In October 2025, I participated in my first writing challenge. I learned of Forest & Fawn’s Vampires and Werewolves Writing Challenge through social media. I thought it would be a good opportunity to get my creative writing juices flowing.
The writing challenge’s rules were simple:
- Write a fantasy short story based on vampires or werewolves within a set 10-day period
- Do not exceed 2,000 words
- Include the 3 writing prompts within your short story
Forest & Fawn’s writing challenges are made specifically for fantasy writers of all skill-levels and expertise. As a novice who has not written creatively since college, this criteria appealed to me. I regularly write technical pieces for work, but I wanted to remember what it is like to have fun with my writing. This challenge inspired me to dive into creative writing again.
The challenge also pushed me outside my comfort zone. I submitted a piece of writing to a group of strangers for judging. Every submission is promised at least one round of feedback.
So, when Forest & Fawn announced a new challenge beginning in the new year, I was game. It is a holiday-themed challenge. The challenge officially started last Friday.
The writing challenge must be written in the fantasy genre and be centered around a holiday theme. The challenge’s story prompts:
- A clock that chimes at the wrong time
- A frazzled shop owner
- A secret is revealed
Story prompts for the holiday challenge are open for interpretation. Writers have creative freedom in how they use the story prompts, but each had to be clearly recognizable in the story. Judges’ scores will reflect if the required elements were not easily identifiable.
The challenge began January 9, 2026 with submissions due the 19th. Winners will be announced within three months.
I completed my draft for my submission today. And I absolutely love it! Even if it not to the judges’ tastes, I am proud of myself for completing this challenge. Not only did I take strides in meeting the 2,000 word limit — my first draft came in at 2,089 words — but it truly is a short story.
I will submit once I proofread and get some feedback from friends. Then, it is a waiting game for the winners announcements.
I am excited to share this one when the time comes, though!
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