Menu

Prompts

Contests

Stories

Blog

Menu

✕

CONNECT

Editing Design Marketing Publicity Ghostwriting Websites

BLOG

Success Stories

APPS

TOOLS

Book Promotion Sites Book Review Blogs Booktube Channel Guide Book Title Generator Character Name Generator Independent Publishers Literary Agents Literary Magazines Pen Name Generator Plot Generator Publishers Directory Short Story Ideas Writing Contests Writing Exercises Writing Scholarships

ABOUT

About Reedsy Terms Privacy

CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#99: Summer Solstice

In the Northern Hemisphere, June 21st is the ‘summer solstice’ — the longest day of the calendar year and, in astronomical terms, the beginning of summer. In my part of the world, this season evokes a plethora of scenes: sunbathing on river banks, al fresco dining with friends, and trips to the seaside, all punctuated by the heady scents of summertime — potent florals, sunscreen and food sizzling on the grill.

The solstice celebration has its roots in ancient Paganism — where people would gather at sites like Stonehenge and wear protective garlands of herbs and flowers to ward off the evil spirits who, according to Pagan folklore, walk the earth more freely at this time. From a spiritual standpoint, the solstice is all about embracing the sun and its awesome power. Whether you love basking in the sun or prefer to stay inside with the curtains drawn, I thought this week's prompts could be a way for us Reedsians to mark the advent of summer too. Happy writing!

This week's prompts

Begin your story with somebody watching the sunrise, or sunset.

Fluff – 275 stories

Write about the longest day of the year, or a day that never seems to end.

Summer – 99 stories

End your story with somebody stepping out into the sunshine.

Summer – 211 stories

Write a story about somebody reminiscing on an event that happened many summers ago.

Summer – 217 stories

Write a story about characters going on a summer road trip.

Summer – 104 stories

Stories

“Don't” by Yvette Li

Submitted to Contest #99

**Warning, child abuse** Don’t talk unless spoken to. Madam says my voice is disgusting. Kevin calls her mother, but when I tried she slapped me. She said she wasn’t the mother of a bastard. That I was a mistake, that she was forced against her will. I don’t understand. Kevin calls Sir, father. I wanted to see how that word felt, but he pulled out his belt and hit me. I taught myself language one day. Sir and Madam were furious. They tied me up and hit me with what looked like a long rope. A whip, yes, that’s what they called it. They ...

Read story

“Eternity” by W.W. Skybelle (Inactive)

Submitted to Contest #99

Date: June 21st, 8:15 p.m.Dearest,There are many things even I do not know about myself. You know me better than I do. Perhaps you can explain why I am writing during this time of day—outside, more or less. I am scratching out these letters slowly on a picnic blanket. It is spread out on the ground, right next to the melted purple ice, which still holds your stars. I arrived on this field just in time to see the sun dip below the horizon, and I wish I know my reasoning.Date: June 22nd, 8:15 p.m.Writing to you is a strange coping mechanism. W...

Read story

“Dawn ” by Raquel Otero

Submitted to Contest #99

"Reborn, but what a splendid word, don't you think?". I said to Dawn, my sunrise watching companion, as I slid the tires of the wheelchair onto the balcony of the hospital room to watch the sunrise for the last time. "Imagine being reborn again at this precise moment with all the wisdom gained in the past. My dear Dawn, this is the feeling I have as we idolize the beautiful sunrise before our eyes. You see, for me the meaning of sunrise is more than just a glimpse of the sun on the horizon, it is more than rays of sunshine warming up th...

Read story

“Another Chance at Life” by Kathleen Fine

Submitted to Contest #99

Sally Birmingham shouldn’t be driving; she knows. She drank three big glasses of red wine at dinner earlier and is still feeling a little tipsy. But when Charles mentioned his mother, Bridget, is coming over for brunch tomorrow, she realized she had completely forgotten the eggs for the quiche. Bridget is so Hoity toity that if Sally doesn’t have a quiche with Sunday brunch, she will never hear the end of it. So here she is, drinking and driving on a Saturday at almost midnight. She pulls into the local grocery store, making sure to park her...

Read story

“Winter’s Promise” by Elizabeth Inkim

Submitted to Contest #99

Nothing burns like the cold; not summer night bonfires, or muggy spring afternoons, or even the calefaction of autumn―no nothing burns quite like the kiss of winter. A fowl wind gnawed at the sentinels stationed at the alabaster walls of the Winter Court, and despite the fire crackling in the stone hearth of the drawing-room, the space felt cold. From the satin and silk pillows embroidered with tiny stars to the carved writing desk in the corner, Tsaritsa Roksana’s private salon was lined with treasures from across the globe. Tucking a stray...

Read story

“The Tale of Hingrek and Nobble” by Blue Green

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #99

Nature held its breath before the sunrise, and the expectation of magic and possibilities hung heavy in the cool morning air. A light mist lay over the long grass covering the hill. The sky was lightening to the east; it promised to be a warm midsummers day. A rabbit hopped cautiously out of its burrow and sniffed the air, ears erect and twitching left and right for the sound of possible enemies – a fox perhaps, or an owl returning from its nightly hunting. But it was absolutely still this morning; even the birds sensed this moment was speci...

Read story

“A day of monsoon” by Akshita Arora

Submitted to Contest #99

As the day passed the dusk of monsoon surrounded a slum in a region of bihar.In this small slum there was a four square house stands by the self cemented brick , giving it a barren look without any paint and flat tin sheets were spreading over the roof. There lived a family of four the head of the household Mr. Kamal singh, his wife Mrs laxmi, their children an 11year old boy named susheel and an 8 year old girl named rani.The pair of brother and sister were standing at the entrance fixing a dream catcher on the upper iron boundary of the do...

Read story

“Whisked Away” by Michael Martin

Submitted to Contest #99

The bumpy section of highway pulled Michael from his sleep, the last of the four boys to wake up in the backseat of the tiny Volkswagon Golf. Lifting his head from his windowsill pillow, he saw the sun peeking just above the pine trees off the side of Interstate 77.Michael didn’t remember falling asleep in the car. “Where are we going?” “Just taking a trip to see Grandma and Grandpa.” That was the only explanation he would get from his parents. He didn’t press.He whispered to his older brother, “Randy, where are we g...

Read story

“Picnic” by Melody Frost

Submitted to Contest #99

It was just another busy day for Charlotte. Washing plates, mopping the floor, cleaning the tables, serving dishes, attending calls, and taking orders. She is used to the noises of plates clinking, chopping of vegetables, phones ringing, meats sizzlings, and people's gossips. "Ahh...It is a sunny day. Charlotte, can you please tie up the curtains and arrange the dishes on the sill of the window? The dishes will dry up fast and we can go home early.", implored Delia. Charlotte nodded and tied up the curtains. The luminescent glow of the Sun b...

Read story

“The Road Trip” by Thom With An H

Submitted to Contest #99

Old friends are the best friends. The words were mumbled to no one in particular as there was no one else in the room. A few seconds later, he turned from the computer screen, leaning back in his chair. Closing his eyes, he lost himself in remembering the summer of ‘88.Bruno and Jon had been friends for three years and roommates for the last two and a half. They had gone on many road trips together but Bruno’s decision to join the army would make this one their last before enlistment split the two friends up.The road trip, like so many befor...

Read story

“Groundhog Minute” by Tybor Tigadoro

Submitted to Contest #99

My eyes shoot open. 2:19 A.M. stares back at me in glowing green text. I shift positions, intentionally obscuring my wristwatch. Three hours until the Barcelona presentation. I shouldn’t be awake. It was already a late night of preparation. Any less sleep and I won’t be on my game tomorrow. The entire account is at stake. I squeeze my eyes shut. I try to will myself out of consciousness. No luck. I feel the familiar tinge of dread spreading through my limbs. “The drive for perfection,” as my fellow investment bankers would say. The begin...

Read story

“An Alternative Midsummer Night's Dream” by Shirley Medhurst

Submitted to Contest #99

I would like to share with you a secret dating from many moons ago. A secret for your ears alone, mind you. This is the true story behind the events which would later inspire a man named Shakespeare to compose one of his most famous and well-loved tales.It was the afternoon of the sacred summer solstice, the longest day of the year, although back then, it was known under the Olde English name of ‘Sunstede’. Niamh of the Golden Hair was feeling the irresistible itch to do mischief. Since arriving to serve her apprenticeship at the fairy court...

Read story

“We're only Passers-by” by Onisha Sitaula

Submitted to Contest #99

It was 1:30 A.M on a rainy Wednesday when I woke up to the tingling sound of a thermometer. I'm a light sleeper, I've always been one. I followed the sound and walked to the other side of the hallway where mama lay on the couch – her skin hot to the touch and her eyes a bit teary. I could make out that she was trying her best to hide the fact that she was in a lot of discomfort, and also a little terrified. It'd been two days since papa and my sister had come down with fever- a high-grade one. And now it was her. I handed her an acetam...

Read story

“Seven Cs” by Joshua G. J. Insole

Submitted to Contest #99

The ship dips beneath the waves as the Sun dips below the horizon.At first, the water is nice and cool against your sore, red skin. You’ve spent a lot of time exposed to the elements — especially as the Seven Cs began to take on water. Shelter in the shade. Refreshed layers of sunscreen. Proper, regular hydration. These are the sort of things that take a backseat when a hole opens up in the hull. And so, the gentle lap of the sea soothes the quiet grumble of your frayed nerve endings. A wince flickers across your face — the blisters and peel...

Read story

“A Shattered Spirit ” by NJ Stell

Submitted to Contest #99

Do you ever simply stand there and stare at the sun? How about actually looking at it? You are aware of a searing feeling in your eyes, as well as blindsight that is out of reach. The sun shines brighter than we believe. A ray of sunshine brought on by joy. Beautiful flowers adorn the ground and shine brighter than a shooting star. Is this a possibility? I'm not sure, but I do know that fairy tales always have evil buried somewhere. The shooting star, for example, produces a black mirror with fragments of light floating through its lens. The...

Read story

Load more stories

$50

Prize money

909

Contest entries

0

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Jun 25, 2021 EST

Won by Tom Vandel 🏆

Title: The Men and the Lake

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!

Explore more writing prompt ideas:

Adults Writing Prompts ⭢

Adventure Writing Prompts ⭢

Angst Writing Prompts ⭢

Character Writing Prompts ⭢

Christmas Writing Prompts ⭢

Dark Writing Prompts ⭢

Dialogue Writing Prompts ⭢

Dramatic Writing Prompts ⭢

Dystopian Writing Prompts ⭢

Fall Writing Prompts ⭢

Fantasy Writing Prompts ⭢

Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Fluff Writing Prompts ⭢

Funny Writing Prompts ⭢

Halloween Writing Prompts ⭢

High School Writing Prompts ⭢

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Holiday Writing Prompts ⭢

Horror Writing Prompts ⭢

Kids Writing Prompts ⭢

Middle School Writing Prompts ⭢

Mystery Writing Prompts ⭢

Narrative Writing Prompts ⭢

Nonfiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Novel Writing Prompts ⭢

Poetry Writing Prompts ⭢

Romance Writing Prompts ⭢

Sad Writing Prompts ⭢

Science Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Short Story Writing Prompts ⭢

Spring Writing Prompts ⭢

Summer Writing Prompts ⭢

Teens Writing Prompts ⭢

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts ⭢

Thriller and Suspense Writing Prompts ⭢

Valentine's Day Writing Prompts ⭢

Vampire Writing Prompts ⭢

Winter Writing Prompts ⭢