TA-DA!
THE 2nd ANNUAL #50PRECIOUSWORDS WRITING CHALLENGE IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!!!
I am so very excited to read all of the #50PreciousWords entries. For those of you who are visiting here the first time, please let me give you a sentence or two or three about how this all came about.
March 2nd is the birthday of the incredible Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Last year I put together a little contest based on Bennet Cerf’s challenge to Seuss to write a children’s book using only 50 words. And the classic Green Eggs and Ham was born. It’s true that the story has over 700 words…but only 50 unique words.
I thought it would be fun to try to write a story for kids with ONLY 50 words. With a beginning, a middle, and an end. I wondered if I could do it. And then I opened the challenge to everyone. Much to my surprise and amazement, there were 128 entries! Ayear has past…and it’s time to DO IT AGAIN.
Please put on your thinking caps and get busy writing. You have until March 6th at 11:59pm to post your story. Here are the guidelines:
#50 PRECIOUS WORDS WRITING CHALLENGE GUIDELINES
- Write a story appropriate for kids ages 12 or under, using only 50 words…they can all be different words, or you can use some of them over and over…just as long as the total word count of the story is 50 or less.
- It can be prose, rhyme, free verse, silly or serious…whatever works for you.
- Title is not included in the word count.
- No illustration notes please.
- Between March 2nd and March 6th, post your story on your blog if you have one and want to and put the link in the comments of this post. Or copy and paste the entire story in the comments of this post. I ask for the link so that people will visit each other and find new friends in the kid lit community. Please make sure you put your name in the post. If you have any trouble at all posting the link or the story, please email me and I will be happy to do it for you: viviankirkfield@gmail.com.
- Deadline for posting the story or the link in the comments is Monday, March 6, at 11:59pm.
- Winners will be announced in a special blog post on Thursday, March 9.
- Winners? Of course, there will be winners…and prizes, too!
21 winners…21 prizes…1st place takes whichever prize she/he wants, then 2nd place gets to pick, and so on. I will reach out to
- . A critique from my beloved agent, Essie White (some of you may remember that the winner of last year’s contest chose Essie’s critique as her prize…and she subsequently signed with Storm Literary Agency!)
- A seat in author and mentor Susanna Leonard Hill’s amazing Making Picture Book Magic online writing class (the first writing class I ever took and it set me on the path of writing wonderful picture book manuscripts).
3. A seat in author and nonfiction writing guru Kristen Fulton’s incredible Nonfiction Archaeology online writing class (that was the class that opened the door for me to discover the joy of writing nonfiction picture books).
4. Coupon for 50% off author Alayne Kay Christian’s ART OF THE ARC online writing class (this is the next class I would love to take).
5. Or, if you have already taken Alayne’s wonderful class, you can choose a coupon for 50% off an in-depth critique from her (when Alayne says it is an in-depth critique, she isn’t kidding. I had one of those…it is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious).
6. A seat in one of the KidLitCollege webinars (I’ve attended a few and they are FABULOUS!) OR $19.99 off a critique, donated by Jodell Sadler, JCLA Editorial Agent and Founder of KidLitCollege. Winner choses one and will get a special code.
7. A manuscript or query letter critique from author Rebecca Colby.
8. A picture book manuscript critique from author Lori Degman.
9. A picture book critique from author Anna Forrester.
10. A fiction picture book critique from author Ariel Bernstein
11. A picture book critique from author Rosie Pova
12. A book on the craft of writing from Rosie Pova.
13. A copy of Bunny’s Book Club from Annie Silvestro.
14. A book on the craft of writing from author Maria Marshall.
15. A copy of Hello, My Name is Tiger from author/illustrator Jennifer P. Goldfinger.
16. A copy of LIZZIE AND LOU SEAL plus an adorable SEAL NECKLACE from author/illustrator Patricia Keeler.
17. A copy of CLAMS ALL YEAR by author/illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler.
18. A SUPER HAPPY book prize package from author Marcie Colleen with copies of Super Happy Party Bears Gnawing Around and Super Happy Party Bears Knock Knock on Wood.
19. A copy of Mutt’s Promise, a middle grade dog adventure written by Julie Salomen…donated by author/illustrator Jill Weber.
20. A signed copy of Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite from author Stacy McAnulty.
21. A picture book critique from me and a signed copy of my parent-teacher book, Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking.
WOW! That is some list of prizes! What a generous Kid Lit community we have! I’m grateful to the prize donors…I hope you all visit their websites, buy their books, and review them on Amazon. Did you know that when a book gets 50 reviews, Amazon helps promote it?
And now, before I invite you to post your stories, I wanted to share my #50PreciousWords with you. Hopefully, my story is a good enough example…with a beginning, a middle, and an end (and what an end!)…that is kid-friendly (well, remember those Grimm’s Fairy Tales)…that is 50 words or less. I hope it makes you smile.
WHY PIGS LOVE THEIR LITTLE FEET (50 words)
Everyone made fun of Pig’s little feet.
An invitation arrived.
Please come to Coyote’s feast.
Rooster knew the invitation was for him.
Cow disagreed.
They hurried to Coyote’s den.
Pig followed.
By the time his little feet got him there, the feast was finished.
And so were Rooster and Cow.
I always loved Aesop’s Fables and folktale type stories when I was a kid…I guess I was inspired by those.
Dear friends, please share this around your social media…the more the merrier… #50PreciousWords.
If you have any questions or need clarification, just email me: viviankirkfield@gmail.com
.Are you excited? I am!
Remember…THE MAGIC HAPPENS WHEN YOU MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT!
And I just can’t wait to read all of your precious words.
Heather Kinser – “Rose Petal Soup”
http://www.heatherkinser.com/inspiration/another-contest-entry-50-precious-words
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What a wonderful entry, Heather! And you are the FIRST to post! Woo-hoo! Thank you so much for joining in the fun. I urge everyone to go and read Rose Petal Soup…it’s quite lovely. 😉 Lyrical language and a great rhythm.
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Thank you! This story idea was sitting around, just waiting for your contest to spark it to life. Limitations can be freeing. I’m wishing inspiration to all your contestants!
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Heather you managed to make 50 words feel like 500 rose petals. What a great entry!
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I commented directly on your blog, but I’ll say it again: “This is exquisite!” I’m hoping this becomes a picture book in the near future, Heather!
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So lovely, Heather!
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Oh what fun! I enjoyed reading your story, Heather. I’m particularly partial to anything rosy and roses 😉
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Simply lovely, Heather.
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This is beautiful, and so much fun to read! Just the right lead in to spring…
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Beautiful!
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So lovely, Heather!
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Wow! Love it, Heather.
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Lovely story:) I felt like I was among the roses.
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Perfectly precious prose! LOVE all of the alliteration.
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Beautiful! I love poems with stories!
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Bright Bulbs
(50 Precious Words)
By Dr. Anne Lipton
See the yellow daffodil,
sunning on the window sill?
If you have a pot and spoon,
you can grow your own bright bloom.
Plant a bulb deep in the dirt.
From its top, green leaves will spurt.
But a lightbulb yields no shoots.
Pick a bulb that will take root.
LikeLiked by 26 people
Now I know that spring is on the way! Thank you, Anne, for 50 precious words that conjure up a delightful image of growing things.
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Thank you for your kind words, Vivian, and thank you for hosting this delightful contest again. (In case you couldn’t tell, I was excited to enter!) I adored your “Fractured Fable” very much, too. Best wishes for a fantastic contest and Happy Spring!
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What a fun read. I especially love the line about the lightbulb. Good job.
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Lovely sentiment of spring, Anne. Perfect little poem for children!
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Thank you so much, Julie!
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This is lovely. A nonfiction piece! I like the way the reader is drawn in, to get involved in the story. I really enjoyed the detail about the pot and spoon.
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Thank you, Heather! My mother-in-law inspired the pot and spoon detail. I adored your floral-themed story, too!
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Anne! I loved the twist/play on “bulb.” I could easily see this as a Board Book. Great job.
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Thanks, Maria! I enjoyed the word play and fun twist in your story, too!
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I agree, Maria.
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Thanks, Sherri! I enjoyed your funny and surprising nonfiction piece, too!
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DITTO, Anne! Easy to visualize a little pair of hands maneuvering the bulb with pot and spoon-in-hand!
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Kids would like the light (bulb) twist at the end. Good Luck!
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Thank you! I really enjoyed the twist ending of your story. Good Luck to you, too!
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This is really clever Anne. The meter is spot on too.
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Thanks so much, Traci! As a memory doctor and detail-oriented person, I’m nuts about your story, too!
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I love the play on words with bulb & the springy feel to your entry!
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Thank you! Happy Spring!
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So sweet and clever at the same time!
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Awww, thanks! Loved your smart and hop-py story, too!
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Great topic! Makes me think of spring.
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Thanks! I enjoyed your very energetic story!
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Enjoyed this peek at spring! Well done!
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Thank you! I really enjoyed your sweet gardening/growing story, too!
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Absolutely delightful, and I love the play on the word “bulb.”
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Thank you so much! I very much enjoyed your powerful digging in the dirt story, too!
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Daffodils are among my favorite of flowers. Love the springiness of your words. Fun!
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Thanks, Jeanne! Happy Spring!
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Sweet and clever. Bonus points for poetry. Rhyme is not my forte. Thanks for sharing it!
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Thanks, Joanne! I loved the amazing nonfiction biographical piece that you entered.
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Love this Anne!
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Thanks, Jen! Loved your story, too!
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Adorable! I can easily see this as a board book for little ones.
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Awww, thank you, Sandra! That is a wonderful compliment! I loved your story of hope, too!
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Daffodils are fav of mine. Children will want to dig that hole and plant 🙂
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Ha! Cute. Love the lightbulb surprise. Best of luck.
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Thanks, Alayne! I enjoyed taking a beautiful winter walk in 50 words with you!
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Ahh – spring – yes! I felt it. Nicely done “”””””””””””””””””
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Thanks! I could TASTE your delicious story!
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What a bright idea!
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Thank you, Janie! I loved your story and its very bright ending, too!
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Clever ending!
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Thanks, Ingrid! You are always such a ray of sunshine!
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You’re too kind! You are the one with the clever ending! 🙂
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Very cute, Anne. I love those yellow daffodils. 🙂
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Your thoughtful comments on every story are amazing. You win my prize for biggest heart.
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Thank you. I haven’t read them all yet, but I graciously accept your prize. It means a lot to me. 🙂
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Thanks, Norah! Not sure if my comment went through on your blog, but I loved your Seussian stories!
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Thank you, Anne. Yes, both comments went through. Thank you. I very much appreciate your kind words. 🙂
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Great beginning and great ending. Beams kids appeal. Really enjoyed this micro story with a macro message!
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Beams = Ha! Glad you share my punny sense of humor. I loved your puffin story, which was also a big tale in such a short amount of space!
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Thanks, Anne 🙂
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I’m in countdown to spring now so this poem is fitting into my eagerness for it to arrive.
Very nicely done.
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Thank you! I can’t wait for spring, either. Loved your effervescent story, too! @AnneLipton
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Yellow daffodils mean spring to me — lovely imagery!
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Thanks, Gabi! Sending spring-y thoughts! Loved your humorous piece!
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I could smell spring. Well done.
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This is so good! Love the bulb that will take root.
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Thanks, Virginia! Loved that you set your story in Ireland as I used to live on the auld sod! @AnneLipton
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Well, here it is, Vivian! Thank you so much for hosting this contest!
As promised, an autobiographical entry:
——–
CURLS
One day, while Nonna was visiting, she said my curls looked like a lion’s mane. I smiled and said:
“My curls are where my courage lives,
Where my ‘crazy’ climbs,
Where my warm heart gives.
My curls are where my ‘sillies’ shine.
My curls are ME!
And they’re all mine.”
LikeLiked by 21 people
This is a fantastic piece. It feels well rounded and complete, and it has conflict, strong characters, and a great message–as well as fun and evocative language. Great entry!
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Thank you so much, Heather! I’ve always loved the notion that my curls come from all of the quirk and strength and craziness escaping from my head. That’s where this piece came from (that, and my lovely Nonna was a hairdresser, who really did concern herself that much with my hair)! 🙂 Thanks for chiming in. Have a great day!
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Oh, how I can relate to a head full of curls! “My curls are ME!” Loved this!
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Thank you!
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In just a few words you’ve managed to convey such a rich topic. Good job.
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Thank you! I appreciate your saying so! Sometimes I get a little…wordy. This was a fun challenge!
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I love the crazy, sillies in the curls. Nice job with 50 words.
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Thank you! Those concepts have always swirled in this curled head. It was great to get them out!
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I can picture the little saying these words. (maybe even as a refrain on multiple pages of a longer book!)
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I love that idea, too! Funny you should mention it. I’ve been drafting all morning! 🙂
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Oh, the bane of having curly hair. Glad you have embraced yours, as you should. I have it too. Gotta love us curly girls. Cute story Jennifer!
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Haha, you get it, Traci! Fortunately, as an adult, there have been way more “love” days, and way less “hate” days. This fond memory comes from the good “embrace-y” place.
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Such a joyous, confident poem that really shows your character’s embrace of her curls. Love it!
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I’m so glad that’s what you pulled from this short story! Confidence is absolutely the resonating message. Be bold, girls! BOLD!
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Love this!
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Thank you!
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That’s just about the greatest answer to a comment like that! LOL And such character, too! 🙂
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Oh my, high praise indeed, from you! I’m tickled to have feedback from a published 12×12 mentor! I loved your blog entry. Thanks for sharing your experience with our group, and also for checking in here. To see a comment from you is so encouraging! (I wonder if I could entice your agent with a piece like this one. I’m receiving a query critique from her, in preparation for an upcoming workshop in Kansas City. She’s the keynote speaker, and I’m really looking forward to the event, and gaining industry insights!)
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My dad used to tell me my hair looked like a lion’s mane! And now I have a curly-haired daughter of my own. Loved your poem!
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I’m glad mine was a relatable story! Mine is still a mane, these days, truth be told! Thanks for checking in, and for the solidarity! 🙂 Curl power! (HA!)
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Love this acclamation of self-love. Love the curls=strength!
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Oh, thank you! A mantra of mine to this day! 🙂
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Oh my gosh…I can TOTALLY relate! I started writing a MG novel two years ago during on of Jodell Sadler’s MG Pacing courses…all about me and my curly hair!
I love your wonderful alliteration…word play…and your mc’s voice! Well done, Jennifer!
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Thank you, my friend! I couldn’t wait to share this one, from the day I wrote it! I love my curls even more now (I like to say they give me the liberty to be a little messy sometimes. Messy curls are charming and eccentric and symbolic of personality, no? I love the thought that those qualities escape a person through their hair, creating those ringlets and waves!)
Thanks again for this opportunity, and forum! What a great turn out of participation so far!
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Lovin’ those curly curls!
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Thank ya, Ma’am!
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This makes me smile!
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Mission accomplished! 🙂
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I was always the kid with the long, straight hair. How I longed for curls! Love how you celebrate them.
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(I’ll let you in on a secret: For my senior portraits, I straightened my hair, much to my mother’s chagrin! Shhh!) These days, I’m into celebrating them again.
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As a curly girl myself, I truly appreciate this story! We need to take strength in our tresses.
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You bet! Thanks for commenting!:)
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Love this! I keep reading it again and again. Wonderful!
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Oh, I’m so glad! Re-readability is a huge plus!
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Wonderful Jennifer! Can’t stop reading it!
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Thank you! Your entry was very playful. I could see some great illustrations for that one!
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I love the creative wordplay. Thanks for sharing it.
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Thanks for the kind words!
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I love “my curls are where my courage lives”! Such a lovely sentiment!
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Thank you- I’m really pleased with this one. I appreciate your taking the time to comment!
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Love it. My sister has lion hair if she sets it free. Made me think of her. Best of luck.
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Oh, I’m thrilled it brought out that personal connection! My sisters also have manes. I think I’ll dedicate it to curly sisters!
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I like this ending and this topic! Very cute. I’m a curly girl too. 🙂
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Thank you so much!
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Curls RULE! Great message and well done! ‘)
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Thanks very much for chiming in with those kind words! 🙂
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Cute story.
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Thank you!
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Ah! To have courage curls! Fantastic!
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Thanks so much!
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I’ve never had natural curls, so always coveted them. I love your final statement: “My curls are ME! And they’re all mine. 🙂
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Ah, yes, the grass is very often greener, isn’t it? My mother always used to dislike when, in my teenage years, I’d straighten the curls every now and then. I think she’ll be happy to know this little story is going over well amongst my peers. Thank you for your sweet comments on my autobiographical entry!
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I have no idea what my mother thought when I got my hair permed! Isn’t that silly? I think (hope) she approved, she certainly never showed any displeasure. 🙂
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Haha! My mother loves my curls, even on days when I forget to. I think she’s pleased they’re my preferred style these days.
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Lovely!
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A nicely told example of embracing the curl when so many try in vain to get rid of theirs.
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Thanks! My curls have definitely served me well, through the years! 🙂
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I love the emotion in this piece!
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Thank you so much!
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I am especially fond of this submission because it reminds me of my sister’s curls and how she tried to straighten them out. Wonderful.
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Lovely! I’m glad you found it relatable. 🙂
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Very fun story – I can just imagine the illustrations.
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I so agree that it would be fun to see illustrations with this one! 🙂
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Stuart Carruthers – “Ghost”
LikeLiked by 9 people
I’m so glad you are joining in the fun, Stuart! What I want to know if…did your mc put his clothes on…or run out holding them? Love your limerick cadence. 😉
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Stuart I can tell you had fun with this contest. Love the graphic by the way. Fun!
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Limericks are not easy, and you did a great job with this!
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Wow – until Vivian said that, I hadn’t read it like that. Now I am wondering too, what the poor MC had on. 🙂 Great job with the Limerick!
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Ha! What a hooooot. Definitely something kids would get a kick out of.
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Limericks! I toiled for months on the Saturday Evening Post limerick contests. You should enter. Great job on this one.
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This made me giggle. Good job!
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Great rhythm! And fun too!
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What fun! I always enjoy a good limerick.
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Oh, dear. Poor little guy.
This is nicely visual.
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Fun read aloud and funny, too!
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Heather, I loved your “Rose Petal Soup” entry! It was imaginative, fun & clever. A great success. It made me smile.
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Maria Marshall – NEW NEIGHBORS
http://www.mariacmarshall.com/single-post/2017/03/02/50-Precious-Words-Entry—New-Neighbors
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Humorous story Maria! Made me laugh at the end when I figured out the commotion. Well done!
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Thanks Traci. With 50 wprds, I wasn’t sure it would come across.
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Very clever take on diversity!
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Wonderful commentary on how diverse neighborhoods can be…and should be! Love that you used the animals of the savannah, Maria. 😉
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Thanks Vivian
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Enjoyed your humorous take on neighborhood life!
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Thanks Midge
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Hi, Maria! That giraffe pic is great. And I enjoyed reading your tall tale! 🙂
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Thanks Jeanne. It’ was fun.
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Love how you turned that picture into a 50 word story! Very witty!
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Thanks Sandra, it’s such a fun photo. 🙂
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What a funny but special pair. Best of luck, Maria.
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Thanks Alayne
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I love it! So cute 🙂
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Thanks Angelique 🙂
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How absurd and funny! Just shows you can find inspiration in the oddest places. 🙂
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Inspiration is all around, pictures (even in catalogs), songs, nature, snippets (heard or misheard) of conversations. We just have to be receptive. 🙂
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Variety is the spice of life! 🙂
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Having been a U.S. Army, medical evacuation helicopter pilot for 19 years, I’ve always been intrigued by anything that can hover or fly since I was small, even if it involved mysterious out-of-this-world aviators. I realized that they had to log their flight time, too,…but perhaps not in my neighborhood. (50 Precious Words)
TWINKLE, TWINKLE UFO (Unidentified Flying Object)
by Robert Robeson
Twinkle, twinkle UFO,
hovering there so all aglow,
many wonder what you are,
from swamp gas to a falling star.
Your eerie lights flash in the night.
Your disk-shaped craft is quite a sight.
I care not that you’re from afar,
just move your saucer off dad’s car!
LikeLiked by 23 people
Robert, you nailed it! Good meter and kept my attention. Love the humor at the end.
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Hahahaaaa, love the twist. Wonderful job, Robert.
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Great humorous entry, Robert. I love the surprise ending.
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Fab topic, nicely executed. Kids love UFOs.
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Hello Robert! One of the best things about this challenge is that I am getting to meet a bunch of new (to me) writers! Thank you so much for joining in the fun.
I love your take-off (no pun intented) on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star…you told your story and gave us a funny twist at the end, all in 48 well-chosen words! Great job. 😉
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What FUN! LOL!
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Love your UFO story. Wondering if you’ve seen any on your flights lol? Thank you for your service!
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Love it. Great job fracturing Twinkle! The ending made me chuckle.
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So creative! I have grandsons who would think this is the coolest story ever!
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Really fun story!
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A fun twist on an old classic. Kids would be all over this. Stellar job!
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I so agree. That ending put a picture in my mind that made me giggle.
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Love, love it. Swamp gas! Terrific entry. Thanks.
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Kids are going to love this one (as will adults)! Great surprise ending!
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Excellent “out of this world” poem!
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Great rhyme and rhythm. I’m still chuckling 🙂
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Funny! Made me laugh. Great story. 🙂
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You get a star for this story! Thank you for your service, Robert.
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So cute, Robert! Best ending ever.
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Unique take on Twinkle Twinkle. Love the funny ending! Great job. Best of luck, Robert.
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I’m a big parody fan! I think kids and the ones reading to them would get a kick out of this! 🙂
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Love it! The UFOs are closer than we think. Your innovation is a lot of fun.
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LOL!
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Ha! I love the unexpected and hilarious ending!
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Just love this!
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Pingback: Vivian Kirkfield’s #50PreciousWords Writing Challenge 2017 | Little Red Story Shed
You know how much I love this contest Vivian, so I here are my 2017 50 precious words!
https://littleredstoryshed.wordpress.com/2017/03/02/vivian-kirkfields-50preciouswords-writing-challenge-2017/
LikeLiked by 15 people
I love this nutty story Julie! Really cute and well done.
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Great story in 40 words! Impressive!
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Julie…WOW…a complete story in only 40 words…I love it. Super pacing…great concept…and fun fun finish! So happy you are playing again. 😉
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Wouldn’t have missed it for the WORLD!
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Love how you wrote the word “tumbled.” Well done.
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I am impressed with your ability to get such a fun story into 40 words. Great job.
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What a fun, rollicking tale!
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Enjoyed following the nut from one animal to another, all the while wondering where it was going to end up. And I’m sure kids would enjoy that too. Fun read.
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Oh my goodness, this is such a cute story! I also love how you wrote the word “tumbled.” Great job!
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Love this one. Has a playful energy to it.
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Nicely done! I chuckled out loud! col? :)!
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Julie. I love this! So complete, fluid, and filled with energy. Fun too!
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This story gets better every time I read it. I always find something new to love! In less than 50 words, you packed such spirit and energy! Thank you for sharing.
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Great entries so far! Thank you again, Vivian, for this opportunity. It’s so inspiring to read others’ talent!
Here’s my entry of 49 words:
http://www.katelynaronson.com/vivian-kirkfields-50-precious-words-contest/
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I did not expect to get emotional over 50 words, but yours did it. Love the message. Good luck!
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Really?! Your comment is such an honor. Speaking of getting emotional ;-)! Thank you so much! Good luck to you, too!
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Great message delivered with creativity 🙂 Good luck!
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This is really cute Katelyn. I love how you created the perfect story to go with the photo. Well crafted and fun to read.
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Thanks, Traci! Actually the story came first; then I seached to find a photo that matched 😉 Funny how the “wild” animal world can reflect the “human” world and vice-versa.
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I love this, Katelyn! You are a pro at the 50-word story, girl! 🙂
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Hi, Judy! Thank you ❤
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Love the message to be true to yourself, Katelyn. Great entry!
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Thanks again, Patricia!
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Hands up for rainbow sherbet! Wonderful story, Katelyn.
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Thanks, Jodi 😀
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Katelyn…you’ve given us a fabulous entry…with an important message…all wrapped up in a beautifully crafted story. Welldone…so glad you joined in the fun!
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Thank you, Vivian! There are so many fabulous ones here! Eyes tired yet? 🙂
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You are so right, Katelyn…the talent is incredible! But as my tag line says: Writer for Children…Reader Forever. 😉 I do have my 8-yr old grandson here today…and sleeping over tonight…so I’m not able to sit too long at the computer…I want to be able to spend sometime with him…but of course, he is happy to be allowed to read forever also…he’s just gotten into the Wimpy Kid series.
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Very clever and love the rhyme. Usual topic and great pics, too.
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I mean unusual topic. Sorry, typing too fast.
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Thanks so much Kathy!
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Love the kid appeal – snow jam!
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Clever, quirky and timely. Well done, Katelyn!
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Thanks for seeing the timeliness, Suzanne ;-)!
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This is so great Katelyn! I love the imagery!
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Thanks Sam ❤
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You’ve recreated our social (and social media) world here, sweetly and succinctly, for kids. And we feel emotionally invested. Great entry!
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Thank you, Heather. I’m in love with your entry!
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Beautiful words and a beautiful story, Katelyn! I commented at your blog as well 🙂
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Thank you, Rajani! Yours was lovely, too.
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Very well crafted, Katelyn. It just sings. 🙂
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That means a lot, Midge. Thank you so much 🙂
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I want to introduce Izzy to my giraffe. This is such a great story about being oneself. Great job.
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Thanks again, Maria! 🙂
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Really lovely Katelyn, Great message, I love that Izzy stands up for herself. Rainbow sherbet…is that a thing? If not, it should be 🙂
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Oh my goodness, rainbow sherbet has been a thing forever! I loved it as a kid 😉 Thanks for reading!
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Be colorfully you. Nice message in a fun format. Wild!
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Thanks Jeanne 🙂
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Wonderful, as always, Kate!
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❤ I loved your woodland critters, Jen!
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“Let me be me!” What a wonderful story!
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🙂 Thank you Sandra! I’m off to find yours.
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Well done!
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Thanks for reading, Sarah!
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You managed to get a story, a message and laughter all in one story! Wow!
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Well, I’m grateful you found all of that, Ingrid!
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Renaldo by Lynette Oxley
Renaldo Hissy-Fitter,
Disliked his babysitter.
He’d shake his head and pout,
Then wave his arms and shout.
His knees would go all knobbly;
He’d drop and throw a wobbly.
“Renaldo Hissy-Fitter,
Go find another sitter!
I’m tired of you, string puppet.
To bed! I’ll play with Tuppet.”
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Renaldo is quite a sassy chap. Glad his sitter found another gig. Cute story Lynette.
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I enjoyed the language in this piece. Such a fun, fun read.
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That Renaldo… I can see him throwing one of those dreaded hissy fits!
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Super cute, Lynette!
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Love this Lynette – the actions fit a cranky kid & a puppet so well. And great rhyming.
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A BIG THANKS to Vivian for allowing international entries.
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Of course, Lynette…I have so many writing friends and critique buddies all over the world…it wouldn’t be fair…and look at all the wonderful stories I would have missed. 😉
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Lynette…I LOVE your mc’s name…Renaldo Hissy-Fitter…oh my…that makes me laugh just saying it…and how clever that you rhymed it with baby-sitter! (the kid that is playing with the puppet, right?)…knobbly knees, shakes his head…great words that give us a sense of how the puppet moves. Well done.;)
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This is fun, Lynette. I do wonder what a tuppet is? I loved the name “Hissy-fitter.”
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Haha! What a fun rhyming story with fabulous wordplay and neologisms (go all knobbly/throw a wobbly) and a great twist at the end.
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Great bounce and energy to the story. Such a delight to read 🙂
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Oops. Almost missed this one. Thanks for submitting your cheeky child for our enjoyment!
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I love the theme and the phrasing here…. boy, do I know some toddlers who can “throw a wobbly!” Great job!
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Tons of fun!
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Ah, the joys of babysitting a hissy fitter. Cute story!
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Fun story 🙂 I felt the anger-LOL Good luck!
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Clever and fun 🙂 Good luck!
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Enjoyed reading your story.
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Renalso Hissy-Fitter what a grat name and what a hissy fit! Well done, Lynette. Best of luck.
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I would love to see the illustrations that would accompany this! Funny!
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What a fun story. I enjoy his name and title, and what a good rhyme with “babysitter”.
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50 Words- This contest has been so much fun to think about! Thank you.
Book Trouble-Maureen Morrison
Amon tripped over a stick and watched as the contents of his book spilled out. Imagination went running wildly down the street. Melancholy cried. Amiable laughed, while Nefarious gave an evil smile, knowing he had planned the fall. A Supportive friend Plot helped gather and piece the pages back together.
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Clever story Hermanator! I like it. 🙂
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Thank you!
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Oh this is quite the clever piece. Well done.
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So creative! Love Book Trouble where the characters run away with you…
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Thank you!
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This is a really clever idea! Well done!
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Thanks so much.
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Grand that Plot pieced it back together – what a clever introduction to these terms.
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Hello Maureen…so happy you are here with your #50PreciousWords.
And they are so very clever…I love how kids would be able to learn about the character types of a book…and how the plot holds them all together. Super fun!
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Thank you! I have had so much fun reading all the entries. I do not envy your task.
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This is very imaginative. I love Nefarious and imagination running through the streets. Nicely done.
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Thank you. So glad I keep a notebook by my bed, this was a 3:00am idea.
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What a unique and creative idea! Nice job with this story!
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Creative characters and story. Enjoyed the read.
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I love Nefarious best (Does that make me a bad person?) Thanks for the fun story.
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Joanna, that makes two of us!!
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HA! Nefarious is one of my favorite S.A.T vocabulary words.
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I love this one – it speaks right to my bookish heart!! Especially Nefarious having planned the entire thing.
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Can you tell I’m a high school English teacher?
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Ah, the magic of books captured in 50 words!
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So creative! Nefarious’ evil smile made me laugh.
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I loved picturing imagination running down the street, but Nefarious, he’s my favorite. Good job!
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Very clever, Hermanator33!
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Thanks for running this again, Vivian. It is so much fun. I’ve gone musical this time, hope you like it!
http://nadinecranenburgh.blogspot.com.au/2017/03/50-precious-words.html
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This is so cute, Nadine! Love the toddler toes picture–perfect!
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And you even matched it to a well-known song so kids could enjoy singing it. Well done, Nadine. So glad you entered!
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Thanks Vivian, Really enjoying reading all the entries!
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What a sweet song, about the poor toe. It is fun and easy to sing.
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Haha! I love this one! So cute, especially with the picture of little toes! Very sweet and nice rhyming!
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I smiled when I saw the toddler toes. And your story transported me to long-ago memories. Nice. Even with the ouches 🙂
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What a lovely, lilting entry! Love those little toes!
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Poor little toe. So glad it was off to play in the in. Cute! Best of luck, Nadine.
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I can hear parents and teachers singing this to their little ones to help get over the pain. Super cute!
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ALL ABOARD!
By Beth Wylie
Strapped in tight
Hold back fright
Clickety-clack
Down the track
‘Round a curve
Where’s your nerve?
Up the hill
Wait until
At the peak
Start to shriek
Loop-the-loop
With a whoop!
Twists and turns
Stomach churns
Screech to stop
Out you pop!
In a tizzy
Slightly dizzy
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Beth, this story is Dr. Seuss approved. You nailed riding a roller coaster perfectly, start to finish. Love it!
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Ha! I was right there on the ride! Nice job, Beth. Thanks for the ride 😉 Best of luck.
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What a rollicking entry, Beth! Great job taking us on a roller coaster ride.
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Love the word play, rhyme, and yes, you have a true story w/arc and all. I can feel this.
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Great RIDE with words!! I felt it all…
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Great job! Such momentum and a full arc (or maybe loop-the-loop) in so few words.
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I’m feeling a little woozy now…great job!
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It’s been quite a few years since I’ve ventured onto a roller coaster but you captured the feeling perfectly! Great job!
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This is a fun, wild ride. I love the motion of it! The line “Where’s your nerve?” is great.
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Beth, I have no nerve. Ever. Lol. This is really cute!
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I loved the word tizzy!
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Written perfectly in the short phrases to take the reader along on a roller-coaster ride. I love it!
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Very nice word choice and rhymes! I enjoyed it!
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Love this! The word choice is great and gives me the feel that I am there!
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So much fun! I’m feeling a little woozy…
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Lots of fun, Beth…love ‘screech to stop…out you pop!
So glad you hopped aboard the #50PreciousWords train. 😉 I’m going to be slightly dizzy by the time I finish reading all of these wonderful stories. 😉
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Thank you, Vivian, for all your time and effort that has gone into hosting this awesome contest! So much fun!! This was my first experience entering one. You can be sure I’ll be looking for others. I don’t envy you having to select the winners from among all these wonderful entries. So much talent in the kidlit community — no wonder it’s so hard to get published! Enjoyed your pig story, too. Thank goodness for little feet! (Wish I had some.) 😉
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Thanks, too, to all the generous donors for their amazing prizes!
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What a thrill! You so captured the moment.
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I feel dizzy just reading this! Good job, Beth!
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Love runaway trains almost as much as a wild mouse coaster. The corkscrews are my favorite. Thanks!
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Beth, I do feel dizzy after reading this–you’ve made the experience very real–now I don’t need to ride an actual one! Saved me some money, too. 🙂
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This is great from beginning to end! Exactly how I feel on a roller coaster!
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Ohhh-feeling dizzy. What a perfect ride 🙂 Good luck!
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Great action.
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You captured the ride so well! Truly a fun story!
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Well done, Beth. I’ve never been on a roller-coaster but I think you’ve captured the essence well.
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Beth, I feel like I have been on that ride! Wonderful.
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Great job Beth! Definitely feeling it!
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This is my first time entering a writing contest! It was a lot of fun.
I DIDN’T MEAN by Rajani LaRocca
I didn’t mean not to hear
When you called.
I was tumbling dirt,
So loose,
So cool,
Working into knees,
Under nails.
I didn’t mean not to hear
The second time.
I was excavating
Something blue.
But the third time,
I pretended.
Just so you would come
And dig, too.
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Awww. ❤ So sweet, Rajani! Love it! So glad you entered. Love seeing talented writer friends around here ;-)!
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Rajani, congratulations on entering your first writing contest! Your story makes me want to go outside and garden right now. (though at 28 degress outside, that may be hard) Cute story!
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This reminds me of my son who would totally ignore my calls just to get me to come out and join him. Very cute!
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Great ending! What an interesting way to bring someone closer…
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Rajani this is great! You get a brave star today!
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Good for you Rajani–entering your first contest! You did a great job with this!
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I too am glad you entered. This perfectly describes a childhood desire – play with me. Great job.
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This is so cute! Nicely done! And how fun that this is your first contest!
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Hello Rajani…thank you for sharing your wonderful story…and especially for sharing that this is the FIRST writing challenge you have ever entered. THAT is why I am doing this…to encourage writers to write…and to get their work out…and to connect with other like-minded souls who love books!
I loved your humor…and strong verbs.. well done!
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This has been such a worthwhile experience — getting my own creativity flowing, and getting to read such lovely stories! Thank you, Vivian.
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Such a darling story! Writing a story that tugs on our heart strings is no easy feat—especially in 50 words.Love the auditory, tactile, and visual sensory detail, too. Congratulations on a stunning debut entry! @AnneLipton
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You captured the human need for play and companionship. So sweetly and craftily done.
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This is quite lovely! Well done Rajani
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Wow. First time? You’re an expert. This is subtle and lovely and lyrical and effortless. Beautiful. Thanks.
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Fantastic Rajani!
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Aww, such a sweet story!
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Sweet 🙂 I love to dig in the dirt. What a delightful story. Good luck!
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Love this one, especially the ending–just the right amount of sweet.
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With a mere 50 words, you put together something that tugs at the heart. Very impressive. I hope this is the first of many contests for you.
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I like the surprise ending.
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I absolutely love the ending! So sweet! I can totally see this concept as a picture book. Good luck!
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Awww! I love the ending!
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Rajani, You have captured the young child beautifully in this story. I can just imagine a whole book full of “I didn’t mean”. I’m so pleased that he didn’t have to go, and that the parent came and played. Special times.
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oh, I love this! Very well done!
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Perfection! I have two small boys and a dirt pile at my house. This is us all summer long.
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Vivian, so many great entries already! Here’s my little story for your fun contest –
Woodchuck Charles
Woodchuck Chuck wouldn’t chuck
any wood. If he could, he would —
prefer the name Charles.
He gnarls, maybe even
snarls at those that could or would
ask Chuck to chuck wood.
It’s understood, that would Chuck
chuck wood; it would be good to ask if Charles would.
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I love your revamping of the old tongue twister. Dr. Seussified succinctly Judy!
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Thanks, Traci. It is a tongue twister for sure!
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This is great, Judy! I imagine Charles would be a much more sophisticated wood chucker.
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Ha! Yes, Jodi. I think Charles would be quite an elegant wood chucker!
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So fun, judy! And I love all the tongue-twistery wordplay.
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Hi Katelyn! So many great entries. Love this 50-word challenge!
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You made this such a fun read. I was born on Groundhog’s Day so I love it even more. Good luck!
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Thanks and Happy Belated Birthday, Kathalsey! How fun to share a birthday with Ground Hog Day!
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HA! What a great way to take a classic and spin it on its “name!”
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Thanks Deborah. I’m glad you had fun reading my story!
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This was so much fun to read Judy!
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Thank you, Jean. It definitely gives one’s tongue a workout! 😉
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Enjoyed your rewrite of this tongue twister! Well done–
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This is really creative and fun to read. It is just as much of a tongue twister as the original.
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Creative idea! Very cute and well written! Nice job!
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I love your humor, Judy! And your word choices with the inner rhymes…snarls, gnarls, Charles…great tongue twister and lots of fun. 😉
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Can’t wait to share this with my kids. They’ll love it! Thanks.
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This cracked me up, and reminded me of Charlie Brown/ “Chuck” and people who are sick of nicknames that they didn’t choose themselves. 🙂
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Cute story about the importance of getting names right. Lots of fun! 🙂
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What a fun, tongue-twisting story!
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Great take on that tongue twister-which I could never master-LOL Good luck!
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Fun! Great job with a silly switcheroo.
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Cute.
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I had fun trying to read this aloud! Well done! 🙂
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That’s such a fun tongue-twister, Judy. My grandchildren are into tongue-twisters at the moment. I’m sure they would enjoy the challenge of your fun rhyme.
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So clever! Love the wordplay.
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Thanks for this contest, Vivian. Kathy Halsey – Kalahari Track Meet https://booktails1.blogspot.com/2017/03/and-were-off-to-races-50-precious-words.html
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I love your animals story Kathy! Made me smile. 🙂
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Love the pictures that went with your story! I like a good underdog tale so this was perfect!
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Love this race & hope it helps you as you revise the picture book manuscript that inspired it.
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Giraffes are my favorite! So glad he won! Love your animal race story!
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That’s two to zero, giraffes over predators. You and I seemed to be on a similar wave length. This race was a lot of fun!
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Fantastic, Kathy…I commented on your blog…but I’ll tell you here…love the animal theme that is going on in so many of the entries…savannah on the mind, I guess. 😉 So glad you played along!
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Great job Kathy. Glad giraffe didn’t give up when his legs were all a tangle! Nice pictures 🙂
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Love it Kathy! If I’m not mistaken … did you come up with a similar idea in Susanna’s class that we took together? I remember how cute it was back (and now!)
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yes, Jen, I did. It has been lingering around waiting for something!
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So cute! Love that giraffe picture, too.
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A great race with fun and facts 🙂 Good luck Miss Kathy!
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What a fun race! Nice job, Kathy. Best of luck. Love your banner photo!
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Great giraffe story, Kathy! Love the photo as well.
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I especially like the fun facts! You could include them as back matter! 🙂
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I love animal stories and I like the unexpected ending! Great job.
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Vivian, Thanks for hosting this little contest with a lot of fun.
Killdeers in the Meadow
by Julia Richardson
Meadow blooming daffodils.
Killdeers calling courtship trills.
Scraping sand with lanky legs.
Shallow nest of speckled eggs.
Rolling stones to camouflage.
Puppy threatens sabotage.
Killdeer flopping, feigning hurt.
Puppy chasing, sudden spurt.
Killdeer luring far away.
Little nest is safe today.
Eggs are jiggling, tiny kicks.
Cracking open, fluffy chicks.
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Julia, You have created a great little story with tension included. Nailed the beginning, middle and ending. Exceptional!
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Thank you, Traci. I’m listening with hopeful ears for the arrival home of my killdeer friends . . . any day now. They like to run along the ridge-top of the roof above my computer. How I love to hear their sweet song while typing away.
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I’m so glad that the puppy kept the eggs safe! So sweet…
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My puppy fell for the killdeers broken winged act for weeks last year as our daily walks took us past a pair of nesting killdeers. Thank you Deborah.
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Whoa, impressive rhyme and a whole story!
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Thank you for your kind words.
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Julia, this is really beautiful. I love the imagery, the tension, and the happy ending.
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Thank you, Jill. As always praise from one as talented as you means so much.
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You had me worried there for a second. Great job with your story, Julia!
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Thank you, Judy. Many a time I myself was worried as I watched my puppy chase a flopping killdeer who built a nest close to the trail where we walk. The killdeers won every time. 🙂
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Julie, this just sings! Well done, friend!
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Thank you, sweet lady.
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I lived with these little guys nesting in my driveway for a few years. What a perfect capture of them. You did an excellent job with just 50 words. Love it.
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Thank you, Maria. Lucky you to have them nest in your driveway. Last year we had an abundance of babies bobbing about on our lawn. I loved watching them race around.
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Oh…I’m so glad the baby chicks were safe from doggy harm, Julia. Thank you so much for joining in the fun.with your action packed #50PreciousWords. 😉 Now I have to go and look up a kildeer to see exactly what they look like. 😉
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Thank you, Vivian. Once you learn these little birds, you will never forget them. Their song is a shrill, ‘killdeer, killdeer’. As if they are shouting their name for all the world to know.
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A truly beautiful and lyrical story with myriad delightful rhymes (daffodils/trills, camouflage/sabotage), redolent descriptors (lanky, speckled), and precise verbs (feigning, luring, jiggling). In awe. @AnneLipton
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In awe? Wow, thank you! Have you ever considered becoming an agent? I would like to query you. Thank you, Anne. 🙂
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I love this Julia. Such a lovely smooth flow to the words and great rhyme, nothing feels forced.
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Thank you. I’m glad to hear ‘nothing feels forced’ because some of those words were stubborn and refused to come to me for the longest time. BTW, I love your name– littleredstoryshed. Someday I dream of having a private writing space in such a spot as yours.
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This is awesome. I thought a theme like this would make a fantastic entry, but I opted for biography instead of nature. You nailed it. Thanks for sharing.
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I had no idea what I was going to write about until I was out walking and found myself searching for my long legged friends. Thank you, Joanne.
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This is gorgeous!
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Thank you, Rajani. I’m a bird nut, so it was fun to write a ‘little’ story about these ‘little’ friends of mine.
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Great word play! This line sounds like everyday at my house – “Puppy chasing, sudden spurt.”
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Hah! Been there, done that. Hang in there.
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I really love this! Very impressed that you told the entire story in so few words. Fantastic job!
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Thank you for your kind words, Sandra.
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What a terrific story-excellent! Good luck 🙂
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Thank you, Char. It was fun to write a little bit about my little friends.
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Wonderful!
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Thank you, sweet Sara.
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Love your beautiful scene.
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Thank you, Janie. I’m glad you saw what I saw– beautiful indeed.
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I enjoyed reading your poem, Julia. Although I wasn’t sure what a killdeer was, I thought of a plover as I read, and was then delighted to find that a killdeer is a type of plover. Your description is obviously very effective. 🙂
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Thank you, Norah. I have always known them as killdeer but learned when I researched that some call them plovers. It’s nice to hear you recognized them from the poem.
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very nice work.
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Thank you kindly, Linda.
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I so admire people who can rhyme well. You did a great job and Iove that it is about killdeers.
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That’s so nice to hear. A few years back, I had no clue about meter. Thanks to a multitude of critiques I’m beginning to get the hang of it. Thanks for your kind words.
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I love this poem!
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I’m thinking you are a kindred spirit since I LOVE both peaches and poppies. Thank you.
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Wow! A Wonderful and rich story. Teeming with imagery.
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Thank you, Corine.
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Pingback: HOW TO HIDE ACORNS | Traci Bold's IT'S ALL ABOUT THE WORDS
HOW TO HIDE ACORNS JUST RIGHT by Traci Bold
https://boldwriter67.wordpress.com/2017/03/02/how-to-hide-acorns/
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This is cute, Traci! I love watching squirrels bury their “treasures” in the fall and this is a fun way of looking at it through their eyes.
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Thank you Jodi. 🙂 I love watching them.
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I like not knowing who is speaking to the squirrel! Great job!
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Thank you Eileen!
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I love the design of this text layout- it reminds me of the motions of a squirrel. Their fidgety nature shines through completely in your story! Very cute. My kids would love it!
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Thank you so much Jennifer. 🙂
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Enjoyed this Traci! Great job–
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Thank you Midge!
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Oh Traci, I love your squirrels!
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Thank you Maria! They are feisty little creatures.
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So much fun, Traci…and great pacing…this would keep a kid engaged. I was in the moment from beginning to end. 😉
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Wow, thank you Vivian for your words of encouragement here! Means a lot to me. ❤
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So cute Traci!
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Thank you Jen!
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So cute! This reminds me of my dog and how anxious he is to bury his bones in the just the right place…such a good place, in fact, and the forgets where it is!
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Ah, yes digging to hide bones! I have great memories of my dog doing the same. Thank you Rajani for sharing this with me. 🙂
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This was terrific, Traci! You captured that darting, anxious squirrel behavior just right. 🙂
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Thank you so much Sandra! that’s what I was striving for. 🙂
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My squirrel neighbor would scold me while I hung my clothes. Your story holds so much truth and fun which we can expect from these furry friends 🙂 Good luck!
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Thank you so much Char!
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That they do. Our neighbors found some acorns wedged in their siding!
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That is so true about a squirrel. When we remodeled our farm house and tore out the walls, we discovered piles of walnuts stored away behind the old plaster and one very surprised grey squirrel. Great story, Traci!
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Watching squirrels is always fun and your story conjures them up perfectly!
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This is so sweet Traci! Well done. Squirrels were a big part of my growing up so I can relate!
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I had a great time with this Vivian. Thank you for doing this challenge. It is going to be a lot of fun seeing everybody’s entries.
Here is a link to my blog post with my entry “When a Monster Eats Your Underwear”
http://www.carriekarnesfannin.com/the-endpapers-blog/50-precious-words
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Cute story Carrie! I know many toddlers who would do this. 🙂
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Thank you Traci! My granddaughter is at this stage of life…lots of naked tush running around in the mornings.
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I can so imagine this happening & can only wonder what happened to the pants. Great job!
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The kid-centric element and realism makes this a winner.
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We had the same idea – conversations with Mama!
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Oh those crazy clothes monsters. Nice job.
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This was so funny! I loved it!
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So very happy you had fun, Carrie…that’s what it is all about. And I’m so thrilled people are sharing their work…and leaving such lovely comments for everyone!
You captured the voice so perfectly…100% right on, especially little boys! I’ve got my 8-yr old grandson sleeping over tonight…I’ll have to read him this in the morning!
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I hope your grandson enjoyed the story as well. Thank you for your encouraging words.
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In case you need it, here is a new link to the story. My original link is no longer working. I sense an operator error (mine) at some point when I was updating my site the other day. http://www.carriekarnesfannin.com/the-endpapers-blog/50-precious-words2065803
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Fun story Carrie. Kids will laugh at this one!
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You had me at the title! Good ending, too.
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With the title, the rest of the story sort of wrote itself. 😀 I usually struggle with the title, so this was a fun one.
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Hahaha, this was great! “The monster burped them up.” Kids will love it!
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Best title!
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Sadly, I’m getting an error message, Carrie – page not found. Seems it’s a lovely story (according to everyone’s comments. I was intrigued by the title.
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Hi Norah. Some error happened on the site. Here is a new link to the story. I hope you enjoy:
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Here is a new version of the link to the story. There was some trouble on the site not long after I posted the original and so some people were not able to access it:
http://www.carriekarnesfannin.com/the-endpapers-blog/50-precious-words2065803
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Funny story 🙂 Good luck!
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What amazing entries!
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Hi Vivian! What a fun idea, thanks for dreaming this up!
GIRAFFE & ZEBRA
By Lisa Katzenberger
“Giraffe, why are you up in that tree?” Zebra asked.
“I saw a spider,” Giraffe whispered.
“But you’re bigger!”
“Zebra, I —”
“You’re stronger, too.”
“Zebra, I — ”
“And faster! Believe in yourself, you can do anything!”
“Zebra, I AM STUCK!”
“Except maybe get down from trees.”
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Haha! Giraffe and I have a lot in common!
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Lisa, I love this! So funny. If only Zebra would let Giraffe finish his sentence. LOL.
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Hee hee hee! Such a wonderful visual!
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Hilarious!
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How totally adorable!
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The illustration in my head for your story…makes me LOL! Great job!
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This so reminds me of a saying I saw yesterday – “I got a weeks worth of exercise when I walked into a spider’s web.” Great job, Lisa. Love the image I get of these two. Giraffes do seem to be a theme this time around. 🙂
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LOL! Nice job with this. Very funny!
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Great twist at the end, Lisa…glad Giraffe had a good friend in Zebra. I’m so glad you joined in the fun!
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Lisa, this made me laugh out loud! Great fun!
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Ha Ha. I didn’t see that ending coming. Funny. Thanks.
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Great job Lisa!
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*** Chuckle ***
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What a fun story, Lisa! Love the humor.
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Clever and humorous-love it 🙂 Good luck!
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Clever and funny!
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Very clever. Great dialogue.
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Funny! I can just see the giraffe in the tree and the encouraging Zebra’s face when he learns the giraffe is stuck 😉