Talkfest Blog

Young Writers

How to submit?

This category is specifically for writers under 18 who want to share their work. Submission also provides them an opportunity to qualify for the writing contest. Submissions should be sent to Merrie Meyers using the email icon below. Please include contact information with the submission.

Merrie Meyers

Contact for Young Writers Category
Featured image for “Top Five Ways To Get More Treats From Your Human”
Madeline Male

Top Five Ways To Get More Treats From Your Human

Whether you’re a seasoned champion at snagging the treat bag or a puppy aspiring to take matters into your own paws, this advice is for you. It’s scientifically backed by my years of my research.…

Young Writers on the Web | August 4, 2026

Featured image for “They’ll Never Know”
Madeline Male

They’ll Never Know

They’ll never know why I love the park so much. Everyone I know has their own theory—but none of their guesses are quite right. For starters, our dog sitter says that the crunchy leaves seem…

Young Writers on the Web | August 3, 2026

Featured image for “Lost”
Madeline Male

Lost

I launched into a cacophony of barking as I burst out the dog door. As if struck by lightning, the nearby squirrel dropped its acorn and darted away. Here we go! I was right on…

Young Writers on the Web | July 31, 2026

Featured image for “One of a Kind”
Madeline Male

One of a Kind

“He’s truly one of a kind,” the volunteer on the phone had said. As soon as I saw the little Weimaraner puppy, my heart melted, and I knew he’d be perfect for me. I’d been…

Young Writers on the Web | August 27, 2025

Featured image for “The Sofa Situation”
Madeline Male

The Sofa Situation

Dear Michael, We have a sofa situation. I’ve tried every which way to get welcomed onto your new sofa, but I now realize you’ve had other plans. So after much begging, puppy eyes, and whimpering,…

Young Writers on the Web | August 25, 2025

Featured image for “That’s Where You Are”
Madeline Male

That’s Where You Are

A place of open meadows for frisking, frolicking, and finding a big ole patch of sun promising the best kind of nap — that’s where you are.…

Young Writers on the Web | August 21, 2025

Featured image for “Simple Gestures Make a Difference”
Harper Miller

Simple Gestures Make a Difference

Over the past two years of my life, I have been given the opportunity to work with dogs involved in animal assisted therapy. I mainly work with three Collies and a Papillon in a group…

Young Writers on the Web | August 1, 2024

Featured image for “My Journey to Becoming a Therapy Dog Handler”
Lauren Marcotte

My Journey to Becoming a Therapy Dog Handler

It was a normal day during sixth grade when my class, along with other sixth-grade classes, were brought to the library for a presentation. Little did I know that this presentation would change my life…

Young Writers on the Web | August 31, 2023

Featured image for “The Building Blocks of Dog Tricks”
Samantha Schwarz

The Building Blocks of Dog Tricks

Canine trick training is a great way to build your dogs confidence; learn what learning styles work best for your dog and have a lot of fun with them. When doing tricks with your dog…

Young Writers on the Web | August 6, 2021

Featured image for “A Midnight Walk”
Nikolas Anthony Klimenko

A Midnight Walk

 As I walked into the misty forest the cold air hit me like a block of stone  the intense silence seemed to make the midnight chill ever colder as the growling of dogs and shouting…

Young Writers on the Web | August 4, 2021

Featured image for “A Night With Summer”
Jayson Kimberly

A Night With Summer

In the fall of 2019, I was invited by Abandoned Animal Rescue (AAR) of Magnolia, Texas, to participate in “A Night in the Dog House,” a unique event to raise funds for their rescue animals.…

Young Writers on the Web | February 8, 2021

Featured image for “A Peach Among Pups”
Mia Marie Lussier

A Peach Among Pups

Peaches! Out of the flowers! Peaches! Off the pool cover! Peaches! Not on the counter! Peaches! Peaches is not what you would call an ordinary dog. She is mischievous, crazy, and any other word that…

Young Writers on the Web | August 25, 2020