Get ready to showcase your mystery writing skills in a creative writing contest with a mystery theme. This contest is designed to challenge your imagination and take you on a journey of suspense, intrigue, and mystery. From whodunits to suspenseful thrillers, let your imagination run wild and craft a mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Start writing and let the mystery unfold!

The form will begin accepting responses on 04/01. Entries of any kind will not be accepted until April 1 or after April 21.

Eligibility:

Open to any resident or student (grades 3+) in the Wa-Nee School District.

Deadline:

Entries will be accepted April 1 – April 21. Only original materials may be entered.

Judging:

Entries will be judged anonymously on content, grammar, and creativity using a 15-point rubric.

How to Enter:

Entries can be submitted online, dropped off, or emailed to media@nappaneelibrary.org.

Do not put your name or contact information on any pages of your entry.

Your name, phone number, and email address, along with the title of your entry, go ONLY on the submission form.

One entry per person. A submission form is required.

The form will begin accepting responses on 04/01. Entries of any kind will not be accepted until April 1 or after April 21.

Awards:

1st place winners will receive a cash prize and 2nd place winners will receive a $20 gift card.

Winning entries may be on display at the Library and on the Library’s website and social media.

Contest Categories:

Category	Upper Elementary	Middle School	Highschool	Adult
Grade/Age	Grade 3 – 5	Grade 6 – 8	Grade 9 – 12	Age 18+
Prize	$150	$200	$250	$300
Maximum Count	up to 500 words	up to 750 words	up to 1,000 words	up to 100 words
Prompt	Scary Story: Write your best and spookiest short story or poem.	Top Secret: Write a story or a poem about discovering a secret or hidden truth.	Twists and Turns: Write a story with an unexpected ending or a poem that ends with a twist.	100-Word Mystery: Write any mystery in 100 words or less.

Sponsors:

Thank you to the following sponsors:

Friends of the Nappanee Public Library, Kountry Wood Products, Stickley Ace, Main Street Roasters, Kiwanis Nappanee, and Bella’s Books & Curiousities

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2023 Winners

2022 Winners

2021 Winners

Kid’s: Damian Murillo

Teen: Lindsay Graber

Adult: Rachel Titus