Image of a person coming down from the sky in a parachute and a duck
Kenneth Gall (Varian Johnson); Shutterstock.com (all other images)

First Line Contest

Famous author Varian Johnson needs YOU!

From the October 2020 Issue

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Famous Author Varian Johnson Needs Your Students’ Help!

Varian Johnson wrote three first lines to stories that don’t exist—yet. Choose your favorite line and use it to write your own short story.

The First Lines

1. Did you know that ducks could talk?

2. Grandma smiled as she placed the quaddlebon on the table.

3. I knew I should have worn a parachute this morning.

How to Write a Great Short Story
In our delightful video, author Varian Johnson explains what he’s looking for in a short story. Then he takes you through the process of writing a short story and provides tips on plot, character development, revision, and more!

How to Enter

Deadline

March 1, 2021

1. Pick your favorite line.

2. Write a short story starting with your chosen line.

3. Stories must be between 800 and 3,000 words.

4. Edit and revise!

5. Fill out this entry form.

 

Send the story and completed entry form to us by March 1, 2021.

At this time we are only accepting emailed entries. Entries can be emailed to:

scopemag@scholastic.com

*NOTE: Please attach entries as Word documents or PDFs ONLY, put the contest name “First-Line Contest" in the subject line, and include the e-mail address of the entrant’s parent or legal guardian. Submit entries along with the completed Writing Contest Entry Form. Scope contests are open to legal residents of the U.S. And Canada age 18 and older who are the teacher, parent, or guardian of a student in grades 4-12. Entries must be submitted by the teacher, parent, or guardian, not the student.

The Contest Entry Form

The Official Rules

The Contest Checklist

Prizes

The winner will get: 

$100 plus the thrill of seeing your story published at Scope Online.

The winner’s teacher will get:

a free one-year subscription to Scope.

The winner’s class will get:

copies of Johnson’s fantastic novel The Parker Inheritance

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