Warm Weather Challenge

My bones are frozen! Achy! Grumpy in the cold!

The wind, how it rattles the windows, and

Takes down the branches.

I need the warmth, but not too hot, or I'll melt!

Oh! To feel the summer sun and warm my skin!

Step in the ocean and watch the waves!

Climb the rocks, the sand between my toes.

Watch the boats, the fireworks.

Oh, how I long for summer days!

What I want and what I'll get are two different things!

Until the thermostat decides to heat up in Philly,

I'll sit and dream.

Until then, spin me a tale of a summer's day.

Not too long! Not too short!

Anything is game, but not too gory!

Or Nightmare on Elm Street scary!

(Oops! Giving away my age with that one!)

So, here are the RULES:

1. Submit a short story: any genre.

2. Link this challenge in your story and leave a comment here.

3. Please include the link to the story in the comments. If you forget, I won't be able to judge it!

4. The challenge will run through March 31st at midnight EST. I'll pick the winners by April 10th!

5. If you want to submit more than one, that is OK.

6. This is open to ALL Vocal members, not just Vocal +.

7. This isn't a requirement, but please read the other stories in the challenge to support other authors.

8. This doesn't have to be a new Vocal story, but please don't submit a previous challenge winner or top story.

9. Word limit: 700 to 1500 words.

10. Have fun!

Judging Criteria:

Depending on how many stories are entered, I could be reading many stories. You will be fighting for my attention.

1st criteria: Does the story grab my attention?

2nd Criteria: Is it well written?

3rd Criteria: Make me fall in love with the characters!

4th Criteria: Don't scare me too much! Please don't enter anything too scary. I won't read it. Mild horror!

The Community-Based Promotion

I'll write a separate story and highlight the stories entered and will share across my social media platforms (Bluesky, Facebook (several groups), Instagram, and Threads).

The Tip Jar Prize

The Grand Prize Winner will receive a $5 tip for the best story celebrating the warm weather.

A Couple of My Summer Stories and Poems

Here are a couple of my short stories and poems to peruse as you decide whether or not to enter the contest!