Whispering Woods Challenge Winners

Congratulations to Morgan Christy Rickards for their winning Whispering Woods story, Guardian at the Gate. Morgan has been a Vocal creator since February 2021, and this is their first time placing in Challenge — well done, starting with a win! Guardian at the Gate draws evocatively from Welsh tales of the Cantre'r Gwaelod, a lost sunken kingdom between the forest and the sea. Heledd’s dangerous adventure pulls her towards the water but her spirit is anchored in the woods: Morgan’s writing is atmospheric and exciting.

In second place is Scott C Lillard’s Heart and Bone — and Scott is another first time winner, so extra cheers for that. Zazh is turning thirteen, and her love for her friend Minn is calling her as the forest calls her… Lillard creates a place of active listening in the fairy-haunted woods, and Zazh finds strength in herself because of the forest’s supporting power.

Well done too to our runners-up. D. J. Reddall conjures a mystic rite in We Remember; Liam Storm (another first timer in challenge placement!) treads the boundary between what’s mythic and what’s read in The Legend of Ardanor; in Keb Rogers’ Good Memories, Henry’s conversation with a tree returns him to the presence of his late, beloved wife. All of these tales spoke to the renewing power and magic of the natural world; the perfect way to launch into spring.

You can check out the full list of winners HERE and learn about our current challenges below: