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Dear diary this list came to me in my dream! Looks like AU-gust 2026 is here...

What is AU-gust? It stands for Alternate Universe August, and it is a creative challenge for everyone. Writers, artists, fans; anyone can join! Be sure to check out our FAQ for more answers! Join us on BlueSky, AO3, Discord and under the tags #au gust and #au gust 2026.

Special thanks to @yaoyorozoops for creating our wonderful graphics!

Hello, microficcers, guess who's back??? 😍

We said we were done with microfics (that was a lie). We said 2024 was the last fest (um, well). But in this crazy year of 2026, we are back and we are better than ever! If you were with us for previous iterations, first of all, welcome back! Second of all, things are going to look a little different this year.

So, let’s get to it! What’s happening with Microfic May 2026?

Microfic May is a multi-fandom, open prompt challenge that encourages the creation of microfiction.

We define microfics as works of fiction that are 50 words or less. However, this limit is merely a suggestion. We accept all lengths!

This is a multi-fandom event open to all characters, ships, ratings, genres, and content.

Participants must be aged 18+ and follow DLDR, SALS, and YKINMKATO etiquettes. (What does this mean?)

The use of AI is prohibited! If we find out you have used AI during any part of the writing process, you will be banned from the fest and your works will be removed from the collection.

We have 32 prompts that are split onto 4 mini bingo cards. Pick a card and get started! If you’re feeling extra ambitious, writing one prompt per day will complete all cards.

Don’t like a prompt? Each bingo card comes with one Alternate prompt option.

To submit a work, add it to our collection on AO3 Microfic May 2026 or post it on Tumblr with the tag #microficmay2026. Feel free to mention us at @microficmay, but we will only be reblogging completed bingo cards at the end of each week.

Check the Info and FAQ pages for more info!

❤️‍🔥 Text version of prompts below the cut ❤️‍🔥

Below is a plain text list of the official prompts as well as five alternative prompts. This post will be updated over time with links to our explanations of each prompt. For more information as to the timeline, rules, and FAQ for this challenge, please see the pinned post on our Tumblr.

PROMPTS

Day One (Jan 2): New Year, Renewal

Day Two (Jan 3): New Love, Meet-Cute

Day Three (Jan 4): New Life, Reincarnation

Day Four (Jan 5): New Place, Milestones

Day Five (Jan 6): New Job, Time Loop

Day Six (Jan 7): New Look, Transition

Day Seven (Jan 8): New Beginnings, Fate

Day Eight (Jan 9): New World, Free Day

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Once again, you're free to use as many or as few prompts as you like, and you can combine prompts from different days! You can post your works on any applicable day.

Find the rules here!

The 2025 Swordtember prompt list is here!

If you're unaware, Swordtember is an online creative challenge I started back in 2020. The challenge is themed around swords and takes place across the month of September. From 3D models to D&D campaigns, and everything in between- it's always a blast to see what people make!

As always, this is intended to be a low stress challenge. There's no need to participate daily (I sometimes sit it out entirely because life gets so busy this time of year!). There's also no pressure to follow my prompt list- I know other people put out some amazing lists (and you can totally just freestyle and do your own thing, of course).

During September I'll be rounding up my favorite entries on Saturdays (Sworderdays?) from challenge participants to share on Bluesky and Instagram. Just post with #swordtember ! I'm so excited to see what people make this year.

Here's the written out prompt list:

shell

moss

automaton

scale

bell

fossil

clock

canine

feline

rodent

reliquary

concealed

bloom

rot

lace

carved

gem

beetle

membrane

vapor

ring

swan

owl

venom

bubble

harpy

spring

summer

autumn

sweltering heat

figure in the reflection

teenage drama

wisteria

friendly gesture

nimbus

centurion

lunchtime

100 years ago

reasons to stay home

castle grounds

weasel

day drinking

every time you see her

local society

torture method

birdwatching

amuse

warplanes

boating accident

midwestern

parental betrayal

brutalist

canyon

heirloom jewelry

dinner menu

told you so

night of the fireflies

peacetime

bug collection