Archive of Our Own

About:

Broken is a multi-fandom event centered around creating works related to various angst tropes. This is not to be confused with “whump” though they may coincide. Many angst tropes are used as a building block for whump works. This event will run from May 10th - 16th, 2026.

All fan or original creations will be acceptable so long as they are tagged appropriately. There are no content restrictions. Because of this, all participants must be 18+.Anyone found lying about their age will be blocked and have their work removed/not shared.
😢 All work must be your own original idea. Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited. No AI-generated works will be permitted. This includes reposting artwork.
😢 SFW, NSFW, and problematic works of all kinds are allowed as long as it pertains to the angst theme and uses at least one of the listed prompts.
😢 Posting will take place on Bluesky and AO3. Please @ the account or use the tag: #angstweek2026 to share your work.

Are happy endings allowed?

Yes. As long as the focus of the creation is on the angst, happy endings are acceptable. (See: hurt/comfort)

What is the minimum or maximum word count?

There is none! Drabbles, long works of fiction, and anything in between are acceptable. As long as it meets the angst trope requirements, that is all that matters.

Can I combine all the prompts into one piece? Can I make each prompt a chapter of a longer fic? Can I use a quote from one day with a word prompt from a different day?

Yes! As per the posting guidelines, use as many or as few of the prompts as you would like. You can combine them or only use one. If you want to make one long fic, comic, etc. and make each chapter one of the prompts, that is fine!

Can I cross-post this submission with another event?

No. Submissions for this event should not be submitted for any other event collection. Those that are will be removed.

Does my work have to be completed in order to count?

You may submit a WIP to the collection as long as it is finished by the time the collection closes on May 17th. So if you are doing multiple chapters and want to post one chapter per day, that is fine. Fics that are not marked as complete on May 17th will be removed from the collection.

Will you tell me if my idea qualifies?

No. Use your best judgement. We’re all adults. Please read the rules and the FAQs. If you are still unsure whether or not your work counts, then it probably doesn’t.

Can I use an established work of fiction?

It depends. Sequels and prequels are allowed but a chapter update on a pre-existing fanfiction is not. You must create a new work for the event.

Prompts:

Each day will have a word prompt and a quote prompt to choose from. Submissions can use either the word prompt or the quote prompt, or a combination of the two. At least one prompt has to be used in order to count. You do not have to post the creation on that specific day, so don’t stress if you’re running late. As long as it’s posted during the week of the event, it’ll be included in the collection and shared.

May 10th, 2026 Nightmares | "I'm already drowning."
May 11th, 2026 Family and Broken Bonds | "They broke the wrong parts of me. They broke my wings and forgot I had claws."
May 12th, 2026 Terminal Illness | "I'll never forget you."
May 13th, 2026 Addiction | "Together we're hopeless so maybe now is the time I go alone."
May 14th, 2026 Prison | This isn't what I wanted, but you leave me no choice."
May 15th, 2026 Awoken Ancient Infection | "I broke my rules for you."
May 16th, 2026 Major Character Death | "I saw you in my dreams again."

Posting:

 
Posting will take place from May 10th - 16th, 2026. Works will be reposted on Bluesky. Please have your works tagged appropriately. The AO3 collection will remain open until May 17th to allow for the 16th to end in all time zones.