Illustrated by Aoi Sekino
KURUKURUKURUMA MIMURAPAN, published by SHOGAKUKAN.
Artwork for KAMIMACHI MEKURUMEKU, serialized in YOUNG KING, published by SHONENGAHOSHA.
13 challenges.
13 chances to connect your story to the world.
Welcome to Honeyfeed's Monthly Writing Challenge featuring NOVELOUS.
This initiative was created by Honeyfeed, together with the NOVELOUS team, to support upcoming writers on their path to adaptation. Each month, writers of all levels are invited to submit a new one-shot story based on a prompt for that month. This monthly challenge is designed to help emerging authors grow, gain exposure, and take their first steps toward professional adaptation opportunities by featuring their stories on the NOVELOUS app.
Winners will also have the exclusive opportunity to receive feedback from The Hivemind Literary Agency's very own seasoned authors who are currently on their own journey towards adaptation with several Japanese publishers.
Will you be stepping up to the challenge?
Prizes
Each month, up to three winners will receive:
$100USD (via PayPal)
Feedback
Editorial feedback or
review from the Monthly Challenge host
review from the Monthly Challenge host
Featured on NOVELOUS
for up to 1 year
Japan Market
A chance to be considered for publication in the Japanese market
Judges may choose not to select winners if submissions do not meet standards.
How to Enter
1
Read the current month’s prompt
2
Create and submit your story on Honeyfeed — check "Submit this novel to [challenge name]"
3
Complete your story within the deadline (one month)
Contest Participation Requirements
The Basics
- Age:18+ to be eligible as a winner
- Number of entries:one per author per month
- Language:English
- Word count:5,000 - 6,000 words
- Maturity rating:all ages (no NSFW / 18+ content)
Submission Requirements
- Your story must be finished within the same month as the challenge prompt you entered. Only completed works are eligible for prizes and perks
- Any format or genre is allowed as long as it follows the prompt
- The entry must be a Honeyfeed exclusive novel for the duration of the challenge
- Winning works remain exclusive to Honeyfeed and NOVELOUS during the promotional period (with a maximum extension of 1 year)
- Co-authored works are not accepted
- Previously published works outside of Honeyfeed are not accepted
- Plagiarism results in immediate disqualification at any stage of the contest or featured period
Edits Policy
- Entries cannot be edited after the submission deadlineNote: Depending on the number of entries, judges may begin reading stories as soon as they are posted
- Non-winning entries can be edited after the results are announced
- Winning entries must remain unchanged during their featured period on the NOVELOUS app
AI Policy
Allowed:
- Use of AI tools as a support aid (e.g., for idea organization, grammar assistance, etc.)
- Cover image generationNote: We encourage the use of original artwork or third-party stock images, such as those from Canva. You may use AI tools to create your novel cover image on Honeyfeed, but it remains NOVELOUS's sole discretion to feature AI art on its app for winning novels; in such cases, a generic cover will be created for your work to be featured on NOVELOUS
Not Allowed:
- Use of AI as a creative editor, story writer, or co-author. Fully or partially AI-generated stories will be disqualified
- AI translation as a substitute for writing in English
Violating our AI policy will result in immediate disqualification at any stage of the contest or during the featured period on the NOVELOUS app
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated based on:- Presentation (storytelling and writing quality)
- Originality
- Prompt relevance
Judging will be conducted by the host and a select internal panel.
No public voting will be held for this contest.
This Season's Host
Pearlyn.M
Author of “Realm Assassin” — 1st Place Winner, MAL x Honeyfeed Writing Contest 2021
“Quirky & quiet IRL, social & wild online. A Gemini whose passion lies in storytelling.”
FAQ
Q1Can I participate again in future monthly challenges?
AYes! Whether you win or not, you may enter future monthly challenges.
Q2Can my Monthly Challenge entries be related to each other or to my past works?
AYes, but all stories should work as standalone pieces, and the host and judges will favor entries that don’t require external knowledge to be fully enjoyed.
That said, you may only use characters or elements from stories that are exclusive to Honeyfeed and have never been printed or posted on other platforms. In addition, you may not edit your previous works to benefit your Monthly Challenge entries.
If your story uses elements from another work, you must disclose it in the 'Note from author' section. This not only helps the judges, but also directs readers to the related work(s) in case they want to read more.
Q3I am under 18. Can I participate?
ANo. Due to monetary prizes, participants must be 18 or older.
Get involved
Join the community: Discord
Browse Entries
NEW!
26
1997, Hong Kong. Cathy Jin is a Korean family doctor running a modest neighborhood clinic. Behind her ordinary profession, however, she is an unlicensed witch who has long abandoned the affairs of the supernatural world. Her peaceful life comes to an abrupt end when Marcel "Mello" Mannheim,...
Novel Details
Updated: Nov 03, 2026
Chapters: 1
|
Ongoing
Kindred/The Witch in Hong Kong
Author:
ActionHorrorMagicParanormalSupernatural
NEW!
34
Like another old noir story, a man finds himself in the middle of something more then he could imagine. This time something strange is boiling in the small hideaway town of Springfield, Mississippi, and good old Hawkeye is on the case.
Novel Details
Updated: Nov 02, 2026
Chapters: 1
|
Ongoing
The Hospitality Persuasions
Author:
CrimeMagicMysterySupernaturalThriller
NEW!
26
Deep Down in the abyss of Salem’s Hollow, lies a city inhabited by users of hexes and curses. These scornful people are known as witches, but despite how the surface dwellers view them, these witches are actually not so bad.
Novel Details
Updated: Nov 04, 2026
Chapters: 1
|
Ongoing
A Witch's Brew
Author:
AdventureComedySlice of LifeSupernatural
Discover NOVELOUS Monthly Challenge Novels
Monthly Winners
September 2026:Treasure Trove
Keywords: Legendary artifacts, Lost items, Fantasy relics, Treasure hunters, Cursed objects
481
10A struggling lawyer in need of quick money ends up meeting “El Coleccionista,” a Spanish collector who is after his pocket watch. But who is this mysterious treasure hunter, and why is he so obsessed with this watch?
Novel Details
Updated: Sep 30, 2026
Chapters: 2
|
Finished
The Collector
Author:
FantasyMystery
Host's Review
Read MoreShow Less
“The Collector” takes the ‘Treasure Trove’ prompt in the most creative way imaginable, which will surely leave you both satisfied and horrified at the same time. The story immediately grabbed my attention for the simple fact that its approach did not rely on existing expectations, but rather introduced roles rarely combined with treasure-seeking stories. The main character, Edgar, is a struggling lawyer who meets up with a mysterious man, Ignacio, a buyer who’s interested in purchasing a watch. The use of an unreliable narrator, the contrast between their personalities, and the morally conflicting perspectives make this story worth reading. I remember my initial reaction when the biggest plot twist of the century got revealed, and I promise you, you’ll have the same reaction by the time you reach the conclusion of the story. With the reveals of both characters’ intentions and strong themes, “The Collector” is a must-add to your reading list!
August 2026:Crown & Consequence
Keywords: Medieval fantasy, Political intrigue, Royal succession, Court drama, Harem dynamics, Love triangle, Power struggles
865
20For years, Bai Qinlian has painted the Seven Orchids, King Shen Zhilan's prized harem and a symbol of the kingdom for generations. But when a royal marriage threatens to expose the king's best-kept secret, she finds herself caught between the truth and the man she was never meant to protect.
Novel Details
Updated: Aug 31, 2026
Chapters: 4
|
Finished
Virtues on Canvas
Author:
FantasyHistoricalMysteryRomance
Host's Review
Read MoreShow Less
The best part about this work is how exceptional the writing is at setting the tone of the story. As the reader, you can feel each character’s emotions without them explicitly handing you the answers as to what and why certain things are being done. I especially enjoy the deal between Miss Bai and King Shen Zhilan, where her skills as an artist contribute to her role, but as the story progresses, we learn that there is more than meets the eye. I love that King Shen Zhilan is not your typical king either, as we discover who he is as a person and why Miss Bai is assisting him with painting his harem. If you enjoy a wonderful, unexpected twist on the harem trope, filled with multi-layered characters and an intriguing storyline, give “Virtues on Canvas” a chance!
812
28For centuries, Veila had the demonic contract business figured out. Then she met Prince Cael. He wasn't desperate—he was just drunk, high, and deeply annoyed by his royal family. After accidentally bonding over top-tier booze and woodland herbs, Veila agrees to help the deadpan prince usurp hi...
Novel Details
Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Chapters: 5
|
Finished
A Fox's Gambit
Author:
ComedyDramaFantasyMagicRomance
Host's Review
Read MoreShow Less
“A Fox’s Gambit” is a breath of fresh air when it comes to flawless execution. Not only did I enjoy the story from beginning to end, but I must praise the author for knowing how to properly end the one-shot with a believable, positive yet bittersweet ending for all of the equally lovable and well-developed characters. From the beginning, we are introduced to our two main characters, Veila, a fox spirit who makes contracts with humans to obtain their souls, and Cael, the youngest prince who—unlike many “drunk” male protagonists—is actually very intelligent and knows how to manipulate situations to his favor. I love that many of the characters aren’t clichés or stereotypes based on their roles, with funny and suspenseful moments sprinkled throughout an engaging storyline. Readers will find Veila and Cael to be an unbreakable duo. The themes of love and selflessness are prevalent as well, which makes the ending all the more satisfactory.
July 2026:Mythical Mayhem
Keywords: Mythical creatures, High fantasy world, Ancient legends, Divine beings, Monsters
839
9Girlboss elf mage wants to run a sanctuary for mythical creatures, but the Demon King keeps borrowing them for war crimes. Woe is her.
Novel Details
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
Chapters: 1
|
Finished
The Demon King's S-Class Mage Only Wants to Raise Creatures in Peace.
Author:
ComedyFantasy
Host's Review
Read MoreShow Less
“The Demon King’s S-Class Mage Only Wants to Raise Creatures in Peace” knows what the readers want—fleshed-out characters, lovable personalities, memorable moments, and, best of all, a main character who has absolutely zero interest in fighting what she considers a meaningless war between humans and demons. From the internal voice of the elf mage, Yuno, her personality reminds me so much of Maomao from Apothecary Diaries, except Yuno’s fixation is on raising creatures in peace and wanting nothing to do with the bigger, messier picture that is their conflicting world. I really like scenes that humanize the demon characters; from showing frustration over being called to fight to their amusing reactions to overcoming obstacles, this story does a spectacular job keeping you in and hooking you to its charm.
1.2 K
22The Black Wolf’s demise follows a swallowed sun. Only fangs of the fallen could taste its ruin as it tastes the world's...
Novel Details
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
Chapters: 3
|
Finished
Sköll
Author:
ActionFantasyMagicSupernatural
Host's Review
Read MoreShow Less
“Sköll” provides everything a reader wants if they are looking for an “anime-esque” story: funny interactions, characters that will make you reactive because said interactions, intense scenes, and the emotional rollercoaster that is Ymir and Vel’s journey. Despite being told in the third POV, the narrator has a unique voice to describe the characters’ behavior, as well as proper and not overwhelming use of onomatopoeia. If you’re looking for a fun “strangers to friends sharing a journey to find a legendary monster feared by many” kind of story, “Sköll” will impress you! In fact, a plot twist awaits towards the climax that would surely get you surprised.
June 2026:Atlas of Anomalies
Keywords: Mysterious locations, Lost civilizations, Unexplained phenomena, Reality distortion
1.5 K
11Fia gets a big surprise for her eighth birthday, when the master of a strange realm demands her presence. What does this mysterious man want with Fia, and what can he offer her in return?
Novel Details
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Chapters: 3
|
Finished
Purple and Green
Author:
AdventureFantasyParanormalPhilosophicalSupernatural
Host's Review
Read MoreShow Less
“Purple and Green” knows how to keep readers on their toes with great suspense, as we read our characters’ journey through the perspective lens of a child. From the start, the story does a fantastic job of providing enough information to get readers to visualize the scenes, without overwhelming exposition or unnecessary descriptions. Floor 777 reminds me of the kind of vibes you’d get from anomalies like “The Backrooms” and “Exit 8”, mixed with a bit of “Coraline”.
The greatest strength is how it taps into phobias and uncanny horror. It does a good job making readers feel trapped with our characters by utilizing environments like the tower, elevator, Floor 777 and the paternoster. With excellent writing and an uncanny ending, I finished reading feeling impressed and disturbed, for I couldn’t get “Purple and Green” out of my mind!
The greatest strength is how it taps into phobias and uncanny horror. It does a good job making readers feel trapped with our characters by utilizing environments like the tower, elevator, Floor 777 and the paternoster. With excellent writing and an uncanny ending, I finished reading feeling impressed and disturbed, for I couldn’t get “Purple and Green” out of my mind!
947
16Sir Ronald, knight of the kingdom and sworn sword of the feudal lord, puts himself to the test within the Abbey of Memories, a mysterious place where he must face something even his strength cannot defeat: his own desires. Will he manage to pass the trial? Or will he fall into oblivion like al...
Novel Details
Updated: Jun 06, 2026
Chapters: 3
|
Finished
The Red Knight
Author:
DramaFantasyPhilosophicalPsychologicalSupernatural
Host's Review
Read MoreShow Less
“The Red Knight” does something right when it comes to questioning our own moralities and inner desires. The story makes its theme clear from the get-go, and we follow our main character’s journey to the Abbey of Memories and his experience with what comes after. From the surface, it feels like a tale of a typical heroic knight needing to pass a trial and win what he’s after, but it serves a deeper meaning of facing one’s yearning for something one struggles to confront. It’s a very relatable story that reminds us that anyone who looks perfect from the outside still has their own fears and struggles to face. The writing is superb, simple and efficient, and keeps the flow moving appropriately.
About NOVELOUS
NOVELOUS is a light novel reading app developed by the Japanese publisher Shogakukan. NOVELOUS provides official translations of Japanese light novels into English, focusing on supporting North America and Canada.