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Fight Or Flight | Creative Writing Contest | Ideal for 10-18
What will your students choose?
Inspire your students to write compelling mini sagas (stories told in up to 100 words) with Fight or Flight!
In every story a character makes a choice. It's what happens because of that choice that makes the story.
What choice will your students write about? Funny dilemmas or life-or-death decisions? Will their characters flee and live to see another day, or face the situation head-on? They could write about real-life experiences or imaginary worlds - it's completely up to them how they interpret the theme.
The chance to see their work in print will motivate your class to get writing; it's guaranteed to unleash creativity and ignite enthusiasm in your classroom.
There are more free downloads to help you teach an exciting English lesson they'll never forget, including a ready-made lesson plan & slide deck (also available in Google Slides) model stories and writing prompts designed to kick-start ideas.
Head to the downloads tab to get all the resources you need to take part, and get your whole school involved in Fight or Flight today!
Closing Date: Friday Feb 21, 2025
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:
Closing Date: Friday Feb 21, 2025
Only one entry per student
There is no limit to the number of entries per school. Teachers please submit your entries altogether where possible!
Entries do not have to be on the entry form: mini sagas can be submitted on the entry form, a sheet of paper, typed, or using the Online Writing Portal.
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.
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 is awarded to the school that submits the best set of entries for this contest.
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.)
For Pupils
Our favorite 3 writers will each win a $50 Amazon gift card.
PLUS every entrant receives a bookmark for taking part. Students chosen for publication also receive a certificate.
(The school & student winners will be chosen from the entries received Jan-Feb 2025.)
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 Post
Send your entries, along with your school entry form, to:
Young Writers Fight or Flight 77 Walnut Street Unit 11 Peabody MA 01960
We can't wait to read your students' stories!
Jenni, Editor
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