Personal Item Judging
In my home now, Monsilt, everyone carries tools and supplies with them. From work, to work. To the market, to home. While out on errands or even just for a walk. But I noticed they also carry personal items - often in their pockets. Before you go, I can't help myself. Could I ask - what is in your pockets?
Welcome to the Anhult Wildlands. I love everyday items, the things that fill the background of the scene and can show intimate details of the story or world. I'm the sponsor for Summer Camp's Sixteenth Prompt. I hope your writing and worldbuilding journey has been going well. I look forward to reading your story about:
A PERSONAL ITEM THAT KEEPS YOU SAFE
Come on in. I have a table set up for you to complete your work. I'm an Innkeeper, so hospitality is part of the process, or was that a fey thing... Anyway, do you need a drink? Fresh ground coffee, or I could get you an excellent raspberry tea. Don't mind the others; sure, there is only one grand prize, but truly all are collaborators on the same journey. Please read and like their work. Plus, I want to see the unique perspective you bring to your art and creativity.
This year Gege and I will be reading everyone's submissions and then narrow down to a short list of 30 articles. Everyone on the short list will get a consolation prize from Gege - a 800x800 png image of your item!
Lavani and I will promote those on the shortlist during August Reading Month, through Lavani's Reading List.
For the grand prize, total likes won't figure into my judging but I will keep an eye out for engagement. Let's use storytelling and creativity as a force for good and lift each other up. What I am looking for are stories and your creative process. You don't have to make your article a perfectly crafted short story. It could be a list or even a wall of text. It could also be a finely honed css-packed article. Show me what is in your characters pockets, what loot is in the chest, or what sits on the table of a commoners house...
The grand prize is a digital gift card for a writing or ttrpg training class with The Storytelling Collective. Their classes have been essential to my creative journey, and I hope they also benefit you.
In addition to the tasks around the Inn, I'm a professional Game Master. When you take a break from writing, I keep a list of my upcoming games and encourage you to explore the Anhult Wildlands. Get quick access to more flash fiction, poetry, novels, and ttrpg games built around my stories by joining my newsletter or following my world:
A PERSONAL ITEM THAT KEEPS YOU SAFE
Shields, talismans, biosuits, food (Spirited Away)
Notice how the prompt doesn’t say that the item must be specifically designed to keep you safe. While protective-by-design items are perfect for this prompt, you could take it in so many different directions! For example, in Spirited Away, Chihiro must eat some food from the spirit world to avoid disappearing. Food isn’t designed to keep you safe, but it definitely protected her in that instance. Remember too that an item can be used to protect you from well-known consequences of an action you want to take—like a biosuit! You can also try linking this prompt with the defensive technology in prompt 12. Maybe that technology is part of this item, or maybe this item is a sized-down version of that technology to be used by individuals.
Thank you so much for making this! <3
We are already excited to read your entry, Mochi❤
I needed some way to organize all the details for the prompt too. Thanks for submitting an item!
Share your articles on Lavani's Reading List!