2026 Tween First Paragraph Contest
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Welcome to the First Paragraph Writing Contest for tweens, ages 8–12 years old!
This contest is for StoryCon attendees only.
Entry fee is $10.00. To enter, write 3–5 sentences that make up the first paragraph of a story (whether the entire story is complete or not). It cannot exceed 175 words and must be your own creative work.
Here are some questions to consider that will make your paragraph the best it can be. These are some of the things your entry will be judged on.
- Is your opening line interesting and unique?
- Does it make the reader want to keep reading?
- Have you given the reader an idea of who your main character is? Or have you given the reader an idea of the setting where your main character exists?
- Did you give the reader an idea of a problem (stakes) that exists in your story?
Rules and Guidelines
- All entries must be original and unpublished and never submitted to our contest before.
- Entry cannot be more than 175 words.
- Entries must be in English.
- Changes can’t be made to the entry after it has been submitted. Please proofread and double-check your entries before submitting.
- New this year: You can enter more than once!
- Family of any member of the Operation Literacy team is not eligible to participate.
- For questions, email heatherbmoore@operationliteracy.org