Setting That Eats [an unofficial challenge]
July/August 2024 Writing Prompt/Challenge
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,fl_progressive,q_auto,w_1024/668b5ce5d8ed93001d5db9fb.jpg)
Hellooo Vocal Creators! Welcome to my Unofficial Vocal Challenge #5!
For those who are just tuning in, I post regular unofficial challenges every month! I post (always) on or around the 1st of each month, and then (sometimes) on or around the 15th. The challenge stays open for a month to gather entries, and then the results are posted (about) a week after the deadline!
This past month has been a little shaky, as it's been much busier than I anticipated, so I haven't been great with deadlines (as you can tell; I was supposed to post this on the 1st, but it's about a week late!).
You can find all of my open and closed challenges (with links) in my pillar post below!
My June/July 2024 challenge is also still open (until July 15th)! Go check it out if you'd like! You can find it here:
Now that that's out of the way, let's dive into unofficial challenge #5!
The Prompt
Write a story based on a setting which feeds on living beings.
This prompt is a little bit loaded, so let's break it down a bit!
- By "setting," I mean just a place or location.
- By "feeds on," I mean that the place/location must somehow require (or perform) the feeding on/absorption/consumption/eating of living beings for sustenance (or fun).
- By "living beings," I mean anything that is alive (I wrote this instead of humans as to not limit your outlook)!
Examples of Settings That Eat:
- The house from Monster House
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,q_auto,w_720/668b55a50d4d78001d5c769c.jpg)
- The vines from The Ruins
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,q_auto,w_720/668b55a50d4d78001d5c769d.jpg)
Some rules and tips for inspiration:
- The setting does not have to be on earth. It can be manmade, like a structure or building or vehicle. It can be natural, like a forest or biome. It doesn't have to be just one singular structure either - it can be a specific town/city or island. It can be on land or in water (or the water itself).
- The method or process of consumption does not have to be how we know it. It does not have to be a mouth eating something. It can be consumption by absorption (like the dissolving of a being).
- OR it can be the consumption of attributes of living beings! Such as their sanity - the setting can feed on people by driving them insane. It does not have to be their life that is being consumed!
- The genre is yours to choose! However, the setting should be the main focus of the story! In other words, it should not be something casually mentioned and never brought up again just to fit the prompt. It should be a necessary part of the plot!
The Criteria
Word Count: I typically suggest a word count of 350+ words, but I have a feeling this one will go over that, so instead of suggesting a minimum, I will just ask that your responses do not go over 1,500 (or maybe 1,750) words. 2,000 is the definite cut off! Well, not really, but please aim for below that! I will accept all entries, no matter their length.
Link back: Not actually a requirement, but a nice touch for me! If you could embed the link to this post in your entry so that others can easily find this challenge, that would be amazing!
Comment: Come back after you've published your submission and comment the link to your entry! If you don't come back to comment, I won't know you entered, and your work won't be submitted!
NOTE: I will be adding all of the entries to the bottom of this post. Please come back the day after the deadline to make sure your entry is there! Otherwise, I might have missed it!
A note on editing: I won't be reading stories until after the deadline, so you are free to edit your work up until that point, but PLEASE DO NOT EDIT AFTER THE DEADLINE! Or at least between the deadline and the release of the results!
FAQ
Can I make more than one submission? Yes, you can! I welcome more than one entry if you have multiple paths of inspiration. I just have one rule! In the case you do enter more than once, only one submission per creator can be featured in the Top 3!
Can I submit a story I have already written? If you have a story that fits the prompt and meets the criteria, go for it!
Important Dates
Deadline: This challenge will close on Thursday, August 15th, at 11:59pm MST.
- Originally, this challenge was supposed to be my July 2024 challenge (open from July 1st to 30th). However, I got late to posting it, and I have a feeling this one will need more time, so I've made it my July/August 2024 challenge, in which it will stay open till mid August!
- I will (try my very bestest to) send out reminders one week before the closure date (on August 7th)!
Results: The results for this challenge will be posted on (or around) Thursday, August 22nd, a week after the deadline!
- This post will include the Top 3 entries (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners), as well as little blurbs rationalizing my choices. There will be links to all submissions included at the end.
- Prizes? Currently, my prizes are community-based, not monetary. The prize goes to the 1st place winner, in which I will read, like, and comment on five of the winner's works that I have not read yet, as well as subscribe if I have not already.
I think that's it! If you have any questions about the prompt, the challenges, or any feedback on my series, feel free to comment below! I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Happy writing, everyone!
♡♡♡ Belle ♡♡♡
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,q_auto,w_720/668b5c6b6289f2001dee3350.jpg)
The Entries
(All entries will be listed here in the order they are submitted.)
About the Creator
Belle
I host unofficial challenges and enjoy writing microfiction and poetry.
ALL EYES ON RAFAH. 35k+ murdered in Palestine. 80k+ injured. 25k orphaned. ~10k missing/under rubble.
Top Stories:
2023 - SEPT
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Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Comments (19)
Looks like a fascinating challenge. I'll try to get in on this one!
Here is what I tried... https://vocal.media/fiction/grey-matters#comment-4edfd7da-8227-49bc-8b57-0315cf748cbf
Hi Belle, here's my entry - "Organ Grinder" - https://vocal.media/horror/organ-grinder Enjoy! :D
Second entry :) https://vocal.media/horror/the-silent-suburb
The Ruins mentioned!!! You brought back major memories with just that photo. That was one of the first horror movies I ever watched. It is so creepy that I still think about it to this day. I'll have to think on this one.
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
It ran a little long but here is the first of what I think will be two entries: https://vocal.media/fiction/verdant-haven-gardens
WEll done on this getting Top Story! I missed it being originally published - excited about this!
This one is right in my wheelhouse. might have a few entries. I'll try to make them enjoyable! :)
Ooo this seems fun!! I'll see if I can come up with anything! Thanks for sharing this Belle! 💌
Here is mine https://vocal.media/fiction/la-torre-que-se-come-a-la-gente
You challenge my mind but I am terrible at this kind of thing. If I try I always come out crazy bad. I look forward to reading others entries however!
Oh my god oh my god oh my god One of my novel series projects' settings is a carnivorous forest...😅✨️ IT'S TIME!!!
I've added this to the VSS Unofficial Challenge Thread here https://www.facebook.com/groups/376191867241324/permalink/1013209476872890
The gears are turning... ⚙️
Ooohhh!!!!! Very excited, Belle!!
Hey, I already have a story that works brilliantly: https://vocal.media/fiction/blackrot-a-twisted-fairytale I might write a new original one for this, we'll see... :)
Oooh, how exciting! I might be joining in on this challenge! Thank you so much for providing all these amazing prompts!
Oooo, this is veryyyyy interesting! A setting that sucks the life of those living in it. Gosh I wish Mr Brain comes up with something for this!