Calling all merlovers!

The mermaids are back for another year with a fun roster of events for you all!

For this year's MerMay, we'll be presenting you with two prompt sets (containing three words and a prompt each). You will pick one and write your story based on that. But that's not all because the mermaids have prepared a fun little side activity down below and you'll just have to keep reading to find out more.

Get ready to reimagine your mermaids with us once again!

1.

Words: golden, whisper, maelstrom

Prompt: If you speak when passing underneath the ancient sea arch, it will steal your voice for its own.

2.

Words: wicked, exile, darkness

Prompts: In a forgotten sea cave, a group of mermaids lie in wait for lost sailors.

↠ Your story must follow one prompt set completely including the words and prompt (all these should be underlined, please, so it's possible for us to find them). We would also like it if you could mention which one you followed at the start of your story.

↠ The deadline for this contest is May 31st, 2024 at 23:59PM EST.

↠ Your entry must be between 1500 to 5000 words.

↠ Entries must be original, written in English, and submitted via the form linked in the inline comment.

↠ You can submit multiple entries. The more mermaids, the merrier!
≋ Note: only one entry per entrant can win.

↠ Each entry can be a standalone on your profile or part of an existing anthology.
≋ Note: we only feature standalone winning stories in our reading lists.

↠ Mature stories are acceptable, but they must follow Wattpad's Content Guidelines.

↠ Lastly, stories are judged on the basis of originality, creativity, and grammar all working in harmony. So be sure to revise!

↠ The winner and runnerup will receive shoutouts from our profile

↠ The winner and runnerup will receive a winning sticker exclusive to this contest

↠ The winner and the runnerup will be featured in our winning reading list
≋Note: only standalone entries will be considered for this

↠ The winner's entry will be featured in our Nautilus Ezine

↠ The winner will have the chance to be interviewed by us for our Nautilus Ezine

The mermaids have sent us a mysterious picture. Let us know in the inline comments what you think this image means.

↠ Submit your responses as replies to this line only (to avoid submissions getting lost).

↠ Each response should be contained within one message. However, you can post multiple responses (only one may be selected by a single user).

↠ The mermaids will give shoutouts to their favourite responses (depending upon the number of entries received) after the closing of the contest and these may be featured in our Nautilus Ezine.

Do you know a mermaid-loving friend who would love to join in on the fun? Tag them here!

Are you writing your mertastic adventure with us? Drop a link right here!

If you're participating in the fun of this year's MerMay, grab this participant sash for your profile picture!

May the tides favour you!

Please note that this contest is hosted by a team of independent users and is not affiliated with Wattpad in any way. Judging of entries is done by the team behind talesofthedeep who are not obliged to present feedback and reserve the right to disqualify entries if they are inappropriate or triggering. Our judgement will be final and any abusive language or behaviour directed towards our team will not be tolerated.