Fiction Fantastic Young Writers Contest open for submissions with the theme “Alchemy of Courage”
EUGENE, Ore. – The search is on for the next generation of local storytellers.
Last year, 90 young writers from 28 Lane County schools filled more than 138,000 words with imagination, adventure, and heart when they wrote stories to enter Fiction Fantastic, Wordcrafters’ annual youth writing contest. Since it began in 2014, local students have submitted more than 2.1 million words!
Now, submissions are being accepted for the 2026 Fiction Fantastic contest, and this year’s theme is “Alchemy of Courage.”
The contest is open—at no charge—to all Lane County students in grades K–12. Winning stories are published in a professionally edited anthology, celebrated at an awards ceremony in May, and earn prizes including cash, a writing journal, and chocolate.
“Every year we’re blown away by the talent and creativity of young writers in Lane County,” says Jeaux Bartlett, Associate Director at Wordcrafters. “Fiction Fantastic gives them a chance to share their stories, but also to see their words in print—something writers of all ages dream of.”
Stories are judged by community volunteers in grade-level categories, with prizes awarded for first, second, third, and honorable mention. Youngest writers (grades K–2) can have their work included in the anthology without the competition element, so that even the very earliest storytellers can see their words in print.
Fiction Fantastic anthologies are distributed to winners, shared with school libraries, and available for purchase online. Each year’s anthology features original cover art that reflects the contest theme.
Submissions are open now through January 10, 2026. Full guidelines, past winners, and the online submission form, visit fictionfantastic.org.
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About Wordcrafters in Eugene
Wordcrafters in Eugene is a nonprofit literary arts organization celebrating 12 years of helping writers find their voice and tell their story.
Our mission: to empower writers by increasing access to community, craft, and inspiration by providing a home for sharing knowledge and stories with each other and future generations to cultivate a more empathetic, creative, and courageous world.
Wordcrafters offers classes, workshops, and gatherings for adults and youth, including creative writing summer camps, monthly youth creative writing workshops, the annual Fiction Fantastic short story contest, and Writers in the Schools residencies for underserved schools in Lane County.
Instagram/Facebook: @Wordcrafters
Web: wordcrafters.org