You’ve traveled to distant galaxies, met some interesting characters and creatures along the way, and maybe even saved a colony and discovered riches in the process. Tell us all about it! The Gathering is your opportunity to share the story you wrote for Prompt Quest #1. Give us a brief teaser and then add the link in this discussion thread. If you’re feeling brave, introduce yourself to the other adventurers. The Lunar Awards is a place to discover and to be discovered, and we want to connect you with community.
The Gathering thread will remain open for a few days. On Tuesday, March 26, we’ll run The Pitch again, our monthly discussion thread highlighting the best fantasy and science fiction on the Substack platform. You’ll have another opportunity to share your stories in that thread.
Happy Gathering!
THE GATHERING IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!
A mother brings her son on a perilous journey into mysterious catacombs under the false premise they are on a treasure hunt. He soon discovers the truth as their adventure takes a dangerous turn.
I like the postmodern touch of taking a 'real world' teenager and inserting them into this fantasy setting - replace the elf with, I don't know, some famous pop star, and there you go. The only thing missing was her chucking her nickers at the elven Macca/Lennon/Harrison (obviously not Ringo - mind you Ringo married a Bond girl didn't he. How?!). Maybe you could rename the elf to make the teenage idol reference even more fun. Bieber or something. Or whatever/whomever teenagers swoon over these days. I'm showing my age here. I'll shush.
Thank you so very much, Josh. I've never written anything like this but have always wanted to. I was thinking of doing a series of short stories like this once my Sci fi serialization is over 🤔 I really feel like I'm in good company since finding Brian and Prompt Quest.
A former pirate turned blacksmith, twleve-year-old twins who dabble in magic, and a sarcastic ghost who won't let the desecration of his tomb go unpunished.
I really enjoyed this one - made me feel a lot of empathy for the characters especially your long-suffering ex-pirate. Cool ghost too. I like that kind of mischief.
"Good Fighting" is the light sci-fi tale of a guy on a moon out in space who's just trying to check the perimeter when the aliens attack. He's right in the middle of a refresher break too.
Tasha, blinded by a curse, journeys with her feckless father to the labyrinth at the center of Gaia to find a cure and retrieve Gaia's Gem, a treasure beyond treasures.
This one is lovely - I highly recommend it. It gets lovelier as it progresses and has a lovely ending. Sorry, but that's the word that kept going through my head, so I had to use it, you see.
I forgot to mention - your flashback/explanation sequence was excellently done. This was really good writing - as I suggested in the intro to my own vignette, with such a limited word count you don't really have enough space to flesh everything out as much as you might like to, so you have to make 'suggestions' which prompt the reader to fill in those gaps with their own subtext, and I thought you did this really well. By the end of the story you have a really rich impression of the characters and the setting from which they come. Not to mention their lovely relationship and how she teaches him not to be so materialistic and acquisitional. So you got the character development in there too.
“The Prophet and the Cupbearer” is a prequel to “A Grail for Eidothea” (currently in serialisation). Maeve must journey to the earth’s core in a reflective quest to restore the Greal to the dreigiau môr, the sea dragons, whose powers are in decline.
I would love to write an Arthurian style fantasy, but I'm constantly discouraging myself with the thought that it's all been done before. This story gives me hope that I might be able to find a unique angle on it just like you've done.
"Hailstorm": An unnamed narrator, an outcast among his own people stuck in the middle of an inter-species conflict he wants nothing to do with, tries to save the thing he cares about most - his research.
On the run from those who wronged him, a renowned warrior flees into the ruins of an ancient civilization to make a desperate last stand, only to confront an unseen evil.
Deep within us reside old stories, encoded warnings that prepare us for future invasion. They tell of grave outcomes for those hesitate. Yet, the matriarch of the colony must confront her own programming, which makes it nearly impossible to leave her role and responsibilities, even in the face of war and certain death.
No mother could read this without putting herself in your character's shoes - a real testament to the truthfulness and immediacy of your words. Such skillful world building and beautiful prose. A riveting story from start to finish.
[Message from a Chosen One] is a science fiction short story. The narrator, a Chosen One, ponders the question: "How can a body and a people endure cellular annihilation?"
I really like the direction you took for this, packing all that world building and story into a letter /message format made for a very interesting read!
Oh! That makes sense now. I was confused at first because I thought I remembered reading a fantasy prompt story from you as well, and then I saw the sci-fi one. Both wonderful stories!
This is my first time doing this! My story's name is "Those Demons We Run From."
Colt Athens' life is destroyed. He has destroyed it himself. Now, there is the Labyrinth that he is put into, but he has to protect a little girl who is in it also. Unfortunately, there are Demons out there, and they will kill you, if you don't kill them first.
And yes, I did call my character Bryan just to make it uncanny for when Brian Reindel reads it. He gets to have a special experience!
I did Illustrate two sketchy paintings to add a bit of flavour, let me know how you feel about those. I'm not sure yet if I'll draw more for future submissions or not.
Stronger Than Death, is a story of a father and daughter looking for the Light of the world in the dark hostile places beneath us. Thanks for Prompt #1!
“A Brilliant Piece of Jade” is set in my epic fantasy world, Amashik, and centers around a mother and daughter. Ngo’li of The Order of The Jade Crest is on a mission to see if her daughter, Ngia’wi, will be deemed worthy to take up her mantle. The two must venture deep within Amashik where Ngia’wi, and Ngo’li, will each be tested.
"The Father's Curse"
https://futurethief.substack.com/p/the-fathers-curse
A mother brings her son on a perilous journey into mysterious catacombs under the false premise they are on a treasure hunt. He soon discovers the truth as their adventure takes a dangerous turn.
"Take your daughter to work day" is flash fiction fantasy story told in just over 1000 words.
Most parents would give everything to ensure that their kids are safe. Luckily, most aren't asked to.
https://open.substack.com/pub/hannadelaneywrites/p/take-your-daughter-to-work-day?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2byo0o
I like the postmodern touch of taking a 'real world' teenager and inserting them into this fantasy setting - replace the elf with, I don't know, some famous pop star, and there you go. The only thing missing was her chucking her nickers at the elven Macca/Lennon/Harrison (obviously not Ringo - mind you Ringo married a Bond girl didn't he. How?!). Maybe you could rename the elf to make the teenage idol reference even more fun. Bieber or something. Or whatever/whomever teenagers swoon over these days. I'm showing my age here. I'll shush.
A fun read! Great father-daughter setup.
This was the kind of fun, high fantasy story that I always aspire to write, but I instead keep churning out more grimdark adjacent stuff.
Thank you so very much, Josh. I've never written anything like this but have always wanted to. I was thinking of doing a series of short stories like this once my Sci fi serialization is over 🤔 I really feel like I'm in good company since finding Brian and Prompt Quest.
The Tomb of Zalvasio
A former pirate turned blacksmith, twleve-year-old twins who dabble in magic, and a sarcastic ghost who won't let the desecration of his tomb go unpunished.
https://speclectic.substack.com/p/the-tomb-of-zalvasio
And, I am catching up on reading the others...
I really enjoyed this one - made me feel a lot of empathy for the characters especially your long-suffering ex-pirate. Cool ghost too. I like that kind of mischief.
Nice one.
"Good Fighting" is the light sci-fi tale of a guy on a moon out in space who's just trying to check the perimeter when the aliens attack. He's right in the middle of a refresher break too.
https://indianamichael.substack.com/p/good-fighting
This is just pure fun. Loved it.
Oh yay! I loved this piece when you first posted it, and it was so much fun to re-read!
Great stuff, as always. I don't know if you're a gamer (of any sort), but this reminded me of The Outer Worlds.
Not unless Wordle and Murdle count; I used to be big into Age of Empires in the halcyon days of my youth, not so much now. :)
See No Evil
Tasha, blinded by a curse, journeys with her feckless father to the labyrinth at the center of Gaia to find a cure and retrieve Gaia's Gem, a treasure beyond treasures.
https://open.substack.com/pub/garenglazier/p/see-no-evil?r=b2ix9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
This one is lovely - I highly recommend it. It gets lovelier as it progresses and has a lovely ending. Sorry, but that's the word that kept going through my head, so I had to use it, you see.
Thank you so much, Evelyn!
You're welcome!
I forgot to mention - your flashback/explanation sequence was excellently done. This was really good writing - as I suggested in the intro to my own vignette, with such a limited word count you don't really have enough space to flesh everything out as much as you might like to, so you have to make 'suggestions' which prompt the reader to fill in those gaps with their own subtext, and I thought you did this really well. By the end of the story you have a really rich impression of the characters and the setting from which they come. Not to mention their lovely relationship and how she teaches him not to be so materialistic and acquisitional. So you got the character development in there too.
There's some more nice praise for you!
Wow! I am blushing! Thank you. Sometimes it's tough writing into the void so I cherish this feedback.
“The Prophet and the Cupbearer” is a prequel to “A Grail for Eidothea” (currently in serialisation). Maeve must journey to the earth’s core in a reflective quest to restore the Greal to the dreigiau môr, the sea dragons, whose powers are in decline.
https://open.substack.com/pub/projectstarfish/p/trr-the-prophet-and-the-cupbearer?r=1mk6at&utm_medium=ios
I would love to write an Arthurian style fantasy, but I'm constantly discouraging myself with the thought that it's all been done before. This story gives me hope that I might be able to find a unique angle on it just like you've done.
It’s been done and done well too! So yeah this was my way in, sneaking in from the side, grabbing an element or three…
"Hailstorm": An unnamed narrator, an outcast among his own people stuck in the middle of an inter-species conflict he wants nothing to do with, tries to save the thing he cares about most - his research.
https://beetlebyte.substack.com/p/hailstorm
On the run from those who wronged him, a renowned warrior flees into the ruins of an ancient civilization to make a desperate last stand, only to confront an unseen evil.
https://joshtatter.substack.com/p/the-colossal-shade?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
Can this be the start of a serial, please?
I make no promises, but I will say that I left it open-ended for a reason...
I've released my badass Bandita into a prompted planetary adventure:
https://reiditwrite.substack.com/i/142420516/bandita
Feedback so far:
"Excellent story."
"A great action-oriented piece."
"Fun! Great voice."
Written Upon Our Souls
Deep within us reside old stories, encoded warnings that prepare us for future invasion. They tell of grave outcomes for those hesitate. Yet, the matriarch of the colony must confront her own programming, which makes it nearly impossible to leave her role and responsibilities, even in the face of war and certain death.
https://portension.substack.com/p/written-upon-our-souls
I loved this. You've imagined the defender's PoV so well and given the oppressed every reason to live.
Thank you so much for organizing this! I can't wait to read all these great stories!
"The Rift of Santa Rosa"
After unexpectedly going into labor while seeking treasure, a mother must escape a magical, deadly subterranean Rift before it seals shut at sunset.
https://bridgetriley.substack.com/p/the-rift-of-santa-rosa?sd=pf
No mother could read this without putting herself in your character's shoes - a real testament to the truthfulness and immediacy of your words. Such skillful world building and beautiful prose. A riveting story from start to finish.
Thank you so much! That’s such a kind comment!
Hoo boy, an incredibly powerful and poignant story. I may or may not have teared up a little.
[Message from a Chosen One] is a science fiction short story. The narrator, a Chosen One, ponders the question: "How can a body and a people endure cellular annihilation?"
https://open.substack.com/pub/samrake/p/message-from-a-chosen-one?r=32fu8f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I really like the direction you took for this, packing all that world building and story into a letter /message format made for a very interesting read!
Wow! This had so much depth, and the language was very poetic.
Sci-Fi Prompt Quest
https://reddoscarwrites.substack.com/p/the-siege-of-kydonia
Strategos Lyceus must protect the last of the colonists from the rampaging husks of Chaos.
Fantasy Prompt Quest
https://reddoscarwrites.substack.com/p/the-riches-of-the-everdark
A missing mother. A labyrinth of dark tunnels. The possibility of vast treasures...
Well, well, well, Mr. Overachiever here is putting us all to shame. 😂
They were both great prompts, couldn't afford to waste the opportunity. 😂
Oh! That makes sense now. I was confused at first because I thought I remembered reading a fantasy prompt story from you as well, and then I saw the sci-fi one. Both wonderful stories!
Thank you!
This is my first time doing this! My story's name is "Those Demons We Run From."
Colt Athens' life is destroyed. He has destroyed it himself. Now, there is the Labyrinth that he is put into, but he has to protect a little girl who is in it also. Unfortunately, there are Demons out there, and they will kill you, if you don't kill them first.
https://open.substack.com/pub/austin407/p/those-demons-we-run-from?r=1r6ity&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I think I took a wrong turn somewhere and things got a bit dark. Oooops!
"Once, his father dived into the near bottomless Pit in search of treasure.
Now that his old man is sick, it's up to Bryan to jump into the depths of earth to investigate a mysterious discovery. The Iron Gate!"
https://marcodblanco.substack.com/p/the-iron-gate
And yes, I did call my character Bryan just to make it uncanny for when Brian Reindel reads it. He gets to have a special experience!
I did Illustrate two sketchy paintings to add a bit of flavour, let me know how you feel about those. I'm not sure yet if I'll draw more for future submissions or not.
I like this one too - to me, this is a very amusing allegory about the evils of neoliberalism. Speaking as a socialist, you know.
Stronger Than Death, is a story of a father and daughter looking for the Light of the world in the dark hostile places beneath us. Thanks for Prompt #1!
https://witteringwiddershins.substack.com/p/stronger-than-death
Great work on the pacing of this, you had me worried for and rooting for this father and daughter pair!
Hey! Thanks for the read and the compliment!
Here is my little, somewhat experimental vignette, complete with intro.
https://open.substack.com/pub/inadifferentplace/p/fragment-of-a-time-capsule?r=2s9hod&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
It's the POV wot does it.
It is the POV that really makes it hit home! A captivating read that's steeped in real feeling.
“A Brilliant Piece of Jade” is set in my epic fantasy world, Amashik, and centers around a mother and daughter. Ngo’li of The Order of The Jade Crest is on a mission to see if her daughter, Ngia’wi, will be deemed worthy to take up her mantle. The two must venture deep within Amashik where Ngia’wi, and Ngo’li, will each be tested.
https://open.substack.com/pub/enneadtheruleofnine/p/a-brilliant-piece-of-jade?r=1cn0m4&utm_medium=ios