‘Genius in a Bottle’ Prompted Writing Challenge

I Touch, You Feel, We Enjoy

GiaB writing prompt #22

Awakening touch. Deep in my body and soul, two lives intertwined.

There are so many elements of life that are shared by all lifeforms. There are some that have really only been explored in great detail within the context of a human existence. Arguably, one of the most powerful is intimacy.

What does intimacy mean to you?

Is it the physical closeness of two beings? Is it the simultaneous permission of access and enjoyment between two (or other) bodies powered together by a deep, ravenous hunger?

Or is it the mental connection which permits the flow of current when minds are unified like plug and socket?

What about the emotional awareness that suddenly blooms when another’s deepest and most internal feelings become as clear and easy to read as words on the pages of your favourite story?

Is it something else? Is it all of these? Is it a combination, or none of these?

Share with me your exploration of intimacy.

Share with me that intimacy.

The Challenge

We invite writers to produce a piece of poetry, fiction or non-fiction on the theme of Intimacy.

If ever a prompt theme required qualification it is this one.

For this prompt we are looking for response that explores the various interpretations and understandings of the concept of Intimacy. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers as it is what it is to you.

A couple of things to consider. Firstly, if one wants to include the aspects of physical intimacy, it is welcomed wholeheartedly. Let’s keep it away from erotica though as we cannot publish erotica. Writing that makes you feel every aspect of physical sex is encouraged. Writing that describes physical sex in all its penetrating glory, veins and all, is probably best left to the more specialised erotica publications.

Secondly, let’s try to write something that actually gives the reader a flush, or makes them feel warm from a tight bear hug. Extra points for the writers who can make a reader fall into a whirlwind of memories from their own personal intimacy highlights. Well, maybe not points, but we will really like it a lot.

This prompt will close on Wednesday 23rd June, 2021 at 9:00AM PST/PDT. At which time, the next prompt will be released.

The Guidelines

We cannot publish pieces or reward writers who self publish or publish at another publication, so those pieces have to remain external to the challenge. Only pieces submitted to Genius in a Bottle will be considered for the challenge. If inviting other writers from outside the publication, please ensure they are aware of this.

Poetry is to be limited to 30 lines but can be in any style. Fiction and non-fiction submissions are to be capped at 750 words.

Please refer to the prompt in the subtitle. Feel free to copy this as a template: GiaB prompt # [insert prompt number and theme here].

When submitting, please ensure that one of the 5 tags is GiaBprompt. Please ensure a second tag is Poetry, fiction, or non-fiction, as appropriate.

We would like to become exposed to writers and pieces that you have enjoyed in all of Medium. Please tag up to ten writers whose pieces you have enjoyed recently, or who you feel may enjoy participating in this challenge.

For further information pertaining to the challenge, please refer to the rules and guidelines.

And away we go. We look forward to enjoying the paradise of the written word with you all.

Victor Sarkin

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