The 4th of July Secret Mystery Writing Contest

Posted on July 1, 2013 by viviankirkfield

There’s been lots of traveling in the last few months…new grand-baby…Singapore…family visits.

I’ve missed my regular blogging and social media connections – but I’ve had so much fun!

To get back on track, I’m going to try a new blog schedule:

Monday will be geared towards picture book writing – sharing helpful articles and links for other writers as well as contests, submissions and highlights from my works in progress.

To kick this off, I’m thrilled to post my entry to children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill’s 4^th of July Secret Mystery Writing Contest. Contests are a great way to exercise your writing craft and connect with other writers…and Susanna’s contests are super cool. Please click on the link to get the details and find out what GREAT prizes she is offering. There is still time to enter!!!!

The Fourth Of July Secret Mystery Writing Contest!

We were asked to write a children’s story with any July 4^th setting, 400 words or less, in which there is a mystery is solved or a secret is revealed. Here is my 199-word story…I hope you like it!

THE MONSTER FAIR or Why Christmas Is Celebrated in July on Gollywhomper Square

It happened in the summer, down on Gollywhomper Square.

The residents decided they would build a Monster Fair.

The first ride they constructed was a giant Ferris wheel.

A jingling carousel was next, made of the strongest steel.

The third one they erected was a mammoth water slide.

They pumped the contents of a lake to fill that drenching ride.

But trouble was a-brewing because no one could agree

On Kamikaze – Tilt-a-Wheel – which should the next one be?

The shouting match grew louder – Screaming Swing – or Pirate Ship!

It must be Roller Coaster – Topple Tower – no – the Whip!

With stomping feet and blazing eyes, they all began to fight,

Like popping firecrackers, you could see the sparks ignite.

The fairgrounds started shaking – as the earth began to quake.

An avalanche descended and refilled the empty lake.

No Ferris wheel – no carousel – no drenching water slide!

A mountain range of pure white snow had covered every ride.

The monsters moaned, “No Fair! No Fair! The snow is everywhere!”

The monster children cheered, “How great! Let’s ski and sled and skate!”

So every summer, you will find, on Gollywhomper Square

A celebration on the 4^th – The Monster Christmas Fair!

I hope you will visit Susanna’s contest page so you can read all of the other entries…and perhaps submit one of your own!

I also want to add a link to a summer picture book writing workshop that is being offered by Pam Calvert: Picture Book University…it began today and looks like it will be lots of fun…oh, and did I mention…it’s FREE! http://wwwpamcalvert.blogspot.com/2013/07/picture-book-university-picture-book.html

In addition, Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Challenge is keeping hundreds of picture book writers motivated and inspired to write picture books every month…I’m checking in for the end of June…I wrote several picture book drafts and revised some others. http://www.juliehedlund.com/erzsi-deak-june-12-x-12-agent/

And last, but certainly not least, gifted mentor and picture book writing teacher, Mira Reisberg, is gearing up for the next Picture Book Academy course to be offered at the end of August…if you are interested, please visit her website and sign up to receive the free newsletter to get all the info…places in her class go really quickly: http://www.picturebookacademy.com/

Fourth of July Secret Mystery Contest (catherinemjohnson.wordpress.com)
Writing Your First Picture Book Manuscript in 5 Easy Steps (slumberlandstudio.com)
What Makes a Manuscript Stand Out? (kathytemean.wordpress.com)
Four More Things Published Authors Know That You Should Too (kathytemean.wordpress.com)

64 thoughts on “The 4th of July Secret Mystery Writing Contest”

Perfecting Motherhood on July 2, 2013 at 1:03 am said:

A Monster Christmas Fair for July 4th? How fun! I love watching Christmas movies and listening to Christmas songs in the summer, so that story is right up my alley.

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 10:38 am said:
  
  Glad you liked it, Milka! I think it should be Christmas all year long. 🙂 I’m off to read all the other entries as soon as I answer the comments on mine.:) Susanna has the most fun contests!
  
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cobbies69 on July 2, 2013 at 1:57 am said:

A story worth winning… and will check out your links… nice share 😉

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 10:39 am said:
  
  I hope you find the links helpful! And thanks for the kind words about the story…it was fun writing it.:)
  
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tinamcho on July 2, 2013 at 4:10 am said:

Very cute and original to have a monster fair, Vivian! Love the rhyme and pun with fair.

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 10:40 am said:
  
  I know there are so many ‘monster’ books out there…but I’ve never heard of one where they build (or try to build) an amusement park…glad you liked it, Tina!
  
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bamauthor on July 2, 2013 at 5:54 am said:

That’s a surely a different way to celebrate the 4th of July, but I will stick to participating in the boat parade around my local lake and a barbecue afterwards!

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 10:42 am said:
  
  Hahaha! I’m up for the BBQ…what time is it being served? 🙂
  
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teresarobeson on July 2, 2013 at 6:36 am said:

Ahhh, you’ve really evoked the feel of summer with all those wonderful rides! I’ve been on one in ages, but it does bring back lots of memories. 🙂

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 10:44 am said:
  
  I know, Teresa.:) I used to live in NYC…and Coney Island was only a short train or bus ride away. Every Tuesday night during the summer they had an amazing fireworks display…you’d spend the day at the beach…hot dogs and french fries at Nathans…and then sit on the Boardwalk and enjoy the fireworks at night. Great memories for sure.:) Glad the story brought back some good ones!
  
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Heather Dent on July 2, 2013 at 7:11 am said:

Very fun. This story has a lot potential for some really cool illustrations! Thanks for posting links to other neat websites for picture book writers. I’m interested in participating in the picture book university. It looks like fun!

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 10:50 am said:
  
  Hi Heather…I’m so happy you liked the story and could see the images…in my mind, I pictured an enormous Ferris Wheel and water slide…when covered with snow, they would make awesome ski runs and jumps.:)I’ve been inspired by other bloggers who provide so much info/links/resources to writers/illustrators…I’ve benefited so much…I want to share as well.:) There is so much out there…but I think it helps to have the best offerings spotlighted. Pam’s summer ‘course’ will encourage me to read LOTS of picture books…and they say that’s one of the best steps to writing great stories.
  
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Beth Stilborn on July 2, 2013 at 8:37 am said:

Oh what fun!!! Delightful rhyme, and totally original concept! Well done, Vivian! (and wow for your 12×12 achievements, and everything else as well!)

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 10:51 am said:
  
  Beth…you are such a wonderful cheerleader!!!! Glad you liked the story. 🙂 It is the amazing kid lit community that keeps me on track. 🙂
  
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Catherine Johnson on July 2, 2013 at 11:10 am said:

Vivian that is a wonderful entry. The rhyme, the word choices and story are superb!

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 3:03 pm said:
  
  Oh my, Catherine…that is very kind of you. I’m so happy you liked it! Susanna has the BEST contests, doesn’t she?
  
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laurimeyers on July 2, 2013 at 12:26 pm said:

The rhyme is lovely, and you worked so many amusement rides into the lines! A fun surprise ending too.

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 3:09 pm said:
  
  I used to live right near Coney Island…and had lots of ‘experience’ with many of those rides. Looking back as an adult, I shudder when I remember how dangerous some of them were. 🙂 Thanks so much for your words of encouragement, Lauri. 🙂
  
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heylookawriterfellow on July 2, 2013 at 1:05 pm said:

Man, what fun rhymes!

And I could go for a little Christmas in July right about now!

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 2:58 pm said:
  
  Thanks for the kind words.:) When my kids were little we used to scoop up containers of newly fallen snow and put them in the freezer. In the middle of hot July and August, we would take them out and have a snowball fight…what fun!
  
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Grannymar on July 2, 2013 at 2:52 pm said:

Snow. Now that could well be 4th July in Ireland, it is not unheard for us to have hailstones! Nice angle.

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 3:02 pm said:
  
  We get that in Colorado…and if I go up to the summit of Pikes Peak, it will often be snowing in July.:) We are at 6000 feet here in Colorado Springs, but the Peak is over 14,000…for every 5000 feet gain in altitude, you lose 5 degrees. Glad you liked the story.:)
  
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Marylin Warner on July 2, 2013 at 3:34 pm said:

Great story, Vivian! Very vivid and fun. Marylin

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 4:45 pm said:
  
  Glad you liked it, Marylin…it brought back many memories of amusement parks of old.:)
  
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BermudaOnion on July 2, 2013 at 3:53 pm said:

Snow would be a huge surprise on the 4th of July!

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- viviankirkfield on July 2, 2013 at 4:47 pm said:
  
  So true…unless you are up on Pikes Peak.:) The first summer we lived in Colorado Springs, we took a drive up to the summit. It was 70 degrees…but at the top, it was 30…with freezing blowing snow.:) Thanks for stopping by, Kathy.:)
  
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  - nrhatch on July 2, 2013 at 8:05 pm said:
    
    We had the same experience on Pikes Peak. Brrrr . . .
    
    And what a FUN poem, Vivian. Especially liked “Gollywhomper Square” and all the great amusement rides. And I never saw that avalanche coming. 😀
    
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thiskidreviewsbooks on July 2, 2013 at 7:57 pm said:

WOW!!! Nice story! But you’re saying we all copy monsters? Hmm… I have to ponder this…

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- viviankirkfield on July 3, 2013 at 9:34 am said:
  
  Glad you liked the story, Erik! Did it sound like I was saying we all copy monsters? I didn’t realize that. 🙂 It was the monsters who lived in that town who decided to build a Monster Fair for themselves…kind of a play on words…it was a fair for monsters…and a fair with enormous rides big enough for monsters to ride on. 🙂
  
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  - thiskidreviewsbooks on July 3, 2013 at 2:42 pm said:
    
    Well, there is Christmas in July! 😉
    
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    - viviankirkfield on July 3, 2013 at 4:07 pm said:
      
      Teehee…that’s true! I would love it to be Christmas all year round.:)
      
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      - thiskidreviewsbooks on July 3, 2013 at 4:58 pm said:
        
        Just with one Christmas Eve. I don’t want to gain 365 years every year. But with those requirements, Christmas-Year-Round sounds awesome!!! 😉
        
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        viviankirkfield on July 3, 2013 at 7:09 pm said:
        
        Oh yes, Erik! I definitely don’t want to age 365 years in one year.:) 🙂 But I’d love to have the ‘Christmas spirit’ present all the time.:)
        
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Susanna Leonard Hill on July 2, 2013 at 8:20 pm said:

What a wonderful, fun, original story, Vivian! I love it! Love the name Gollywhomper Square 🙂 And all those rides… and the squabbling monsters… and the surprise snow… Great job! 🙂

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- viviankirkfield on July 3, 2013 at 9:35 am said:
  
  Yay! So happy you are pleased with it, Susanna! I’m grateful for your amazing holiday contests! They are always fantastic fun!!!!
  
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Patricia Tilton on July 3, 2013 at 4:42 pm said:

What an entertaining and fun story. As everyone else said, very original. Loved the Monster theme and was surprised by the snow.

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- viviankirkfield on July 3, 2013 at 7:08 pm said:
  
  A winter wonderland in July…I think many would enjoy that when the heat and humidity are off the charts.:) Thanks for the kind words, Pat.:) I guess even monsters like to have fun!
  
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Donna L Martin on July 3, 2013 at 7:14 pm said:

What a delightfully unexpected twist to a traditional summer celebration! Great job, Vivian!

Donna L Martin

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- viviankirkfield on July 3, 2013 at 8:30 pm said:
  
  Glad you liked it, Donna…I love Susanna’s contests…they help me stretch.:)
  By the way, I absolutely loved your interview with agent Jodell Sadler…I promise to be more regular about visiting your blog…it is an amazing resource for writers.:)
  
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cherylsec on July 3, 2013 at 7:45 pm said:

This is wonderful, Vivian! Absolutely delightful and fun. Great story!

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- viviankirkfield on July 3, 2013 at 8:26 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much, Cheryl…it was fun to write…I’m so glad it is entertaining.:)
  
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Cathy C. Hall on July 3, 2013 at 9:29 pm said:

Inventive and fun story–all while managing a rollicking rhyme! And now I absolutely want to go to Gollywhomper Square! 😉

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- viviankirkfield on July 4, 2013 at 3:52 pm said:
  
  Have you not received your invitation yet? Must have been an oversight.:)Thanks for stopping by, Cathy, and for your kind words!
  
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jannatwrites on July 4, 2013 at 9:20 am said:

Ooh, this is so creative- love the rhyming and Gollywhomper (who wouldn’t smile when saying that? :)) An avalanche in July sounds better than a dip in the pool.

I’ve read so many wonderful stories, I have no idea how Susanna is going to choose the finalists.

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- viviankirkfield on July 4, 2013 at 3:57 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Janna! Kids love it as well…I read it to my 4-year old grandson when I was out in NH last week…he had a lot of fun with it and kept asking me to read about the Monster Fair.:)
  
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Robyn Campbell on July 4, 2013 at 5:04 pm said:

Hey Vivian. Man. The word choice in this is absolutely wonderful. Super job and loved your rhyme. This is genius really. A new take on monster stories. 🙂

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- viviankirkfield on July 4, 2013 at 10:05 pm said:
  
  Wow…Robyn…that is some great praise…I’m SO glad you liked the rhyme and the story.:) It’s been so much fun, visiting and reading the other entries…super stuff out there.:)
  
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Jarm Del Boccio on July 5, 2013 at 10:24 am said:

That’s quite a feat to combine two holidays, a mystery and monsters in the same story. . .with rhyme no less! Well done, Vivian!

MakingtheWriteConnections

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- viviankirkfield on July 5, 2013 at 2:02 pm said:
  
  The building of the Monster Fair was quite a feat. 🙂 Too bad it got covered up…but, the kids looked at the silver lining in the snow cloud. Glad you liked the story, Jarm!
  
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Laura Anne Miller on July 5, 2013 at 3:35 pm said:

Sooo cute – Vivian. I love the poem!!

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- viviankirkfield on July 5, 2013 at 7:23 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Laura…it was fun to dream up.:)
  
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julie rowan zoch on July 5, 2013 at 4:26 pm said:

Just had a look at the rides too – yikes! I’m too squeamish for the likes of those these days! But I wouldn’t mind visiting Gollywhomper Square! Would be COOL to illustrate! The rhyming adds such perfect rhythm for this!

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- viviankirkfield on July 5, 2013 at 7:23 pm said:
  
  What a beautiful and encouraging comment, Julie! I love that you feel it would be cool to illustrate…coming from someone with your artistic eye, that really means so much to me.:)
  
  When I was a kid, I did go on many of those rides…but probably not now.:) Although I did skydive with my son 2 years ago.:)
  
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  - julie rowan zoch on July 6, 2013 at 6:24 am said:
    
    You did? You are one wild woman! I hope I can muster some more guts in the future!
    
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    - viviankirkfield on July 6, 2013 at 9:22 am said:
      
      I don’t know if it was guts.:) Maybe just faith. 🙂 🙂 Some might say stupidity. 🙂 🙂 🙂
      But I will say that it helped me realize that almost nothing is impossible if we truly want it…and it gave me more confidence in myself.:)
      
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      - julie rowan zoch on July 6, 2013 at 9:36 am said:
        
        And a great story for the grandkids…to tell themselves – “My grandmother…”
        
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        viviankirkfield on July 6, 2013 at 11:58 am said:
        
        🙂
        
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Pam Brunskill (@PamBrunskill) on July 6, 2013 at 5:41 am said:

Love the rhythm and rhyme in this fun romp. Thanks for sharing.

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- viviankirkfield on July 6, 2013 at 9:23 am said:
  
  Thanks so much for stopping by, Pam…it was fun to write…I’m glad it was fun to read.:)
  
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Penny Klostermann on July 6, 2013 at 6:31 am said:

Nice entry, Vivan! You did a great job on the rhyme and monsters always add to the fun :•)

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- viviankirkfield on July 6, 2013 at 9:18 am said:
  
  Coming from you, Penny (aka the master of rollicking rhythm and rhyme contest entries), those are very kind words. Glad you liked it…Susanna always provides a great writing prompt with her holiday contests.:)
  
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Joanne Roberts on July 6, 2013 at 9:54 am said:

Your entry is so original. I love everything from the monster rides to the sizzling rumble. Beautiful rhyme!

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- viviankirkfield on July 6, 2013 at 12:00 pm said:
  
  Joanne…thanks for stopping by and making my day with your lovely comment! And I love your description…sizzling rumble…I think i will use that in a story…has such a great sound and creates a fantastic image in my mind.:)
  
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