A Summer for Storytellers

The Vocal+ Summer Writing Series is a 12-week celebration of storytelling. Each week brings a new prompt, alternating between fiction and poetry. It's a chance to challenge yourself, connect with a creative community, and compete for over $15,000 in cash prizes.

How to enter:

1.Become a Vocal+ member

You'll need a Vocal+ subscription to participate in the Vocal+ Summer Writing Series.

Upgrade to Vocal+

2.Explore the prompts

All 12 prompts go live on 6/13/2025, alternating between fiction and poetry. Each one stays open for a week.

Explore the prompts

3.Write and submit

Follow the Challenge prompts and guidelines. Submit your stories before 11:59 PM EST on that prompt's Friday deadline.

4.Submit again

Come back each week for a new prompt. Each Challenge is a fresh chance to create, connect, and get recognized.

Over $15,000 in prizes

We're not just choosing one winner. We're celebrating 360 creators. Every challenge gives more writers more chances to earn recognition and real rewards.

Top 5 Winners

$200

The best of the best that week.

15 Runners-Up

$15

Strong entries that earned a spotlight.

10 Honorable Mentions

$5

Noteworthy entries that deserve recognition.

The Challenges

Here's your summer, mapped out in prompts. 12 distinct themes. One released each week.

Submissions close on 7/7

You Were Never Really Here

Write a story shaped by someone who is gone, imagined, or never existed at all.

Submissions close on 7/12

Light Breaks Water

Write a poem that feels like sunlight touching the surface.

Submissions close on 7/19

The Second First Time

Tell a story about doing something again, and how it feels like the first time.

Submissions close on 7/26

Things You Can't Say Out Loud

Write a poem built from the thoughts you never speak.

Submissions close on 8/2

The Summer That Wasn't

Write a story about a summer that never turned out the way it was supposed to.

Submissions close on 8/9

Instructions for Disappearing

Write a poem in the form of a guide for vanishing.

Submissions close on 8/16

Leave the Light On

Write a story that unfolds over the course of one night.

Submissions close on 8/23

This Is How I Remember It

Write a poem built from a memory that won't let go.

Submissions close on 8/30

Everything Looks Better From Far Away

Write a story where the view is perfect, but something's off.

Submissions close on 9/6

Somewhere Between Here and There

Write a poem that takes place mid-thought, mid-walk, or mid-sentence.

Submissions close on 9/13

The Shape of the Thing

Write a story where something unreal still has real impact.

Submissions close on 9/20

The Road Drops Here

Write a poem that begins just as the world tilts forward.

Faqs

We've compiled the most important information to help you get the most out of your experience. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us.

Ready to start writing?

12 prompts. 12 weeks. Start writing now.

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