Street Snippets is a writing site where you submit short story based upon a passing remark made by a stranger on the streets of New York City. The first iteration of the site was with Mrs. Sutton’s ELA 8th grade classes at MAT in New York City. Let your teacher know if you would like to participate, and we’ll get your class set up.

Update: We are in the process of planning for 2022-2023 Street Snippets. Let your teacher know if you’d like to participate.

What is a “Street Snippet”?

New Yorkers hear Street Snippets every day. Walking down the sidewalk, we hear 2 seconds of someone on the phone, or 3 seconds of conversation from someone walking past, or a short snippet of an loud argument floating out a third floor window. That’s a Street Snippet. They can happen anywhere… short bursts of private conversations heard on the streets and subways of New York City.

Each one of these overheard snippets is a short story just waiting to get out. Here’s what some of the student authors have to say about it.

How to Play “Street Snippets”

In the second week of each month, a new Street Snippet will be published on StreetSnippets.com. The game is to write a short story from that snippet. The story must start with the snippet. There is no limit to the length of your story. Any genre is acceptable. You may enter multiple stories each month.

How to Submit Your Story

Go to StreetSnippets.com during the second week of the month. A snippet for that month will be posted. Write your story, starting it with that month’s Street Snippet, and paste it into the story form at the bottom of the announcement page. Make it easy to read by including paragraph breaks and correct punctuation. Your story will be reviewed before being published, so don’t be surprised if it doesn’t show up immediately when you post it.

The Final Read-Off

At the end of the school year, there will be a final Read-Off in the auditorium at your school. Each of the monthly winners will read their story to the entire school. Don’t worry. If you’re one of the finalists and you’re terrified of speaking in front of 300 raving fans, we’ll find someone to read it for you.

Each of the participants in the Read-Off will receive an honorary certificate.

You Are an Author

Now comes the exciting part. At the conclusion of the year, all stories published will be printed in a hard copy book, available on Amazon! Each published author will receive a free copy of the book. 

It’s time to get started. We’re excited to have you with us this year, and look forward to reading your stories.

Aurora Miller, Junior Storyteller
Mark Miller, Senior Storyteller
New York City