Array ( [article_id] => 20465 [company_id] => 1 [user_id] => 0 [article_type_id] => 58 [article_seo_url] => unsolved25 [details] => Array ( [Title] => Unsolved 2025 [Description] => Get your students writing thrilling fiction with Unsolved - the creative writing contest for 10-18 year-olds [Subheading] => Engaging creative writing activity to take part in today! [Age] => Middle & High [Intro] =>

Your students are invited into the gripping world of crime and mystery writing... 

Your classroom will be buzzing as your students use the story starters to get their ideas flowing and then they can use the entry form to write their thrilling tales.  

This is the perfect theme to allow them to explore different characters, settings, and plots. Will they solve a cold case, write an original mystery or make sure justice is served? 

With the thrilling theme, amazing prizes up for grabs, and the opportunity to be published, Unsolved will engage and inspire even the most reluctant writers. 

Get started by checking out the free resources available to download, including 4 different activities, story starters, and a presentation! (Or use the Google Slides version instead!)

[Rules] =>

Only one entry per student. 

There is no limit to the number of entries per school. Teachers please submit your entries together where possible!

Entries must be the students' own original work

Mini sagas can be submitted on the entry form, a sheet of paper or typed (on a computer or using the Online Writing Portal)

Mini sagas have a 100-word limit (the title is not included in the word limit).

If a story starter/ending is used, it must be included in the 100-word limit.

Each student's name, age and school name should be included on their entry.

This exciting contest is ideal for students aged 10-18, but any student aged 5-18 is welcome to enter.

Free to enter.

[School Prizes] =>

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

PLUS

Every participating school receives a complimentary 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 3 favorite writers each win a $50 Amazon Giftcard!

Plus every entrant receives a bookmark. Students chosen for publication also receive a certificate of merit.

(Winners will be chosen from entries received in Jan-Feb 2025).

[Tips] =>
[YouTube] => f0FCo5mYSIQ [Opens] => 2025-01-03 [Closes] => 2025-02-28 [Extended] => 1 [Orion ID] => 667 [RR Ontraport ID] => [DL Ontraport ID] => 670 [Post Class] => Unsolved [Orion Teacher Year] => Middle & High [How to Enter] => We can't wait to read your students' mysterious and thrilling tales! [Winners Subheading] => We're delighted to announce the winners... [Winners Intro] =>

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Unsolved competition.

We loved reading all of the entries we received.

[Winner Word] => Student [Schools/Clubs] => Schools [Thumbnail] => https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/bonacia-sites/young-writers-usa/contests/unsolved-2023/3069-thumbnail.jpg [Background] => https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/bonacia-sites/young-writers-usa/contests/unsolved-2023/1383-background.jpg [Logo] => https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/bonacia-sites/young-writers-usa/contests/unsolved-2023/4311-logo.png [Independent Intro] =>

You're invited into the thrilling world of crime and mystery writing...

There are 8 story starters you can use to get ideas flowing... will you choose to solve a crime, write from the viewpoint of the wrongly accused, or serve justice!  

Get started with this thrilling writing activity by checking out the story starters in the download section below, you'll also find more inspiration on the graphic organizer. 

Once you've written your mini saga (story told in just 100 words), you can either email it to us at [email protected] or upload below. 

We can't wait to read your crime or mystery-inspired short story! 

How To Enter

Email your entry along with your, name and full address to: [email protected]

OR

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

OR

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

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

Closing Date: February 21, 2025

[Independent Rules] =>

Only one entry per person.

Entries must be your own original work.

Mini sagas can be submitted on the entry form, a sheet of paper, or typed.

Mini sagas have a 100-word limit (the title is not included in the word limit).

If a story starter/ending is used, it must be included in the 100-word limit.

Your name and age should be included on your entry.

US entrants only

Free to enter

[Independent Prizes] =>

Our 3 favorite writers each win a $50 Amazon Giftcard!

Plus every entrant receives a bookmark. Young writers chosen for publication also receive a certificate of merit!

(Winners will be chosen from entries received Jan-Feb 2025, and independent entrants are eligible for student prizes.)

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