Plainfield Library Story Contest Opens For Elementary Students

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Plainfield Area Public Library launched a story contest for elementary students just in time for winter break.

Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students can participate in the library's annual Short Story Contest by writing a tale between 550-700 words long and submitting it by Feb. 15.

Keir Graff, who writes mysteries, including "MK's Detective Club," with James Patterson, will choose first-, second- and third-place winners from each grade level. He will rank winners based on creativity and writing skills, according to a news release from Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202.

Writers should note these additional entry rules:

• Include a title, your name, grade, your school, and your parents' phone number and email address
• Submissions must be a Word document or Google Doc. No PDFs
• Stories must be students' own work. Genre can be humor, mystery, fantasy, science fiction or something else.
• Be sure to proofread the writing and check for correct spelling and grammar

Winners will be announced at the Short Story Contest Author Talk and Award Ceremony at 10 a.m. March 28. All writers will be invited to attend, and each winner will meet Graff after the ceremony.

Winning stories will be printed in the Plainfield Area Public Library Short Story Journal.