Imagine and dream. Craft a mystery. Tell your story.
Do you love reading or writing stories full of secrets, suspense, and creepy twists? Then Stillwater Public Library’s Youth Mystery Writing Contest is for you!
Award-winning author Rebecca Ansari, creator of The In-Between, invites writers ages 8-12 to enter our writing contest. She will read and offer feedback on your tale.
Writing Prompts & Rules
Choose from one of the writing prompts below and write an original short story up to 2,000 words. Submit your story by completing the online form and uploading your work or dropping it off at the library. Stories can be uploaded as Word documents, PDFs, or photos of hand-written work (if you think we can read it!).
- Prompt 1: In The In-Between, there is a house that appears abandoned to everyone but the main characters. Write your version of a story about this house and the characters who can see it. Why can only they see it? What is the mystery behind the house?
- Prompt 2: Your character wakes up in the middle of a historic disaster! What do they do? How do they get back home to the present?
Prizes and Recognition
Rebecca Ansari and one of our youth services librarians will read all of your stories, with Rebecca Ansari providing personal feedback on each tale! Winners of the contest will receive special recognition:
- Grand Prize Winner: A personalized, autographed copy of The In-Between and have their story published on the library’s website.
- Runners-up: Signed copies of The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly and have their stories published on the library website.
All winners will be announced during our Author Visit & Celebration Night!
Author Visit & Celebration Night
Thursday, October 22
6-7:30 PM
Meet the American Library Association Notable Book author Rebecca Ansari, author of The In-Between! Hear about Rebecca’s writing process and learn about her journey from being an ER doctor to an author. Plus, celebrate the amazing young authors in our community! You don’t have to enter the contest to attend—everyone is welcome! No registration.
Mystery Writing Inspiration
1-2 PM
Join award-winning Minnesota author Margi Preus for an engaging presentation for young authors and interested adults. In conjunction with Stillwater Public Library’s “Month of Mystery,” Margi will share fun and valuable tips about the mystery writing process while featuring The Shrew Detective, the first title in her exciting new mystery series for young readers. The program lasts fifty minutes, including time for questions, and will be followed by a small reception.
In partnership with Valley Bookseller, copies of Margi’s most recent books will be available for purchase and autographing at the event.
No registration is required. This program and reception will take place in the Margaret Rivers Meeting Rooms on the upper level of the library.