#232: Polar Night & Northern Lights
Winter solstice has come and gone here in the northern hemisphere and we’re slowly heading towards brighter days. Above the arctic circle, however, inhabitants will have to wait a bit longer to see the sun. There, polar night — where the sun doesn’t rise for months — still keeps its grip. Inhospitable as this may seem, entire communities have adapted to the long night, and the northern lights playing across the sky provide a reminder that light will eventually return.
This week's prompts are inspired by polar nights, human resilience, and, most of all, the glimmers of hope that make it all worthwhile.
This week's prompts
Set your story during polar night.
Winter – 37 stories
Write a story set in a world with a dying sun, or where light is a scarce resource.
Science Fiction – 65 stories
Write a story about someone witnessing — or trying to witness — a celestial phenomenon.
Adventure – 38 stories
Write a story about someone looking for a sign in a dark sky.
Angst – 56 stories
Stories
“The Light and Flame” by Zachariah Chamberlin
Submitted to Contest #232
“The Keeper” by Elli Price
Submitted to Contest #232
“Bloody Are The Hands That Hold On” by Sara Otero
Submitted to Contest #232
“Towards the Light” by Kayla Pater
Submitted to Contest #232
“Diary Entry of a Troubled Young Man” by Derrick Lancero
Submitted to Contest #232
“The Polar STATIC STILLS” by Michelle SHAAY
Submitted to Contest #232
“The Rabbit and The Bear” by Samuel Garcia
Submitted to Contest #232
“Twilight Menace” by Sabrina Rose
Submitted to Contest #232
“Reality” by Sherri Moorer
Submitted to Contest #232
“It Blocked the Light” by Tawny Molina
Submitted to Contest #232
“The Day the Sun Sank” by Maisey Mansson
Submitted to Contest #232
“Where is The Suzie-Q?” by Luca King Greek
Submitted to Contest #232
“Carrying My Family Out of Hell” by Caless Red
Submitted to Contest #232
“A Year of Light” by Raya Tost
Submitted to Contest #232
“Fueling the Void” by S.d. Schwarz
Submitted to Contest #232
$250
Prize money
280
Contest entries
106
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Jan 12, 2024 EST
Won by Jonathan Page 🏆
Title: The Lantern of Kaamos
Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.
Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!