the golden quill literary prize

Prompt: Take a well-known fictional character—someone from a fairy tale, myth, or a book you’ve read—and drop them into an unexpected, modern, or unfamiliar setting. Tell the story from their point of view as they navigate this new world. Go beyond the surface of who they were in the original story and imagine what they might think, feel, or struggle with now. For example, what would the Big Bad Wolf say if he had to go to therapy? How would Cinderella react to losing her phone instead of a glass slipper at a college party? Use voice, humor, or emotion to show a new side of a character we think we know.

Prompt: Write a true story about a journey—whether across the world or just around the block—that left a lasting impact on you. Describe where you went and what you discovered about the place, its people, or yourself. This isn’t just about the destination, but what the journey meant.

Prompt: Write a short story set in an actual historical time period. Your characters may be fictional, but the setting, events, and details should reflect the era's realities. Bring the past to life—whether through the eyes of a young soldier, a factory worker, a ruler, a refugee, or someone history may have forgotten. Show how ordinary people live through extraordinary times.

Prompt 1: Personal Narrative – “A Moment That Changed Everything”

Write a true story about a moment that shifted how you see yourself, another person, or the world. This could be a major life event—like moving to a new place, experiencing loss, or overcoming a challenge—or something small but powerful, like a single conversation, a mistake you made, or a quiet realization that stayed with you.

Prompt 2: Cultural Critique – “What We See, What It Says”

Write a non-fiction essay that explores and critiques an aspect of culture—this could be something from pop culture (like a movie, trend, fashion, or social media), a tradition, a product, or even a belief or norm in society. Analyze what it says about us, how it shapes people’s thoughts or behaviors, and whether it should be challenged, celebrated, or changed. Use evidence, examples, and your voice to take a clear point of view.