Our judges have spent the last two weeks deliberating through all the entries and finally revealed that the winner of the Writing Challenge 2025 is…
With quills sharpened and creativity firing on all thrusters, the Writing Challenge 2025 has come to a close—and what a voyage it’s been! This year’s competition invited writers to explore the poignant theme:
📡 “One more transmission… before the end.” 📡
This year’s prompt sparked tales of final messages, desperate calls, quiet goodbyes, and unforgettable legacies, drawing in compelling stories that spanned the corners of the galaxy and the depths of the human (and alien) heart.
After careful deliberation by our panel of judges, we are thrilled to announce this year’s winners:
🏆 First Place: Gnai, from the USS Artemis-A!
“Kyn’steya” is a powerful meditation on identity, memory, and the weight of inherited grief. Told from the perspective of a Kobali scientist living in a resurrected body, the story explores what happens when the remnants of a former life collide with the fragile construction of a new one. As he’s confronted by the daughter of the man he used to be, what begins as scientific collaboration unravels into a painful reckoning—of loss, betrayal, and the unbridgeable distance between who we were and who we become.
A fresh and original entry that stood out for its creative concept and thoughtful introspection. The deep dive into the lesser-known Kobali species was both unexpected and rewarding, with a compelling noir tone that brought the story to life. A strong favourite among the entries—and for good reason! Fabulous work!
🌠 Runner-Up: Jalana, from the USS Constitution-B!
“The Only Survivor” takes us on a heart-rending stealth mission featuring Sherana, a green-skinned Orion with more restraint than her Klingon partner (barely). What starts as a recon op quickly turns into a gut-punch of a tragedy when the Borg crash the party, assimilating the crew one by one—including her closest friend. With nothing but a dagger, a scream, and a battle hymn to hold onto, Sherana becomes the ultimate Klingon antihero: grief-stricken and furious. Brutal, bold, and poetic. Absolutely memorable entry! Well done!
Their stories rose to the top through sheer storytelling power, creativity, and a deep connection to the prompt. Congratulations to them both—and to every writer who dared to send one last transmission through the static of the unknown. Every submission was packed with talent, passion, and creativity. Thank you to every writer who sent their words out into the void. You made this challenge unforgettable. Your words continue to inspire, captivate, and remind us why storytelling is at the heart of everything we do. I IMPLORE you to read them all!
🌟 Special thanks to the extraordinary Jovenan, our prompt setter this year, who lit the way for a diverse array of submissions that were equal parts imaginative and emotionally resonant. Thank you again!
💫 Special thanks to our judging panel for their thoughtful commentary and lightning-fast turnaround — your time and insight are what make this challenge possible every year.
The winner, runner-up and judges, are in receipt of one of the following badges!
Thank you once more for making this year’s challenge so successful and enjoyable! We look forward to seeing even more incredible entries next spring!
🖋️ You can read all the entries and join the celebrations over on the Discord channel: #writing-challenge
Please drop by to offer these writers, and all our entrants, your congratulations!
