nutterzoi

Some forests are peaceful, beautiful places, perfect for a romantic walk or a quiet camping trip – but not this one.

Legends swirl about ghosts or monsters, ancient stories of something sinister waiting under the trees. Unknown creatures howl at night, and the shadows seem darker even at the forest’s edge. Sometimes people who go into the forest don’t come back at all – or they come back changed.

Write a story about a dark forest.

BONUS GOAL: “You’re going in there? Alone?”

If your submission features this line, it will earn an extra point to be tallied in voting!

Once, this place was filled with life. Maybe it hosted a wealthy family’s events – late-night balls and grand galas, political networking or coming-of-age celebrations. Maybe it was home to enough children to fill all the bedrooms, or maybe it was only ever inhabited by a well-off couple and their guests, or even a single recluse. But whoever lived here once, they’re long-gone now.

So what are your characters doing there? A renovation project? Investigating a mystery? Taking shelter from bad weather or a long journey? Is the mansion truly abandoned...or is something still lurking?

Write a story about an abandoned mansion.

BONUS GOAL: Overgrown Gardens

If your submission features flowers, it will earn an extra point to be tallied in voting!