Bodies of Water

Summary

Prism & Pen is inviting writers to participate in a writing challenge centered around the theme "bodies of water," encouraging submissions of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction with a queer perspective.

Abstract

The Prism & Pen writing challenge is themed around the concept of "bodies of water," aiming to inspire a diverse range of creative works. This initiative calls for writers to explore the theme in various forms, including stories, poems, and essays, with an emphasis on queer narratives and experiences. The challenge is an opportunity for writers to reflect on personal memories involving water, to delve into fantastical elements like water elementals, or to interpret the theme in any way that resonates with them. Prism & Pen also offers master classes to assist writers in refining their craft, and has highlighted a selection of stories already submitted, showcasing the breadth of interpretations the theme has inspired.

Opinions

The theme "bodies of water" is seen as a versatile and rich source of inspiration for writers.
There is a strong encouragement for writers to infuse their work with queer perspectives, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation.
The writing challenge is viewed as an opportunity for community engagement and sharing of diverse stories.
The inclusion of master classes indicates a commitment to nurturing writing talent and improving the quality of submissions.
The already published stories reflect a wide range of emotional depth and creativity, setting a precedent for future submissions.

A Prism & Pen Writing Prompt

“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” -H. Auden

They say the human body is about 60% water. We need water to drink, to wash, to keep cool in the summer. Without water, there is no life.

What does the phrase “bodies of water” bring to mind for you? Lakes and rivers and oceans? Or the water inside the human body? Or something else entirely?

It’s time for the next Prism & Pen writing challenge, time for a flood of stories from all your bodies (of water)!

Interpret this in any way that feels right for you. We want fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Do you have a memory of a time when water played a significant role in your life? Is there a story of a water elemental in your imagination? Share whatever you like!

We want your perspective, your words, your poetry and/or prose. And make it queer!

Don’t forget our master classes —

If you want help polishing your prose, David Wade Chambers is offering a series of interactive workshops for P&P writers and prospective writers. Wade is an accomplished author and creative writing professor volunteering his skills at the Master Class link at the top of every Prism & Pen page and story.

Bodies of Water

A Prism & Pen Writing Prompt

P&P’s challenge starts today.

Submission Guidelines

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Don’t forget our master classes —

Stories so far —

Florida Blues

A photographic poem of inclusion

Her Greatest Sin

Resist not yourself

Tiny Pieces of You

Watching someone wash away, one memory at a time

I Want To Swim, But I’m Drowning In You.

You are perfection to me.

Your Body is an Ocean

Flash Fiction

Kisses in the Church, Questions on Sunset Beach

Too late to know we shouldn’t be doing this

Memories of Water

“Water has memory.” -Olaf the snowman, Frozen 2

Our Queer Life Was Not a Travelogue

Love and ashes, spirits soaring to the sea

Mothers, Sons and the Open Sea

One of Life’s Important Moments

I Saved My Brother From the Water

Bodies of water