Paddlestar Galactica, the ping-pong tournament event supporting 826DC’s programs, returns on Saturday, April 27th, 1 PM to 4 PM at SPIN DC! Learn more and sign up here.
By: Winta

How to Escape Chocolate Quicksand

This November, 826DC is thrilled to publish our very first compendium: a collection of the best of the best from our first five years. To celebrate the release here on the blog we will be posting a weekly podcast consisting of selections from the book, read aloud by students, volunteers, staff, and other friends of 826DC. So find a comfy spot and get ready to listen, savor, and share the words of our most inspiring young authors. This project is made possible in part by support from AT&T Aspire.

You Will Be Able to Say a Thousand Words collects the best writing from 826DC’s first five years of running fun and unique writing-based programs. Spanning genres and styles, students ages 6-18 imagine dangers on the high seas, struggles with bullying, and mourn loved ones. From advice to their former selves to advice for the reader, students begin a journey that starts on the page and ends in the boundlessness of the imagination.

This week’s featured piece from the collection is “How to Escape Chocolate Quicksand” by Winta, first published in How to Survive Anything! Reading Ivan’s piece is Adam Mistler, a dedicated clerk for Tivoli’s Astounding Magic Supply who also helped select the works in this collection as a member of the Editorial Board.


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  1. If you are going somewhere, make sure you have an empty stomach.
  2. At least try to scream!
  3. If you have a knife, try to drag yourself out.
  4. If dragging yourself out does not work, eat your way out.
  5. If you get out, take some chocolate to eat on the way home.