The New York Times Personal Narrative Writing Contest

Introduction: The New York Times Personal Narrative Writing Contest invites middle and high school students ages 11-19 to tell a short story in 100 words or less

Contest Guidelines: To help you brainstorm a story, start with our writing prompt “What Story From Your Life Can You Tell in 100 Words?” and this  list of prompts taken from our step-by-step guide. 

Contest Judges: Your work will be read by New York Times journalists, Learning Network staff members, and educators from around the United States. Your story is judged based on four elements:

• Story: The narrative tells a short but memorable story about a life experience and communicates some larger meaning or universal message.
• Language: The narrative uses vivid details and imagesto makethe story come alive for the reader. The writing avoids clichés
• Voice: The narrative demonstrates a unique personal voice, style and point of view. The story is fresh and original
• Narrative Arc: The narrative presents a clear conflict an obstacle, problem or tension that is resolved in some way
• Guidelines: Entry follows all contest rules and guidelines, including being no more than 100 words, not including the title

Prizes: Winning work will be published on The Learning Network and being eligible to be chosen to be published in the print editions of The New York Times.

Competition Website: For more information about the competition, click here.