Scary Story Contest!

Submissions due by October 27. Open to ages 12-18.

Creepy cartoon Raven with text about the contest prizes and age restrictions.

It was a dark and stormy night... when the library's Teen Space announced it was hosting its first Scary Story Writing Contest.
Craft your scariest short story and submit it by October 27 to frighten our panel of judges.

Want to enter but don't know where to start? Stop by the Teen Space for some inspiration and writing prompts.

Entry Rules:

  • Open to ages 12-18.
  • Entries must be submitted by email as a PDF or Word document to eboughton@cwmars.org, with name, town, and telephone number in the body of the email. (Computers and Wi-Fi at the library are free to access.)
  • Entries must be submitted by midnight on Sunday, October 27.
  • One entry per person.
  • Stories must be original and written by the teen submitting them.
  • Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, and writing style.
  • Stories must not exceed 1500 words.
  • All entries become property of the Athol Public Library and may be posted to the library’s website or social media.

First place will receive a $25 Walmart gift card, stickers, and themed journal. Runners up will receive a horror themed vinyl sticker pack. Winners will be announced in early November.

All prizes must be picked up in person at the library by the winning teen.