"On the Job" Story Event 2025

[jaF0]

Can the workplace be a brothel?

Think Red Shoes Diaries type place.

 

[davion2308]

Can the workplace be a brothel?

Think Red Shoes Diaries type place.

I like how you're thinking. I originally looked at this challenge like a 9-to-5 office romance. Somehow, I could spin a tale of people flirting via Zoom or Teams, or another way to get a relationship working.

Who's to say what kind of jobs are being done and what's 'working'? I'm thinking broader now!

I'd count a brothel as working as long as you're including the day-to-day grind of it. It's not JUST banging. Someone's doing laundry, probably running a kitchen, cleaning up all the fluids, there's all the scutwork that comes with it.

Here's an "On the Job" story I've thought about: A woman is hired by a massage place to run their books. She's mid-40s, she's been out of work, recently divorced, and trying to make ends meet. She ends up getting an offer that's way more then she'd ever expect from a salary standpoint because it's illegal and they don't pretend it's not.

Now, she's there, and someone gets sick so she gets the opportunity to sub in, stroke a guy, get paid even more, and have a little fun on the side. She hasn't touched a man in a year or two, she's thinking it might be fun, and the client is young, attractive, in shape, and just looking for a little pressure release.

Would anyone grumble at that NOT being "On the job"?

 

[TheLobster]

Would anyone grumble at that NOT being "On the job"?

This is absolutely fine. The meaning of "workplace" is stretched very broadly in this event, and it's more about just keeping it on-site.

You should see some of the entries from last year, too. There was at least one magical library and plenty of other, very unorthodox workplaces.

 

[secretLace]

That actually sounds like a great story I would read Davion. <3

 

[davion2308]

That actually sounds like a great story I would read Davion. <3

I'll let you know when I get it done for the contest. Thank you for the moral support; I'm motivated!

 

[LoquiSordidaAdMe]

I'm up to just over 3500 words. So I know I have a full first page. What I don't know is if I have a good story idea or not. I'm out of practice and I've had several stort attempts die on the vine. Would anybody be willing to beta read my first page and let me know if the story is worth pursuing or not? I would be happy to return the favor. Thanks.

 

[KittyOfSteele]

Kinda regret the first series I published back when I was new to the site.

My reading comprehension decided to take a hike, so I don't understand whether we have until April 18th - April 24th to send the entry, or is there another date. I need to do some serious planning.

 

[jaF0]

Can the workplace be a brothel?

Think Red Shoes Diaries type place.

Memory is crap.

Not Red Shoes Diary.

Beverly Hills Bordello.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_Hills_Bordello

 

[LoquiSordidaAdMe]

No takers in my search for a Beta Reader. I should have known better than to post it on a Friday night. I'd be happy to beta read anyone else's work-in-progress if you'd like to swap stories for feedback and motivation.

 

[TheLobster]

The meaning of "workplace" is stretched very broadly in this event, and it's more about just keeping it on-site.

So, I've actually got a question about it.

Does the meaning of "workplace" stretch enough to accommodate remote stations / outposts / bases / etc., and characters who are working and temporarily living there on a 24/7 basis? Think Antarctic research stations, ISS, Deep Space 9, and similar facilities with permanent, usually rotating crew that comes on assignments of various lengths and, depending on the actual setting, may not even have designated working hours.

I've got an idea for a story set in such a setting (different to the ones I listed) and I was wondering if it would still fit if being "on the job" is interpreted this broadly.

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

A work place is a place where people work.


Police officers refer to their official vehicle as their office or shop.

 

[TheLobster]

A work place is a place where people work.

A train station is where the train stops.
A tram station is where the tram stops.
That's why my desk is a workstation.

...Anyway, this does help; thanks. I'm not sure if I'll go with this particular idea but I'm not taking it off the table.

 

[LoquiSordidaAdMe]

Does the meaning of "workplace" stretch enough to accommodate remote stations / outposts / bases / etc., and characters who are working and temporarily living there on a 24/7 basis? Think Antarctic research stations, ISS, Deep Space 9, and similar facilities with permanent, usually rotating crew that comes on assignments of various lengths and, depending on the actual setting, may not even have designated working hours.

I would think so. There's really no difference between any of those places and the building I work, except they all have bigger and better break rooms.

 

[LoquiSordidaAdMe]

Well, I've got comments back from my beta reader. Apparently my main character is "whiny and annoying." I was aiming for "sympathetic", so I'm not too far off the mark, but that's not ideal. This isn't the first time I've had to go back and make a character more likable after a beta read, so I'm not too disheartened. I know I can fix it, and the story will be better for it. So, it's back square... Hmmm, let's call it 'three'. But I've still got plenty of time.

 

[ICantLeafYou]

Interesting, I think I'll get in on this.

I've already written stuff set in the workplace, I love the idea of fooling around on the clock.

 

[AllenWoody]

I already have a story set entirely in the workplace, only awaiting a few edits before I can publish it. Perhaps by the time the contest rolls around I'll have gotten over my recent self-flagellation and will feel like publishing again.

 

[summer_reine]

I see many similar questions but my paranoia has me seeking clarification on my particular story line.

The main character is an architect of sorts and works from home, he also works at the construction site. I hope that the characters getting to know each other in his home is acceptable while the main event is at the build site. If not then I will adjust the story to fit the requirements, muse permitting.

Also.. does a business meeting at a restaurant count as a work place .. technically he is working, and flirting.

 

[LoquiSordidaAdMe]

It feels good to be "in the zone" again after struggling to move a story forward for so long. I'm up past 9k words and climbing.

 

[Aoife_from_Ulster]

Whew! Mine is complete now I just wait to submit the story in mid-April

 

[ICantLeafYou]

I was just on my way home and had a plot bunny leap into my brain, I've got my idea for this worked out now.

 

[YmaOHyd]

Are chapters in an ongoing series eligible?

 

[mrs_mackenzie]

I am about 5k into my entry for this year already. Short but sweet, hopefully.

 

[LoquiSordidaAdMe]

My story is complete. Just waiting to see what my beta readers think.

 

[Aoife_from_Ulster]

@HeyAll I have a question as I do not want to break the rules, just walk the fine edge of tipping over it.

My closing paragraph is a flashback, of what occurred in the office as the protagonist sits in the office parking lot. Thoughts?

 

[HeyAll]

@HeyAll I have a question as I do not want to break the rules, just walk the fine edge of tipping over it.

My closing paragraph is a flashback, of what occurred in the office as the protagonist sits in the office parking lot. Thoughts?

Sounds great as it fits the workplace theme