Story Lab 2026
Creative Writing Competition
7-18 Year-Olds
Story Lab is the summer story writing competition from Young Writers for 7-18 year-olds.
Budding authors have:
✏️ 500 words
📖 Any theme
📚 Any genre
If young writers need inspiration, download the free story examples and ‘How to Write a Story’ guide.
Also, check out these blogs that offer top tips & writing help from published authors:
⚡How To Invent Character Names
⚡How To Turn An Idea In To A Story
⚡Top Tips For Fantasy Story Writing
⚡Using History In Your Stories
⚡How To Write A Funny Story
⚡How To Write A Thriller
⚡Exploring Dystopian Fiction
⚡Using Dungeons & Dragons To Improve Your Writing
⚡How To Create A Beastly Monster
⚡Creating A Magical Land And Characters
Who or what will inspire them? Which time period will they choose: past, present or future? We can’t wait to find out!
How To Enter
Email your child's entry along with their name and full address to: [email protected]
OR
Upload their entry at www.youngwriters.co.uk/competitions/enter
OR
Post your child's entry along with their, name and full address to:
Young Writers - Story Lab
Remus House
Peterborough
PE2 9BF
Closing Date: 11th September 2026
Rules
To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:
- Only one entry per child.
- Ask your child to write their story (or an adult can scribe/type it), ensuring their name, age and full home address are included. (Initials or first name only can be submitted)
- Work can be on the entry form or an A4 sheet of paper, or typed.
- Stories can be written in any genre on any theme.
- Stories must be NO LONGER than 500 words.
- Copyright remains with the author.
- UK entrants only.
- Free to enter.
- Your child's story must be their own work! (Please note on the entry if there is anything we need to take into consideration when reading the work.)
If you are unsure on any rules or have any queries, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.
Prizes
