Hi Tyson!

No, you do not need to include the prompt word-for-word. They're merely meant to inspire you to write a story around them. Using your example, as long as there's a mysterious character in your story that's watching someone from a distance in some way, you're good!

Hope this clarifies.

Best of luck,



S o C a l S c r i b e


Round Two of the "2008 Short Fiction Competition"  is currently OPEN!