Completed Challenges

Whispering Woods

Write a fantasy fiction story that takes places in a sentient forest.

Snacktime Sonata

Write a poem about your most beloved childhood snack.

The Dragon Beside Me

Write about a woman (en) who has inspired you.

Love Unraveled

Write a personal reflection that explores the complexities of love.

Inverse

Write a poem that takes on a different meaning when you read the lines from bottom to top.

Snow Micro

Write a 250 word microfiction that takes place in a snowy setting.

Misplaced

Write a fictional story from the perspective of a misplaced item.

Abecedarian

Write an abecedarian poem.

#200

What aspirations do you have for yourself on Vocal this year?

Whodunit

Write a crime fiction story.

Villanelle

Write a villanelle poem that adheres to the form's traditional rhyme scheme.

Identity

Explore a moment in your life where you grappled with your concept of identity.

Smooth

Write a poem about something smooth.

Arid

Write a story that ends in a desert setting. We'll give you the last sentence.

Neolomicro

Invent a word, then write a microfiction story that encapsulates its meaning.

Snafu Senryu

Capture the essence of an awkward moment in a senryu poem.

Under a Spell

Write a story about a coven. The first line must be a spell.

Nourished

Share the story and recipe of a comforting dish you received when you needed it most.

Unspoken

Convey a deep conversation between two individuals without uttering a single word aloud.

2023 Vocal Writing Awards

Extraterrestrial

Write a rhyming poem about the first thing you would introduce to an alien on Earth.

Chapters

Write a chapter from the middle of your memoir.

Writers

Write about the first piece you ever wrote.

Next Great [American] Novel

Write the first chapter of the next Great [American] Novel.

Book Club

Write about a book that changed you.

Critique

Critique a popular work in just 50 words.

Tales Retold

Retell a classic fairy tale with a twist.

Ode to Ordinary

Write an ode to an ordinary object.

Mythmaker

Write a myth to explain the fabled origin story of why something exists.

Short and Sweet

Write a love poem using only words with four letters or less.

Pitch Your Pilot

Write a pitch for the pilot of a comedy TV series.

Past Life

Write about what your occupation would be if you were born in a different historical period.

Painted Prose

Write a story inspired by a work of art.

Father's Footprint

Write a reflective essay exploring the role a father figure has played in shaping your identity.

Micro Heist

Write a microfiction story about a heist in exactly 200 words.

Dancing with Distraction

Write an acrostic using the word distraction.

Word Hunt

Write a story that incorporates three words from the provided word search puzzle.

Melodic Milestone Playlist

Create a personalized soundtrack to your life.

Microfiction Magic

Write a micro-fiction story in just 50 to 100 words.

Unexpected Uncovering

Write a fiction story about someone who has just discovered something awful about their partner.

Sensational

Write a poem inspired by the five senses.

Epistolary

Write a poem in letter form.

Passing Ships

Write about a small moment in your life that had a big impact.

Sky's the Limit

Write a story that takes place entirely in flight.

Tautogram

Write a poem where every word starts with the same letter.

Broken Mirror

Write a horror story about a haunted mirror. We’ll give you the first sentence.

Ludicrous Limerick

Write a limerick about the absurdities of life.

Tall Tail

Write a short story about an animal that can talk.

Under Purple Clouds

Write the first chapter of a magical realism story. We’ll give you the first sentence.

Time Capsule Haiku

Write a haiku about time.

Time Traveler

Write a fiction story about a time traveler who tries to alter a historical event.

If Walls Could Talk

Write a fiction story from the perspective of a wall that can talk.

Uncommon

Write a poem about something rare.

Improbable Paradise

Write a fiction story about an unlikely pair that meets on a tropical island.

Quadru-haiku

Write a haiku inspired by the four elements.

Reset Your Password

Write a fiction story that includes the phrase: "reset your password".

Full Moon

Write a poem inspired by a crazy dream.

Behind the Last Window

Write a dystopian fiction story that includes a window.

Blue Haiku

Write a haiku about something blue.

Weekend Getaway

Write a fictional story about a snowy weekend cabin getaway.

The Mystery Box

Write a story about a mysterious package.

Holiday Hijinks

Write a non-fiction story about a holiday gathering gone wrong.

The Aquarium

Write a story that takes place in an aquarium.

High-ku

Write a haiku inspired by a mountain.

Christopher Paolini's Fantasy Fiction

Write a fantasy fiction story for a chance to meet Christopher Paolini & $10,000.

Get Comfortable

Write a poem that celebrates what gives you comfort.

24/7 Companion

Write about your favorite memory with your pet.

New Worlds

Write the first chapter of a science fiction story. Win $10,000.

The Runaway Train

Write a fiction story set aboard a runaway train.

After the Parade

Write a poem reflecting on the world and your place in it.

Campfire Ghost Story

Write the scariest fiction story. We’ll give you the first sentence. Win $10,000.

Dads Are No Joke

Dads are great at telling stories. Now tell the story of your dad.

Summer Camp

Write a story about your favorite summer food. Win $5,000.

The Fantasy Prologue

Write the first chapter of a fantasy fiction story. We’ll give you the first sentence.

Mother's Day Confessions

Write a letter to your mom and confess something you’ve never shared before.

Ship of Dreams

Write your own historical fiction story about the sinking of the Titanic.

The Moment of Freedom

Write about freedom. Do good for Ukraine.

From Across the Room

Write a poem about love at first sight.

We Have a Dream

Tell us the steps you’re going to take to foster kindness and inclusivity in 2022.

Hometown Heroes

Write an open letter to your heroes.

Life Unleashed

Share a story about a memory that you and your dog have made together.

Return of the Night Owl

Share a piece of short fiction that includes a barn owl at any point in your narrative.

Sleep Resolution

Share a New Year's resolution guide that prioritizes rest.

The 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.

The Remarkably Real Challenge

Tell us a candid story where your authentic self shone through.

The Scarlet Macaw

Share a creative story that includes the endangered bird, the Macaw.

Foggy Waters

Write a short horror fiction story set in or near a body of water.

Critter Costume

Share a photo of your pet's cleverest, cutest, creepiest Halloween costume.

Graveyard Smash

Create the soundtrack for the ultimate Halloween party.

EmPAWyee of the Month

Share a story about your beloved furry, feathered, or finned coworker.

Coming of Age

Share a story about the time or event in your life that changed everything.

Inside Jokes

Share a funny, true story about you and one of your childhood friends.

Homecoming

Share a poem inspired by what "home" means to you.

Fan(dom) Favorite

Share a story with us about the best fantasy world out there.

A Day in the Life

Share a story about how your job helps you make an impact on the world.

SFS 8: Pear Tree

Share a short fiction story including a pear tree.

SFS 7: Long Thaw

Share a fiction story involving a frozen pond.

SFS 6: Green Light

Share a fiction story including a green light.

SFS 5: Raging Bull

Create a short fiction story including a bull.

SFS 4: Golden Summer

Create a short fiction story including a marigold flower.

Threading the Needle

Tell us about a creative project or activity you love doing that gives you inner peace.

Deep Dive

Celebrate Shark Week by writing a short fiction story including a shark.

SFS 3: Brown Paper Box

Create a fiction story including a suspicious package wrapped in brown paper.

SFS 2: Death By Chocolate

Create a short fiction story including a slice of chocolate cake.

SFS 1: Old Barn

The first Challenge of Vocal's Summer Fiction Series

Travel Cuisine

Share your favorite recipes from around the world.

Doomsday Diary

Write a short piece of dystopian fiction involving a heart-shaped locket.

Bedtime Stories

Tell us about your favorite childhood fairytale or bedtime story.

Members-Only

Tell us about what fulfills you and why people should support your passion.

Social Shock

Write a story telling us about a time you just didn't quite fit in.

True Crime

Share your favorite true crime story or unsolved mystery and tell us why.

Create Your Happiness

Tell us about a craft or project that brings you joy.

Capture the Wild

Share your best animal photography and tell us how you got the shot.

Pride Playlist

Create a playlist full of your LGBTQIA+ anthems to celebrate Pride Month.

Summer's Day

Write a sonnet inspired by a summer memory.

Boss Mom

Share the life lessons your Mom taught you, and how their influence shaped your life.

Gemini Season

Write Gemini's horoscope and create a short forecast for those born under this sign.

Wave Makers

Share how you plan to help reduce your carbon footprint and further protect our oceans.

Vegan Bake-Off

Share your favorite vegan recipes sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Color is Pride: True Colors

Write a poem about something that makes you unique, inspired by the idea of color.

Teen Angst Playlist

Share a playlist of your favorite angsty teenage songs, and tell us why they were an important part of your adolescence.

Sweet Nostalgia

Share which fashion or style trend you'd love to see come back in style.

Fair Winds

Write a fiction story involving a ship on the horizon.

(No) Regrets

Reveal your most embarrassing stories and cringeworthy moments.

Dream Date

Create a short fiction story about a first date, involving a glass of Merlot.

Eat Local

Highlight your favorite local restaurants.

Stray to Stay

Tell us how you rescued your beloved pets and share their adoption story.

Thrift Finds

Show off and share your thrift shop treasures.

Zen Playlist

Create and share a meditative playlist that helps center you.

If This, Then That

Share your formula for the perfect movie or TV recommendation.

Sister Circle

Write an open letter to the toughest woman you know.

(Un)Common Knowledge

Share your most fascinating fun fact or obscure wisdom that others probably don't know.

Add to Cart

Share your splurge-worthy shopping recommendations influenced by social media.

Spring Forward

Share your best organization tips and tricks.

Black in Business

Highlight a Black creator or innovator, online or offline, who inspires you.

Before and After

Guide us through your photo editing process.

In the Stars

Share your star sign and whether it relates to you or not.

Little Black Book

Create a fiction story about someone who unexpectedly comes into a large sum of money, involving a mysterious small black book.

Black Women in Music

Highlight Black women in the music industry who inspire you.

The Mystery of Bitcoin

Create an origin story that tackles one of cryptocurrency's biggest mysteries.

Anti-Valentine's Day Playlist

Create and share the ultimate anti-Valentine's Day soundtrack.

Hometown Feature

Show what your hometown means to you through your camera lens.

Game Day Snacks

Share your favorite snacks that help you gear up for game day.

Guilty Pleasure Binge

Admit which binge-worthy TV show is your guilty pleasure.

Fresh Start

Share your wellness resolutions for this year.

Good Deeds

Tell us about the small acts of selflessness or generosity you've experienced.

So 2020

Share which current fashion trend you can't wait to see go out of style.

Goodbye Donald

Write an open letter to Donald Trump sharing your thoughts on the last four years.

The Night Owl

Share a fictional story that includes a barn owl in your narrative.

Cozy Corner

Write about your favorite space that makes you feel most at home.

Dear New Year

Start the new year off right by writing a letter to yourself in the new year ahead.

2020 Rewind Playlist

Share the biggest hits from your music library this year.

Gift Guide

Help us put together the ultimate holiday gift guide!

Holiday Card Outtakes

Submit your most hilarious, blooper-style holiday photos.

Mindful Gifting

Share the sustainable ways you're giving and celebrating the holiday season.

Cookie Swap

Tell us what you're baking this season, and walk us through your favorite recipe.

The Perfect Pairing

Share your favorite, most creative food and wine pairings.

Solo Trip

Plan your next trip or adventure, solo-style.

Thankful Thoughts

Tell us what you're most thankful for this year and why.

Workout Playlist

Create a playlist that helps keep you moving.

Holy Grail

Walk us through your must-have beauty and skincare products.

Beyond the Vote

Tell us how you plan to take action beyond your vote.

Pet Cam

What do you imagine your pets do at home when you're gone?

Costume Contest

Show off your grandest, most terrifying, most hilarious Halloween costume of all time.

Trick or Treats

Satisfy your sweet tooth or break out the crockpot by sharing your go-to fall recipe.

Body Art

Share a time in your life where a physical change marked a new beginning.

Cursed Images

Share your photography that chills us to the bone.

Spooky Shorts

Write a short horror story including a candle in the window.

Food for the Soul

Share a recipe or food memory that's particularly close to your heart.

Slasher Classics

Tell us which iconic horror film is your all-time favorite fright.

Brain Power Playlist

Share a work or study playlist that keeps your head in the game.

Like, Share, Subscribe

State your case: Who's the best YouTuber of all time?

Dinner Party

Plan your ultimate dinner party, down to the dream guest list.

Best Friends

Write an open thank you letter to your best friend.

Tattoo Tale

Share the stories behind why you got your tattoos.

For You

Make a case for the best Tik Tok of all time.

OG Celebrity Crush

Share your very first celebrity crush, no matter how embarassing.

Mindful Strides

Create your ultimate walking meditation guide.

Dream Home

Plan your imaginary dream home and tell us all about it.

24/7 Diner

Write a fiction story that includes a 24/7 diner.

Sustainability Hacks

Share your innovative and inventive tips and tricks for eco-friendly living.

Musical Decades

Tell us which decade of music speaks to you the most.

The Little Things

Submit a poem inspired by finding joy in something small.

Iconic Duo

Name the most iconic duo and state your case for why they were meant to be.

Inhale, Exhale

Guide us through your routine to stay mindful and energized.

Outdoor Shots

Capture your best outdoor photo and share your process.

Glow from Within

Share what makes your self-care routine extra special.

2020 Anthem

Share your 2020 anthem: the song that perfectly sums up your year so far.

Confession Corner

Reveal a secret you’ve been holding on to—perhaps for too long.

On the Rocks

Share your perfect summer drink recipe.

Voices for Change

Black lives matter. Create a story to educate others, or share your experiences.

Lifelong Learning

Recommend a book or podcast that’s taught you something valuable.

ICYMI

Share your top three underrated TV shows and tell us why you recommend them.

Pets Welcome

Introduce us to your pets and tell us what makes your bond so special.

Everyday Heroes

Write an open letter of appreciation to essential workers.

Flashback

Share a memory that makes you smile.

Landscape Mode

Turn your current view into a beautiful vignette or short creative piece.

Recipe Swap

Share your staple quarantine recipes that kept you busy in the kitchen.

Better Days

Share what you have planned for your first day post-isolation.

Pay It Forward

Create a video supporting a small business using Vimeo Create.

Virtual Postcard

Find a postcard-worthy photo of the destination you’ve been dreaming of using Unsplash.

Quarantine Playlist

Share a playlist of all the music you've been listening to in lockdown.

Love More

Help us spread the love by sharing three pieces of media that brings you joy.

Women Who Inspire

Tell us about the women that motivate and inspire you.

Unpopular Opinion

It’s time to finally get it off your chest: Your least popular opinion.

Speak Up

Tell world leaders what you think needs to happen to save the environment.

Behind the Beat

Share the untold story behind a particular song that changed your life.

Mobile Moments

Snap a photo that you're proud of using only your smartphone.

Locals Only

Reveal the hidden gems and of your hometown that only locals know about.