#347 The Lie They Believe with Abbie Emmons

This week, we're running a takeover in collaboration with Abbie Emmons! This contest’s winner will not only be awarded $250 — they’ll also receive personal feedback from Abbie herself! Here's what she has to say about her takeover:

Hello, writers! I’m Abbie Emmons — YouTube’s most-watched creative writing coach and author of Make Your Story Matter. I’ve been writing stories since I could hold a pencil, and over the past eight years, I’ve had the joy of teaching over half a million writers how to craft emotionally powerful fiction by harnessing the psychology behind great storytelling.

One thing I’ve learned (both through studying craft and working closely with writers) is that plot alone doesn’t make a story unforgettable. What truly stays with readers is the internal struggle: how a character contends with a certain belief that shapes every decision they make. Sometimes that belief protects them. Sometimes it holds them back. And sometimes, it’s the very thing they must overcome.

For this week’s contest, I invite you to explore the theme of “The Lie They Believe.” With the prompts below, create a character driven by a powerful belief — and show us what happens when that belief is challenged, questioned, or completely shattered.

I can’t wait to see what you create.

Special Update: The Results 🏆

The top pick for this takeover was "Blindsight" by Saifullah Usmani. Here's what guest judge Abbie Emmons had to say about it:

This story drew me in immediately with its strong opening hook. The internal conflict was clearly established from the start, and the stakes felt real and personal. I could connect with the protagonist’s struggle right away and genuinely feel the weight of his choices. The dialogue felt natural and purposeful, and the characters consistently acted in alignment with their inner conflict — something I always love to see! The story delivered a complete and satisfying arc, ending on a hopeful note that tied everything together beautifully. It was emotionally grounded, well structured, and thoughtfully executed, including meaningful disability representation that felt authentic to the character’s journey. Wonderful job!

Congratulations to contest winner Saifullah Usmani and the runners-up, Peter Modesto and Theodore Miles!