Short Story Contest
Showcase your creative writing talent in our
“Bright Sparks” Short Story Contest!
Are you in Grade 6-8?
Do you like to write stories?
If so, Brain Power’s Bright Sparks Short Story Contest is your chance to enter your creative writing into a contest judged by published authors (including Brain Power’s very own Kaitlin Ruether)!
Story Prompts:
Your task: to write a short story responding to one (1) of the prompts below.
- Write a story set in a world where an AI is the government.
- Write a story in a world where art is not allowed. What is “art”? Why do you think this rule has been implemented?
- Your main character travels back in time to 1902. What happens next?
Requirements:
Your story must be:
-
- 700–1000 words
- written entirely by you, the author (no contributions from tutors, AI, or other sources)
- not written for any other purpose (such as school or another contest)
- not previously published
- saved as a Word document or PDF
- written in 12-point font in either Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri
Prizes:
- First Place: $75
- Second and Third Places: $20 gift card
- All winners will receive a trophy and a Brain Power swag bag.
- All winning stories will also be published in a collection.
Eligibility:
- You must be a student in Grades 6–8 at the time of the contest deadline.
- Students in any Canadian school are eligible, as are homeschooled students living in Canada and studying at the equivalent grade level.
Submissions:
- To be considered for the prize, you must use this form to upload and submit your story by 11:59 p.m. on April 12, 2026. SUBMIT HERE!
Questions?
- Email us at contests@brainpower.ca
