History Would’ve Burned This Page

The Prompt

History is not neutral. It’s shaped by those who decide what gets remembered — and what gets left out. Pages are torn out, voices are silenced, and truths are rewritten to fit more comfortable narratives.

This challenge invites you to reclaim what was lost. Write about a real or historically inspired figure or moment that was erased, rewritten, or overlooked. Tell the story that didn’t make the textbooks, that was buried in footnotes, or deliberately excluded altogether.

Your piece can be grounded in fact, guided by imagination, or shaped by a personal connection. Whether you’re reviving a voice that was silenced or spotlighting a turning point the world forgot, let your writing give weight and presence to what was once hidden.

Write the page they never wanted us to read.

In order for your submission to qualify, it must be:

• Nonfiction or historical fiction.
• Between 1,200 and 2,500 words.
• Submitted to the History community. Your story will be disqualified if it is submitted to any other community.
• Submitted before June 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
• Your work must be original and unpublished.

The Prizes

• Grand Prize: $500
• Second Place: $200
• 15 Runners-Up: $15 each
• 10 Honorable Mentions: Badge

For your story to be eligible, it must be between 1,200 and 2,500 words and adhere to our Community Guidelines.

Stories published on Vocal and entered into the Challenge up until June 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST will be entered for consideration. Official Rules for the Challenge can be found here.

The History Would’ve Burned This Page Challenge is exclusive to Vocal+ members. To learn more and upgrade to Vocal+, visit https://vocal.media/vocal-plus.

To be eligible to win the grand prize, second place, or runners-up prizes, you must be over the age of 13 and reside in a country where Stripe is available at the time of entry. A complete list of countries where Stripe is available can be found here—winners will need a Stripe account created and connected to receive prizes. Entrants located outside of these countries will not be eligible to win.