They say everyone has a story to tell. Can you tell yours in only 100 words?  

In honor of the University of Iowa’s Alumni Marching Band’s 50th Anniversary, the university is hosting a UI Alumni and Friends 100-Word Microstory Contest. We’ll give you a writing prompt to incorporate into your microstory. Your task is to share with us a fictional story – in 100 words or less – that embraces the provided prompt. 

Mark your calendars for the free, online microstory competition. The event begins at 9 a.m. CST on July 10, when we will provide you with a writing prompt and you will have 100 words or less to write your best story. The five age categories include: 

• Grades 3 & 4 
• Grades 5 & 6 
• Grades 7 & 8 
• Grades 9–12 
• Adult (University of Iowa Alumni and Non-University Alumni) 

So, tell your fellow Hawkeyes, and check out the website on Monday, July 10th for complete contest details and the writing prompt. The top entry in each age category will be featured on the UI Write Now Writing Contest website and receive an Iowa-themed prize pack and more. 

Here are a few other important things to keep in mind before you start typing: 

• Time: Submissions must be received by 4 p.m. (CST) on Friday, July 21. 
• Length: Stories must be 100 words or less, created within the competition period, and include the theme prompt. Entries with more than 100 words will be disqualified. 
• File type: The story must be uploaded to the UI Write Now Contest website as a Word Document (.doc or docx), Text File (.txt), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Stories submitted in Apple’s Pages format will not be accepted. The name of the file must be the title of the story. For example, if the title of your short story is “Autumn,” then the name of your file must be “Autumn.doc,” “Autumn.txt,” or “Autumn.rtf.” 

• Font: Submissions must be typed in 12-point Courier, New Courier, or Times New Roman typeface.  
• Anonymity: The author’s name must not appear anywhere in the microstory document. The author’s name will be submitted only on the web entry form. 
• Submitting: Once finished, upload on the website or email your story to write.now@foriowa.org before the deadline. 
• Rules: For the complete rules, as well as terms and conditions, visit our website. 

Now get writing, Hawkeyes!