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Stranger Sagas | Creative Writing Contest | Middle & High
The latest creative writing contest to inspire 10-18 year-olds.
What happens when an ordinary day turns... extraordinary?
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 andsee 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 āStranger Thingsā to take part.)
Extended
Closing Date: Friday Apr 17, 2026
We've worked with over 20,000 schools. Here's what some of them have to say...
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This is my sixth year using YW to publish my students' writing and they are so easy to work with! My students are always excited to use the provided theme and challenge themselves to be chosen!
Thank you so much for another opportunity! The class really enjoyed this.
Justina Denapoli, Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy, NYSee more...
The students enjoyed the freedom of this project (Peculiar Pets). It got them excited to write.
Amanda Peterson, Christ The King School, NYSee more...
Peculiar Pets was a great activity!
Anne Piccoli, Immaculate Heart Of Mary School, NYSee more...
Thank you for the intriguing prompts and engaging activities! I look forward to these contests each year.
Mike Carter, Millis Middle/High School, MASee more...
My students absolutely loved the challenge of writing mini sagas!
Darla Bubar, Edward Town Middle School, NYSee more...
The story starters are so fun!
Nichole Charbonneau, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, MASee more...
My students look forward to this contest every year, and so do I!
Rachel Barnes, Monomay Regional High School, MASee more...
This was such a fun way to have my students engaged with their writing!
Christina Guertin, Midland Street School, NYSee more...
This is my sixth year using YW to publish my students' writing and they are so easy to work with! My students are always excited to use the provided theme and challenge themselves to be chosen!
To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:
Extended
Closing Date: Friday Apr 17, 2026
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.
If you are unsure on any rules or have any queries, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.
For Schools
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 youāll 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.)
For Students
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)
Enter Online
Email
Email your entries to [email protected]
and please ensure your students' names and ages are on their work, and that you include your name, school name and school address in your email. Thank you!
Please ensure your name, email and school name and address are included with your entries if you send entries digitally via a non-Young Writers service.
Send by Mail
Send your entries, along with your school entry form, to:
Young Writers Middle & High 77 Walnut Street Unit 11 Peabody MA 01960
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