This contest is open to all registered members of the National Junior Classical League.

The 2026 Creative Writing Contest theme will be quod si tam Graecis novitas invisa fuisset quam nobis, quid nunc esset vetus? or "but if the Greeks had been so hostile to innovation as we are, what would now be old?" from Horace's Epistles, II.1.  You can view and print a contest flier here.  For more specific instructions on composition and submission, please refer to this document.

The deadline for entries is February 7, 2026. If you have questions, please contact the contest chair at creativewriting@njcl.org or the Programs & Scholastic Services chair at programs@njcl.org.

All entries must:

• be 900-1200 words in length. (Indicate the word count under the title; stories too long or too short will not be judged.
• be typed and double-spaced.
• have the title of the story and the page number on EACH page.
• NOT have the student’s name on the pages of the story.
• have a bibliography of any sources used in research.
• be free of artwork or graphics.
• be carefully proof-read.

The judging criteria are:

30% Creativity and originality (concept, imagination, ideas, entertainment value)
10% Quality of content (adherence to topic)
15% Historical accuracy (including bibliography worth 5%)
15% Organization, development and clarity (including length)
10% Style (word choice, vocabulary, sentence structure)
10% Mechanics (grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization)
10% Overall impression

Teachers: If your school or school district does not allow sharing of or access to documents via google from outside entities, then please have your students submit their entries to you in a word document. Then, you can upload those documents into a non-school restricted account. If you have any specific questions, please email the contest chair at creativewriting@njcl.org or the Programs & Scholastic Services chair at programs@njcl.org for more help.