‘Genius in a Bottle’ Prompted Writing Challenge
No Face-to-Face Bookings
GiaB writing prompt #16
I abused someone online, just for their beliefs. Guess life now is changed.
Is social media a fad, the latest craze, due to burn with fiery brightness for a short time more and then fizzle out with a puff of smoke? Or is it the new way of life?
Is there any value in teaching our children the interpersonal skills we were taught, or has the need for them gone the way of the dodo?
Social media is altogether a different animal. It’s a blessing to the meek and shy who need the distance and anonymity provided, to come out of their shell and give their voice a day in the sun. But it is also a blessing to those whose hatred and condescension were held back by the playground rules of face-to-face interaction. Those who now confuse the interpersonal distance for a license to be a hooligan.
On the plus side it has let people separated by proximity and circumstance finally hold hands as if they were in the same room. So many families and friends brought together through the magic of a computer or smart device.
So what will become of the value of bringing people together if we as people have let ourselves go?
And what is the prognosis of life in the future given the eroding state of its most valuable element… the interactions we have with other people?
The Challenge
We invite writers to produce a piece of poetry, fiction or non-fiction on the theme of Social Media.
This prompt will close on Wednesday 31st March, 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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