Inspiring a new generation of storytellers
Please note entries to 500 Words 2017 are now closed.
Top authors Malorie Blackman and Frank Cottrell-Boyce share advice on story settings, characters and plot in this creative writing Live Lesson to mark the launch of the 2017 500 Words short story-writing competition.
The programme also features Matthew Lewis (Harry Potter), Isaac Hempstead Wright (Revolting Rhymes) and Arthur Parsons, Head of Design at TT Games, who make games such as LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens and LEGO Marvel’s Avengers.
Resources are tailored to different levels, but some of the higher-level content would be more appropriate for ages 7 and up.
This edited programme was originally streamed live to schools in January 2017. Please note that we are no longer reviewing emails and messages from schools for inclusion in the lesson.
Find out more about 500 Words on the .
How to use this resource
Check out our lesson guide for teachers and print out the student activity sheets below.
Watch again: 500 Words 2023 – Live Lesson. video
Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Charlie Higson and Francesca Simon share their story-writing tips in this Live Lesson for primary schools.
Watch clips from the Live Lesson
Click here for short clips from the Live Lesson that you can use with your class as part of another lesson
Primary Live Lessons
Find out more about our Live Lessons designed for primary school students
