Sat Sep 26th - Sat Oct 31st

Spooktober 2026


The spooky season is back again, and so is Spooktober! This month, we challenge you to answer a series of one-word prompts in any way you want. Write flash fiction, create worldbuilding articles, draw some illustrations, or practice any other art you want!

Spooktober theme

This year's prompts are themed around Dune, by Frank Herbert! All words are taken from the novel to celebrate one of the most influential science-fiction stories. If you want to join us on this celebration, set your answers in a desert location in your world—but this is a completely optional part of the challenge!

The Prompts

Click on a prompt to write your response.
Let the games begin!

Article

Worm

Write Prompt List all Entries
Article

Spice

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Article

Prophecy

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Article

Melange

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Article

Harvest

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Article

Prescient

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Article

Mirage

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Article

Thirst

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Article

Conspiracy

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Article

Still

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Article

Mantra

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Article

Fear

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Article

Reverend

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Article

Mother

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Article

Abomination

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Article

Dune

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Article

Voice

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Article

Bloodline

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Article

Chant

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Article

Memory

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Article

Drown

Write Prompt List all Entries

Join the Race!

Do you want to get your worldbuilding skills up to scratch? Join the fun!

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT

How to enter

Here's how to take part!

  1. Choose a prompt and create something in any medium that relates to the prompt (it can be worldbuilding, art, poetry...).
  2. Insert your creation in a Generic Article.
  3. Submit it through the challenge button in the editor toolbar at the bottom of the article editor.

You can theme your answers around Dune, but you don't have to. Answer at least 13 prompts, and you'll get the badge!

Rules

  • Articles must be submitted before the closing time to be eligible (the challenge will close during the World Anvil livestream on October 31st).
  • You may only submit one article per prompt (this does not mean one article per world, in cases where multiple authors work on a single world).
  • For written entries, there is no minimum or maximum wordcount.
  • All writing and art you submit must be your own work.
  • Submit all of your articles by October 31st, or they will not be counted for the participation badge.
  • By taking part to this challenge, you agree to comport yourself with civility and kindness. The World Anvil Team reserves the right to disqualify users that break Etiquette from this and future events. If you have any complaints or concerns regarding another user, or about the challenge itself, please email us at [email protected].
  • World Anvil retains the right to arbitrate and/or change the rules where necessary to uphold the spirit and integrity of this event and the community. We will communicate changes as necessary.
  • As always, World Anvil claims no ownership over your original work.

Other information

  • All your submissions must be generic articles. If you submit non-written content, embed the content into your submission (learn how to use and embed images and how to embed other types of content).
  • You can answer multiple prompts with a single submission, but you will only get the badge if you submit 13 separate articles.
  • If you're not sure if your idea fits a prompt, the answer is probably yes! The goal of the event is to challenge yourself, so go forth and worldbuild anything inspired by these prompts!
  • You can submit articles in any language you want.

To submit an article, make sure it's published (i.e. not a draft) and public (i.e. not private), then click the challenge button at the bottom of the article editor:


For any further questions or clarifications about this challenge, message the Community Team (@Community Team) on the World Anvil Discord or post to the World Anvil Facebook Group!


Social Media Sharing

If you share your story on social media, make sure to use the #Spooktober hashtag and mention @WorldAnvil so we can see it!

Looking for inspiration or seeking some ideas? Make sure to stop by the World Anvil Discord, our Facebook Group or Subreddit for worldbuilding conversation and inspiration!