Intrepid Voices Fund - 2025 Short Story: Speculative Fiction

At Intrepid, we believe every storyteller deserves access to community, visibility, and support — regardless of background or resources. The Intrepid Voices Fund aims to uplift emerging writers through an annual financial award.

Note: The Intrepid Voices Fund is currently restricted to applicants 18 years or older and who reside in the U.S. In future award cycles, we hope to expand our applicant pool

The Intrepid Voices Fund is an annual award that celebrates bold new storytelling and supports emerging writers with a one time $1,250 prize.

Each year, we invite U.S.-based writers to submit two pieces: a Personal Statement (introducing themselves, reflecting on their creative process, and how they incorporated this year’s theme) and an original short story inspired by a new theme designed to spark creativity and reflection.

Finalists are selected by a panel of judges, and the winning writer receives the award to use however they choose — whether to invest in their craft, support daily life, or fuel their next big idea.

2025 Short Story: Speculative Fiction must include one of the following themes: winter, solstice, new beginnings, renewal, or scenes reminiscent of the winter season