Detroit HS Students Published in Hunted – Stories Unlocked
Left to right: Madison Allensworth, Natalie Snodgrass, Ava Sessums, Kaidance Parks, Bella McClain, Ely Hubbard, Austin Middleton, Beau Cox and Nicolai ReineCiannah Garrison and Hannah Day are not pictured.
Detroit High School students Ely Hubbard, Austin Middleton, Ciannah Garrison, Ava Sessums, Natalie Snodgrass, Hannah Day, Kaidance Parks, Beau Cox, Nicolai Reine, Madison Allensworth and Bella McClain were recently challenged by their English II Honors teacher, Carly Crow, to write their own enthralling tales using tension, suspense and atmosphere using only 100 words. Crow entered the mini-stories in the SOS Sagas: Hunted contest and a total of 11 sophomores were selected for publication.
Hunted – set for release on March 31 – will feature a collection of stories from students across the U.S.
“I’m always happy to see students be courageous enough to use their creative writing abilities and then watch them come alive on paper. Writing can be scary, especially for teens who are prone to feel insecure in their abilities during those awkward teenage years. It’s like Hemmingway said, ‘There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed,’” said Crow. “Sitting down and pouring your heart out on paper can be intimidating at any age. Last year, I had one student – Riley Sands – who was selected for publication. I was pleasantly surprised to have 11 students selected this year. Contests like this always have students buzzing to create original work. It empowers them to become published writers and see their work in a real book.”
Entrees for the contest are selected based on editors’ preferences. The editorial policy takes a broad view of what makes a good story: perception, imagination and creativity are important as well as expression, originality, and use of language.
“Having work published is a fantastic way to boost confidence and showcase writing skills while giving students a real audience and purpose for their writing,” said Young Writers Editor Lynsey Evans. “Having your students’ work chosen is something to be proud of – it doesn’t happen every day. I was impressed with their writing. It’s been a privilege to read, and every piece will make a fantastic addition to Hunted – Stories Unlocked.”
In addition to publication, the school with the best set of entries will receive The Young Writers’ Award of Excellence, and the top three students will receive cash prizes. Winners will be announced next semester.