Before you start
- The child is aged 6 to 17 on 6 December 2026.
- The writing is the child's own: a story, poem or essay in English or Hindi, up to 1,500 words, text only.
- It is ready as a Word file (.doc or .docx).
- One entry per child. Entering is free.
Step by step
- Create a parent/guardian account on the Shhalaj Author Portal, or sign in if you already have one. The account is yours; the child never needs one.
- Confirm your email address using the link we send you, then sign in.
- Fill in the short form: the child's first name and age, city and state, the title, category and language, and your three confirmations.
- Choose the Word file and press Submit Entry. The file is uploaded at that moment.
- Check your email. You will receive a confirmation with your entry's reference number. You can view or withdraw the entry from your account while submissions are open.
After you submit
Our panel of empanelled editors reviews every entry. Results are announced on 28 December 2026, and every entrant is told the outcome by email. A certificate is given to every writer whose work is selected for publication in Fireflies: Stories, Poems and Essays by Young Writers.
Questions? Read the FAQs or contact us.