Earth And Its Animals

Hello there everybody,

This is my first time running this kind of challenge, but why not give it a go? I've enjoyed participating in both informal and official writing challenges before, and it's a fantastic way to get your work out there and engage with a community of fellow writers!

Starting on the first of the month seems like the perfect time to kick things off, so let's dive straight into the prompt:

Aliens have invaded Earth, and humanity is hopelessly outmatched. But can Mother Nature win?

Here are a few things to ponder as you craft your story:

Are humans still around during the invasion?

Is Nature a sentient force or entity? Has she always been, or is this a new development?

What do the aliens actually know about Earth and its ecosystems?

Consider what lies beneath our oceans and seas, areas we ourselves have yet to fully explore.

Rules:

I'm looking for short stories ranging from 250 to 1500 words. If you find it challenging to fit your narrative within that range, it might still be accepted, so don't be discouraged!

Once your story is published, comment on this post with a link to your story. Otherwise, I might not be able to find it!

I will add the stories I find in the comments to this post, so check back after a few days to ensure your story got added. If it didn't, give me a nudge to remind me!

Yes, you can absolutely link stories that you've already written and published if they fit the criteria!

You may submit as many entries per person as you like, as long as they all meet the criteria :)

And most importantly, have fun, enjoy yourself, and don't stress too much, because I know I do!

Deadlines:

I'm starting this challenge on the 1st of July 2024, and the final entries will be accepted until 11:59 PM (GMT) on the 31st of July 2024.

Depending on the number of entries, the results will be posted around the beginning of August.

Both my partner and I will read the entries and decide which ones we love the most!

Prizes?

Short answer, yes. I have a small fund to dip into, so I will be gifting $10 in total.

Prizes as follows:

1st: $5

2nd: $3

3rd: $2

Please check back on this page at the beginning of August to make sure your story got added to the post! If it didn't, give me a nudge, and I'll sort it out!

To provide a bit more detail on the prompt and some potential directions your stories could take, here are a few more points to consider:

The aliens are technologically superior, but what if they are unprepared for the sheer force of nature?

Perhaps they don't understand Earth's biodiversity and the complex ecosystems that might rise against them.Think about the role of animals, plants, and even microorganisms. Could a natural phenomenon, like a sudden storm or earthquake, turn the tide?

Imagine if the aliens have underestimated the resilience of Earth's natural world. Maybe they come from a planet with a controlled, sterile environment and are completely unprepared for Earth's wild and unpredictable nature.

You might explore the concept of Nature as a sentient force. What if Mother Nature has been a dormant consciousness, and the alien invasion wakes her?

How would she protect her domain? Would she communicate with the remaining humans, or perhaps with the Earth's flora and fauna, to mount a defense?

Consider the untamed parts of our world—the deep ocean, dense jungles, and vast deserts. These are places even humans have only partially explored.

How might these environments become battlegrounds or sanctuaries? What secrets might they hold that could turn the tables on the invaders?

Remember, your story doesn't need to be solely about conflict. It could also explore themes of unity, survival, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.

How might humans adapt to living more harmoniously with nature in the wake of the invasion? Could this crisis lead to a new understanding and appreciation of our planet?

Finally, don’t forget the emotional and psychological aspects. How do different characters react to the invasion? What personal journeys do they go through? How does the experience change their relationship with nature and each other?

In summary, let your creativity flow and take the prompt in any direction that inspires you. Whether it’s a tale of epic battles, a quiet story of survival, or a philosophical exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature, all interpretations are welcome.

I believe that’s everything. If you have any questions, please comment down below!

Thank you, and enjoy!

Liam Tempest