Creative Chaos Writing Competition

Team Registration

Designed for schools, homeschool groups, and community programs.
Includes up to 7 writers; add extra writers for $10 each.

Register a Team

Open Class

Perfect for individual writers not on a team.
$20 per participant, ages 11 and up.

Register Open Class

Author Showcase

Published authors can connect with writers, sell books, and inspire the next generation.

Apply to Showcase

Event Information

Event Snapshot

Date: April 18, 2026

Start Time: 7:30 AM

Who: Writers ages 11 and up

Format: Three one-hour rounds — Argumentative, Poetry, Narrative

Countdown

130 days, 11 hours, 54 minutes

Location

Teays Valley West Middle School
200 Grove Run Rd
Commercial Point, OH 43116

Please enter using the main entrance (Big parking lot with TVWMS above the door).

View on Google Maps

Teays Valley West Middle School

About the Competition

Participants complete three focused genre rounds:

  • Argumentative — claims, and reasoning
  • Poetry — voice, imagery, and structure
  • Narrative — vivid storytelling from a prompt

Judges provide rubric-based scoring and constructive feedback.
Awards are presented for round winners and overall excellence.

Who Can Participate?

Open to writers ages 11 and up, including:

  • Students (Grades 6–12)
  • Homeschool writers & co-ops
  • 4-H & community groups
  • Independent youth & adult writers

Additional Information

For additional information please reach out to our team and we would be glad to answer any questions you may have! Please use the button below to email us!

Email Us!

Natalie D. Richards
2026 Spotlight Author & Keynote

Natalie D. Richards

New York Times Bestselling Young Adult Author

We are thrilled to welcome Natalie D. Richards as this year’s Spotlight Author and keynote speaker. Known for her gripping YA thrillers— including Six Months Later, One Was Lost, and What You Hide— Natalie brings powerful insight into suspense, character emotion, and helping young writers find their voice.

During the Creative Chaos event, Natalie will deliver a keynote focused on the writing process, courage in sharing your work, and practical strategies students can use to strengthen their own stories. A brief Q&A and meet-and-greet opportunity will follow.

Join us to hear directly from a bestselling author and leave inspired to write your next great piece.

Creative Chaos Writing Competition image
Creative Chaos Writing Competition image
Creative Chaos Writing Competition image
Creative Chaos Writing Competition image