Welcome to Week Three! Can you believe we’re at the halfway mark for the challenge?
You all did so well with your stories last week! There were so many interesting and unique ways you interpreted the prompt. It’s now the third week, so it’s time to do it again! Will your story have aliens? Zombies? Maybe it’ll have a dragon in it! Whatever you decide, we can’t wait to see what you come up with.
So, without further ado, here’s your next prompt!
Week Three Prompt – The Starting Sentence Prompt
Write a story that starts with the
following sentence: So this is what drowning feels like.
Wait…what’s a “Starting Sentence” prompt?
A sentence prompt is a prompt that uses a particular sentence. It doesn’t matter where your story takes place, who’s in it, or what’s said. The only thing that matters is that your story must start with this sentence: So this is what drowning feels like.
Before you start writing, we have some important rules for you to follow.
Writing Rules
1. Please keep the content of the stories you post to a PG rating. Please avoid real curse words. Violence/fighting should be limited and purposeful. Please do not include any spice.
2. Your story must be 1,000 words or less, and must contain the prompt to be counted for the challenge. You’re not required to post it in order to “win” the challenge, but if you want it to count for your team, your story must be posted by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET, and you must include your team name.
Remember to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and post your story as an “answer” to this question, not a “comment”. 🙂 You’re all doing such a great job! I’m so proud of all the stories you’ve posted.
Happy Writing!
Will you notice if someone is like 1-25 words over the 1000 word limit (asking for a friend hahaha)
what if i accidently posted my story as a comment last week lol? does it still count?
Hey Izzy and Ava,
If you accidentally post your story as a comment instead of an answer, you should get an email to alert you! It will still count for points for your team, but no one will be able to vote for it.
And, to answer your question for your friend 😉 As far as word count, for your story to count for the challenge, it does need to be 1,000 words or under. Great questions!
So this is what drowning feels like. The world around me fades away, submerged beneath the weight of chaos and despair. Each desperate gasp for air is met with water closing in, reminding me how fragile life can be. It is a sensation not merely rooted in the physical act of struggling against water, but rather a profound metaphor for the overwhelming challenges I face in life.
As I float in this abyss, murky waters swirl around me, echoing the confusion and uncertainty that often envelops my thoughts. Just like with actual drowning, every moment feels prolonged; time warps, stretching the seconds into minutes, as I grapple with emotions that threaten to pull me under. Loneliness, anxiety, and fear sink into my chest like heavy stones, dragging me deeper into the dark.
While many might consider the act of drowning solely a physical experience, I have come to understand it as a broader existential crisis. Moments of vulnerability often arise in our lives, whether it’s dealing with personal loss, a challenging relationship, or the pressures of societal expectations. I find myself recalling a period when I faced a significant life change: the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This time was tumultuous, filled with doubts and expectations that felt suffocating. The pressure to succeed loomed heavily, and my self-worth tied to the extent of my accomplishments left me gasping for validation.
I often reflect on the imagery of drowning when faced with life’s pressures. Like an individual caught in a riptide, I struggled against the waves of stress and apprehension. Swimming against these currents was exhausting, leaving me weary and uncertain. The fear of failure was constant, lurking just below the surface, threatening to pull me under every time I dared to rise.
Life’s unpredictability often feels as though I am adrift in an ocean without a life raft. There are moments when clarity washes over me, where I can breathe freely and see the shoreline of my goals. Yet, these moments are fleeting, easily swept away by the high tides of doubt or frustration. The emotional pull of those currents often leads to a cycle where I find my head just above the water one moment and sinking the next.
Fear can be crippling. When I think about drowning, it isn’t merely about being immersed in water; it also symbolizes the fear of losing control. I have faced occasions where life’s complexities pushed me to my limits, and I could feel myself slipping away from the person I aspire to be. It is a struggle common to many, as we seek to keep our heads above water amidst the storms of adversity.
Understanding that I am not alone in these feelings has been transformative. Recognizing that everyone has moments where they feel submerged has allowed me to share my experiences openly with others. This openness creates connections, providing lifelines in times of need. When we share our struggles, we create an environment of support, a communal raft that keeps us afloat together.
Finding solace in shared experiences has led me to explore coping mechanisms that allow me to navigate turbulent waters. Through writing, I express my thoughts and emotions, transforming the chaotic feelings of drowning into something tangible. In moments of clarity, I recommit to pursuing my passions, reminding myself of the reasons I started this journey in the first place. This practice empowers me; it helps me build resilience against the tides that threaten to pull me under.
Additionally, seeking help has been a crucial element in my journey. Consulting friends, loved ones, or even professionals opens doors to perspectives I may not have considered. Whether it’s a conversation over coffee or engaging with a therapist, these interactions have helped me develop resilience and equip myself with the tools needed to handle life’s pressures.
In these moments of vulnerability, I’ve begun to embrace the concept of acceptance. Accepting that life will have its ups and downs isn’t an admission of defeat; rather, it acknowledges the fluid nature of existence. Just as the tide rises and falls, so do the challenges I face. It’s important to recognize that I can’t control everything, but I can control how I respond to what life presents.
Eventually, I’ve realized that it’s not solely the act of drowning that defines the experience—it’s also about the will to survive and emerge stronger on the other side. Miraculously, the act of rising above the surface, taking a deep breath of fresh air after feeling submerged, is a triumph. Each time I manage to propel myself above the water, I am reminded of my capacity to overcome adversity.
The imagery of drowning is a reminder of both vulnerability and resilience. While I may sometimes feel overwhelmed, these experiences shape me into a more empathetic individual. Understanding that many people experience similar feelings helps me cultivate compassion—not only for others but also for myself.
So, as I reflect on what drowning feels like, I choose to embrace the journey of learning to swim against the currents. Each challenge enriches my character, providing opportunities for growth and self-discovery. With every wave I navigate, I become more adept at finding balance and strength, creating a powerful narrative of resilience. I emerge from the depths of despair transformed, equipped with a renewed commitment to thrive despite the storms I may face.
I love how honest this is. You’ve been through some things, and it shows. This reads a vulnerability that can change the way people feel when despaired. Keep writing. Keep honest. And keep honest writing. ♥ thanks for sharing. Fictional or nonfiction- this breaks through the fog that is loneliness, and helps others see they are not alone. Good job.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. There is a lot of raw, heavy introspection. It makes me think of therapeutic writing. Very emotional.
Wait so if we like accidentally post our stories as a comment here, will it count or be ignored?