Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an account to read stories?

No! Anyone can browse and read all stories on DustyProse without creating an account. You only need an account if you want to submit your own stories or like other writers' work.

How do I create an account?

Click the "Log In" button in the top right corner. You'll need to provide an email address and create a password. You must be at least 13 years old to create an account.

Is DustyProse free?

Yes! DustyProse is completely free to use. There are no subscription fees, premium tiers, or hidden costs. Write, read, and enjoy to your heart's content.

How long do challenges last?

Each challenge runs for 7 days, starting Monday and ending Sunday night. A new challenge begins every Monday with a fresh pair of sentences.

What are the word count limits?

Stories must be between 150 and 500 words. This keeps stories concise while giving you enough space to craft a complete narrative. The word counter on the write page will update in real-time as you write.

Can I submit multiple stories per challenge?

Yes! You can submit as many stories as you'd like for each challenge. Each submission will be visible on your profile and eligible for likes and recognition. Feel free to explore different approaches to the same prompt!

What if I miss the deadline?

If you miss the Saturday night deadline, you won't be able to submit for that challenge. But don't worry—a new challenge starts every Monday, so you'll have another chance soon!

Can I edit my story after submitting?

No, once a story is submitted, it cannot be edited. This ensures fairness for all participants and maintains the integrity of the likes and votes your story receives. We recommend proofreading carefully before hitting submit!

Can I delete my story?

Currently, you cannot delete a submitted story yourself. If you need to remove a story for a serious reason, please contact us and we'll help.

Do I own the copyright to my story?

Yes! You retain full ownership and copyright of everything you write on DustyProse. By submitting, you simply grant us permission to display your story on the platform and in our archives. See our Terms & Conditions for details.

Can I publish my story elsewhere after submitting it here?

Absolutely! Your story is yours. You're free to publish it on other platforms, submit it to literary magazines, or include it in a personal collection. DustyProse is a showcase for your work, not a restriction on it.

What happens to my story after the challenge ends?

All stories remain on DustyProse as part of our archive. Readers can browse past challenges and discover older stories anytime. Winners are highlighted with special badges that remain visible forever.

How does the voting system work?

Logged-in users can "like" any story by clicking the heart icon. Each user can only like a story once. At the end of the challenge, the Top 10 stories with the most likes are recognized as winners.

Can I see who liked my story?

No, likes are anonymous. You'll see the total number of likes your story received, but not who specifically liked it. This keeps the focus on the work itself rather than personal relationships.

Can I like my own story?

Yes, you can like your own story if you wish! However, the true measure of your work comes from how it resonates with other readers in the community.

How are winners chosen?

Winners are determined in two ways:

• Popular Vote: The Top 10 stories with the most likes, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place receiving special recognition
• Editorial Awards: Staff Pick (chosen for exceptional writing quality) and Hidden Gem (great stories that didn't get many likes)

What do winners get?

Winners earn collectible badges that are permanently displayed on their profile. There are no cash prizes or material rewards—just the honor, recognition, and bragging rights of being featured among the best!

How many badges can I earn?

There's no limit! Every time you win a challenge or receive an editorial award, you'll earn a new badge. Over time, your profile will become a showcase of your achievements and growth as a writer.

What kind of content is allowed?

We welcome creative, original stories that adhere to our community guidelines. Stories must not contain hate speech, graphic violence, sexually explicit content, spam, or plagiarized material. Mature themes are permitted if handled tastefully within the context of literary fiction. See our Terms & Conditions for full details.

How do I report a story?

If you encounter a story that violates our guidelines, you'll find a "Report" button on the story's page. Select a reason (spam, offensive content, plagiarism, or other) and provide details. Our team reviews all reports and takes appropriate action.

What if the first or last sentence has a typo?

We proofread carefully, but mistakes happen! If you spot an error in the challenge sentences, please let us know as soon as possible. We'll correct it if the challenge is still active. Otherwise, use the sentence as written—sometimes imperfection can spark creativity!

How do I change my username or display name?

Go to your profile page and click "Edit Profile." You can update your display name, bio, and other profile information there. Username changes may be limited to prevent abuse.

How do I delete my account?

You can delete your account from your account settings. Your personal data (email, username, profile info) will be permanently deleted immediately. Your previously submitted stories will remain on the platform as part of challenge archives but will be attributed to "Deleted User."

Can I download my data?

Yes! Under GDPR, you have the right to access all your personal data. Please contact us to request a copy of your data, and we'll provide it within 30 days.