SATURDAY UPDATE: Unavoidable events mean results this round will not be posted until Sunday. Apologies, and many thanks for your patience.
CLOSED!!! but don’t cry–so many wondrous stories to read & chat about! Results will post Saturday afternoon ET. Thanks for coming out. See you next week!
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
–Robert Frost, 1920
Don’t let the introductory poem throw you off: today’s challenge isn’t about the end of the world (unless you want it to be, of course!), but rather about the tension of opposites. Fire and ice are both beautiful, destructive, and at opposite ends of the thermometer. And ohhhh, the gorgeousness of literary enemies across the centuries: Poseidon and Odysseus. Capulets and Montagues. Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty. Jean Valjean and Javert. The three little pigs and the Big, Bad Wolf….. OK, OK, I’ll stop there.
In today’s photo we have a marvelous juxtaposition of apparent opposites in two chambers of a Scottish cavern. And ohhh, am I giddy with anticipation for you to tell me why these chambers are the way they are and/or what happens in them.
(As ever, here are the contest guidelines.).
This week’s contest is judged by SVW member with his own special oppositions, Anthony Marchese. (Be sure to check out his judge page to find out what he looks for in a winning entry. Short version: he loves relatable characters and interesting worlds.)
And now for a little Grendel for your Beowulf:
* Word limit: 200-word story (zero leeway this week) based on the photo prompt.
* How: Post your story here in the comments. Include your word count (200 words exactly, exclusive of title) and Twitter handle if you’ve got one.
* Deadline: 11:59pm ET tonight (check the world clock if you need to; Flash! Friday’s on very divisive Washington, DC time)
* Winners: will post tomorrow (Saturday)
* Prize: A defiantly oppositional e-trophy e-dragon e-badge, a personalized nemesis page here at FF, a highly antagonistic 60-second interview feature next Wednesday, and YOUR NAME batted angrily back and forth for at least two Acts. NOTE: Winning and non-winning stories alike remain eligible for selection for the occasional Monday Flash Points.
* Follow @FlashFridayFic on Twitter for up-to-date news/announcements/tips on how to avoid getting into an argument with a dragon (PS. There’s no getting OUT of one, once you start). And now for your prompt:
Smoo Cave, Durness (Highland, Scotland). Photo taken by Florian Fuchs, WikiCommons.
Flash! Friday 