Ghost Stories 2026
Creative Writing Competition
Ideal for 5-18
Everyone loves a ghost story! A little bit of a scare, that nervous laugh, the suspense... We're inviting young writers of all ages to write their own spook-tacular short story in up to 250 words.
👻 Getting Started
There are two main elements needed for a spooky story.
Character
Setting
What will inspire your ghost story?
It can be funny, frightful or absolutely terrifying! Use your imagination and create a short spooky story packed with creepy characters, eerie settings or unexpected twists.
Need Some Spooky Inspiration? 👻
From building suspense to creating a creepy atmosphere, author Paul Westmoreland shares his top advice for writing a story that will give readers goosebumps.
👻 READ: 3 TOP TIPS TO WRITE A SPOOKY STORYReady to get started?
You will need:
✍️ Now you can get writing!
Time To Enter
Entering is completely free, and you could:
When you’re ready to enter, send your entry to us:
📮 By Post
Young Writers Ghost Stories
Remus House
Peterborough
PE2 9BF
Downloads
Rules
To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:
- Stories must be the writer's own work.
- Stories should be no longer than 250 words.
- Work can be handwritten or typed.
- An adult can scribe/type for a child where needed.
- One entry per person.
- Each entry should include a name, age and home address.
- Initials or first names only can be used where necessary.
- If there is anything we should take into consideration when reading the work, please note this on the entry.
- Entries can be written on an A4 sheet or typed.
- Entries can be posted, uploaded online, or emailed.
- Free to enter.
- No purchase is necessary to win.
- Copyright remains with the author.
- Open to UK entrants only.
If you are unsure on any rules or have any queries, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.
Prizes
Our 3 favourite writers will each win a £25 cinema voucher!
Every Entrant
Every child who enters will receive a bookmark.
Published Writers
A certificate will be awarded to all writers whose work we'd like to publish.
Winners will be chosen from stories received September–November 2026 that have permission to be published. No purchase necessary. Winners will be announced the following term.