#53: Dog Days of Summer
"The dog days of summer" conjure images of dogs laying around, panting from the sweltering heat of mid to late summer.
But the saying itself stems from the ancient Romans who associated these hot and humid days with Sirius, the brightest star in the Canis Major constellation (or 'Large Dog' constellation). Sirius is so bright, the ancient Romans believed it contributed additional heat to the Sun, causing July and August temperatures to soar.
As we are currently in the midst of them, it only felt fitting for this week's prompts are inspired by the dog days summer (or diēs caniculārēs in Latin)!
p.s. — On August 12th, bestselling novelists Caroline Leavitt and Gina Sorell are hosting a free webinar on creating believable characters. RSVP here!
This week's prompts
Write about a few people spending a long-overdue weekend away at a cottage.
Summer – 124 stories
Write a story that begins with someone's popsicle melting.
Summer – 259 stories
Write a story about a teenager spending their final days at home before going away to college.
High School – 118 stories
Write a story about summer love — the quarantine edition.
Romance – 132 stories
Write a story about another day in a heatwave.
Summer – 178 stories
Stories
“A Friendly Reminder” by Bibisha Shakya
Submitted to Contest #53
“Unknown” by Priyanka Boopathy
Submitted to Contest #53
“Where the Rain Falls Red” by Elliot Thomas
Submitted to Contest #53
“An icy layer of popsicle” by Syeda Fatima
Submitted to Contest #53
“The House of Cards” by Gopika Ashokan
Submitted to Contest #53
“Afra and Gervassi Off Road” by Jubilee Forbess
Submitted to Contest #53
“Afra and Gervassi Sleep in Boxes” by Jubilee Forbess
Submitted to Contest #53
“The Spectacle(s)” by Jonathan Blaauw
Submitted to Contest #53
“Summer (Wolf) Love” by BRoOkE HAs A COwBoY HAt
Submitted to Contest #53
“An Eternity of Sorrows” by Laurentz Baker
Submitted to Contest #53
“School's Out” by Charles Stucker
Submitted to Contest #53
“Two to Three” by Lynn Penny
Submitted to Contest #53
“The Mind Diamond” by Sarah Freeman
Submitted to Contest #53
“Answers on a Teacup ” by Jubilee Forbess
Submitted to Contest #53
“The Order of the Blood Moon” by Elle Clark
Submitted to Contest #53
$50
Prize money
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Contest entries
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Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Aug 07, 2020 EST
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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.
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