Challenge

Readers are Leaders
I used to think reading was just a hobby—a quiet escape from the chaos of life. But one rainy afternoon, curled up with a book I barely understood, I realized something that shook me: readers aren’t just dreamers. We’re leaders.
By John Smithabout 2 hours ago in Writers
Unofficial Vocal Challenges: March 2026
Introduction This list of unofficial Vocal challenges will grow as I find them, so it will be short when this is first published.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred about 6 hours ago in Writers
Dear John,. Content Warning.
Spring is in the air, so let’s focus on love letters (kind of)—specifically, Dear John letters. Have you ever written one? Received one? Here’s your chance.
By Harper Lewisabout 6 hours ago in Writers
Take Off Your Prose!. Content Warning.
Welcome to the Temple of the Profane. I know, right? Whodathunk I’d ever encourage end rhyme? If it’s offensive, I’m okay with it. Grab a pint of Guinness or Jameson’s and don’t tell me “dirty limerick” is redundant. I’m well aware that if it isn’t dirty, it’s not a true limerick. But some people try to ruin a good time with some puritan Pollyanna bullshit every chance they get. I’ve read some clean limericks, and there’s something about them that’s more wrong than an olive in a Bloody Mary or a stalk of celery in a fucking martini. If I can figure out how, I’ll fine anyone who tries to sneak a clean limerick in here, and I’ll press criminal charges if sentimentality enters the equation. It has no place outside of Hallmark cards and movies, and we’re not dumbing down this room.
By Harper Lewisabout 19 hours ago in Writers
Top On-Site Challenges That Disrupt Line Pump Machine Performance
The line pump, a stalwart of the construction site, is trusted with the vital task of moving liquid concrete from the delivery truck to the far reaches of the formwork. Its operation, however, is perpetually at the mercy of a volatile on-site environment. Unlike the controlled conditions of a stationary batching plant, the concrete line pump operates in a theatre of mud, steel, and frantic activity, where performance can be degraded in moments by factors both foreseeable and sudden. For the pump operator and the project manager, understanding these disruptive forces is the first step in mitigating downtime and ensuring a successful pour. The challenges are rarely singular; they are a confluence of material inconsistencies, logistical bottlenecks, and environmental pressures that test the limits of both the machine and the crew.
By AIMIXabout 19 hours ago in Writers
John and Paul's Three-Word Haiku/Senryu Unofficial Challenge - The Results!
Well, fuck. That was every bit as impressive as I was sure it would be when we set this devious challenge. From this point forward it is worth noting that all the bracketed bits will be John's words, and the non-bracketed are mine.
By Paul Stewarta day ago in Writers
Edit Yourself Into Print
How is your work in progress (WIP) coming along? Are you an aspiring author working on your first project / manuscript? Or are you a seasoned author struggling to finish that ending of your latest novel?
By Elizabeth Woodsa day ago in Writers
It’s a fact awards
Do you ever feel that non-fiction writers are the poor relations of the Vocal community. I do! Those nice people at Vocal Media heap much sought-after $200 prizes on poets and story smiths, left, right and center, while leaving us fact factors out in the cold.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 days ago in Writers
Boxing
When I was in my mid-thirties, I joined the Augusta Boxing Club on Walton Way. The subtitle is the club motto, and I saw guys wearing t-shirts emblazoned with sayings like “Fighting solves EVERYTHING.” I was the only woman, and I swear I got high on the testosterone.
By Harper Lewis2 days ago in Writers
Wedding Toast woes.
"Cheers Violet. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. I can't believe you invited me to this wedding...is it to rub my face in your success at nabbing Guy. He doesn't even remember me. But I was the first one he managed to fool...He tried to marry me, but I found out just in time that he has a family back in Africa. So when you stole him from me...hahaha, you unwittingly did me a favor. He is trying to gain citizenship by using any willing female whom he can bamboozle.
By Novel Allen3 days ago in Writers
How to Start Writing on Medium.com in 2026 (Without Feeling Like an Imposter)
The surprisingly honest guide to starting on Medium in 2026 — from someone who opened an account, panicked, deleted drafts, and finally hit “publish”
By abualyaanart3 days ago in Writers
My Submissions To Haiku in the Now Challenge
The Haiku in the Now Challenge opened on Vocal.Media on January 27, 2026 and closed on March 11, 2026. I found out about it on March 1 and submitted 41 entries in 11 days.
By Margaret Minnicks3 days ago in Writers