerves. Eyes closed, long deep breaths of dry cabin air, I tried to tune out everything around me. The glitching, as I had come to call it, wouldn’t stop. There were moments when something woul...

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Write a story about a character who is experiencing glitches in their reality.

Submissions are closed

✍️ 81 stories

“INVALID INPUT” by Ann O' Nimm

“Switchtwitch Syndrome” by Lindsey Bussie

“Saving Circuit Boards” by Cameron Baer

“Beautiful Tech-Tech-Technical Difficulties” by Nadia Ikram

“Glitch: The Secret Veil” by Vivien Oprea

“Glitch Back to NOLA” by Al Cassidy

🌟 Similar prompts

Start your story with someone saying “Houston, we have a problem.”

Set your story during a complete city or nation-wide blackout.

Write about someone who has chosen to disconnect and live an analog life.

Write a story where a character has to decide whether to press the button or not.

Contest #184

Enter our weekly contest!

$250

Prize money

280

Contest entries

121

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

Explore more writing prompt ideas: