Menu

More apps built by Reedsy

Assemble a team of professionals

The writing app for authors

Writing courses, events and memberships

Get your book reviewed

Weekly writing prompts and contests

Menu
Prompts
Contests
Stories
Blog

Erin Payne

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Oct, 2025

Stories
Comments
Library
5 Followers
3 Following

3 Stories

56 karma pts

?

Anechoic Chambers

Weekly Contest #348

What if endings weren’t slammed doors and silent streets—your reflection staring back at you from mirrored walls, echoing a loneliness you can’t quite name?What if they were open train doors on a rainy evening—offering shelter from the storm instead?She had spent three years in door-to-door sales. Four-time “Salesperson of the Month.” She had chosen it for its old-fashioned honesty—the simple exchange between people. And, of course, the money. The lack of qualifications required to begin didn’t hurt either.She tried to find purpose in its ho...

4 likes 0 comments 0
Read story

Gravity and Entropy Always Find One Another

Weekly Contest #331

“Knock at my door, please.”The words trail on in my head repeatedly as I anxiously pace back and forth in an attempt to calm the surge of simmering energy within. I look up at the clock…11:59.“It’s late, he might not come,” I think to myself, trying to soothe myself.“Knock on my door.”The loop repeats and I grunt, forcing out the sound, hoping it’ll drown the nagging want that clings to life.“Don’t come!” I say, denying myself as I habitually do, cradling my head in my palms.Knock, knock, knock—called through the wooded barrier.My head snaps...

17 likes 0 comments 0
Read story

Poser

He lingered on the outskirts of a large collective meet and greet, a casual gathering meant to establish networks for literary support. It took place in a large elegant house in a posh neighbourhood, which only added to his anxiety about being there alone. He spoke briefly with attendees but he’d evaded their questions through artful manoeuvres, like claiming distraction from a friend “on his way” or excusing himself to the bathroom. He quickly conveyed his unwillingness to participate without explicitly saying so. He tapped his wine glass i...

1 like 3 comments 3
Read story