9 Creative Writing submissions tips dos and don’ts

Each of our regional affiliates and partners is unique and may adjust its competition requirements based on the needs of its coaches and participants. This article is aligned to the requirements for submissions in the Open Affiliate. The Open Affiliate serves students and coaches who are located in a region not served by a local Future Problem Solving or whose local FPS does not offer the Creative Writing program.

#1 Set the story 20-30 years in the future

Your story must take place 20-30 years in the future and be written as though the future is the current, present reality for the character(s). Futuristic concepts and trends should be incorporated into the story, but a specific date is not required.

#2 Do your topic research

Students must submit stories that have a recognizable relationship to one of the annual topics. Good submissions have a connection to research and show clearly how the story relates to the topic, including futuristic and research trends. You can read topic descriptions and check out suggested readings on in our Topics Center.

You can also purchase the topic research publications, which includes summaries and research on our store.

#3 Remember the purpose of the program

Future Problem Solving’s mission is to develop the ability of young people globally to design and achieve positive futures through problem solving using critical and creative thinking. In the Creative Writing program, students are asked to write a story, often called a scenario, set in a future they may actually live in. We hope students will write stories that focus on characters attempting to make a positive change in their world or other positive potentials. The future is full of possibilities for students to consider how to improve things, rather than only outline all the problems they imagine.

#4 Avoid extremes

The Creative Writing program strives to help students enlarge, enrich, and make more accurate their image of the future. Stories that focus on very violent or disturbing content, or ones that end with extremely negative futures, are not aligned with the goals of Future Problem Solving. 

Instead, students are encouraged to write a story about a future they might live through and showcase positive possibilities or strategies to overcome challenges.

At our World Finals, we share this message with all competitors, which students should keep in mind as they write their stories during the regular season:

Students are encouraged to think creatively and futuristically. Taking conceptual risks is part of the creative thinking process, but these risks may not pay off or may push the boundaries too far. All participants should consider the impact of their work and words on others, accounting for the diversity of age, ethnicity, religion, culture, and experience that make up the Future Problem Solving community. Students should use good judgment and remember that all submitted work should be appropriate for all audiences.

#5 Watch your word count

The final submitted scenario must not exceed 1500 words (excluding the title).

#6 Remember the format

The title must appear at the top of the first page – in the header is ideal.

The font must be 12pt and readable (no script).

#7 Remember you are the author

Students submit their scenarios individually, and stories must have a single author. While coaches, teachers, peers, and parents can offer feedback, the student must be the sole writer and editor of the narrative.

#8 Remove identifying information

The author must not put any identifying information into their story, including their name, school, and affiliate program.

#9 Review information before the International Conference

The specifics for the International Conference competition, such as word length and topic, may vary from those at your affiliate event. Details for the International Conference will be released on March 1 prior to the International Conference.

Creative Writers who qualify for the World Finals should be aware that the International Conference event requirements differ slightly from the regular season:

Scenarios must not exceed 1000 words.

Writers are provided a future scene to inspire their writing. The submission must have a connection to future scene’s parameters of time, place, and topic.

Students are the sole author of the on-site scenario. There is no opportunity for coach revision or feedback during competition.

Read about the 2025 Creative Writing competition in our Resources Library.