Looking for a teen program that isn't a craft or a game? Have teens interested in writing? Want something that appeals to any gender? Try a Flash Fiction 50 Word Story Challenge.
Preparing for the program:
- Create a 5x10 table in a document as a 50 word template and print multiple copies (more than you think you'll need).
- Choose a wide variety of images for visual prompts and/or find or make some written prompts and print some for each table you'll have set-up.
- Offer pens, pencils, and erasers.
- Offer snacks if you so choose or are able to offer them.
Guidelines for writers:
- Exactly 50 words - no more, no less.
- Titles don't count against the 50 words.
- Prose, not poetry (but you can be flexible on this).
- Choose your own subject or choose a story prompt.
- Stories must follow a story format with a beginning, a middle, and an end.
This was the quietest teen library program EVER! All the teens were furiously writing and hardly availed themselves of the snacks. They did drink plenty of cold water as it was a hot and humid day. After 45 minutes, most of them had finished writing; many had used three or more 50 word templates. At this point, we stopped writing and discussed how the format had affected the writing process, shared our stories, had some snacks, and talked about upcoming programs.
