Student Writing Contest

SUBMISSION DUE DATE: October 31st, 2025 at 11:59pm.

PROMPT: Edgar Allan Poe, while most well-known for his gothic short stories, was also a founder of the science fiction and detective genres. Not only did Poe influence these genres, he directly inspired other authors such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Henry James, and Jules Verne. Verne went on to write a sequel to Poe’s one and only novel, “The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket.”

Find example’s of Poe’s different genres here: 

• Gothic: The Tell-Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher, The Pit and Pendulum
• Sci-Fi:  The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall, Some Words with a Mummy
• Detective: The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Purloined Letter

Middle school: Write a short-story sequel to one of Poe’s short-stories in any genre he wrote in (gothic, sci-fi, detective).

High school: Write a short-story sequel or prequel to one of Poe’s short-stories in any genre he wrote in (gothic, sci-fi, detective) and include themes of loss or isolation.

Note: Please include the title of what Poe story you choose to write a sequel for.

CRITERIA & SUBMISSION: 

• Minimum word count of 500 words.
• This contest is open to middle and high school students. One winner will be chosen from each category-Middle School (6th-8th) and High School (9th-12th).
• Submissions must follow the prompt and must be an original work. No plagiarism.
• Judging will be done by Poe Museum staff.
• Contest winners will be announced by November 15th via email.

PRIZE: The winners of the Poe Museum student writing contest will have their short story showcased on the Poe Museum’s website. The winners will also receive a Poe Museum “swag bag” from the Poe Museum’s gift shop. The supporting teacher of the student will win one complimentary virtual field trip.

RESOURCES & QUESTIONS: For additional resources or questions on Edgar Allan Poe and his poetry, please refer to the Poe Museum’s website https://poemuseum.org/ or contact us at programs@poemuseum.org.