Results: Back to Our Youth [an unofficial challenge]

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

First of all, break my heart why don't you??? This was an extremely emotional roller coaster. A lot of entries dealt with some very real and emotional topics, even the ones that were a more fictional take.

I gathered 13 entries total for this challenge, which was really amazing. I was expecting less than that, especially for a prompt that was so focused. So, a big round of applause to everyone who entered!! All of the entries were really creative and I loved all of the different directions y'all took. You really grabbed the prompt and ran with it!

Also! I would like to note that four of the entries made Top Story! So congratulations to y'all as well and thanks to everyone who spread love to these entries!

The Prompt

(In case you don't remember) The prompt was to:

Write a story in which you wake up in the body of your younger self OR you meet your younger self for coffee. (You may do this from the perspective of your older self.)

There was most definitely, probably, an easier way I could've phrased that, but no harm no foul! Let's move along.

You can view the original challenge post here!

I would like to note -- the original purpose of this prompt was to delve into your own personal experiences. However, there were lots of entries that ventured further than that and delved more into the fantasy/fictional realm rather than a reflection, but I love and welcome both takes!!

So, without further ado!

THE TOP THREE

In reverse order, as per always!

3RD PLACE: "Storm and Tempest" by Novel Allen

Instead of meeting for coffee, Novel takes us on an "A Christmas Carol" style ride through time. I particularly loved this entry because of the creativity and the messaging in the story. Without giving it away, Novel Allen gives us the message that our lives don't always turn out the way we'd like them to, or expect them to, and we should embrace that and seize the moment! A really lovely entry. Congratulations, Novel!

2ND PLACE: "Everybody Deserves a 2nd Chance" by David E. Perry

This is an incredibly well-crafted narrative of a man who wants to change his life and has to deal with the consequences of those changes. The plot is extravagant, the writing absolutely masterful, and the story just pulls at those heart strings. Incredible, incredible work and creativity! Congratulations on second place, David!

I would also like to note...

HONOURABLE MENTION: "Full Circle" by David E. Perry

Since the rules are that only one entry per author can be featured in the Top Three, I wanted to include David E. Perry's other submission as an honourable mention. It is too, a really fun entry and a great narrative!

And now, for the prize winner...

1ST PLACE: "Time Owes No Favours" by Paul Stewart

Okay, Paul. Let's get into it. This entry was really, really something. I created this prompt in the hopes that it would strike a chord with some writers on Vocal, and create some personal reflection and maybe even an emotional telling of events. This entry represents precisely what I was hoping would be achieved with the challenge.

Not only is it very clear that this is a very sensitive and personal subject for Paul, but the writing is incredible! Paul, your ability to tell stories blows me away. You form a narrative almost effortlessly, with plenty of details, captivating the audience completely. There are so many little things in this that I would love to delve deeper into, but to avoid spoiling it (seriously you guys, go read it yourself!), I'll leave you with this:

The main takeaway from this heartfelt story that I have gathered is: "Accidents happen." Life is unstoppable, and accidents happen. Bad things happen sometimes, unexplicably, and sometimes the only thing we can do is make the best out of a bad situation. All of my hugs and love go out to you, Paul.

Congratulations on your first place win!

Note to Paul Stewart: For your prize, I will be reading, liking, and commenting on five of your works that I have not already read! I have already subscribed to you, and wish I could do more, but I will have to settle with this. Thank you so much for entering!

♡ ♡ ♡

Thank you to everyone who participated in the challenge! This was an incredible ride. I hope everyone has been having just as much fun as I have with these. I hope this prompt did some good.

You can find all of my challenges (both open and closed) in my pillar post below! I do have another challenge open, and the link to that one is also below. Thank you again!

Till next time!

♡ Belle ♡

The Entries

Here is a full list of all 13 entires in the order they were submitted. Be sure to show them all some love!

1. "A Sprinkle of Cinnamon" by Shirley Belk
2. "The Tree Line" by Kendall Defoe
3. "It's Gonna Be Fine" by Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred
4. "I Met My Younger Self" by M. A. Mehan
5. "Everybody Deserves a 2nd Chance" by David E. Perry
6. "Dark Roast" by Kendall Defoe
7. "Visitors" by David E. Perry
8. "bitter(sweet)" by Alexandria Stanwyck
9. "An untamed mind" by Antoni De'Leon
10. "Storm and Tempest" by Novel Allen
11. "Time Owes No Favours" by Paul Stewart
12. "Full Circle" by David E. Perry
13. "savoring" by Alexandria Stanwyck