This fall, Saranac Lake High School 10th graders in Eric Bennett’s English classes were challenged to write personal narratives in just 100 words. In about the space of a paragraph, students were tasked with telling a story with a beginning, middle and end; expressing something true about themselves and their experiences; and “showing” instead of “telling.” Adirondack Center for Writing was invited into these 10th grade classes to lead a one-day workshop on how writers “show” instead of “tell” in order to evoke emotion, engage readers and prioritize specificity. The winning writers were rewarded with ACW “swag” and the chance to see their writing in print through the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

After revising their stories, students submitted them to ACW for a contest, and ACW staff chose a winner, two runners-up, and two honorable mentions. Read the stories below, and try writing your own tiny 100-word narrative. The concept of a teenage competition for 100-word personal narratives was inspired by an annual contest held by the New York Times.

–

FIRST PLACE

In My Element

By Aislynne McCarty

–

The eight-measured cue dances in my ear. My stomach flutters, my legs get weak. I inhale deeply, running onto the stage. The lights, blinding and cruel, leave my sight black and spotty. It doesn’t matter. The character takes over. I’m not me anymore. Right now, my personality is based on a script written by Andrew Lloyd Webber or Cole Porter, while I rest in the back of my own mind. And through the warm embrace of the stage lights, and the pit orchestra’s sweet accompaniment, I shoot a glance over the anticipating faces in the front row.

And, scene.

–

SECOND PLACE

Overflowing Ego

By Landon Colgan

–

Sleet grazing my face, I gazed down the mountain, seeing everyone ski into the distance of the icy Black Diamond trail. It was my first day on the intimidating mountain, but I knew I could do it. I began my descent, speeding through slippery, unforgiving ice, legs twisting and knotting while going what seemed over fifty miles per hour. I looked up to a tree standing before me. I shut my eyes and braced for impact. I fluttered my eyes past the snow to see twigs intertwined with my arms, gloves gone, and hands numbing–I screamed for help. How embarrassing …

–

THIRD PLACE

A Night in the Hall

By Clinton Waters

–

Piano music is the sound of storms. It is the soft patter of the rain on your roof, and the deep, loud roar of the thunder filled skies. It is the calm after the dark clouds have passed.

The woman begins to play. She brings the rain, the soft tears of God falling to the cold, tiled floor. She brings the piercing cry of thunder. It strikes out, shrieking as its body contorts. The thunder calms as she brings forth the warm, bright sunlight that flushes your cheeks. The clouds disperse. The storm is over, and the calm sets in.

–

HONORABLE MENTION

The Game

By Ashlyn Tomaszewski

–

You’re in the middle of a soccer game, running with the ball to score the game winning goal. Your breath starts to shake, your legs feel as if you’re dragging a thousand pounds through mud. You know this is the last chance to score. You pull your leg back and strike the ball with all your might, your foot feeling a slight sting afterwards. You hear cheering. You look up at the tv and realize you were never in the game, only watching it.

–

HONORABLE MENTION

Just a Noise

By Kasey Clark

–

As I hear a thud and drop my phone. Trying not to trip over the worn dog bone, the stairs disappear quickly beneath my feet. I search for her. I spy a green ball– it’s her favorite. I grab it and continue my run. The living room door is in sight. Throwing the ball through the door, I follow closely behind it. Someone says “What are you doing?” I come to a halt. My eyes reach the floor where her bed used to be, as I remember she’s been gone for three days now. “Nothing,” I respond, “I just heard a noise.”