Creative Composition - Short Story Writing

Creative Composition events consist of Essay Writing, Poetry Writing, and Short Story Writing. A student that learns to write well will have a powerful tool to reach the heart of others.

• All Creative Composition entries must have been written since the end of the last PILOTS Convention.
• Plagiarism of any kind will automatically disqualify the entry.
• A significant portion of the entry must be written in the presence of the teacher or parent signing/submitting the Creative Composition Affidavit to avoid plagiarism and to ensure the integrity of the entry.
• The Creative Composition Affidavit (AF1) must be filled out, signed, and brought to registration.
• All written entries must be in the English language.
• Students are not allowed to use advanced automated technology (AI or tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, etc.) and are expected to complete their entry without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools. Sponsors must verify that AI has not been used in the composition and writing process.

Themes – Themes for all composition entries may be evangelistic, Biblical, patriotic, inspirational, persuasive, or historical. The theme and title of the entry must be included when submitting the entry for judging.

Before Registration Day – Each school must submit the following early entries digitally at least fourteen days prior to the beginning date of PILOTS directly to the PILOTS Program.

Early Entry Composition: Short Story, Essay, Poetry Writing

Detailed information regarding entry submission will be communicated further via email. Files must be saved and uploaded as a PDF file format only.

Judging - For judging criteria, please see judge’s forms AF2 through AF4 (shown on each event's page).

Print the Creative Composition affidavit (AF1)

Short Story Writing – The contestant writes and submits a fictional composition. The story may be based on a real experience, purely imaginary, or a fictionalized report of a historical happening.

Requirements:

• Length: 600-1000 words.
• Format: Typed, double-spaced on plain white paper; one full-inch margin on all sides.
• A typed cover page must be included with the title, theme, entry number, and number of words. There should be no identifying information including the student name or church/school.
• The file with the coversheet included must be saved as a PDF and uploaded to the PILOTS Program.

Tips:

• Read over the judge's form (AF4) very carefully before writing. Judges look for stories that are original and imaginative, yet still believable.
• It is important that the short story contains a balance of all the elements of narrative fiction: plot, setting, characterization, conflict, climax, resolution, and realistic characters. It should not overemphasize one element to the detriment of the others.
• Because of space limitations, it is important that each facet of the story is developed carefully and thoughtfully, paying particular attention to your choice of words. Do not use several trite, colorless words when one imaginative word could take the place of those words and enhance the tone of the story; consider each word carefully.
• When satisfied with the story's message, check it carefully to eliminate errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.