I Wrote This Challenge Winners

It takes a different kind of bravery to tell your story out loud.

For this challenge, we asked you to write something only you could say, and then actually say it, with your voice, on camera. And you delivered with truth, courage, and unforgettable moments.

We heard stories of daughters carrying invisible burdens, fathers whose absence shaped the path forward, and the quiet ache of trying to make a house feel like home. Some stories cracked us open with humor or tenderness. Others hit with the weight of lived experience. But all of them proved something no machine ever could: this was written by a real person.

To everyone who wrote, recorded, and stepped outside their comfort zone—thank you. We saw you. We heard you. And we won’t forget it.

Here are the ones that still haven’t let us go.

🏆 $500 Grand Prize Winner: The Things She Carried by River and Celia in Underland

River and Celia's narrative is a raw testament to survival, where every word feels like a heartbeat. It’s not just a story; it’s a haunting reminder that even amidst unimaginable horror, the human spirit refuses to be silenced.

🥈 $200 Second Place: Making A House A Home by Raistlin Allen

Raistlin Allen's journey in 'Making A House A Home' is a second-place revelation that feels like a deep, personal breath. Each tattoo and choice is a defiant act of self-love, and their story is a testament to the courage it takes to truly inhabit oneself.

🎖️ Runners-up: $15 Each

My Father’s Footsteps Lead Nowhere by Ian Vince

Ian Vince's exploration of his father’s jagged legacy hits like a gut punch with its raw honesty and self-awareness. This runner-up story stays with you, not because it’s polished, because it’s real.

The worst day of my life, a (time-traveling?) "sign" & a conspiracy of silence by Jonathan Roseland

Jonathan Roseland's raw confession of loss and slow hope feels like a gut punch and a hand held all at once. Your courage in sharing this sorrow and the flicker of hope that follows is a reminder of the resilience in all of us.

My Therapist Says I'm Depressed by Jada Ferguson

Jada Ferguson's reflection holds up a mirror to the raw weight of depression, it’s brave, unfiltered, and deeply human.

Unheard by Alivia Varvel

Alivia's story about living with misophonia is raw, honest, and unexpectedly warm. Her humor and self-awareness make you feel like you're right there with her, sharing the weight and the wins.

Treasure in the Shade by Brittany Shelby-Phillips

Brittany Shelby-Phillips' memory in "Treasure in the Shade" feels like stepping into a sunlit moment from childhood. The love, the loss, and that little mason jar carry the weight of family, legacy, and the magic in the ordinary.

What do YOU have anything to do with this? by Ariana GonBon

Ariana GonBon's reveal is a bold mix of vulnerability and defiance, capturing the rush of speaking out after silence, full of fear, freedom, and the brave chaos of reclaiming your voice.

False memory, true pain by B. M. Colville

B. M. Colville's memory feels like a vivid bruise, one that’s tender and hard to shake.

Part of me was killed on Father's Day weekend... by The Schizophrenic Mom

The Schizophrenic Mom's telling is a raw, unflinching exploration of love’s paradoxes and the relentless strength it takes to keep showing up.

Dancing in the Rain by Tim Carmichael

Tim Carmichael's moment in 'Dancing in the Rain' captures that beautiful pivot from planned professionalism to unplanned joy, where a rejection turns into a dance of self-discovery.

The Mint That Nearly Killed Me by Paul Stewart

Paul Stewart's near-death mint encounter had us laughing and wincing all at once. It’s a story that makes you chuckle at the randomness of life while feeling the heartbeat of gratitude for every breath.

The Lingering of Grief by Maima Kiazolu

Maima Kiazolu's story of grief hits with quiet force. Her words to her absent father feel like an open wound—aching, honest, and human.

An hour on the inside by Joe O’Connor

Joe O’Connor's telling of 'An hour on the inside' is a quiet triumph in the middle of chaos. Your humor, exhaustion, and that flicker of connection with the kids feel honest and real.

The Monster in the Closet by Deanna Cassidy

Deanna Cassidy's 'The Monster in the Closet' captures the sweet spot between fear and imagination. It’s a tender, funny glimpse into parenting, where love turns a scary moment into something lasting.

When one drawer closes.. by Lora Coleman

Lora Coleman's 'When one drawer closes...' is a quiet, haunting look at how small habits hold deep memories. Her story lingers, revealing how the past keeps shaping the present.

Imagine That by Simon George

Simon George's reveal of his battle with depression is a deeply personal and powerful reminder that sometimes the most freeing experiences come from taking a leap into the unknown.

🏅 Honorable Mentions

As our challenges continue to grow, we are celebrating even more incredible writers with Honorable Mentions—a special spotlight for stories that stand out for their creativity, originality, or emotional impact. Writers who receive an Honorable Mention get a special badge that appears on their profile, showcasing their achievement and contributions to the Vocal community.

• I've had PTSD by Karen Cave
• Chasing Scarlet by Gina C.
• Maples And Magicians by Matthew Fromm
• But I Wasn't Ready Yet by Sarah O'Grady
• No Closure by Sharna Halliwell
• It's Gonna Be Okay by Julie Lacksonen
• Giving Fear A Walloping by Euan Brennan
• To Be A Writer Is To Be Alive by Musings of Twenty Somethings
• Bliss by R.S. Sillanpaa
• This Is Me by Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred

To explore more Challenges, please visit Vocal Challenges.