Paul Stewart's "Unnerve, Unsettle, And Scare Me" Challenge

Unofficial Fiction Challenge

By Paul StewartPublished 2 years ago • Updated 2 years ago • 3 min read

Paul Stewart's "Unnerve, Unsettle, And Scare Me" Challenge

I've been wanting to run my own little unofficial challenge for a long time now, following in the footsteps of so many of you that have run your own. Now, I've finally put together something that I believe will be a lot of fun.

Especially given the time of year.

So what's the challenge?

Basically, unnerve me, unsettle me and generally scare me. I want you to leave me feeling more than a little shook up. Make me want to look over my back constantly after reading your words. Make me afraid of turning off the light switch, walking down that alley, walking through the woods during the day or at night, or an empty car park.

When writing anything, I am interested in telling an engaging and compelling story, of course, but I also want to reach through the screen and into the reader's heart and mind. I love making people laugh, making people think and ponder, making people feel deep emotions, and at the moment, perhaps even more than anything else, I love scaring people. Scaring is one thing though...but I really get a kick out of trying to unnerve and unsettle people.

That's what this challenge is all about.

I want you to do your best to make me rethink going to sleep ever again.

Some Tips and Suggestions

What is scary is subjective. I understand that, so as a little help, seeing as I will be the judge, here are some suggestions that may help you in putting together your story:

I don't usually find aliens, ghosts, haunted houses and monsters scary (I am prepared to be proven wrong though. There are many, many fantastic writers on this platform, so I know plenty of you will be able to surprise me)
Even if you are trying to confuse and trick me, the story should still make sense or I'll lose interest quickly.
I love a good twist - especially one I don't see coming. If I see it coming, though, but it's still a clever and deeply unsettling twist, I'll still love it.

Important - Challenge Rules And Information

I feel very headmasterish writing rules and important information for an unofficial challenge, but this is my cross to bear.

I am not expecting a massive piece, because let's face it, we're all busy and I want people to take part and have fun with it. So the word count should be between 500 and 800 words.
You must include an embedded link to this post with the words "This is for Paul Stewart's Unnerve, Unsettle, and Scare Me Challenge" at the start of your piece. Here is the link - https://shopping-feedback.today/writers/paul-stewart-s-unnerve-unsettle-and-scare-me-challenge.%3C/li%3E%3Cli class="css-2hn7oe-Li e12bsgp32"> You must also include "For Paul Stewart's Unnerve, Unsettle, and Scare Me Challenge" in the subtitle of your piece.
You must post the link to your entry in the comments section of this piece. I will add all entries to this post as they are submitted.
You must publish it to the Fiction community.
There will be one winner, who will win $10 in the form of a tip, and, two runner's up, who will win $5 each in the form of a tip.
Strictly one entry per person.
The deadline is Friday, 10th November. I will announce the winners on Monday, 13th November.
Have fun!

Now I can stop feeling like a teacher or manager. I look forward to seeing what you all come up with. Be sure to spread news of this challenge far and wide (well...among Vocal creators, obviously. I won't see people's entries if they just think them in their head or post them on their fridge.)

Can't wait to see what you come up with!