#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
“Lightning Thief” by Fi Brie
Submitted to Contest #232
“The Light in Burning Eggs” by Jacqari Hill
Submitted to Contest #232
“Outbreak on TRAPPIST-1e” by Sara Thomas
Submitted to Contest #232
“The Flame's Guardian” by Maddy Jensen
Submitted to Contest #232
“All the Stars Went Out” by Allan Bernal
Submitted to Contest #232
“Phoenix Feather” by Maria DiFranco
Submitted to Contest #232
“Forever Ochre” by Tim Dudenhoefer
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #232
“Peter the Polar Bear” by Janet Severn
Submitted to Contest #232
“Spaces Between Where We Are Sure” by Morgan Aloia
Submitted to Contest #232
“Enkindled” by J.B. Redel
Submitted to Contest #232
“Descent of a Flame” by Connla Mullan
Submitted to Contest #232
“An Easy Game ” by Zinat Abdullah
Submitted to Contest #232
“The Sunpeople” by Hannah Lynn
Submitted to Contest #232
“The Torch of Man” by Nicholas Thomas
Submitted to Contest #232
“Light in Time of Darkness” by Chris Pye
⭐️ Shortlisted for 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!