Coming back to write a new comment now that I have read everyone's contributions. What a stellar batch of stories and to all culminate for the Void. Watcher and Narrator do be hungry.
Nikki, your compound finale was a lot of fun! The indifference of the Watcher reminds me of how I think about nature. Indifference is terrifyingly powerful. A force unbeholden to compromise/barter.
Congratulations to the winners! I am very excited to read the submissions individually. As always, this was such a fun read and strung together impeccably! Great job all around! 👏
If I may be so bold, it was easy to write and just enjoy the process but after I posted, I spent the rest of the time up to now questioning my writing, hating what I left out, and how it might be percevied or certain features missed because I left out too much detail. So my advice is one that you've probably already heard and most people hate: don't be afraid to be uncomfortable, write what you want, and just squirm through the submission process.
Because ultimately, it was a lot of fun and I found myself thinking about my story while I did chores, played videogames, or did my regular eceryday job. So just hit submit. No pressure and cannot wait to read your work!
Aw thanks. I had an absolute blast. I found myself daydreaming about my weird world inspired by things like Cyberpunk and the Blame! manga. And once I'd already written all of it up to the word limit, I thought, "Did I write all this just to be too scared to hit submit? Nah, let's go for it." And I'm glad I did. Can't get better without squirming a little.
What a great question! Honestly, I’ve only submitted to a handful of challenges or competitions myself, so I might not be the ultimate expert. But maybe I can offer a little perspective.
The nervousness around sharing your writing is exactly why I structure these challenges the way I do. It’s never about being the best—it’s always about embracing the challenge itself. And each time, winners are chosen based on different criteria. Sometimes I pick pieces that are wildly unique, sometimes I go for clichés done exceptionally well, and sometimes I choose work based entirely on what the writer didn’t include.
The goal is whatever you want it to be: challenging yourself across genres, sharing snippets from stories you’ve already written, or simply practicing writing under a deadline. Everyone’s approach is unique.
I may be biased, but I truly believe these elements set my monthly writing challenges apart—and make them, in my opinion, much less intimidating.
Hope that helps! If you ever want support or have questions, feel free to DM me. 🖤
Absolutely fucking fuego. I loved this mosh pit of chaotic illusions fueled by hate and grief. Amazing work Narrator! Thank you so much for including me in the process and creating something totally unique. All of these stories are a FANTASTIC.
I am honored and grateful to have participated and to share in a project such as this. It's always good to stretch the writing skills so why not with friends in the Void?
Coming back to write a new comment now that I have read everyone's contributions. What a stellar batch of stories and to all culminate for the Void. Watcher and Narrator do be hungry.
Nikki, your compound finale was a lot of fun! The indifference of the Watcher reminds me of how I think about nature. Indifference is terrifyingly powerful. A force unbeholden to compromise/barter.
Congratulations to the winners! I am very excited to read the submissions individually. As always, this was such a fun read and strung together impeccably! Great job all around! 👏
Thank you very much for the positive feedback.
Yes I want my antihero with amnesia to have a slice of life experience where he is just vibing in the day to day
Very cool!
Thank you so much! 🖤
Ok so in all seriousness, how do you guys get the confidence to partake?
If I may be so bold, it was easy to write and just enjoy the process but after I posted, I spent the rest of the time up to now questioning my writing, hating what I left out, and how it might be percevied or certain features missed because I left out too much detail. So my advice is one that you've probably already heard and most people hate: don't be afraid to be uncomfortable, write what you want, and just squirm through the submission process.
Because ultimately, it was a lot of fun and I found myself thinking about my story while I did chores, played videogames, or did my regular eceryday job. So just hit submit. No pressure and cannot wait to read your work!
This was such a good response! Gave me a little bit of confidence, too. 🖤 Thank you!
Also, I love that you had so much fun. 🥲
Aw thanks. I had an absolute blast. I found myself daydreaming about my weird world inspired by things like Cyberpunk and the Blame! manga. And once I'd already written all of it up to the word limit, I thought, "Did I write all this just to be too scared to hit submit? Nah, let's go for it." And I'm glad I did. Can't get better without squirming a little.
For me, it was actually about building confidence.
I started looking at my writing like my radio job. “Eh, no one’s gonna read it, so who cares what I write.”
somehow this is given me the confidence to actually be more bold in my writing.
Definitely helped me too! I experimented and it seemed to go off well!
As someone who already has countless rejection slips, it’s important to stick yourself out there through the fear.
But this challenge is an amazing spot to start, it really does feel inclusive and not as harrowing as something like a lit mag
Hope that helps 👻
I’m not crying—someone’s cutting onions again.
This comment means so much to me. 🥹 I am beyond honored to be part of this journey for you.
No. Thank you.
This was so much fun.
What a great question! Honestly, I’ve only submitted to a handful of challenges or competitions myself, so I might not be the ultimate expert. But maybe I can offer a little perspective.
The nervousness around sharing your writing is exactly why I structure these challenges the way I do. It’s never about being the best—it’s always about embracing the challenge itself. And each time, winners are chosen based on different criteria. Sometimes I pick pieces that are wildly unique, sometimes I go for clichés done exceptionally well, and sometimes I choose work based entirely on what the writer didn’t include.
The goal is whatever you want it to be: challenging yourself across genres, sharing snippets from stories you’ve already written, or simply practicing writing under a deadline. Everyone’s approach is unique.
I may be biased, but I truly believe these elements set my monthly writing challenges apart—and make them, in my opinion, much less intimidating.
Hope that helps! If you ever want support or have questions, feel free to DM me. 🖤
Thank you for such kindness 🖤
But also… what incredible contributions and an utterly amazing hybrid of chaos. Dark, menacing, humorous, and… void-y. Adored it all! Loved it! 🖤
Seriously, this was so awesome to write in, because you all are such amazing writers.
Agreed! 🖤
Absolutely fucking fuego. I loved this mosh pit of chaotic illusions fueled by hate and grief. Amazing work Narrator! Thank you so much for including me in the process and creating something totally unique. All of these stories are a FANTASTIC.
Woah, WHAT! I got some reading and sharing to do! Congrats to everyone who participated! 🎉
Congratulations! Your story snippet, The Sphere, challenged me the most—which is exactly what I wanted.
It was so well written and uniquely done, by the way. Excellent work. 🖤
I am honored and grateful to have participated and to share in a project such as this. It's always good to stretch the writing skills so why not with friends in the Void?
The void is awesome!