SOS Sagas: Wanted
Creative Writing Contest
Ideal for 10-18 years
WHAT DOES WANTED MEAN TO YOU?
One word. Hundreds of possibilities. Just 100 words to tell your story.
Maybe someone is wanted for a crime they didn't commit. Maybe there's something you've always wanted to know. Someone wants revenge. Someone wants to change the world. Or perhaps something precious has disappeared and somebody wants it back...
Take WANTED in any direction you like and turn your idea into an original mini saga of no more than 100 words.
WRITE IT. ENTER IT. GET PUBLISHED.
Your 100-word story could turn you into a published author.
Enter Wanted for the chance to see your mini saga published in a real Young Writers anthology.
5 WRITERS WILL EACH WIN A $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD
Writers whose work is published will also receive a Certificate of Merit.
WHAT COULD YOU WRITE?
Stuck for an idea? Start with one of these and see where your imagination takes you...
I wanted to be heard...
Who has been ignoring them, and what happens when they finally speak up?
I was wanted for a crime I didn’t commit...
Who framed them, and can they prove the truth?
I wanted to know what was behind the door...
What do they discover when curiosity gets the better of them?
I wanted revenge...
What happened, and how far are they prepared to go?
I wanted to make the world a better place...
What do they decide to change, and what stands in their way?
They wanted it back...
What was taken, who has it now, and why does it matter?
Or come up with something completely your own.
There’s no single way to interpret WANTED. Take the theme wherever your imagination leads.
READY TO WRITE?
You only need an idea and 100 words. Here’s how to get from WANTED to your finished mini saga.
1
CHOOSE
Pick your WANTED idea
2
IMAGINE
Decide what happens
3
WRITE
Tell your story in 100 words
4
ENTER
Send us your mini saga
MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT
A mini saga might be short, but it can still tell a brilliant story. Before you enter, try these quick tips:
Start where the action is
With only 100 words, there’s no need for a long introduction.
With only 100 words, there’s no need for a long introduction.
Keep your idea focused
One strong idea can make a great mini saga.
One strong idea can make a great mini saga.
Give your story an ending
A twist, surprise, discovery, or final decision can make those last few words count.
A twist, surprise, discovery, or final decision can make those last few words count.
Check your word count
Your story can be fewer than 100 words, but not more. The title doesn’t count towards the limit.
Your story can be fewer than 100 words, but not more. The title doesn’t count towards the limit.
HOW TO ENTER
Finished your WANTED mini saga? Entering is simple.
Rules
To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:
YOUR STORY
• Your mini saga must be your own work.
• Your mini saga can be written on the entry form, on a separate sheet of paper, or typed.
• The word limit is 100 words, not including the title, but your story can be shorter.
YOUR ENTRY
• Include your name and age on your entry.
• First names only or initials can be used if needed.
• There is one entry per person.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Free to enter.
• No purchase is necessary to win.
• Open to US entrants only.
• Copyright remains with the author.
If you are unsure on any rules or have any queries, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.
Prizes
5 WINNING WRITERS
$50 Amazon gift card each
Become a published author
Our 5 favorite published writers will each win a $50 Amazon gift card.
Our 5 favorite published writers will each win a $50 Amazon gift card.
Every entrant receives a bookmark
Everyone who enters will receive a bookmark for taking part.
Everyone who enters will receive a bookmark for taking part.
Celebrate getting published
Every student whose story we'd love to publish will also receive a Certificate of Merit.
Every student whose story we'd love to publish will also receive a Certificate of Merit.
Winners will be chosen from entries received Sept-Nov 2026, and independent entrants are eligible for student prizes. No purchase necessary.