There’s something about a date that only comes once a year—it feels rare, fated, and tinged with mystery. Imagine if, on that date, a doorway appears. Not every doorway—just one. A portal that connects our world to somewhere else entirely. It only opens on August 13th… and you have no idea where it will lead you this year.
This could be a moment of wonder, a dangerous gamble, or an ancient tradition. The stakes are high—miss your chance, and you’ll have to wait a whole year for another opportunity.
🪞 Writing Prompt
On August 13th, a portal appears. No one knows why it exists, who built it, or where it leads—but legends say those who step through never return the same. This year, you are standing in front of it.
- Do you enter out of curiosity, desperation, or destiny?
- What (or who) is on the other side waiting for you?
- What would happen if you tried to keep the portal open past its time?
🔮 Ideas to Spark Your Story
- Time-Slip Twist – The portal doesn’t just lead to another place; it leads to another when. Step through and you might meet your future self… or witness a moment in history you were never meant to see.
- Ancestral Ties – The portal only opens for certain bloodlines. This year, it opens for you, revealing a realm your family has kept secret for generations.
- The Collector’s Bargain – A being from the other side collects a tribute every August 13th in exchange for keeping the portal stable. This year, the tribute is you.
- The One-Year Rule – Whatever happens on the other side, you have to come back before the portal closes—or remain there until the next August 13th. What’s worth staying for? What’s worth racing against the clock?
- Shifting Destinations – The portal never leads to the same place twice. Last year, it was a world of floating islands. The year before, a city of eternal night. This year… something completely unexpected.
💡 Tip for Writers: Use the time limit of the portal to create tension. Every hour on August 13th matters. Will your characters waste time arguing, take risks, or make snap decisions? Time pressure can heighten conflict and force your characters into revealing choices.
If you write something based on this prompt, share a snippet in the comments or tag me on social media. I’d love to see where August 13th takes you!
Happy Writing ^_^
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 