October: Personal Narrative
Contest Theme: “Tell a personal story about a memorable experience”
Contest Prompt:
Using all your knowledge about creating plot development and character for a fictional story, write a TRUE personal narrative about a memorable experience in your life related to your niche.
Refer to this plot development chart.
Exposition = dive immediately into characters & action
Inciting incident = starts the conflict
Rising action = conflict unfolds and gains in tension
Climax = height of most tension
Falling action = events start to get resolved
Resolution = final ending & major realization or lessons learned
Deadline:
Due October 31, 2025 at 11:59pm
Guidelines:
You must be enrolled in the Teen Journal Journey program to compete in writing contests
Minimum of 350 words but no maximum
No late submissions accepted
Prizes:
1st place: $25 + 2,000 points
2nd place = 1,000 points
3rd place = 500 points
Submit:
You will submit your draft just like any submission (use button below). We will still ask you to edit it, but as long as you get your draft in by the deadline you are entered into the contest.
Winners always announced 10 days after deadline.
