Stranger Sagas Creative Writing Contest for Middle & High School Students, Ideal for 10-18 year-olds

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That's the question your students get to answer as they write a mini saga (a story told in up to 100 words) for Stranger Sagas, our latest creative writing contest.

The 100-word limit helps students to focus their ideas, consider word choice carefully, and hone their drafting and editing skills.

They can write on any subject, letting their imaginations run wild, and for those who need a bit more structure or help to get started, there's inspiration aplenty in the form of theme ideas, prompt postcards, story examples, and a graphic organizer to help plot their story.

We've also created a lesson plan and slide deck (also available in Google Slides) so you've got a lesson ready to go, saving you valuable time.

As well as a ready-made writing activity for you, it gives your students a purpose for their writing. The opportunity to see their work published in a book, and the chance to win a prize, will motivate them to get writing like nothing else.

So download everything you need and see how Stranger Sagas can transform your students into enthusiastic, confident writers!

(This contest is inspired by the idea that something ordinary can suddenly become strange or unexpected. Students do not need to know anything about ‘Stranger Things’ to take part.)

[Rules] =>

Only one entry per student, there is no limit to the number of entries per school.
Teachers please submit your entries altogether where possible, using one Teacher Entry Form per teacher.
Students can work together to submit a joint story.
Mini sagas can be submitted on the entry form or a sheet of paper or typed (on a computer or using the Online Writing Portal or Word Doc entry form)
Each student's name, age and school name should be included on their entry. (Entries can be submitted with first names only or initials if needed.)
Mini sagas have a 100-word limit. Titles are not included in the word limit.
If a story starter is used, it must be included in the 100-word limit.
US entrants only.
Copyright remains with the author.
Students and/or teachers DO NOT need to be familiar with Stranger Things. Stories must be original so we encourage all entrants to use their own characters and ideas.
Free to enter.

[School Prizes] =>

Young Writers' Award of Excellence will be awarded to the school with the best set of entries.

PLUS every participating school receives a free copy of the book their students feature in.

(The more entries you send, the more free books you’ll receive: E.g. Send 1-30 entries & you'll receive 1 free copy, send 31-60 entries you'll receive 2 free copies, etc. Every participating school receives at least 1 free copy their students feature in.)

[Student Prizes] =>

Our favorite 3 writers will each win a $50 Amazon gift card.

PLUS every entrant receives a bookmark for taking part. Students whose work we'd love to publish will also receive a certificate.

(The school & student winners will be chosen from the entries received Feb-March 2026 that have permission to be published)

[Tips] =>
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[Winner Word] => [Schools/Clubs] => Schools [Thumbnail] => https://bonacia-sites.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/young-writers/ems/competitions/1756901808-8424-USAStrangerSagas_PageIcon.jpg [Background] => https://bonacia-sites.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/young-writers/ems/competitions/1756901808-8594-USAStrangerSagas_Background.jpg [Logo] => https://bonacia-sites.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/young-writers/ems/competitions/1756901809-8346-USAStrangerSagas_Logo.png [Independent Intro] =>

Imagine the moment when your creativity sparks, when you realize that in just 100 words you can create suspense, unravel a mystery, or turn a reader's world upside down. That's the magic of Stranger Sagas - you can write a story to excite, thrill or surprise your reader.

The postcards will kick-start your ideas: who are the characters? What events unfold? How does the story end? The theme is open to interpretation, so you can write about anything inspires you, and in any genre.

There are just 2 rules you need to know: it must be 100 words or under, and it must be your own original work.

Download the graphic organizer today and see what mysteries you will unravel!

This pack is inspired by the idea that something ordinary can suddenly become strange or unexpected. You don’t need to know anything about ‘Stranger Things’ - just bring your imagination!

How To Enter

Email your entry with your parent/guardian's permission, along with your name and full address to: [email protected]

Upload your entry at www.youngwritersusa.com/new-uploader or use the link below.

Mail your entry along with your name and full address to:

Young Writers - Stranger Sagas
77 Walnut Street
Unit 11
Peabody, MA, 01960

Closing Date: March 27, 2026

[Independent Rules] =>

Only one entry per person.
If a story starter/ending is used, it must be included in the 100-word limit. Titles are not included in the word limit.
Your entry must include your name, age and full home address.
Your story must be your own original work.
Your entry can be submitted on the entry form or a sheet of paper or typed (on a computer or the Word Doc Entry Form)
US entrants only.
Free to enter.
You DO NOT need to be familiar with Stranger Things. Stories must be original so we encourage all entrants to use their own characters and ideas.
Copyright remains with the author.

[Independent Prizes] =>

Our favorite 3 writers will each win a $50 Amazon gift card.

PLUS every entrant receives a bookmark for taking part. Entrants whose work we'd love to publish also receive a certificate.

(Entries will be chosen from those received in Feb-March 2026 with permission to be published. Independent entrants are eligible for student prizes.)

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This contest is now closed.

If you have late entries, please email us at [email protected] and we'll do our best to accommodate them.

Open contests can be found here.

What happens now?

Our editorial team will read every single entry. Any child whose work they'd love to publish in a book will be sent a letter and certificate. Children whose work hasn't met the contest criteria will have the chance to resubmit their work. Winners will be chosen from published pieces once all the books in the series have been published.

Contest Timeline

Stage	Date	Status
Letters Sent	By 8^th June 2026	⏳ In Progress
Books Published	31^st August 2026 - 31^st August 2026	⏳ Coming Soon
Winners Announced	25^th September 2026	⏳ Coming Soon

Please note we aim to keep these dates as accurate as possible but can be subject to change.

For more detailed information about your school's entries, please log in (or create) your teacher account here using the email you included on your teacher entry form.