Completed Challenges
Explore completed Challenges to get familiar with previous prompts, prizes, and winning stories.
Neolomicro
Invent a word, then write a microfiction story that encapsulates its meaning.
$450 Grand PrizeFinishedSnafu Senryu
Capture the essence of an awkward moment in a senryu poem.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedUnder a Spell
Write a story about a coven. The first line must be a spell.
$600 Grand PrizeFinishedNourished
Share the story and recipe of a comforting dish you received when you needed it most.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedUnspoken
Convey a deep conversation between two individuals without uttering a single word aloud.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedExtraterrestrial
Write a rhyming poem about the first thing you would introduce to an alien on Earth.
$600 Grand PrizeFinishedChapters
Write a chapter from the middle of your memoir.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedWriters
Write about the first piece you ever wrote.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedNext Great [American] Novel
Write the first chapter of the next Great [American] Novel.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBook Club
Write about a book that changed you.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedCritique
Critique a popular work in just 50 words.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedTales Retold
Retell a classic fairy tale with a twist.
$600 Grand PrizeFinishedOde to Ordinary
Write an ode to an ordinary object.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedMythmaker
Write a myth to explain the fabled origin story of why something exists.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedShort and Sweet
Write a love poem using only words with four letters or less.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedPitch Your Pilot
Write a pitch for the pilot of a comedy TV series.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedPast Life
Write about what your occupation would be if you were born in a different historical period.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedPainted Prose
Write a story inspired by a work of art.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedFather's Footprint
Write a reflective essay exploring the role a father figure has played in shaping your identity.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedMicro Heist
Write a microfiction story about a heist in exactly 200 words.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedDancing with Distraction
Write an acrostic using the word distraction.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedWord Hunt
Write a story that incorporates three words from the provided word search puzzle.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedMelodic Milestone Playlist
Create a personalized soundtrack to your life.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedMicrofiction Magic
Write a micro-fiction story in just 50 to 100 words.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedUnexpected Uncovering
Write a fiction story about someone who has just discovered something awful about their partner.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSensational
Write a poem inspired by the five senses.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedEpistolary
Write a poem in letter form.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedPassing Ships
Write about a small moment in your life that had a big impact.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSky's the Limit
Write a story that takes place entirely in flight.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedTautogram
Write a poem where every word starts with the same letter.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBroken Mirror
Write a horror story about a haunted mirror. We’ll give you the first sentence.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedLudicrous Limerick
Write a limerick about the absurdities of life.
$2,000 Grand PrizeFinishedTall Tail
Write a short story about an animal that can talk.
$1,500 Grand PrizeFinishedUnder Purple Clouds
Write the first chapter of a magical realism story. We’ll give you the first sentence.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedTime Traveler
Write a fiction story about a time traveler who tries to alter a historical event.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedTime Capsule Haiku
Write a haiku about time.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedIf Walls Could Talk
Write a fiction story from the perspective of a wall that can talk.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedUncommon
Write a poem about something rare.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedImprobable Paradise
Write a fiction story about an unlikely pair that meets on a tropical island.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedQuadru-haiku
Write a haiku inspired by the four elements.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedReset Your Password
Write a fiction story that includes the phrase: "reset your password".
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedFull Moon
Write a poem inspired by a crazy dream.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBehind the Last Window
Write a dystopian fiction story that includes a window.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBlue Haiku
Write a haiku about something blue.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedWeekend Getaway
Win a getaway: AirbnbWrite a fictional story about a snowy weekend cabin getaway.
$1,000 Airbnb Credit Grand PrizeFinishedThe Mystery Box
Write a story about a mysterious package.
$2,000 Grand PrizeFinishedHoliday Hijinks
Write a non-fiction story about a holiday gathering gone wrong.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedThe Aquarium
Write a story that takes place in an aquarium.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedHigh-ku
Write a haiku inspired by a mountain.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedChristopher Paolini's Fantasy Fiction
Write a fantasy fiction story for a chance to meet Christopher Paolini & $10,000.
$10,000 & 30 min Zoom Call with Christopher Paolini Grand PrizeFinished24/7 Companion
Created with: Sundays For DogsWrite about your favorite memory with your pet.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedGet Comfortable
Write a poem that celebrates what gives you comfort.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedNew Worlds
Write the first chapter of a science fiction story. Win $10,000.
$10,000 Grand PrizeFinishedThe Runaway Train
Write a fiction story set aboard a runaway train.
$10,000 Grand PrizeFinishedAfter the Parade
Write a poem reflecting on the world and your place in it.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedCampfire Ghost Story
Write the scariest fiction story. We’ll give you the first sentence. Win $10,000.
$10,000 Grand PrizeFinishedDads Are No Joke
Dads are great at telling stories. Now tell the story of your dad.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedSummer Camp
Created with: CampWrite a story about your favorite summer food. Win $5,000.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedThe Fantasy Prologue
Write the first chapter of a fantasy fiction story. We’ll give you the first sentence.
$10,000 Grand PrizeFinishedMother's Day Confessions
Write a letter to your mom and confess something you’ve never shared before.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedShip of Dreams
Write your own historical fiction story about the sinking of the Titanic.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedThe Moment of Freedom
Write about freedom. Do good for Ukraine.
$10k donation Grand PrizeFinishedFrom Across the Room
Write a poem about love at first sight.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedWe Have a Dream
Supported By: I Have a DreamTell us the steps you’re going to take to foster kindness and inclusivity in 2022.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedHometown Heroes
Supported By: Be a MentorWrite an open letter to your heroes.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedLife Unleashed
Supported By: Halo CollarShare a story about a memory that you and your dog have made together.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedReturn of the Night Owl
Share a piece of short fiction that includes a barn owl at any point in your narrative.
$20,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSleep Resolution
Supported By: LullShare a New Year's resolution guide that prioritizes rest.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedThe Vocal+ Fiction Awards
Enter our biggest Challenge yet: 25 winners, $125,000 in prizes, and Vocal's first ever book of short stories by our creators.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedThe Remarkably Real Challenge
Supported by: Charles & ColvardTell us a candid story where your authentic self shone through.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedThe Scarlet Macaw
Supported By: Untamed PhotographerShare a creative story that includes the endangered bird, the Macaw.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedFoggy Waters
Write a short horror fiction story set in or near a body of water.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedCritter Costume
Supported by: OllieShare a photo of your pet's cleverest, cutest, creepiest Halloween costume.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedGraveyard Smash
Create the soundtrack for the ultimate Halloween party.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedEmPAWyee of the Month
In Support of: ASPCAShare a story about your beloved furry, feathered, or finned coworker.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedComing of Age
Share a story about the time or event in your life that changed everything.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedHomecoming
Share a poem inspired by what "home" means to you.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedInside Jokes
Share a funny, true story about you and one of your childhood friends.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedFan(dom) Favorite
Share a story with us about the best fantasy world out there.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedA Day in the Life
Share a story about how your job helps you make an impact on the world.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSFS 8: Pear Tree
Share a short fiction story including a pear tree.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSFS 7: Long Thaw
Share a fiction story involving a frozen pond.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSFS 6: Green Light
Share a fiction story including a green light.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSFS 5: Raging Bull
Create a short fiction story including a bull.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSFS 4: Golden Summer
Create a short fiction story including a marigold flower.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedThreading the Needle
Supported By: DMCTell us about a creative project or activity you love doing that gives you inner peace.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedDeep Dive
Supported By: Untamed PhotographerCelebrate Shark Week by writing a short fiction story including a shark.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedSFS 3: Brown Paper Box
Create a fiction story including a suspicious package wrapped in brown paper.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSFS 2: Death By Chocolate
Create a short fiction story including a slice of chocolate cake.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSFS 1: Old Barn
The first Challenge of Vocal's Summer Fiction Series
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedTravel Cuisine
Share your favorite recipes from around the world.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedDoomsday Diary
Supported by: UnboundWrite a short piece of dystopian fiction involving a heart-shaped locket.
$20,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBedtime Stories
Tell us about your favorite childhood fairytale or bedtime story.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedMembers-Only
Supported By: MemberfulTell us about what fulfills you and why people should support your passion.
$22,500 Grand PrizeFinishedSocial Shock
Write a story telling us about a time you just didn't quite fit in.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedTrue Crime
Share your favorite true crime story or unsolved mystery and tell us why.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedCreate Your Happiness
Supported By: FiskarsTell us about a craft or project that brings you joy.
$15,000 Grand PrizeFinishedPride Playlist
Create a playlist full of your LGBTQIA+ anthems to celebrate Pride Month.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedCapture the Wild
Supported By: Untamed PhotographerShare your best animal photography and tell us how you got the shot.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedBoss Mom
Supported By: The Female QuotientShare the life lessons your Mom taught you, and how their influence shaped your life.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedSummer's Day
Write a sonnet inspired by a summer memory.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedWave Makers
Share how you plan to help reduce your carbon footprint and further protect our oceans.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedGemini Season
Write Gemini's horoscope and create a short forecast for those born under this sign.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedVegan Bake-Off
Share your favorite vegan recipes sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedColor is Pride: True Colors
Supported by: MoleskineWrite a poem about something that makes you unique, inspired by the idea of color.
$2,000 Grand PrizeFinishedTeen Angst Playlist
Share a playlist of your favorite angsty teenage songs, and tell us why they were an important part of your adolescence.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSweet Nostalgia
Share which fashion or style trend you'd love to see come back in style.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedFair Winds
Write a fiction story involving a ship on the horizon.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinished(No) Regrets
Reveal your most embarrassing stories and cringeworthy moments.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedDream Date
Supported By: Bright CellarsCreate a short fiction story about a first date, involving a glass of Merlot.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedEat Local
Highlight your favorite local restaurants.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedStray to Stay
Tell us how you rescued your beloved pets and share their adoption story.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedThrift Finds
Show off and share your thrift shop treasures.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedZen Playlist
Create and share a meditative playlist that helps center you.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedIf This, Then That
Supported By: DeciderShare your formula for the perfect movie or TV recommendation.
$10,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSister Circle
Write an open letter to the toughest woman you know.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinished(Un)Common Knowledge
Share your most fascinating fun fact or obscure wisdom that others probably don't know.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedAdd to Cart
Share your splurge-worthy shopping recommendations influenced by social media.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSpring Forward
Share your best organization tips and tricks.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBlack in Business
Highlight a Black creator or innovator, online or offline, who inspires you.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBefore and After
Guide us through your photo editing process.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedIn the Stars
Share your star sign and whether it relates to you or not.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedLittle Black Book
Supported By: MoleskineCreate a fiction story about someone who unexpectedly comes into a large sum of money, involving a mysterious small black book.
$20,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBlack Women in Music
Highlight Black women in the music industry who inspire you.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedAnti-Valentine's Day Playlist
Create and share the ultimate anti-Valentine's Day soundtrack.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedThe Mystery of Bitcoin
Create an origin story that tackles one of cryptocurrency's biggest mysteries.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedHometown Feature
Show what your hometown means to you through your camera lens.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedGame Day Snacks
Share your favorite snacks that help you gear up for game day.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedGuilty Pleasure Binge
Admit which binge-worthy TV show is your guilty pleasure.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedFresh Start
Share your wellness resolutions for this year.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedGood Deeds
Tell us about the small acts of selflessness or generosity you've experienced.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedSo 2020
Share which current fashion trend you can't wait to see go out of style.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedGoodbye Donald
Write an open letter to Donald Trump sharing your thoughts on the last four years.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedThe Night Owl
Share a fictional story that includes a barn owl in your narrative.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedCozy Corner
Write about your favorite space that makes you feel most at home.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedDear New Year
Start the new year off right by writing a letter to yourself in the new year ahead.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinished2020 Rewind Playlist
Share the biggest hits from your music library this year.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedGift Guide
Help us put together the ultimate holiday gift guide!
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedHoliday Card Outtakes
Submit your most hilarious, blooper-style holiday photos.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedMindful Gifting
Share the sustainable ways you're giving and celebrating the holiday season.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedCookie Swap
Tell us what you're baking this season, and walk us through your favorite recipe.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedThe Perfect Pairing
Supported By: Bright CellarsShare your favorite, most creative food and wine pairings.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedSolo Trip
Plan your next trip or adventure, solo-style.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedThankful Thoughts
Tell us what you're most thankful for this year and why.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedWorkout Playlist
Create a playlist that helps keep you moving.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedHoly Grail
Walk us through your must-have beauty and skincare products.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBeyond the Vote
Tell us how you plan to take action beyond your vote.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedPet Cam
What do you imagine your pets do at home when you're gone?
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedCostume Contest
Show off your grandest, most terrifying, most hilarious Halloween costume of all time.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedTrick or Treats
Satisfy your sweet tooth or break out the crockpot by sharing your go-to fall recipe.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBody Art
Share a time in your life where a physical change marked a new beginning.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedCursed Images
Share your photography that chills us to the bone.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSpooky Shorts
Write a short horror story including a candle in the window.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedFood for the Soul
Share a recipe or food memory that's particularly close to your heart.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedSlasher Classics
Tell us which iconic horror film is your all-time favorite fright.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBrain Power Playlist
Share a work or study playlist that keeps your head in the game.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedLike, Share, Subscribe
State your case: Who's the best YouTuber of all time?
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedDinner Party
Plan your ultimate dinner party, down to the dream guest list.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBest Friends
Write an open thank you letter to your best friend.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedTattoo Tale
Share the stories behind why you got your tattoos.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedOG Celebrity Crush
Share your very first celebrity crush, no matter how embarassing.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedFor You
Make a case for the best Tik Tok of all time.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedMindful Strides
Create your ultimate walking meditation guide.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedDream Home
Plan your imaginary dream home and tell us all about it.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinished24/7 Diner
Write a fiction story that includes a 24/7 diner.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedSustainability Hacks
Share your innovative and inventive tips and tricks for eco-friendly living.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedMusical Decades
Tell us which decade of music speaks to you the most.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedThe Little Things
Submit a poem inspired by finding joy in something small.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedIconic Duo
Name the most iconic duo and state your case for why they were meant to be.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedInhale, Exhale
Guide us through your routine to stay mindful and energized.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedOutdoor Shots
Capture your best outdoor photo and share your process.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedGlow from Within
Share what makes your self-care routine extra special.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinished2020 Anthem
Share your 2020 anthem: the song that perfectly sums up your year so far.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedConfession Corner
Reveal a secret you’ve been holding on to—perhaps for too long.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedOn the Rocks
Share your perfect summer drink recipe.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedVoices for Change
Black lives matter. Create a story to educate others, or share your experiences.
$2,500 donation Grand PrizeFinishedLifelong Learning
Recommend a book or podcast that’s taught you something valuable.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedICYMI
Share your top three underrated TV shows and tell us why you recommend them.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedPets Welcome
Introduce us to your pets and tell us what makes your bond so special.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedFlashback
Share a memory that makes you smile.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedEveryday Heroes
Write an open letter of appreciation to essential workers.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedLandscape Mode
Turn your current view into a beautiful vignette or short creative piece.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedRecipe Swap
Share your staple quarantine recipes that kept you busy in the kitchen.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedBetter Days
Share what you have planned for your first day post-isolation.
$1,000 Grand PrizeFinishedPay It Forward
Supported by: VimeoCreate a video supporting a small business using Vimeo Create.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedVirtual Postcard
Find a postcard-worthy photo of the destination you’ve been dreaming of using Unsplash.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedQuarantine Playlist
Share a playlist of all the music you've been listening to in lockdown.
$500 Grand PrizeFinishedLove More
Help us spread the love by sharing three pieces of media that brings you joy.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedWomen Who Inspire
Tell us about the women that motivate and inspire you.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedUnpopular Opinion
Supported by: ScreenshotIt’s time to finally get it off your chest: Your least popular opinion.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedSpeak Up
Tell world leaders what you think needs to happen to save the environment.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedBehind the Beat
Share the untold story behind a particular song that changed your life.
$5,000 Grand PrizeFinishedMobile Moments
Snap a photo that you're proud of using only your smartphone.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinishedLocals Only
Reveal the hidden gems and of your hometown that only locals know about.
$2,500 Grand PrizeFinished
