✒️𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 - 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦!
Congratulations to all the winners of my 2024 September Writing Challenge!
You all wrote amazing stories in such a limited time! It was difficult to choose be...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Relevance to the Prompt: Prompt #1 | a letter from the future changes the protagonist's decisions. Bernard receives a sticky note with a warning from his future self, leading him to change his course of action and prioritize his relationship with Olive over work. The prompt is used effectively as the core of the plot.
Writing Quality: The writing is clear and engaging, with a natural flow to the dialogue and interactions between characters. The emotional conflict of Bernard is well portrayed, and the tension between his career-driven lifestyle and his personal relationships is relatable. The pacing is good, and it fits within the 500-1000 word range. The language is concise, and the story avoids unnecessary descriptions, keeping the focus on the key events. However, a few sentences could benefit from slight revision for smoother reading.
Creativity: The story has a creative twist with the idea of Bernard receiving a sticky note from his future self. It adds an element of magical realism to an otherwise ordinary romance. The "butterfly effect" reference near the end was a clever touch, adding depth to the concept of fate and consequences. Bernard's subtle backstory about his connection to magic adds intrigue and helps distinguish the story from a typical romantic drama.
Overall Lesson: The central lesson of the story is about the importance of prioritizing personal relationships over career ambitions. Bernard realizes that despite his desire for success and stability, losing Olive would be far more devastating than missing a work shift. The story also subtly touches on the idea of fate and the consequences of ignoring important signs, as well as the long-term effects of seemingly small decisions, illustrated by the "butterfly effect."
Rating: 4 Stars | "Happy New Year" is a charming and thought-provoking short story that explores the conflict between career and love. Its use of a magical element—the note from the future—adds intrigue and elevates the narrative beyond a typical romantic story. The writing is solid, the characters are relatable, and the overall message is both heartwarming and cautionary. The overall rating reflects its creativity, well-executed plot, and satisfying conclusion.
