Love but Complicated

Love is rarely simple. Sometimes it’s messy, confusing, poorly timed, or indistinguishable from obsession, loyalty, or something else entirely. If that sounds like your kind of story, we have good news.

From February 1st to February 15th, we’re inviting you to take part in our new writing contest: Love but Complicated.

This contest is all about exploring relationships that don’t fit neatly into a box. Romantic or not-so-romantic, mutual or one-sided, healthy or questionable — if it makes readers stop and wonder “what exactly is this?”, you’re doing it right.

✍️ Write a story with a minimum of 700 words.

✍️ Choose one of the 7 official prompts — or more than one, if inspiration strikes!

✍️ Base your work on the selected prompt(s) in any way you like.

You’re free to interpret the prompts creatively. Twist them, subvert them, combine them, or take them somewhere unexpected. As long as the story is rooted in the idea of love being complicated, you’re on the right track.

• “They love you. They just won’t save you.” Explore love that has limits.
• “A love letter that was never meant to be read.” Not necessarily romantic. Could be a report, a journal, or an unsent message.
• “The last person who should understand you… does.” Connection between unlikely characters.
• “This isn’t jealousy. It’s something worse.” Examine possession, fear of replacement, or moral conflict.
• “Two people agree never to name what this is.” And stick to it.
• “Love expressed through refusal.” Saying no as an act of care.
• “A promise that shouldn’t have been made.” But was.

This time, the spotlight isn’t just on the writers. You can leave a comment answering one simple but deceptively tricky question: “Was it love or something else?”. Show your support and engage into discussions!

We believe effort deserves to be rewarded — whether you’re writing or reading.

🎁 A unique participation gift for every author!

🎁 Extra gift + 100 coins for 5 top-voted authors!

🎁 A special gift for... Readers who comment!

Yes, reading counts. Commenting counts. Everythings counts in right amounts!

If you enjoy stories that blur the line between affection and confusion, devotion and denial, or love and something that refuses to be named, this contest is for you!

Love but Complicated

RULES:

✅ Each work must contain a minimum of 700 words;

✅ Each work must be based on one of the 7 prompts;

✅ Please, put the prompt that you used in the Notes;

✅ Translations are allowed if you’re the original author and your work fits the narrative;

✅ Each work must be a new one, (i.e., not published on FicFan previously);

✅ It is prohibited to publish works that violate the Rules of our website;

✅ To get a Reader's gift you'll have to read any work (or works!) and comment, answering the question "Was it Love or Something else?";

🚫 No AI;

🚫 Don’t publish anything that violates the Rules of the website.

So, let's buckle up our seat-belts and asnwer the question that is on everyone's mind: Was it Love or something else?