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Prompted: Eclectic Short Stories Paperback – November 20, 2023

4.8 out of 5 stars 30 ratings

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Prompted is a book of short stories of a multitude of genres.

Why 'Prompted'? Because the stories are written in response to writing prompts. For example: "Speakers, A Raven, Comedy", or, "Set in the Past, Jelly, Something Goes Wrong".

I also discuss the competitions themselves and the absolute thrill of entering them - a time deadline, the 'will she finish?', knowing for sure that at least the judges will read the story and finally (!) the wonder of receiving feedback.

Sometimes the stories contain elements of what is happening at the time, for example, Bugexit Means Bugexit is a not-too-subtle nod to Brexit, of course. The prompts were: Political Satire, Hygiene, A Fortune Teller.

Brexit was happening and I decided to write about what would happen if we voted out all the bugs! Also around that time the Great British Public decided, in an online poll, to name the £200 million UK Environmental Research Council's polar scientific research ship, Boaty McBoatFace, so the time felt right for some gentle lampooning.

My favourite story is Synaesthete. I've long been interested in people whose senses are muddled up. I'm very proud of that one. The prompts were: "Memory, Egg and Castle Gates". It is about a man living in the past because his senses have become muddled after an encounter with the Egg of the Gods.

In Where Superheroes Go to Die, (wheelchair, a scenic overview, romance) I suddenly had an image of an old, wheelchair left in a garden, overgrown with ivy and weeds, where two small kids spend time in imaginative play. I don't feel i'm good at writing romance (at all!) so I had my protagonist have an incurable disease (sorry). The first line is: Joanne Green was dying.

I don't like to thump my readers in the face with my stories. I'd love it if someone said, 'After the second reading, I suddenly realised what this story is really about!'

Thank you. And if you loved it or hated it, I would really appreciate a review - a few words go a long way and can help others to find books they might like. I live for your feedback :)

Contents:

  • Black Kitten - Magical Realism
  • Bugexit Means Bugexit - Political Satire
  • Caught in the Act - Dystopian
  • Ben and the Pen of the Worlds - Fantasy
  • Where Superheroes Go to Die - Romance
  • How to Rob a Candy Store in Three Easy Steps - Fantasy
  • Taxi Harold - Fantasy
  • Congratulations, Gina, Your Name Was Chosen… - Dystopian
  • How the flowers became - Creation Myth
  • Canoevia - Fantasy
  • 2035 Cola-SG1 - Science Fiction
  • Elena and the Fork of Justice - Realist
  • Whispers of Eternity - Science Fiction
  • Synaesthete - Historical Fabulation
  • When Sally Met Harry - Futurisitic
  • Space, Adventure and Lithium Mining - Science Fiction
  • Beautiful Beard Day - Dystopian Fantasy
  • The Drive Home with Yellow Bread - Historical Realist
  • Alien Addiction - Science Fiction
  • The Stop of Alessa Cassalva - Science Fantasy
  • Immortal - Realist Science Fiction
  • Five Cheese and Pickles and the End of the World - Fantasy
  • The Ring - Fantasy
  • I, monster? - Dystopian
  • Well! - Fantasy
  • Sam’s Cake - Realist
  • Can Aliens Think on Their Tentacles? - Science Fiction
  • Rich! - Fantasy
  • Prankster - Silly
  • Vegan and the Vegetarian - Realist
  • Embers - Realist
  • Mars - Science Fiction
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CNRGTWLX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 20, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 248 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8868283055
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.56 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 30 ratings

About the author

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A. B. Syed
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I've been telling tales ever since I was little. From a very early age, I would sit my poor brother down in the living room, draw the curtains, and tell him the extravagant tales of Janet and John, an unlikely pair of very young children who would mostly go on the Voyages of Sinbad, complete with kidnappings by rocs (huge, mythical bird), sailings on mighty ships and giants and beasts and all sorts.

I write to see the reactions in people's faces as they read something I have written. I would always peer intently into my father's eyes as he read one of my stories and if he smiled, or laughed or changed his expression, I would make him read the relevant part out loud and make him tell me exactly why it had affected him.

That's the reason why it is so fun to write stories for children. Their reactions are priceless. Kids seem to have so much more fun in fiction than grownups do.

I can't sit in front of every reader and gaze into their eyes, looking for a reaction any more, but (I hope!) I can imagine their delight at reading the description of Norbert de Strangle or cheering on Simon Cup as he battles his inner and outer demons.

I come back to this page again and again to read the lovely feedback left by readers. I've met some of them in person now and that has been a rare, lovely, magical treat.

I hope you love my books and i really look forward to reading what you think about any of my stories and silly tall tales. Please find me on Twitter, AmazingUmbrella, or AnilaSyed1 on Facebook.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
30 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    Prompted Synaesthete and Other Stories is a compelling collection that blends the ordinary with the extraordinary. The title story, exploring the sensory world of a synesthete, sets the tone for a series of diverse tales that range from introspective meditations to speculative fiction. The author's lyrical prose and emotional depth shine throughout, creating a rich, immersive reading experience. With its unique perspectives and thought-provoking themes, this collection will appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction with a touch of the surreal.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    Anila Syed’s Prompted: Synaesthete and Other Stories is an imaginative and eclectic collection that flitters across genres, styles, and tones, offering something unique for every type of reader. From the whimsical and absurd to the introspective and profound, the stories explore diverse themes with humor, heart, and a keen sense of observation. The standout stories, such as "Black Kitten" and "Ben and the Pen of the Worlds," showcase Syed's ability to create compelling characters and unexpected twists, while the author's thoughtful prompts and advice on writing competitions add a delightful meta-layer to the collection.

    While the creativity and variety are a strength, the collection occasionally feels uneven, with some stories more polished or engaging than others. However, these minor imperfections don’t detract from the overall charm of the book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    This is an eclectic collection of short stories. On the whole, it could use an editor and some corrective formatting. IF that doesn't bug you too much, then totally check this one out.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    With 32 short stories that span fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and satire, Prompted: Synaesthete and Other Stories is a wonderful tapestry of imagination. Magical kittens, disillusioned astronauts, cunning pranksters, and aliens with unexpected peculiarities are all introduced in Anila Syed's imaginative storytelling. Every story, which is based on writing prompts, has heart, humor, and unexpected turns. This collection, which is ideal for both short reads and longer dives, encourages you to discover countless worlds and even ignite your imagination with the prompts provided. An endearing ode to storytelling!
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    Prompted: Synaesthete and Other Stories is a beautifully written anthology that explores the complexities of human experience through vivid storytelling. Each story, including the standout Synaesthete, offers unique perspectives, blending emotion, intrigue, and imaginative depth.

    The author’s ability to weave diverse themes into compelling narratives makes this collection a delight for readers who enjoy reflective and thought-provoking fiction. Highly recommended for anyone seeking stories that linger long after the last page.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    Prompted is a creative mix of stories that kept me hooked from start to finish. Each one is different, so there’s always something fresh to enjoy. The UK English gave it a bit of charm too! Perfect for anyone who loves quick reads across various genres.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    This is an absolute gem for lovers of short stories. Each tale feels like a window into a different world, filled with quirky characters, unexpected twists, and emotional depth. From heartfelt moments to laugh-out-loud humor, the variety is astounding. Syed's writing is sharp, witty, and often thought-provoking, making this collection impossible to put down
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    Fun and entertaining stories. My only issue - it's a very broad set of subjects, and different for each story, without a common theme. But that's not a huge problem because the stories are entertaining.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Ahmed Ismael
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and creative
    Reviewed in Germany on January 1, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A creative collection blending fantasy, humor, and introspection. With unique tales and unexpected twists, it’s perfect for readers seeking short, imaginative escapes.
  • ALICE G.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Consiglio l acquisto
    Reviewed in Italy on November 29, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Le storie sono molto interessanti, tutte diverse tra loro anche di genere e questo è l aspetto più originale del libro e che lo rende unico. Lo consiglio.
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  • Chrissie B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining readin
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a great book for anyone who loves delving into weired and wonderful short stories. The eclectic mix of different genres offers entertaining reading. I especially enjoyed the political satire: Bugexit means Bugexit. The author also includes tips and prompts to help write your own stories for the aspiring authors out there.
  • J.E.C.Banbury
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspired
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 25, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    A wonderful collection of short stories. Dib in and choose from sci fi,mystery,humour,sorrow,romance, fantasy- there is something for everyone. Each story is intriguing and compelling, "prompted " by a selection of unrelated words. Who would have thought that " Ben and the Pen of the World" would emerge from the prompt, ( a long distance phone call, set in a city, an explosion), or that there was the possibility of a story inspired by ( banana bread, petting zoo, action) !
    Anila Syed is an amazing storyteller with an equally amazing imagination.
  • P. E. Cuberos
    5.0 out of 5 stars Most imaginative writing ever!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 25, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Anila Syed is my favorite short story writer ever. Never read a short story collection as extraordinary as this one. Extraordinary in its depth and sensitivity, and yet, able to surprise you with the originality and variety of the
    themes and characters. I particularly love Black Kitten, The Drive Home, How to Rob a Candy Store and Where Superheroes Go To Die. It's the third time I read this book and I highly recommend it. I eagerly await a new collection soon!