Love Letters Through Time Challenge Winners

Love is more than a fleeting emotion—it’s a timeless bond that echoes through the ages. In this challenge, we invited you to craft historically inspired love letters (or letter exchanges) that capture the passion, conflict, and enduring allure of romance in a distinct era. From wartime farewells to secret declarations that defy society’s rules, each entry transported us into a moment in history where hearts beat with both longing and hope.

After poring over every heartfelt submission, we’re thrilled to announce our winners—authors who wove together authenticity, warmth, and period-perfect detail to bring these stories to life. Congratulations to everyone who joined in, reminding us that love transcends time and place.

🏆 $500 Grand Prize Winner: Rain-soaked Letters by Silver Daux

Silver Daux's letter shines as the Grand Prize winner due to its profound emotional resonance and immersive historical authenticity. The narrative flows seamlessly, capturing a heartfelt exchange that evokes the era's challenges and societal constraints. The language beautifully depicts Ash's courageous yet tragic love for Ruthie, weaving together a tender, bittersweet tapestry that speaks to the enduring human spirit even amidst war and loss. This love story truly stands out for its emotional depth and poignancy.

🥈 $200 Second Place: The First Last Day on the Somme by Will Staton

Will Staton's letter artfully captures the emotional weight of wartime separation, which is masterfully portrayed through the heartfelt exchanges between Clara and Owen. The letters resonate deeply with their historical context, embedding authentic World War I experiences within the characters’ poignant expressions of love and longing. By weaving in emotional vulnerability and moments of joy and despair, Staton beautifully underscores the timelessness of love amid the harsh realities of war, earning the entry its well-deserved second place.

🎖️ Runners-up: $15 Each

Love in Salem: Wings & Wolfsong by Gina C.

Gina C.'s letter is an enchanting narrative set during the Salem witch trials, masterfully weaving historical context with tender emotional exchanges between the characters. The story is marked by its immersive use of period-appropriate language and vivid imagery that brings to life the depth of Abigail's longing and fear, as well as Samuel's steadfast devotion. It captures the cultural and emotional constraints of the era beautifully, creating a poignant tapestry of love, peril, and resilience that resonates deeply with readers.

ANTIETEM by Kevin Rolly

Kevin Rolly's letter holds an impressive balance between emotional depth and historical authenticity, earning it the runner-up placement. The heartfelt correspondence between Charlotte and Stephen poignantly captures the era's challenges, painting vivid images of their enduring love amidst the turmoil of the Civil War. The narrative flows seamlessly, and Kevin's adept use of language creates a rich tapestry of longing and devotion that deeply resonates with readers, making the story both engaging and historically enriching.

Jungle Treks and Faith by María Camila Martínez Velasco

María Camila Martínez Velasco's letter expertly captures the emotional complexity of love, loss, and resilience against a richly detailed historical backdrop of Colombia's tumultuous era in the late 1990s and 2000s. The narrative unfolds with heart-wrenching authenticity, detailing a soldier's captivity and the enduring hope of his loved ones through their poignant exchanges. The emotional depth and vivid imagery convey a profound connection, reflecting both personal tragedy and a cultural landscape marked by conflict. This moving portrayal of enduring love in the face of adversity and the historical authenticity of the narrative's setting are why it earned the runner-up position.

To A Dear Friend From School by Deanna Cassidy

Deanna Cassidy's letter beautifully captures the inner turmoil and nostalgia of Sophie Markleton, vividly portraying the rich emotional depth between Sophie and her school friend Lucy. As a runner-up, this entry excels in blending historical detail with personal introspection, highlighting the contrast between societal expectations and genuine emotions. The evocative language and heartfelt reminiscences about their past together create a narrative flow that invites readers into Sophie’s world, skillfully illuminating the constraints and connections of the time period.

Letters by The Invisible Writer

The Invisible Writer's letter resonates deeply with its emotional authenticity, capturing the historical essence of a soldier's experience during the Vietnam War and the poignant love shared amidst trying circumstances. The back-and-forth exchange beautifully illuminates the intimate connection between Mason and Caroline, as well as the gravity of their separation. The nuanced portrayal of love, longing, and loss creates a vivid narrative landscape, showcasing the heart-wrenching reality faced by many during this era, making it a deserving runner-up.

The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Caroline Craven

Caroline Craven's letter is a poignant portrayal of a mother's heartache, capturing the emotional depths of longing and loss against the historical backdrop of WWII. This piece stands out for its vivid detail and the tender depiction of a bond severed by war. The genuine, heartfelt emotions intertwined with historical events create a deeply moving narrative that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth.

All My Love, Buford McClaine by Natalie Gray

Natalie Gray's letter stands out as a touching representation of the hardships faced by soldiers during the Civil War. The rich historical context woven throughout, from the descriptions of camp life to the scarcity of supplies, showcases an authentic portrayal of the era. The emotional depth captured in Buford's letters, balanced by his love and longing for Rebecca, creates a compelling narrative that resonates with heartfelt sincerity. This entry earned its place as a runner-up for its vivid historical authenticity and the poignant, unexpected twist of Rebecca's response, which adds a profound layer of emotional complexity.

Love Across the Pond by Pam Sievert-Russomanno

Pam Sievert-Russomanno's letter beautifully captures the essence of love transcending geographical and emotional distances in the early 1900s, earning it the runner-up position. The heartfelt exchange between Lily and Peter is enriched with vivid historical details that transport readers to an era of handwritten letters and transatlantic voyages, creating a deeply immersive narrative. The language is tender and genuine, reflecting the profound emotional bond and historical authenticity that are the heart of this enchanting correspondence.

Nails by Phoebe Sunny Sheng

Phoebe Sunny Sheng's letter beautifully captures a poignant and evocative portrayal of a forbidden love between Elizabeth and Luretha, earning its place as the runner-up for its emotional depth and vivid imagery. The exchange effectively conveys the historical context of 1920s Harlem and Old Chinatown, illustrating the societal constraints faced by the characters. The powerful language and visceral emotion in the correspondence underscore the fear and longing shared between the women, offering a moving narrative with authentic historical resonance.

Dearest Theo, by Poppy

Poppy's letter is a beautifully crafted, emotionally evocative piece that captures the deep sorrow and longing of a love lost aboard the Titanic. The historical context is seamlessly intertwined with personal narrative, showcasing authentic grief and lingering hope in the face of tragedy. The vivid imagery and emotional depth allow readers to truly feel the character’s pain and cherished memories, making it a deserving runner-up placement for its poignant exploration of love and loss.

Hearts in Hiding by D.K. Shepard

D.K. Shepard's letter earned the runner-up placement for its poignant depiction of love enduring under dire circumstances. The narrative vividly captures the historical context of 1943 Amsterdam, embedding readers in the emotional struggles faced during hiding. The evocative language and heartfelt expressions of longing enrich the story, creating a powerful connection between past and present, and celebrating the strength of human spirit amidst adversity.

Upon My Return From This Distance by Aaron Morrison

Aaron Morrison's letter beautifully captures the essence of love and emotional resilience amidst the backdrop of the Civil War. This entry stands out for its rich emotional depth and the poignant portrayal of fear and hope through Jeremiah and Abigail’s exchange. The authenticity of the period's language and the vivid depiction of personal turmoil intertwined with historical events elevates the narrative, making it a deserving runner-up. The letters evoke a sincere emotional resonance, painting a heartfelt picture of love enduring the hardships of war.

I Want To Come Home by Alexander McEvoy

Alexander McEvoy's letter gracefully captures the anticipation and longing felt by soldiers and their loved ones during World War I. This entry stands out for its beautifully structured verse and alternating perspectives, weaving a poignant narrative of hope and commitment amid the uncertainty of war. The recurring motifs of nature and light not only connect the lovers across distance but also underscore the emotional depth and historical context, making this piece deserving of its runner-up placement.

To My Beloved Mary by Bruce Curle

Bruce Curle's letter stands out as a heartfelt depiction of love amidst the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, earning its runner-up placement. The emotional depth and poignant yearning between Mark and Mary are beautifully intertwined with historical authenticity, offering a genuine sense of the era’s uncertainties and trials. Bruce Curle skillfully captures Mark’s voice through rich language and evocative imagery, creating a vivid, personal connection to the past while conveying a timeless narrative of love and hope against adversity.

Glass by Stephanie Ginger

Stephanie Ginger's letter gracefully takes the runner-up position through its authentic portrayal of historical events interwoven with deep personal emotions. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Crystal Palace fire in 1936, the exchange between Henry and Kitty vividly captures the era's atmosphere, societal constraints, and personal turmoil, creating a palpable sense of longing and hope. The letters not only highlight historical authenticity but also reflect Henry’s emotional journey toward healing and reconciling with his loved ones, showing a beautiful connection between personal vulnerability and resilience.

🏅 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.

• Love Letters from WWII by Ellie Hoovs
• Until tomorrow, my love by Salomé Saffiri
• Open on Your Eighteenth Birthday by Mother Combs
• Under the Oak Tree by Alexandria Stanwyck
• The River Flows Both Ways by Iris Obscura
• To Cynthia, With Love by Barb Dukeman
• The World isn't Ending by Rebecca Patton
• Not Home for Christmas by Noelle Spaulding
• A Final Appeal by Laura Pruett
• The Shadows of War Overseas and Home by Paul Stewart

To explore more Challenges, please visit Vocal Challenges.