Fiction Fantastic lets young writers tell the stories they keep inside. The selected entries in each year's anthology open a window into their inner worlds, translating their lived experiences into story.

Fiction Fantastic--a project of Wordcrafter's Writers in the Schools youth programming--is one of the few opportunities for students in Lane County, Oregon, to showcase their writing, learn their craft, and engage with other writers. In addition to the Fiction Fantastic short story contest, Writers in the Schools provides creative writing opportunities and instruction through school residencies, national author visits, youth workshops, and creative writing camps.

All of this is made possible through the support of grants and the generosity of donors like you. Please consider making a donation at wordcrafters.org/donate.

A heart-felt thank you to the generous supporters of Fiction Fantastic:

Elizabeth George Foundation

Eugene Public Library

Lane Arts Council

City of Eugene

Luminare Press

James F. & Marion L. Miller

Oregon Arts Commission

Teach Write Now

2023 Fiction Fantastic Winners K-2 Spotlight

• "The Adventures of Pets" by Hazel Rallen, Eugene Waldorf School
• "Silver" by Nova Johnardt, Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School
• "The Story of Running Deer and Her Tribe" by Liora Tabak, Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School

Elementary School

• "Project Infinite" by Adrienne White, Gilham Elementary School
• "The Elevator" by Leo Kuhl, Charlemagne at Fox Hollow Elementary School
• "Finding Family" by Sofia Ameen, Pleasant Hill Elementary School
• "Goblins Around the World" by Saharsh Chireddy & Owen Rudzek, Gilham Elementary School
• "The Magic Redwood" by Greta Rice & Xixin Pan, Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School

Middle School

• "Once There Was a Boy" by Ivy Marsden, Monroe Middle School
• "The Battle For Duruntar" by Kai Suzumura, Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School
• "The Criminal Poet" by Grace Phillips, Roosevelt Middle School
• "Lylan's Secret" by Jude McElfresh' Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School
• "The Wellerman's Gift" by Keiko Weible, Spencer Butte Middle School

High School

• "Why We Stay" by Stella Hergenreter, Sheldon High School
• "Test Day" by Emily Krauss, Pleasant Hill High School
• "June 2020: Deep Waters" by Brianna Bird, Marist High School
• "The Bad Luck Cat" by Elizabeth Johnston, South Eugene High School