Wanted |
Creative Writing Competition

Ideal for 11-18

Every story is about someone who wants something.

So... what does your character want?

You are invited to write a story in up to 100 words on the theme of 'wanted', but the genre and topic are completely up to you.

You might write an adventure story about an explorer searching for lost treasure, a thriller about a detective hunting down a criminal, a magical fantasy about a creature battling evil forces, or a funny tale about a ghost who just wants a friend.

Think about...

Who is your character?

What do they want?

Who or what is in their way?

What could go wrong?

Do they get what they want?

There are story starters and even more ideas to inspire you on the planning sheet.

Download them now, along with more resources to help you get writing, including example stories. There are two main rules: keep your story to 100 words (or fewer!), and be original.

Every entrant has the opportunity to see their work published in a book, and there are fantastic prizes up for grabs, including £100 Amazon gift cards for our favourite 5 stories. You could be a winner, but you have to enter to be in with a chance!

So if you want to be a published author, and maybe a winner, download your entry form now!

How To Enter

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

Upload your entry at www.youngwriters.co.uk/competitions/enter.

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

Young Writers - Wanted
Remus House
Peterborough
PE2 9BF

Closing date: 24th July 2026

Downloads

Story Starter Postcards

Planning Sheet / Entry Form

Rules

To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:

Only one entry per person.
Write or type your story (or an adult can scribe/type it), ensuring your name, age and address are included. (Initials or first name only can be supplied if necessary.)
Work can be on the entry form or an A4 sheet of paper or typed.
Stories must be your own work.
Please note on the entry if there is anything we need to take into consideration when reading the work.
100-word limit.
UK entrants only.
Free to enter.
Ideal for 10-18 year-olds, but young writers outside that age range are welcome to enter.
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 winners will each receive a £100 Amazon gift card and a trophy

Plus every entrant receives a bookmark and all writers whose work we'd love to publish will get a certificate of merit.

(Winners will be chosen from entries submitted in the Spring Term 2026. The prizes will be sent in the following term. Independent entrants are eligible for student prizes.)

Downloads

Rules

Prizes

Closing Date: Friday 4th Sep 2026