How it Works

Whimsy is a monthly microfiction contest where writers are given 300 words, a unique theme and an object, and asked to follow their whim.

The Theme

A fun new theme arrives on the 1st of every month — the kind that a committee of free-spirited, cottage-dwelling nans might approve of.

The Whim

Writers are asked to pick one of five creative "whims" to follow as they explore this month's theme. Choose the one that calls to you.

The Object

Every writer receives their own personal Object; a single specific thing that must appear in or meaningfully inform their story.

So while five writers might all choose the same whim, no two stories will end up in quite the same place.

The Calendar

The same rhythm every month. Reliable as the neighbour who puts all their bins out every week.

1st of the month

Theme Drop

Signed-up writers receive an email revealing the month's theme, its five whims, and their personal Object. All three arrive together: the theme, the creative directions to choose from, and the Object that's yours alone. From here, you have seven days.

1st–7th

Writing & Submission Window

Writers have seven days to write and submit a 300-word story. Each submission must be original work written for Whimsy, select a whim via the dropdown on the submission form, and engage meaningfully with both the whim and the assigned Object. Submissions close at the end of the 7th at 11:59pm UTC.

28th

Results

Entries are reviewed and the month's results are released. Five shortlisted stories are selected and share the prize pool equally. One is chosen as the monthly Spotlight and published on the Whimsy site and socials. Five honourable mentions are also recognised. Every results release includes a short editorial snapshot: entries received, total prize pool, the most popular whim, and any standout moments from across the submissions.

Entry Fees

Entry fees fund the monthly prize pool and keep Whimsy running.

Early Bird

£9.00

Available until the 25th of the month. Sign up early and buckle up for the adventure. You won't know the prompts until the writing window opens, and that's part of the fun.

Standard

£12.00

Available from the 26th until sign-ups close on the last day of the month. At least you don't have to wait as long for the prompts to drop.

Founding Writer Pass

£45.00

Six contests for the price of five, July through December. The entire inaugural run of Whimsy in one go. For writers who just waltzed through the door and already feel at home.

Available until 31st July

Beyond the Contest

📖

The Annual Anthology

Each year, Whimsy builds toward a curated anthology featuring standout stories from across the months — a gathering of some of the most memorable work of the year. Volume One is pencilled for December 2026.

✍️

Wall of First Lines

Every month, one opening line from across all entries is permanently etched into the Whimsy Wall of First Lines—a running archive of the finest first lines in Whimsy history. A shrine to brilliant beginnings. The Wall's inaugural entry is set to be announced alongside the very first results on July 28th.

✨

Something Wonderful

There's something else in the works. Something warm, communal, and very, very Whimsy. Watch this space.

Coming soon