ONC 2023 Shortlist | Fiona had one dream for her entire childhood: to move to Hollywood and act. Unlike the kids around her who wanted to be astronauts or pop singers, her dream never shifted to something more realistic, practical, or ordinary. At age 19, she allows the flip of a coin to decide her fate. Will she give up her dream entirely or fight to make it reality? prompt | Flip the coin and make a life choice with it. Two choices, one coin, and no turning back. Do you dare?

While her best friend Cassidy snacks on brie and boys in France, Darcy Li-Quinn must face her last year of high school and the unpredictable wrath of her sister, Danica, alone. Darcy's plan for dealing with Danica and her heinous friends is simple-be invisible. But first, she's promised Cassidy she'll do 'one brave thing'. Mustering the courage to say 'hi' to the cute boy on the bus, Darcy expects rejection or indifference. She doesn't anticipate a grumpy ghost with unfinished business who needs her help. Suddenly, a quiet year of flying under the radar looks increasingly unlikely. *** Rationally, Hunter Viera knows that his brother's death wasn't his fault. But that doesn't stop his guilt about Archer invading his every thought or lessen the grief sitting heavy in his chest. Changing schools offers a fresh start, and Hunter's plan is simple-be invisible. But he hasn't counted on Darcy, or her ludicrous claim that Archer speaks to her from beyond the grave. Suddenly, a quiet year of sitting on the sidelines looks increasingly unlikely. *** This is a story about hearts and hope and public transport. This is Darcy and Hunter's story (and a little bit Archer's too). *** 'Get A Life' is my entry for Open Novella Contest 2023 and is inspired by the following prompts. 20. You finally build enough courage to talk to that cute someone you see every day on the bus. Their face turns dark as they respond "You shouldn't be able to see me." 9. There's an urban legend that's been circulating for years about a taxi cab that doesn't take you where you want to go, but where you need to go. One night, you stepped into this cab.

"Love is a strange emotion-it strikes when you least expect it." -Moonwriting Sebastian King They call me the Lucifer of the Mafia. The God of Death. The man who bends Europe to his will with a snap of his fingers. And yet-none of that power could have prepared me for her. Erika Carter. She wasn't supposed to matter. She was just another piece in this rotten world I rule, another soul pulled into the sick "Auction" I've hated all my life. I should have walked away. But the moment I saw her defiant eyes staring back at me-unafraid, unbroken-I knew she was mine to claim. Only... not like the others. I didn't buy her to destroy her. I bought her to refine her. To protect her. To own her. To burn for her. But Erika Carter doesn't bend. She pushes back. She tests me. She looks at the devil and smiles, daring me to fall into the one trap I swore I'd never believe in- Love. And God help me... I'm already falling. Erika Carter He thinks he owns me. He thinks money, fear, and power can cage a woman like me. But Sebastian King is about to learn one brutal truth- Two can play this game. If he wants me, he can have me. But he doesn't get to write the rules. I do. Because when Death itself falls in love... even kings can bleed. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This story contains dark themes, including violence, bloodshed, abuse, and sexual assault. Read responsibly.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE ONC2023 CHALLENGE! One dark and stormy night a family went missing, they left taking absolutely nothing with them. When their disappearance was reported, nobody, including the police could figure out what happened. The mystery has gone unsolved for almost 10 years, then a call comes in from an unknown source that changes everything. The job now is to figure out who the caller is, if the family is still alive, and how you will expose what happened.