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creative writing competition

2026 Theme: “What if…”

10 April – Announce CWC theme.

8 May – Closing date for school registration of participant(s): 1 for ages 11-14 and 1 for ages 15-19. Submission of Stories deadline.

10 May – 23 May – Round 1 judging (virtual.)

25 May – CWC Finalists announced.

13 June – CWC Finals Event (in person) – workshop activities / Final judging / Awards. Hosted by Colegio La Maisonnette, Vitacura.

Short Story Writing Overview

The voice of young people’s creative literary imagination that reveals an insight into their critical thinking within the boundaries set by short story conventions.  The key to language learning and developing proficiency in a language is in writing, especially in the field of creative imaginative expression.

Details (Please see this and other information as well on the links above)

2026 Theme

The theme for this year is “What if…”

Students will be expected to include this theme throughout their stories.

Guidelines

  • Open to students from ESU member schools and organisations looking to become members.
  • Students can only participate once in each category.
  • Students are required to enter the category corresponding to the age they will be by the date of the Final (13 June)
  • Age limit: 11 to 19 years of age 
    • Junior Category: ages 11-14 years and 
    • Senior Category: ages 15-19 years 
  • Competition submission deadline : Friday 8 May 2026, midnight (that is Friday to Saturday)
  • All submissions must be typed in 
    • Font : Times New Roman 
    • Size : 12 
    • Spacing : 1.5 
  • Short story should be at least 450 words but not exceed 1200 words and must be based on 2026 theme “What if…” 
  • Submissions must include a cover page.
    • Name of student 
    • Name of school/organisation 
    • Title of short story 
  • Every typed page must contain the title of the short story as a header. (Title is based on 2026 theme “What if…” however that is not the title)
  • Strongly encouraged that participant registration and submission to be done through link above (“Registration and Parental Consent Form”). Alternatively, register above and send registered participant’s entry to esu@esu.cl by 8 May to be included in Round 1 of Judging. ESU judging will take place 10-25 May and CWC Finalists will be announced 26 May.
  • On 13 June ESU is planning a CWC Final Event (in person) which will require all shortlisted participants in both Junior and Senior Categories to make travel arrangements to attend the full day Final Competition/ Workshop Activities/Awards. To be hosted by Colegio La Maisonnette, Vitacura, Región Metropolitana.