#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
“Bazaine's Defeat” by Kevin Schenk
Submitted to Contest #99
“With Great Power” by N K
Submitted to Contest #99
“Trippin' Triangle” by Jude S. Walko
Submitted to Contest #99
“The Eastern Seas” by Precious Fox
Submitted to Contest #99
“My name with yours” by Leah Li
Submitted to Contest #99
“Catfishing” by Chris OBrien
Submitted to Contest #99
“One of Those Days” by Kayley Dickins
Submitted to Contest #99
“The 100 Hour Day” by Faustina H.a.F
Submitted to Contest #99
“Sci-Fine Summer” by Abishai Wafula
Submitted to Contest #99
“Bummer Solstice” by Karen McDermott
Submitted to Contest #99
“Aine's Sunshine” by Rachel Patterson
Submitted to Contest #99
“The Longest Day” by Lilia May
Submitted to Contest #99
“A Sun's Solace” by Nathan Endress
Submitted to Contest #99
“Unplugged” by Joe Swanson
Submitted to Contest #99
“Summer Nights ” by Dann Jamal
Submitted to Contest #99
$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!