How To Write A Story
**SUMMER STORYWRITING RULES BELOW EPISODE DESCRIPTION**
Aristotle wasn't just a philosopher, he was a playwright and scientist. This week we learn all about plot structure as explained in the Poetics. Using the story of The Three Little Pigs, we dive into what makes a compelling story.
#hellofromthevan #educationalpodcast #aristotle #thepoetics #threeactstructure #3act #storywriting #storytime #threelittlepigs
SUMMER STORYWRITING GUIDELINES/RULES AND HOW TO SUBMIT:
**Submissions Due June 18th, 2026**
- Word count must be between 50-400 words.
- Please follow the Aristotle Plot Structure.
- Stories must be submitted by an adult, the child's parent/legal guardian.
- Absolutely NO A.I. writing, illustrations, or content.
- Story subject and dialogue should be appropriate for all ages (swears etc will automatically be filtered by our software).
- Open to ages 5-12 (Kindergarten through 4th Grade). Parents can type up story if child cannot write yet.
- By submitting your child's story, you agree to it possibly being read in a future episode of Hello From the Van. All rights are retained by the child. We will not sell, distribute, or use the story beyond the future episode.
LEGAL STUFF:
- By submitting an Entry Form, each participant’s parent/legal guardian, on behalf of participant, agrees to be bound by the above Contest Rules.
- Each participant’s parent/legal guardian, on behalf of the participant, agrees to release and hold Hello From the Van, and its representatives, subsidiaries, parent company, harmless from any and all damages, losses, claims and liabilities arising out of participation in the Contest.
- Hello From the Van reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate, suspend or otherwise cancel the Contest at any time.
**TO SUBMIT YOUR STORY:**
Simply send a PDF (if typed) or picture of the handwritten story to HFTVStory@gmail.com
Subject Line: Storywriting
JUDGING:
The judging criteria and percentages shall be scored and graded using a rubric based on the following criteria:
Creative Expression
Originality
Storytelling/Plot Development
PRIZE:
There are no prizes, but chosen stories will be read and illustrated on a future episode of Hello From the Van. It's less of a traditional contest and more of a storywriting exercise for families.
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