Students in grades 4-7, a chilling challenge awaits. Do you have a mysterious or eerie tale to tell? Try writing an original short story in just two sentences and see how big of an impact you can make!
Starting October 1, let the spooky writing begin. But beware… the deadline lurks closer than you think! Turn in your story by 5pm on Friday, October 24, 2025.
You can only enter once, and your writing must be your own work (not AI). Enter online or turn in your entry form at any NOLS branch or the Bookmobile.
Examples:
Here are some examples of a two-sentence spooky story:
“It was a dark and stormy night when I was locked out of my house and my parents weren’t home. I heard a rustling behind me, coming from the bushes.”
“I opened the fridge. It was empty!”
“My dog doesn’t believe in sleeping in on the weekend, I guess, because he jumped up on my bed and licked my face until I started petting him. Then I remembered I don’t have a dog.”
Prizes:
One frightfully fang-tastic grand-prize winner and two magically marvelous runners-up will be picked at each branch! You must live in Clallam County to qualify for prizes.
- Grand prizes: $25 gift card.
- Runners-up prizes: Notebook and pen.
Judging will be anonymous. Entries will be scored by a panel of Youth Services library staff. Submissions will be judged based on creativity, command of language, voice, and technique.
Questions:
If you have questions, please email youth@nols.org or ask at your local branch.
This program is generously supported in part by local Friends of the Library groups.
