Calling all storytellers between the ages of 6 and 11! Your mission? Write a 500-word short story for Kahani. The theme? It’s up to you. Caution: Your story must use the words fever, mountain, and peacock.

To get you started, here are some tips from editor and writer, Sandhya Nankani. Ms. Nankani will also judge the writing entries.

Cook Up a Rich Setting. When we tell a story, we often bring a scene to life with description. On a blank piece of paper, write down the three contest words. Make a list of all the descriptive words (adjectives, especially) that come to mind when you think of each of these things. What does it smell like? Taste like? Feel like? Remind you of? Sound like? This brainstorming exercise will give you rich language to weave into your story. For example, for cobra (a word from last year’s contest), words that come to mind are sneaky, poisonous, dangerous, hiding, hood.

Map Out Your Story. Every short story has a beginning, middle, and an end. Before you start writing, ask yourself: When and where does my story take place? Who are the main characters in my story? Are they kind, naughty, unhappy, young, old? What is the big problem that they have to face? What events happen along the way? How does the problem get solved? Use your answers as a map or guide when you are writing.

Don’t Think Too Much! Writing a story should be fun, and a great story is all about letting your imagination loose. If your peacock wants to live inside a house, let it. If your cobra wants to be magenta in color or wants to talk, why not? Start writing and see where your writing takes you. This is supposed to be fun!

Submissions will be divided into two age groups: 6-8 and 9-11. Manuscripts must be postmarked no later than Sunday, November 23, 2008. Click here for complete rules and an entry form. And while you’re at it, check out the winning stories from last year. Click here for both age groups: 6-8 | 9-11

The two 1st place stories will be announced in January 2009 and we’ll publish them on our website for you to read. In Part II of the Kahani Contest, we’ll post a call to artists to illustrate the 1st place stories. Stay tuned for more details on the illustration contest early next year.

As the top prize, the 1st place stories and illustrations will be published in the Spring 2009 issue of Kahani called Going Green. The winners will also get a check for $50 each. Second and 3rd place finishers will receive gift cards.