Today is the day, dear friends! Ready! Set! Go! The #50PreciousWords 2018 Writing Challenge is now OPEN!
For those of you who have not participated before, let me give you a bit of back story. March 2nd is the birthday of the incredible Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. For the last two years, I’ve hosted 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.
In 2016, 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! And last year, there were 253 entries. And I hope we have a great turnout again this year because I am passionate about helping others follow their dream of writing for children.
In 2012 I had a dream. I wanted to write picture books. And I wanted to be traditionally published. And one of the most important things I did was to participate in writing challenges like Susanna Hill’s contests. Why was that important? Because it got me writing. It got me revising. It got me submitting. Hmmm….writing/revising/submitting. I believe that if we do those three things enough times, our writing improves and agents and editors get a chance to see our work. And as much as I am thrilled with my own success, nothing makes me happier than to hear about the success of others in our kidlit community.
So, please sharpen your pencils. Fire up your computers. And share your #50PreciousWords with us.
#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.
- Please post your story in the comment section below. If you have your own blog and want to post your story there also, please do. And let us know your post link. 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 story, please email me and I will be happy to do it for you: viviankirkfield@gmail.com.
- Deadline for posting the story in the comments is Tuesday, March 6, at 11:59pm.
- Winners will be announced in a special blog post on Sunday, March 11.
- Winners? Of course, there will be winners…and prizes, too!
- A critique from my beloved agent, Essie White (some of you may remember that the winner of the first year’s contest chose Essie’s critique as her prize…and she subsequently signed with Storm Literary Agency and THAT story, plus a sequel to it, will be published next year!
- A picture book or chapter book or MG critique with Clear Fork editor Callie Metler-Smith.
- Your choice of ONE of the following from author, mentor, and founder of Sub Six FB group, Alayne Kay Christian: Picture Book critique or Chapter book critique (first three chapters), or Complimentary Art of Arc course.
- Picture Book manuscript critique from author Lori Degman.
- Your choice of either a picture book manuscript critique from author Karen Valenti or a seat in her Master Course on Picture Book Writing.
- Picture Book manuscript critique from author Melissa Stoller.
- Picture Book manuscript critique from author Amber Hendricks.
- Picture Book manuscript critique from author Katey Howes.
- Picture Book manuscript critique from author Julie Abery.
- Signed copy of OFFICER KATZ AND HOUNDINI from author Maria Gianferrari
- A piece of original signed art and a copy of LIZZIE AND LOU SEAL plus a silver seal necklace from author/illustrator Patricia Keeler.
- Rest & Relaxation package with two picture books and a surprise from author Maria Marshall.
- A signed copy of CAT IN THE CITY from author/illustrator Jill Weber.
- $15 credit in her TeachersPayTeachers store from Barbara Leyne(GradeOnederful)
A big thank you to all of our amazing prize donors! Much appreciation to illustrator Vicky Fang whose awesome logo graces our challenge! And a grateful thank you to my dear friends and critique buddies, Maria Marshall and Julie Abery who will be helping me read and comment.
Last year there were over 2000 comments – ALL OF THEM POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING! I am so proud to be a part of this amazing kidlit community. Our news stations and politicians should definitely take a lesson from this kidlit community.
And before I leave you to post your stories and comment on those you have a chance to read, I thought it would only be fair if I posted my sample of a 50-word story which hopefully has a beginning, a middle, and an end.
WHY THE STARS TWINKLE (49 words)
It was Sun’s birthday.
Moon gathered paper, paint,
glitter and glue to make a card.
But Wind blew.
Glitter and glue covered the stars.
“Now I have no gift for Sun,” cried Moon.
“Twinkling stars are the best present of all,” said Sun.
And Moon glowed all night long.
The End
Remember, if you have any questions or concerns, please email me: viviankirkfield@gmail.com.
I am so looking forward to reading all of your precious words!
Wow, Vivian, what fantastic prizes you rustled up! Time to sharpen our pencils!
LikeLiked by 4 people
First comment, Gabi…I think that deserves a prize…I’ll rustle up something just for you! And I can’t wait to read all of the fabulous and fun stories!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Vivian, I am so grateful for this contest. This is my first time entering. I’m excited to read all the entries! All the best, Lily
LikeLike
Love, love, love this contest, Vivian! 💛💛
LikeLiked by 2 people
And I really appreciate your willingness to help this year, Julie! And thanks so very much for donating a critique as one of the prizes. There are going to be a bunch of awesome stories!
LikeLiked by 3 people
What does my cat do when I’m at school?
Does he eat with a spoon?
Or fly to the moon?
Does he whip up a roast?
Or drive down the coast?
Play golf with my pa?
Or fix grandma’s car?
What does my cat do when I’m at school?
LikeLiked by 20 people
Congralulations, Matt! You are a brave soul…you posted first. There will be a special prize for you!
What a fun story…I’ll bet lots of cat owners are wondering the same thing. 🙂
Well done!
LikeLike
Our cat Max used to go missing all day. We had a game where we would guess what he got up to. Turns out the old guy next door was feeding him and letting him doze by his fire. Eventually Max disowned us altogether, though he would drop by occasionally for a scratch or to vomit on the carpet. Anyway, cool idea, and thanks inspiring me to try my hand at a picture book.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations Matt! I love the imagery in your story. Great job!
LikeLike
Nice work, Matt! Kids will be asking thier cats some questions after this one 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Matt, this is such a fun concept — very kid-friendly. And I can see some really fun illustrations with this story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to wonder the same thing. Well done!
LikeLike
Great premise for a picture book. Was is it about cats… so aloof and sneaky!
LikeLike
Matt, this is a fun story and one I’d bet many kids think about. Good luck.
LikeLike
How fun. I wish my cat would make dinner. Then again, maybe not. I may not like his food choice…lol. Thanks for kicking us off and for starting a cat trend!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, thanks for the comments. What a lovely bunch of people you all are.
LikeLike
“Domestication”
Heavy rain sends Cat scurrying for cover.
Under the porch roof, he shakes himself dry.
He runs when he sees little faces spying.
But he’s back next time it rains.
This time a bowl of food waits. He eats.
He still thinks he’s wild.
They’ve already chosen his name.
LikeLiked by 20 people
Thanks so much for joining in the fun, Teresa! Your story has lots of heart…I especially love the last two lines. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww, sounds like he is adopted Teresa! I can just imagine the ‘little faces spying’ – lovely!
LikeLike
I love the ending! I can just picture the kids’ faces watching the wet cat.
LikeLike
Vivian, I had to post a cat story too. Being that it’s the trend this year; and, being that I have seven cats who, once they heard that there were so many cat story posted, they insisted. They said they would never forgive me if I didn’t. ~Vicki
Little Cat
Come sit with me
little cat
Come sit with me
upon my bed
Come sit with me
let’s read a book
Come sit with me
my pillow’s soft
Come sit with me
and stay the night
Come sit with me
my room’s so dark
Come sit with me, won’t you?…please.
LikeLiked by 11 people
*so many cat stories posted…
LikeLike
Willow, It’s always such a challenge at times to get the cat to come snuggle. Your story portrays the way, even though you know they want to (and usually do) snuggle, they sure take their sweet time getting there. 🙂 Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve asked so sweetly, Vicky…I don’t know how your kitty could refuse. 😉 There must be a ton of cat lovers here…because I scanned the stories quickly and there are LOTS of feline tales. 😉
LikeLike
So can I still enter if I am a “Dog Person”? LOL. I love these cat stories!
LikeLiked by 2 people
A very charming story. I can feel the narrator’s desire for companionship building up through to the night and into the dark. Hope the magic word works in the end! Good luck!
LikeLike
Never met a kitty yet that would pass up a soft pillow and a good story.
Thank you Anne or Ann (with no e)! Best of luck to you as well 🙂
LikeLike
Cats do need a little enticing, don’t they? Such a sweet, gentle story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Cynthia! That they do…food does help though 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Teresa, I love the ending. Many a domestic cat still “thinks” they’re wild. This would be fun to expanded and see how long the two sides are apart and what “detente” is created at the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry Teresa…not sure how I ended up posting my story on your thread. i love your kitty story and people who give homeless kitties a home…even those who don’t think they want a home 🙂
LikeLike
No worries, Willlowwrites! I liked your story, too. It’s hilarious that there are so many cat stories here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a sweet ending!
LikeLike
Wonderful ending, Teresa!
LikeLike
Love how this story “sticks” with the reader long after it’s read. Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: #50 Precious Words – Susan Hodara
Thanks, Vivian for this interesting challenge and wonderful opportunity.
It seems I’m third in line with a story about a feline…
Check it out on my blog here:
http://suehodara.com/author-blog/2018/03/02/50-precious-words/
LikeLiked by 4 people
Just in case… I’ll paste my story here as well! 🙂
An Unlikely Pair (44 words)
A crow became smitten
with an orphaned kitten.
Mama bird took such good care of the cat in need,
that the unlikely pair became best friends indeed.
Little Fur and Big Feather always stuck together–
playing their days away in all kinds of weather…
LikeLiked by 17 people
What are the odds, Sue, of the first three stories touching on the subject of cats? I love your characters’ names…Little Fur and Big Feather…maybe this needs to be a series. 😉 Nice job!!
LikeLike
Vivian, I’d be over the moon to turn this into a series! 😉
LikeLike
Definitely has promise.
LikeLike
Thanks, Maria. 🙂
LikeLike
I can just imagine the illustrations for this – how cute!
LikeLike
Julie,
Thanks!
I liked your submission as well. I’d heard about DinDim and Mister Joao… You relayed the story beautifully. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a cute rhyming story!
LikeLike
Thanks! It was fun to write. 🙂
LikeLike
I agree with the others. I can see this becoming a series! Good job!
LikeLike
Thanks, Ellen! Wasn’t even thinking series when I wrote it… But the suggestion is a nice one. 😉
LikeLike
Love the image of the mama crow taking care of the kitten. Sweet story!
LikeLike
Thanks, Gaby! (Sorry I didn’t get back to you earlier…We’ve been having internet trouble…) It just goes to show that love always finds a way, even between “natural enemies”. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a cute and fun little rhyming story!
LikeLike
Thanks, Laurel. (As above, sorry for not getting back to you earlier… finally got internet restored today…) Sometimes a story just sings in rhyme, and this was one such story. 🙂
LikeLike
As part of Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab course, I wrote a double dactyl poem (well, a pair of them, so I guess this is a double-double dactyl, making its debut)!. I’m excited to share it here! 50 words, on the nose. (And how funny, my story ALSO features a cat. What is that, 4 in a row? HAHA!)
FICKLE FLOWER PICKING by Jennifer Broedel
(50 words)
Pranciful, shmanciful,
Frannie the fanciful
frolicked through fields that were
filled to the brim.
Finding that flowers, by
fundamentality,
frazzled her feline, she
flung them from him.
Tickledy, prickledy
Felix McFickledy,
sick of each flickering,
fluttering bloom,
Dug up the daisies, a
disciplinarian,
cursing the crocus for
taking up room.
LikeLiked by 16 people
Oh WOW…I remember when I had to write that exercise for Renee…it was totally hard and totally fun! And I love yours, Jennifer. Your character names are so much fun! And your alliteration if great! Thanks for playing along and for shouting out on social media!
LikeLike
Thank you, Vivian! And thanks for hosting this delightful challenge!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember those double dactyls well. Your story is adorable and so fun to read.
LikeLike
Lovely Jennifer! Wonderful meter and alliteration! Well done!
LikeLike
Thank you- I’m really satisfied with the employment of those tools! 😉 Isn’t it so exciting when word play plays out well? It makes writing all the more fun, and that’s saying something. Writing is just about my favorite thing to do, these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, wonderful! I loved Renee’s course, and I adore double dactyls. This is such a bouncy story with great character names and wonderful nonsense words — kids will adore it.
LikeLike
Thank you! That was a fun assignment, and so timely! (Who’d have guessed so many entries about cats would come in such quick succession? HAHA!)
LikeLike
This is just plain fun!!
LikeLike
Thanks for the kind words!
LikeLike
This is so fun to read! Great job.
LikeLike
Jennifer, I too remember doing this exercise. It was actually a lot of fun (though hard). I too really like your character’s names. Good luck.
LikeLike
So much fun, Jennifer!!
LikeLike
Jennifer this was so much fun to read, great job!
LikeLike
So fun! I love the language.
LikeLike
A fun one to read aloud!
LikeLike
Love the language in this one!
LikeLike
I remember this challenge from LLL, too. Well done!
LikeLike
“What’s Black and White and Green All Over?”
A penguin ate a pickle.
It gave his throat a tickle.
He saw it when the keeper dropped it.
Straight into his mouth he popped it.
The odd addition to his lunch
Disappeared, munch munch munch.
He didn’t like it in the least.
‘Twas not the hoped for fishy feast.
LikeLiked by 22 people
Fab title Chele! Such a funny little ditty…poor penguin, bet he won’t be scavenging again in a hurry! Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! This story is so cute and I can imagine funny illustrations to go along. Great idea and nice writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really love this. I think it’s my favorite so far. I am so curious where you got the idea.
I’m actually very impressed by so many of these stories. It’s so hard to write in 50 words or less. I’m amazed by the variety of stories here. I can’t “like” them individually because I am not a member of WordPress. But wanted to say how I have enjoyed reading the entries. And what a fun contest I think this is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Chele…I can just see the illustrations for this…so funny! Poor Penguin…’twas not the hoped for fishy feast’…great ending to a well done rhyme!
LikeLike
Oh, poor penguin. Cute story!
LikeLike
A penguin and a pickle…What a combination! Great idea that would provide funny illustrations. Can almost hear the children’ laughter!
LikeLike
Silly little penguin. Great illustration potential for the misimpression of a pickle/anchovy. Love the ending line! Good luck.
LikeLike
Great combination…a penguin and a pickle!
LikeLike
I love the title too. Poor penguin, didn’t get the lunch he wanted. Sad stories are always the best.
LikeLike
Ha! So funny!
LikeLike
What fun! Thanks for the contest.
My story–titled “Magnify Me!”–is nonfiction and also in verse. It can also be found on my website at http://www.heatherkinser.com/inspiration/50-precious-words-challenge-2018
*****
Mallard swims and braves the weather
in a raincoat made of feather.
Feather? What a silly coat!
Can it really help him float?
…Magnify me!
What do you see?
Tiny branching barbs and hooks
offer more than handsome looks—
trapping heat and blocking wet.
…How much closer can YOU get?
LikeLiked by 21 people
Good rhyming Heather, and I love that this shares some nature terminology for kids to learn! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like this a lot Heather. Might be my favorite so far. Nice job and great rhyme.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, rhyming nonfiction — I love it. With illustrations showing the magnified feathers, how cool will this book be? Great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a clever idea for a nonfiction science book, Heather! I love the ‘raincoat made of feather”..and the detailed science facts worked in so effortlessly…nice job! I hope you pursue this one and add other animals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great ‘teaching’ story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heather – This is awesome. I would love to see this expanded out into a PB that looked really close at different animals “coats.” Best of luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done! Rhyme and science perfectly melded. I want to read and see a whole book of these rhymes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aha! I finally figured out how to comment on my new iPad. I think this is an amazing entry! First, I love rhyme. Second, there’s a puzzle posed which is always fun,and finally, the answer is fascinating and TRUE! All in 50 words, impressive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heather this is such a clever idea of rhyming non-fiction. I love the idea of learning about the coats of animals, and magnifying them is brilliant. Best of luck to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the idea of moving the reader closer to see what the feathers are really like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“raincoat made of feather” is such a great description!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic rhyming and lyrical story incorporating animal science in so few words! Love the “raincoat made of feather” and “tiny branching barbs and hooks.” You hooked me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So clever and spot-on rhyme and meter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job Heather!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the natural science bringing kids closer to nature. Beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Mister Joao and Dindim the Penguin #50PreciousWords Challenge 2018 | Little Red Story Shed
I just LOVE this contest! Thank you, Vivian! My entry titled, Vroom – Vroom can also be seen on my website listed below. Good luck everyone!
https://chattytcp.wordpress.com/2018/02/20/monster-trucks/
VROOM VROOM (49)
Monster trucks roar.
Monster trucks rumble.
They turn on their engines
and get ready to tumble
V V
R R
O O
O O
M M
they’re off.
Hold your ears.
Big tough trucks
are shifting gears
V V
R R
O O
O O
M M
Loud thundering sound,
leaping up and over
that humongous dirt mound.
Crash – Smash to the ground!
V V
R R
O O
O O
M M
LikeLiked by 18 people
Vroom! Feel like I am watching the monster trucks now! Nice job Tracy! I can see this as a board book. Good luck!
LikeLike
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH, this has a really good “monster truck” energy. And I know plenty of truck-crazy kids who will just eat it up. Amazing what you can do in 50 words!
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words, Christy!
LikeLike
I’m right there at the monster truck shows they used to advertise when I lived in Connecticut at the Hartford Colliseum. Great rhyme and action, Tracy…I love it and kids will, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the sounds of this story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tracy what a fun story and great use of sound and format. Good Luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another fun one to read aloud!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can think of several children who would absolutely love this story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this fun and visual story! Great job!
LikeLike
After the Rain (50 words)
It’s red and orange
It’s yellow and green
It’s the most mystical thing
That you’ve ever seen!
It’s blue and violet
It arcs in the sky
It appears after rain
But it’s almost shy
It doesn’t stay long
Where does it go?
Why did it come
and give a show?
LikeLiked by 17 people
What a nice way to capture a fading rainbow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everyone loves a rainbow!!! Lovely!! Good luck!
LikeLike
I love that you told us all about a rainbow without saying the word…and I love your title! And you are right…rainbows are shy…they disappear quickly sometimes…just when you get a good look at them. Thank you so much for joining in the #50PreciousWord fun, Jay!
LikeLike
Thank you so much for the opportunity Vivian
LikeLike
Rainbows are mystical! Love the idea of a shy rainbow.
LikeLike
Great way to remain as mysterious as the rainbow you are describing. You capture and relay both the excitement of seeing it and the disappointment at its fleetingness. Best of Luck.
LikeLike
Ah, another rhyming puzzle poem! Love these!
LikeLike
This is beautiful :o)
LikeLike
I like this picture of a rainbow!
LikeLike
The last line really begs for you to say ‘rainbow’ out loud. Wonderful!
LikeLike
Why I’m No Longer a Cowboy (50 words)
It’s harder than I realized, to drive cattle without getting caught.
We made it halfway to the ranch; I guess it was just too hot.
My cows are stuck in the shade! I’ve heaved, pushed and prodded.
They won’t budge a single inch, and when I gave up they applauded.
LikeLiked by 20 people
Being a cowboy sounds like a lot of hard work! Good luck, Stephanie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can just picture the herd of cows applauding! What a great image! This is really fun to read and I love the rhyme of “prodded” and “applauded.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stephanie…what a fabulous title! And I can see this will be a very funny picture book if you keep going with it. Cows applauding when the wrangler has to stop the cattle drive – that is hilarious! You’ve got great imagery here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for hosting this fun contest, Vivian! There are so many great entries and it really got me thinking 🙂
LikeLike
Ha! I can just picture applauding cows – giggle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your ending made me laugh. This is just begging to be expanded on and made into a PB!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stephanie, I agree applauding cows is hilarious. Poor cowboy. Good luck
LikeLiked by 1 person
Last line made me laugh out loud. I can just see those cows applauding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! What a fantastic last line!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great closing Stephanie, and a fantastic visual with the cows applauding. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this contest!
STUCK
“Mom! My rocket’s stuck in the tree!”
“Throw something at it! Mom yelled.
I tried a stick. It got stuck.
I tried my football. It fell back on my forehead.
I tried my baseball bat. It broke the branch,
No rocket…
I picked up the cat.
Mom came running…FAST!
LikeLiked by 19 people
Hah, great ending! And there is some great fodder for illustrations in this terrific kid-solves-their-own-problem manuscript.
LikeLike
What fun, Kathy! And mom to the rescue…you surprised me at the end…I was sure he would try the cat as well. So glad you hopped on board for this challenge!
LikeLike
Oh, no! How funny.
LikeLike
So glad mom rescued the cat. Just shows the literalism of kids. Nicely done.
LikeLike
Love it!! The ending is the best ‘)
LikeLike
Hi Kathy, I agree with the others…great ending! Can just see Mum chasing out! Good luck!
LikeLike
Scared me for a minute. So funny!
LikeLike
This really made me laugh. Great reaction from Mom :o)
LikeLike
So funny! Love the ending!
LikeLike
So funny and relatable. Fabulous ending!
LikeLike
How to Survive a Piano Recital (49 words)
Practice
Memorize
Practice
Memorize
Backstage butterflies
Beast waits, open-jawed
Take a seat
Deep breath
Music download, brain to fingers
Breeze through tricky passage
Get stuck
Rewind, try again
Nope
Heart pounds
Think
Breathe
Improvise
Big chord
Grand finale
Smile
Bow
Woohoo!
Next spring
Start again
Practice
Memorize
Backstage butterflies
LikeLiked by 20 people
I can absolutely feel the tension in this piece! Great word choices and flow, Paulette!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Paulette…this is so good! You put me right on the stage with the mc. And I felt the drama…and the ending is perfect. I love when the endings of a picturee book echo the beginning. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, this is great! It really conveys that stage-fright so well (she says, from personal experience). I like the poetic word choices and the circular ending, coming back around to do it again after surviving. Nicely done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Paulette, Oh those dreaded recitals. Love the image of a piano as an open jawed beast and the circular ending. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could feel the tension in this too. You do a great job in capturing the fear and excitement of piano recitals. When I was in recitals as a child, I remember feeling like my fingers were moving on their own.
LikeLike
“… like my fingers were moving on their own” — I felt that way too! Perfect description.
LikeLike
Wow–you’ve packed a lot into 49 words! Very nice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job with this one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember those butterflies. You captured the emotions of the recital well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Terrific story. Took me right there. I love that mistakes are built in to the recital.
LikeLike
Count with Me! (50 words)
One! Two! Three!
Sang teeny-tiny flea.
Four! Five! Six!
Barked puppy-dog mix.
Seven! Eight! Nine!
Oinked pink-piggy swine.
Ten!
Crowed rooster to hen.
Ten! Nine! Eight!
Grumbled alligator’s mate.
Seven! Six! Five!
Buzzed the bees by the hive.
Four! Three! Two!
Cooed joey kangaroo.
One!
Growled cheetah on the run.
LikeLiked by 19 people
Wonderful! Great rhyme and meter, Amanda! Good luck!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the up and down counting and the animals you chose, Amanda. I’m assuming you are Amanda since Julie named you in her comment. 😉 This would make a cute board book for wee ones. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Vivian! (For the contest and the comment) Yes, my name is Amanda. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the counting up and down two. Fun!
LikeLike
Goodnight My Bouncy Bison! 49 words
Bouncy bison wants to play,
He wants to bounce everyday!
Rolling and romping all around,
Bouncy bison kicks the ground.
Mama Bison says, “time for bed,
It’s time to rest your bison head.”
Bouncy Bison raced on the grass,
He closed his eyes at last!
Goodnight my bouncy bison!
LikeLiked by 5 people
Love the rhyme and pace of your story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A cute bedtime story for a wee one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Lily,
Just found your story in the comments on Amanda’s story! Thank you for playing along with your bouncy rhyme. 😉 Lots of fun!
LikeLike
Great counting story. I enjoyed the unusual combination of animals. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
I know others have mentioned it, but I love the originality of counting down as well as up. Very ingenious and imaginative use of language, too. Good luck! -Anne Lipton
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the story arc for your counting story! It is hard for me to make concept stories with an arc, but this feels complete. It is really fun, too! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Erin!
LikeLike
Nice visuals! Great work!
LikeLike
BABY SMILES
By Rachel Funez
49 words
Baby smiles;
She wants to play.
Mamma tickles.
Mamma seeks.
Mamma lifts the sheet and peaks.
Baby cries;
She’s feeling sad.
Mamma hugs her.
Mamma sways.
Mamma wipes the tears away.
Baby sighs;
She’s tired now.
Mamma cuddles.
Mamma sings.
Mamma rocks, and walks, and swings.
Night, night, Baby.
LikeLiked by 15 people
This is a lovely manuscript; it reads almost like a lullaby. So sweet!
LikeLike
Thank you, Christy! It was inspired by my 2 year old, who calls herself “baby” and likes to say “baby cry, mamma hug.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lovely! Great job Rachel!
LikeLike
Thank you! I love your penguin story, too! I’m a bit partial to penguins, and love that it’s an inspiring true story.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Perfect bedtime story for little ones, Rachel! I love your gentle rhythmic verses. Thank you so much for joining in the challenge!
LikeLike
Thank you! It’s such a fun challenge. Thanks for offering it!
LikeLike
I also love your story about the sun, moon and stars, Vivian.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very sweet and gentle story of Mom and child. Perfect for bedtime. Good luck.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
This is a nod to Alexander’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. By Judith Viorst
Eli’s Day
First,
I spilled cereal on my favorite pants.
At circle time,
no one sat next to me.
Then I skinned my knee,
without a boo-boo kiss.
And squiggles danced around the page,
teasing me.
But stepping off the bus,
a hug was waiting.
LikeLiked by 18 people
Isn’t that the very best way to end a bad day! Full of heart, Rebecca! Lovely.
LikeLike
Thanks so much. I agree. It is the very best way to end a tough day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great Alexander tribute. It really zips along with some great word choices (in particular, “squiggles danced around the page.” And I love the ending.
LikeLike
Thanks, Christy! I’m glad the pacing worked. I’ve often thought about kids struggling with reading and how difficult that is.
LikeLike
Nothing like that hug at the end of any day, especially a bad one. I too liked “squiggles danced around the page,” what a great image. Best of luck.
LikeLike
Thanks, Maria. I agree about the power of a hug. I appreciate you calling out the image I conveyed. Struggling with reading is so tough for kids.
LikeLike
‘I skinned my knee without a boo-boo kiss. That says it all, Rebecca. Every child will relate to that feeling of not having mom close by. Lovely story of a young child’s day…I felt all the emotions…well done!!!
LikeLike
Thanks, Vivian, both for your feedback and for creating this community of supportive writers.
LikeLike
I felt this all the way through. Good luck to you.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jean. I’m glad the emotion came through.
LikeLike
Full story arc in only 50 words and perfect ending — well done!
LikeLike
Going out on submission…entry removed at request of author.
LikeLiked by 13 people
What an interesting play on “field day” with salad fixings. Really fun. Loved the action and images you portrayed. Good Luck.
LikeLike
This is so clever, Katie! I love the vegetable action…unique and the imagery is awesome. Thank you so much for participating in #50PreciousWords!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is fun Katie! Nice rhymes and some great word choices here! Good luck!
LikeLike
Very clever! Love your use of veggies.
LikeLike
So original and fun. Well done!
LikeLike
Entry removed as per request of the author – going out on submission. 😉
LikeLiked by 6 people
Katie, what interesting and haunting images. (And sadly, oh so true) Nicely done. Good luck.
LikeLike
Hope…it is what keeps us going, right? You gave us action, lyrical language, and great imagery, Katie…plus lots of emotion. Thank you!
LikeLike
I love the lyrical language and sense of balance here, Katie.
LikeLike
Love the onomatopoeia and illustrative potential, Lindsay! Good luck.
LikeLike
Thank you for your encouragement, Ms. Abery. It is inspiring that you wrote a sweet, true penguin story in less than 50 words! Congratulations on your accomplishment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Patty Sat On A Mat With Cat (50 words)
Patty sat on a mat with cat.
Until he spied a big fat rat.
He raced around the little house.
He also spied a small brown mouse.
Patty stood upon a chair
Cat chased rodents with great care.
Eventually he made them scat.
Patty sat on a mat with cat.
LikeLiked by 10 people
What fun! I like the fun-and-easy rhyming and the circular ending. It’s a great story in a few words — nicely done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great circular ending to a cute story. Nicely done. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
With a tip of the hat to Dr. Seuss…well done, Aileen…Thank you for joining in the fun with your bouncy rhyming #50PreciousWords. 😉 Good job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What fun and such great action captured in so few words. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: The Ant and the Inchworm – Living In the Corner of a Vortex
Five really funny entries here,Tanya! Good job and best of luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Ant and the Inchworm – Vicki Hammond
Ant went for a walk.
He met Inchworm.
“Pardon me,” Ant said,
“I need to get by.”
“Me, too,” replied Inchworm.
They stood and stared.
Finally, Ant said,
“If you will move an inch to the right,
I will move too.”
Inchworm moved right.
Ant went on his way.
also posted on my blog
willowwritesweb.wordpress.com/2018/03/02/the-ant-and-the-inchworm/
LikeLiked by 14 people
Sometimes, just an inch can make a big difference. Cute story. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Maria 🙂
LikeLike
Clever use of inch and inch, Vicki. Good thing inchworm knew just how far an inch-worth was. 🙂 And a peaceful resolution to the situation. I love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Vivian! an inch at a time is all it takes sometimes.
LikeLike
Nice job Vicki! Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you little red! Love your blog name 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such fun writing these fifty words. Thanks, Vivian, Maria and Julie! And thanks to Vicky Fang for the great art!
Ribbon’s Adventure
Ribbon’s home is a drawer.
Squashed, she imagines adventures:
parties, parades and presents.
One day, the drawer opens.
Ribbon soars skyward
tied to rainbow balloons.
Dancing, dabbing, dipping,
silvery and speckled,
Ribbon’s the life of the party!
Untangled. Unbroken. Undone.
When the drawer closes,
Ribbon is glad to be home.
Copyright 2018 Brenda Davis Harsham
LikeLiked by 17 people
Brenda, this is lovely. Then ending is perfect. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLike
Brenda, this is a fun story. Home is always better for little adventures. Love the way you wrap back to the beginning. Good Luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I liked your abecedarians, too.
LikeLike
I don’t think I’ve ever read a story from a ribbon’s POV…this is unique, Brenda and full of action and emotion. Thanks so much for joining in…well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Vivian. I appreciate you reading it. I had a good time writing it. 🙂
LikeLike
This is super cute Brenda! I love the use of the ‘threes’, the story arc and the imagery is wonderful! Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’ll stop by and check out your website.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can imagine the lonely ribbon enjoying being put to use, but wanting home, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I wrote it right after a birthday party. 🙂
LikeLike
What a unique POV, Brenda–you’ve brought ribbon to life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Buffy. My kids had such fun helping me blow up balloons and tie on the ribbon.
LikeLike
This is lovely, Brenda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
IMPATIENT PATIENCE
by Chris M. Regier
The hay field was empty.
“Hey.” Patience bleated.
They’d been robbed!
“Hey!” Patience bellered.
Anxious to alert the farmer, she didn’t notice the bale wagon disappearing into the barn.
“HEY!” Patience bawled.
All.
Day.
Long.
Hoarse and hungry, she finally trudged home.
Into a barn bursting with wispy, wonderful…
“Hay!”
LikeLiked by 15 people
Hey! I like this hay story! Nicely done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey there! Thank you!
LikeLike
And here is the link to my blog post. Still figuring this ping back thing out.
http://chrismregier.com/2018/03/02/50preciouswords-2018-writing-challenge/
LikeLike
Oh, poor Patience. Glad she finally got her hay! Fun story. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, good things come to those who wait. Thank you!
LikeLike
Hey Chris…I love this! Filled with heart, humor…oh, and hay. 😉 😉 Great job with #50PreciousWords!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, hey, hey! Thanks you so much for putting this contest on. First one I’ve entered and it is such fun.
LikeLike
I like the title Chris and I love your use of escalating tension in ‘bleated, bellered and bawled! Nice job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Goats are pros at escalating tension, all I had to do was listen and write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Murphy vs the Gophers by Elizabeth Saxton
Gophers invaded Murphy’s doghouse. He tried to growl them out. He tried to yowl them out. He snuck a plate of beans and tried to foul them out. Nothing worked. Finally, he dug up his treasures and paid an expert. Kitty 1. Gophers 0.
LikeLiked by 15 people
LOL!
LikeLike
Aww, cute. I have a dog named Murphy! 🙂
LikeLike
This left me laughing!
LikeLike
Murphy and the beans! How funny. Ingenious ending, too. Good luck.
LikeLike
Love the inner rhyme, Elizabeth…and the ending is precious! Thanks so much for joining the fun!
LikeLike
OMG. I am laughing out loud.
LikeLike
A beginning, middle and end, and funny to boot!
LikeLike
WHO WE ARE
I’m Bee and I use she.
I’m Lee and I use he.
I’m Jay and I use they.
We’re all free to laugh and play.
Friends forever, friends for fun,
we have love for everyone.
With new thoughts of who we are,
we’re changing things both near and far.
LikeLiked by 11 people
Wow! How timely and how needed. This is great.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
I love this, Faith!
LikeLike
Thanks Jenna!
LikeLike
I could see this as a little Board Book. It lends itself to fun illustrations. Great job getting all that into 50 words! Best of Luck
LikeLike
Thank you! And, thanks for the idea of a board book – I hadn’t thought of that 🙂
LikeLike
I love the inclusivity, Faith! Great rhyme and message…I agree with Maria…I see a board book here. So happy to see so many names new to me here for #50PreciousWords. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks very much! And, I’m so happy to be here, thanks for the opportunity you created.
LikeLike
This is great! Nice job, Faith!
LikeLike
Thank you very much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is excellent, Faith. We need more inclusive stories like this. I hope you write many more!
LikeLike
Thank you Louise! I appreciate the encouragement 🙂
LikeLike
Fiona Finds a Friend (50 words)
When Fiona flicked her ball over the fence, she knew she wouldn’t get it back in one piece.
MUNCH
CRUNCH
TEAR
CHEW
But there was nothing else to play with.
She peered over the fence.
Pieces.
Everywhere.
Pieces in a puppy’s mouth.
Now she has a friend to play with!
LikeLiked by 11 people
Glad Fiona found a friend. Good luck.
LikeLike
What’s a ball when you can have a friend instead! Lots of great imagery, Costantia. Thank you for a sweet story!
LikeLike
This is cute, Costantia! Good luck!
LikeLike
The Land of Lost Socks
By Anne Lipton
50 words
Jane pawed through socks,
not finding a pair,
She cleaned up her room,
then slept like a bear.
Jane became trapped
in the Land of Lost Socks,
till her thoughts wandered
outside the box.
Jane arched her back
and lifted her head,
then followed her cat
to his sock-piled bed.
LikeLiked by 12 people
Another cat story! Loved it. Lost socks are a big problem…my cat must be hiding them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Ah, you’ve solved the mystery of the lost socks. Thanks for that, and for the cute story. Kids will love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
How funny! I always wondered where those stray socks went. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
I totally can’t believe how many cat stories there are, Ann! LOVE this lost sock one…wish I had a cat…then I’d know where my missing socks were. 😉 Thanks so much for joining in the fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the kind words and the contest, Vivian! You rock.The opportunity and prizes are amazing.
Putting on my behavioral neurologist hat, my theory about the preponderance of feline-focused entries this year is that “cat” is the first association most people make with Dr. Seuss. I set out to write a story about lost socks, but a cat stole the show—as well as the socks.
I really enjoyed your scintillating and creative story about the sun, moon, and stars, too, and I wonder what inspired your tale. Your weekly cookie and craft projects? (Cookies often remind me of the moon.) Or Game of Thrones, perchance?
All the glitter to you for being such a champion and supporter of other writers. You are a star in the firmament.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Cute! I think lots of kids—and adults — can relate to lost socks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
A Day in the Park for Little One
Sun shines bright.
Hello, Sun.
Teeter-totter goes up and down.
Silly, teeter-totter.
Swing goes back and forth.
Giggly, swing..
Dog barks loudly.
Hush, Dog!
Squirrel scurried up a tree.
Go, Squirrel!
Popsicle melts everywhere.
Messy popsicle.
Tummy growls, time to go.
Goodbye, Park.
LikeLiked by 12 people
I like your capture of a day at the park through the eyes of a young kid. Nicely done in so few words. Good luck.
LikeLike
Lovely images for a wee one, Laurel…I see another possible board book here. Thank you for a story every little kid will relate to.
LikeLike
Thank you, so much! It was great fun to write!
LikeLike
This is very cute, Laurel! I really love all the action here and the imagery! Good luck!
LikeLike
Good imagery here Laurel!
LikeLike
So excited to be part of this challenge! Thanks for the opportunity, Vivian.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my pleasure, Laurel…thank YOU for participating!!!! It’s a joy to read all of these amazing stories!
LikeLike
Nice narrative here! It’s a great story about learning and growing and coming to appreciate things you were scared of.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome! I’m pleased that message came across, Ms. Mihaly. Thank you for the compliment!
LikeLike
I like the humor here, and the fun lesson in the difference between desert and dessert! It’s amazing what you can do with 50 words!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
SPRING WAKE UP
By Ann Kelley
Under winter’s frosty bliss,
Springtime sneaks a teasing kiss.
One ray, two rays, three rays, four,
Sunrays warm my burrow door.
Plink-plop, drip-drop, splash my nose.
Pooling puddles wet my toes.
Peek and seek above the ground.
Robin chirps a cheery sound.
Good-bye, Winter! Celebrate!
Scurry through the garden gate.
Thank you, Vivian, for hosting such a fun contest!
LikeLiked by 14 people
What a great welcome for Spring (may it arrive soon). Your rhyme and meter are spot on, and I love the onomatopoeias. Beautiful!
LikeLike
Thank you very much! I’m hoping spring will be here soon too.
LikeLike
I like “Springtime sneaks a teasing kiss.” Just wish Winter would give up already. Beautiful images and sounds. Good luck.
LikeLike
Thank you so much! I had fun writing it and wishing for spring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your spring wake up will wake up some editor, I think. This is really well done. Lots of great elements here…great meter and rhyme…plus beautiful imagery and fun sound words. And you’ve even got a counting and season hook. I love it, Ann!
LikeLike
Thank you so much for your kind words, Vivian! I am so glad that what was in my head translated to paper so well. Yipee!
LikeLike
I am going to keep saying this lovely lyrical poem to the snow outside my house Ann! Perhaps it will wake up spring here 🙂 Nice job!
LikeLike
LOL! I hope it works. It might have worked here – it’s going to be 60 and sunny. Yay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What wonderful imagery! Love the onomatopoeia. Adorable story.
LikeLike
Thank you! Thank you!
LikeLike
This was beautiful Ann, I can just feel Spring waking up even though I’m currently buried in snow…it gave me hope. Best of luck to you.
LikeLike
Thank you! I hope Spring comes soon to you.
LikeLike
Love the gentleness of this and the rhythm.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Love your sound words!
LikeLike
Thank you very much!
LikeLike
This is Great! Well done!
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Great line—“Springtime sneaks a teasing kiss.” Love this space between the seasons.
LikeLike
Soooo. I am posting this story before I chicken out. And also, before we exceed the quota on stories about CATS. (Is it the Year of the Cat, or something?)
Thanks to Vivian for this contest.
CAT (50 words)
by Christy Mihaly
Meeeiiaaaow.
“No messy cats inside,” warns Gramps.
Cat follows him softly, unseen;
patrols the corners.
Pounce!
Mice flee.
“Smart Cat!” says Gramps.
Meeeiiaaaow.
Cat licks her paws.
“Nice clean Cat!” says Gramps.
Cat curls on Gramps’s lap.
“Sweet Cat!” says Gramps.
When nobody’s looking,
Gramps plays catch
with Cat.
Meeeiiaaaow.
LikeLiked by 14 people
Cute! I like how she wins gramps over! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funny how cats always seem to want to snuggle one professing the least interest in cats! Very fun story. Best of luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Christy…why would you chicken out? This is such a great concept…I love the interaction between Gramps and CAT. I know how busy you must be…I really appreciate you working on a story for #50PreciousWords!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So sweet, authentic, and relatable. I’m blown away at how well you compressed and wove two character arcs into in 50 words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this cute little story, Christy. Wonderful story arc. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Fifty words is a real challenge — I’m a windbag on paper usually. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
BROTHER VS. SISTER by Michelle Howell Miller
Brothers and sisters aren’t always on the same page.
Brother builds
Sister bulldozes
Brother pirouettes
Sister Kungfus
Brother snuggles
Sister roughhouses
Brother giggles
Sister shouts
Though sometimes…
Brother shouts
Sister giggles
Brother roughhouses
Sister does too!
Brother Kungfus
Sister pirouettes
Brother bulldozes
Sister builds
Brother and sister…
spine to spine.
Thank you for the challenge Vivian!
LikeLiked by 11 people
Love this Michelle! I adore stories that challenge gender stereotypes. We need as many of them as possible!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michelle, Great job mirroring the actions from start to finish. I enjoyed that both like doing the same things (though not always at the same time). This is beautifully done. Best of luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Michelle…thank you so much for your story…I love the back and forth. This is the type of story we need more of. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great and light-hearted treatment of an important topic — boys and girls alike will love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is great. Like Merinda below, I love how you challenge those gender stereotypes with the brothers and sisters play. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eyes open.
‘Bye bed.
Sun peeks.
Pants and shirt.
Now munch,
guzzle.
Help tidy.
Then
chase,
slide,
twist,
fumble,
jumble,
joke.
Race,
roll,
skip,
creep,
wander.
Glue,
sprinkle,
splat,
crumple.
Here. Chomp, chew.
Read. Listen.
Burrow,
cuddle,
nuzzle.
Scrub. Flush.
Pajamas,
pants and shirt.
Moon gazes.
Hello bed.
Eyes drift.
LikeLiked by 10 people
Amazing the images you conjured up in this string of single words to show a full day. Great Job!
LikeLike
Nice image of a full day framed by a soft circular ending – in and out of bed. Good luck.
LikeLike
You took us through the whole day, Lisa. I love the ending which echoes the beginning…eyes drift…I could just picture a child, eyes nodding closed after a full day of play. Nicely done!
LikeLike
This is wonderful! Love the imagery and the word choices, Lisa! Nice job!
LikeLike
Thanks for running this fun contest again, Vivian! Hope to see you at the NESCBWI Conference. Here’s my entry.
When Trees Talk
by Robin Brett Wechsler
(50 words)
Willow and Oak sagged in the sun—as red-cheeked children raced toward them.
Oak lifted his limbs. “Come climb my branches!”
Willow rustled her leaves. “Come laze in my shade!”
“Huh?” asked Oak.
“Shh!” whispered Willow.
The children hung a hammock between them and swung.
Willow and Oak stood tall.
LikeLiked by 12 people
Lovely story Robin! I love how you showed so much in few words… competition,cooperation, harmony and pride.
LikeLike
I agree with Cathy. Nicely done Robin. Good luck.
LikeLike
Thanks, Maria!!
LikeLike
Thanks, Cathy! See you at The Loft soon! 🙂
LikeLike
I love this so much! My kids used to make hammocks out of bedsheets and read in the willow tree in our back yard. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Megan! I love that you had a personal connection to my very short story!
LikeLike
Oh Robin, I wish I could go to NESCBWI this year, but hubby isn’t well and I need to stay close to home for him. But I’ll be there in spirit!
And I LOVE your story. A perfect way for Willow and Oak to both feel loved and needed! Thanks so much for joining in the fun!
LikeLike
Thanks, Vivian! I will miss seeing you this year. Hope your husband feels better!
LikeLike
Great story from the tree POV — I love how the trees take care of the kids.
LikeLike
Thank you, Christy! I’m obsessed with the idea that trees (and plants) communicate with each other. And there’s research to back it up!
LikeLike
Lovely Robin. This conjures up such lovely imagery of summer! Beautiful!
LikeLike
Thanks, Little Red Story Shed! What a nice name – which conjures up a lovely image too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely imagery and plot especially in 50 words. Great story Robin!
LikeLike
Thank you, Ann! I love your entry as well, an evocative poem about spring.
LikeLike
This is just lovely!
LikeLike
Pingback: #50PreciousWords 2018 Writing Challenge | Chris M. Regier
I’m sensing a theme of animals, to which I shall add to that theme. Good luck everyone!
ABCD DOGS AND MORE
By Suzie Olsen
ABCD dogs and more,
That is what the D stands for.
Dogs are cute.
Cats are too.
I like fluffy pets,
How about you?
ABCD dogs and more,
That is what the D stands for!
LikeLiked by 8 people
Suzie, what a fun, circular story. Reminds me of songs we used to skip rope to. Good luck.
LikeLike
I can see a possible expansion for an alphabet book, Suzie. This is a fun rhyme…makes me miss the dogs, cats and other animals we always had when our kids were growing up.
LikeLike
I absolutely agree with Vivian. This could be expanded into a great rhyming ABC. Great job, Suzie!
LikeLike
BE KIND
by Meryl Sachs Cullom
Be kind to dolphins,
and doves and dogs
and cats and coral
and friends and frogs
and bats and bear cubs
and bumblebees
and plants, and peacocks, piano keys,
the glass that glitters
upon the shelf,
be kind to them all and
be kind to yourself!
LikeLiked by 13 people
Great message and fun alliteration in this story, Meryl. Good luck.
LikeLike
Thanks Maria!!!
LikeLike
A perfect story these days when we all need to encourage more kindness! Well done, Meryl. And thank you for joining in the #50PreciousWords fun!
LikeLike
Such a lovely 50 words at a time when everyone could use more kindness. Thank you!
LikeLike
Lovely bouncy meter! Nice job, Meryl.
LikeLike
A brief story inspired by seeing a friendship bench on a school playground, and things I see/hear that stick with me as a substitute teacher.
Rainbows, Dreams and Flutterflies
49 words
Mary Vander Plas
We sit on the friendship bench.
Three of us.
Silent.
Eyes downcast.
Rainbows remind me of my dog.
Dreams remind me of my baby sister. She never came home.
Flutterflies remind me of Grandpa.
You mean butterflies?
We called them Flutterflies.
I’ll call them Flutterflies too.
Three new friends.
LikeLiked by 10 people
Such a tender story. You captured their emotions so well in few words. Love that they found such a sweet thing in common!
LikeLike
Love the title and the tenderness of this story. You capture the pain of life and the promise of joy (new friends) in so few words. Best of Luck.
LikeLike
Oh, that line about the baby sister . . .infant loss is something I feel like you rarely see addressed in children’s stories but I know it affects children.
LikeLike
Lots of emotion here in this lovely story, Mary. I felt each child’s pain. Well done!
LikeLike
Thanks everyone. In 49 words the grief /pain is definitely highlighted. I’m working on the full MS where hope, kindness and friendship are the shining stars! I would never have seen the difference in tone without joining 12×12 and very hesitantly jumping into this contest with both feet.
LikeLike
This is sweet, Mary. You capture great tenderness in the truth that so little can go such a long way in friendship. Good luck!
LikeLike
PARTY TIME (50)
Tiptoe, tiptoe, tippity toe. STOP!
Sneaking, sneaking, super sneaky peeking.
Hush hush, hush hush, don’t giggle or bust. SHHH!
One pause. Two pause. Make sure it’s time pause.
Three pause. Four pause. Almost in the door pause.
Five count, NOW POUNCE! A happy birthday cheer pounce!
Laughing. Grinning. Everyone delighting.
LikeLiked by 12 people
Fun action of a surprise party. Nicely done. Good luck.
LikeLike
Thank you! 🤗
LikeLike
Are we all invited for cake, Margaret? Lots of fun and action and suspense and I love the ‘almost in the door pause’ line. Thanks so much for participating in my little challenge!
LikeLike
This is fun! It makes me think of my kid’s sneaking in to wake me and wish me happy birthday when they were little. Lovely job!
LikeLike
Thanks so much! 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
CAKE, BY CAT AND BEAR
(for 50 Precious Words 2018)
By Sarah Hetu-Radny
Cat and Bear plan.
Cat measures. Bear yawns.
Cat pours. Bear dozes.
Cat bakes. Bear snores.
Cat frosts. Bear drools.
Cat rests. Bear stretches.
Cat sleeps. Bear samples.
Bear hiccups. Cat awakes.
Bear blushes. Cat hisses.
Bear apologizes. Cat sniffs.
Bear hugs. Cat forgives.
Cat shares.
Bear does the dishes.
LikeLiked by 16 people
Awwww …. that’s what friends do.
LikeLike
Great visuals, would be so fun to illustrate!
LikeLike
😉 – Isn’t this always the case? Good thing they’re best friends and hugs cure all. Great capture of excitement, frustration, anger, embarrassment, forgiveness, and ultimately friendship in so few words. Nicely done, Sarah. Good Luck.
LikeLike
A fresh new look at The Little Red Hen…love the back and forth…and forth and back, Sarah! Thanks for joining in the fun!
LikeLike
What a cute story! I need Cat and Bear at my house!
LikeLike
Love this little story. Lovely action and great little story arc. Well done, Sarah!
LikeLike
This is such a cute story and I love the way that Bear makes amends by doing the dishes :o)
LikeLike
So cute!! Best of luck!!
LikeLike
Very cute! I like the resolution at the end.
LikeLike
Thank you Vivian for this great challenge! 50 words? Most of my comments are longer than that! lol. But what a great way to measure the importance of each one carefully. Here is mine inspired by the 600 (yep, you read that correctly) daffodil bulbs we planted last fall.
A snow flake fell
Then another
and another
then too many to count.
But underneath the ground hid hope.
Deep in the darkest places
Forgotten
Hope rested
Waiting
Finally, a shoot burst through
Then another
and another
then too many to count
And above the ground bloomed hope.
LikeLiked by 18 people
Beautiful! I love your vivid images.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! There are so many great ones here-trying to read through them all. So much fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely! And I would love to see that garden full of daffodils. They’re one of my favorite flowers… the first sign of spring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine too. We are hoping (no pun intended) that they will all come up and we will have a sea of yellow! The bulbs were a mother’s day/birthday gift planted in the fall. Fingers crossed. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your images were just what I needed on this stormy New England day! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Still snow covered here in Minnesota but it is fun to think about what is happening underground. 🙂 Thanks for the comment.
LikeLike
This is beautiful – not the least of which is b/c I also planted a mass of bulbs. Those beautiful yellow heads shining through at the end of winter bring such hope. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAY! We should compare photos in a month or two, Maria! 🙂
LikeLike
Hope, yes…we need that these days…and also daffodils. They are my favorite flower!
I love the story, Elizabeth…well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely lyrical language. I particularly love the lines ‘hid hope’ ‘hope rested’ and ending with ‘bloomed hope’. Nice job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the image of the bulbs in the dark, giving hope for flowers in the spring. Good job, Elizabeth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I planted 200 in the fall–and share your blooming hope! Lovely story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is great! We should all take pictures and share. Here’s hoping they all bloom!
LikeLike
Great story of hope and renewal. I wish you as much luck as I had with my winning (!) entry from last year, also on daffodils! Good luck!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lol! That is funny. Great minds think alike! 🙂 . Thank you!
LikeLike
Hello! Yes, we will get spring eventually! I love the last line, so beautiful.
LikeLike
Love this contest and your story, Vivian!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, dear Ellen! The entries are amazing!!!
LikeLike
Hahaha! Who knew cats would be so popular this year? Well, I’ll add to the cat-repertoire that’s building :D.
—
A CAT FOR MATT
by Nicole Dusseljee
Matt wanted a cat. BUT he was allergic.
BUT he had an idea.
BUT it would take some work.
AND practice.
SO That’s what he did.
He learned to knit, practiced, and knit a hypoallergenic cat-suit.
THEN he got a cat.
She wore the suit, and he named her Purrl.
LikeLiked by 10 people
Ha! Love the play on “Purrl” If only a knitted suit fixed the allergy, so many people would enjoy having pets! I enjoyed Matt’s determination and ingenuity. Good luck.
LikeLike
So clever, Nicole! And I love the word play with Purrl. Thank you for joining the #50PreciousWords fun!
LikeLike
Purrfectly charming Nicole. Well done!
LikeLike
I love cats, I’m allergic to them, and I already know how to knit. Thanks for the great idea of knitting a hypoallergenic cat suit 🙂 This is an adorable story.
LikeLike
Waiting for a Monarch
Martha is tired of waiting.
“Be patient,” her mother says.
She was patient while she watched the caterpillar grow, crawl under a big leaf, magically form a chrysalis.
Martha is tired of waiting.
This morning she peeks under the leaf. No more waiting!
A beautiful butterfly is waiting for her
—
Candace Kubinec
http://storydribbles.wordpress.com/2018/03/02/Waiting-for-a-Monarch
LikeLiked by 10 people
Patience – the bane of childhood. Great capture of the marvel of nature and the frustration of waiting. This is a fun story. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love how your ending echoes the beginning…but now the butterfly is waiting for her…you captured a young child’s impatience in so few words…well done, Candy!
LikeLike
Thanks! What fun challenge you’ve given us.
LikeLike
This is lovely, Candy. Great potential to work this into a concept book for preschoolers on butterfly life cycle. Good job.
LikeLike
Thanks so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
MISH MASH MAMMAL by Bruna De Luca
(50 words)
Platypus bemoaned his beak,
a tear slid down one furry cheek,
“I don’t fit in. I don’t belong.
My paddle tail,” he wailed, “is wrong!”
Then otter, beaver, drake and duck,
swam by and he was thunderstruck!
“I have their strengths, their odds and ends,
a hotchpotch of potential friends!”
I’m a writing comp virgin but I enjoyed the challenge. Thanks Vivian!
LikeLiked by 20 people
Congrats of putting your story out there! Glad you joined the competition. I’ve always loved Platypuses and this is a cute story. Good luck.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
I love this one! My favorite story so far. Very solid. Clever. Creative. Perfect meter. Brava!
LikeLike
Aw, your comment made my day. Thank you 😘
LikeLike
WOW…Bruna…writing comp virgin no longer…this is really good work…I love it! I’m so glad you took on the challenge. Your rhyme and meter are spot on! And there is heart and humor in this story…I was right there with Platypus. 😉
LikeLike
Thank you, Vivian. Your comment genuinely means a lot.
LikeLike
Cute story!
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
This is really lovely Bruna. Great job on the rhyme and meter and finding an unusual MC. Good luck to you.
LikeLike
Thank you for your lovely feedback!
LikeLike
Very nice job. Clear beginning, middle, and end with a satisfying resolution. Great
LikeLike
So pleased you think so. Thank you!
LikeLike
Song of Change
By Jessica Kulekjian
A song unsung
hiding inside
grows louder
prouder
deep and wide.
At first a whisper
sneaking out
Like winds of change
begin to shout.
One,
ten,
hundreds,
then
thousands of singers joining in
to sing the song
that has become
An anthem rising
once unsung.
LikeLiked by 14 people
The stanza breaks didn’t transfer. Oh well.
LikeLike
This short story seems so timely now with people feeling the strength to advocate for what they believe. “One,ten,hundreds,then thousands of singers joining in
to sing the song that has become An anthem rising once unsung.” Yes!
LikeLike
Thank you! That’s what it’s about 🙂
LikeLike
This is beautiful. I love the last line. Best of Luck.
LikeLike
Thank you for the kind words, Maria!
LikeLike
Your rhythm is wonderful, Jessica…like the tens and hundreds and thousands marching together…joining and becoming stronger. And your language is very lyrical…thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Well done!
LikeLike
Thank you Vivian! I appreciate you inspiring me with this contest. I have never entered a writing contest. This is fun!
LikeLike
This sings in my ear. Wonderful meter, reads beautifully out loud…like a song in fact. Well done, Jessica. Good luck!
LikeLike
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The reverso didn’t print right. Sigh. They words were supposed to be side by side. The only way it will publish on the post is one side under another. Here ya go. Top is one POV. Bottom is another perspective.
New at School: A Reverso
by Janie Reinart
Heads turn,
our hearts beat together,
staring.
You walk in.
Grin.
Try to fit in.
Longing for a friend.
Look my way.
“Sit with me!”
“Sit with me?”
Look my way.
Longing for a friend?
Try to fit in.
Grin.
You walk in,
staring.
Our hearts beat together.
Heads turn.
LikeLike
Please ignore this entry. Will make a minor but essential edit and post again. Couldn’t work out how to delete it.
LikeLike
Erin (never) Feels C-old
Making snow angels warms me up.
But mom says, “Come in for cocoa.”
I’m never cold!
My hair flies as I sprint to school hatless.
I’m exhausted from a cold.
My toddler shared his germs with me.
My old bones ache from winter winds.
I’ll make tea and read poetry.
Posted on my new site: Don’t write a crappy first draft. Write #50PreciousWords
https://www.authormanjuhoward.com/single-post/2018/03/02/Dont-write-a-crappy-first-draft-Write-50PreciousWords …
LikeLiked by 7 people
It always happens, doesn’t it. Those little germ magnets, seem to learn the idea of sharing what we lest want to have. Nicely done. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Manju…this is so true. When we are kids, we never felt the cold…but as we get older…watch out. And I’ll share that tea with you! Nicely done and thanks so much for joining in the fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As a teacher of early years, I absolutely get this one Manju!
LikeLiked by 1 person
THE SOMETHING (43 words)
by Merinda Wild
Something’s creeping…
through the garden…
past the playhouse…
over the leaf pile…
around the sandpit…
under the grape vines…
across the doorstep…
down the hallway…
into the bedroom…
up to the bed…
It’s here! It’s ready to pounce…
It’s…
a cuddle monster!
Raaaaaaaarr!
…………………………
Thanks Vivian, I had great fun with this challenge!
LikeLiked by 10 people
Cuddle Monster! We had one in our house too! I could see this becoming a picture book that kids would love to read over and over knowing the fun ending that leads to a cuddle with Mom or Dad. Good job!
LikeLike
Merinda, what great images this creates. I see a furry, doggy best friend – the best type of cuddler! This could make a really fun Board Book. Good Luck.
LikeLike
Hello Merinda…so nice to meet you! And thank you for sharing your story with us. I love all of the action…great imagery! Nicely done!
LikeLike
Wonderful image potential here. Nice job, Merinda.
LikeLike
I love the build up to the Cuddle Monster’s appearance. This would make a cute board book :o)
LikeLike
Suspenseful! I found myself reading faster to get to the “monster” at the end…
LikeLike
Thank you for running this contest.
Leo’s Snow Globe
by Nina Nolan
Leo loved his snow globe.
The house inside glowed with pride. But no people. So he could imagine how they felt.
Usually he thought happy.
When he thought they were grumpy, it meant he was.
So he decided, on purpose, that they were happy.
Then he was happy again too.
LikeLiked by 7 people
Nice nostalgic story. It brought back memories of shaking globes myself and wondering who the people were that lived in the little town.
LikeLike
This is nice. Snow globes always make me smile. Best of luck.
LikeLike
I love snowglobes and often wondered about who lived in the little scene. I’m glad your mc made the decision to be happy! Nicely done, Nina…and thank you for hopping on board for #50PreciousWords!
LikeLike
I woke up grumpy and now I’m going to choose to be happy. Thank you!
LikeLike
So much fun Vivian! Look forward to this each year. You’re the best!
Two plus Two
Two little runaways
cornered in a barn,
rescued by a shelter,
keeping them from harm.
Two little children
visiting again,
browse the cages slowly,
looking for a friend.
Four little green eyes,
Look down to see four blue.
Thought they came,
for just one friend,
now going home with two.
LikeLiked by 12 people
Cathy, this has a great rhythm and a really fun ending. So glad they both got adopted. Good luck!
LikeLike
So glad you look forward to my little #50PreciousWords, Cathy! And I’m so happy you shared this sweet story. I love the rhyme and the message!
LikeLike
Awww…that is a lovely image of the children and their future pets looking at each other. Lovely job!
LikeLike
Little Cat
Come sit with me
little cat
Come sit with me
upon my bed
Come sit with me
let’s read a book
Come sit with me
my pillow’s soft
Come sit with me
and stay the night
Come sit with me
my room’s so dark
Come sit with me, won’t you?…please.
My cats insisted I post this since cats seem to be the theme this year 🙂
~Vicki
LikeLiked by 6 people
This is so cool, Vicki…I commented on it in the top of the thread, I think. Your cat could never refuse after such a sweet and loving request. Nicely done!
LikeLike
Vivian you rock! Thank you for the “big” fun.
This is a reverso -read top part for one POV. Read second part for another perspective using the same words in reverse order -just different punctuation.
New at School: A Reverso
by Janie Reinart
Heads turn,
our hearts beat together,
staring.
You walk in.
Grin.
Try to fit in.
Longing for a friend.
Look my way.
“Sit with me!”
“Sit with me?”
Look my way.
Longing for a friend?
Try to fit in.
Grin.
You walk in,
staring.
Our hearts beat together.
Heads turn.
LikeLiked by 19 people
Wow! What a clever idea. It makes me want to try to write one of these. Great job!
LikeLike
Cathy, do you know the book Mirror, Mirror by Marilyn Singer? It’s all fairy tales. Marilyn invented the reverso. 🙂
LikeLike
I love this! It’s so clever!
LikeLike
Thank you, Jessica.❤️
LikeLike
Thank you ❤️
LikeLike
Janie, these are SO hard to write. Congrats for making it work. Love how you concisely captured both kid’s desires for a friend. Best of Luck! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks , Maria ❤️
LikeLike
Janie…you are a reverso master. I don’t think I could do that!
I love your message – great story!!! Thank you for joining in the fun!
LikeLike
Vivian, you can do everything ! ❤️
LikeLike
What a wonderfully clever story! Who doesn’t remember being the new kid and trying to fit in!
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words❤️
LikeLike
Love this! Great idea. Best of luck to you!
LikeLike
Thanks Jean ❤️
LikeLike
This is super clever! Well done, Janie!
LikeLike
It was hard cutting words. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You gave yourself quite the challenge–well done!
LikeLike
Thank you ❤️
LikeLike
Janie, this is amazing! You managed conflict, clear characters, and the reverso is soooooooo much fun! What a super, stupendous story; I am in awe of your skill!
Thank you soooooooo much for sharing.
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words ❤️
LikeLike
Excellent job with the reverso. Love it! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you😊
LikeLike
Well done!
LikeLike
Thank you. ❤️
LikeLike
I love this, Janie! It’s so well done!
LikeLike
It is fun to try and create reversos😊
LikeLike
This was inspired by the last stanza, which my father taught us to chant while we were fishing with our bobbers.
Fisherman’s Prayer
Fishy, Fishy,
swimming past,
I am the king,
beware my cast.
Fishy, Fishy,
see my worm?
Watch him wiggle,
a tasty squirm.
Fishy, Fishy,
wants to play.
Nibble nibbles,
then streams away.
Fishy, Fishy,
bite my hook.
You be the king,
I’ll be the cook.
LikeLiked by 15 people
Cathy, this is cute. I remember the frustration of those bait-stealing nibblers. Fun images here. Best of luck.
LikeLike
My husband and I love to flyfish…so no worms…but yes, I remember wishing they would just rise to the fly…and BITE.
What a fun story…and I LOVE the last two lines!
LikeLike
Love this rhyming story. What sweet memories you must have and a beautiful way to share it with children.
LikeLike
This is sweet, Cathy. Love that it is inspired by something your Dad taught you! Good luck!
LikeLike
I love the premise of rainbow having a bad day. It made me want to read on. Good job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cathy!
LikeLike
I’m A Book (50 words)
Hi, I’m a book.
I never break.
I never wear out.
I never need batteries.
I never need wi-fi.
I never need sleep.
I never need food.
I only need you.
Open me up anytime.
Take me anywhere.
And if you like me, guess what,
I have a gazillion cousins!
LikeLiked by 9 people
Nicely done capture of a book’s only need – a reader. Good luck.
LikeLike
Hello Bill…lovely to meet you! Thanks for joining in the fun with such a great story…I love books…and I love books about books!
LikeLike
We all love books! Nice job, Bill!
LikeLike
REX & BILBY. AGAIN.
“That pesky marsupial is back. Get him, Rex!”
Rex creeps through the doggy door, sniffing for Bilby’s scent.
Rex pounces, barking furiously.
Bilby flees. Again.
“Great chasing, Rex. Have a scrummy treat.”
Disappearing under the veranda, Rex greets Bilby with a big, wet, sloppy lick and shares his reward. Again.
****
This entry is also posted on my Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/PictureBkSerge/posts/166596443991532
Thanks Vivian for setting up the challenge and the writing inspiration. Also great to read through so many other wonderful entries.
LikeLiked by 11 people
The stories are wonderful…it’s my pleasure to host this challenge again. And thank you, Serge, for sharing such a great story. I love the names of your characters! And the twist at the end is perfect!
I’ll delete the first entry, okay?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, please delete the first entry.
LikeLike
Thanks for the lovely words, but I can’t take credit for the name Bilby; it’s a type of Australian animal 🙂
LikeLike
Love how they’re in cahoots together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Little Sparrow is Hungry
by Kaye Baillie
49 words
Little Sparrow chirped for a crumb.
Mama brought a crumb.
Little Sparrow chirped for a cake.
Mama fetched a cake.
Little Sparrow chirped for a pie.
A gigantic apple pie!
Mama pushed and dragged …
Little Sparrow chirped for Mama,
to have first bite.
Mama cuddled and kissed, Little Sparrow.
LikeLiked by 10 people
Aww, sweet baby sparrow. Good thing it wasn’t a starling. Such a sweet story, Kaye. Good luck.
LikeLike
What a good mama…and what a sweet Little Sparrow. Well done, Kaye. Thank you so much for joining in the fun here!
LikeLike
Thanks for this great challenge!
After the first few lines I realised that it could be acrostic, so I went with it 🙂
Frosty by Louise Booker
Frosty the bear cub cries
Icy tears on his face
Flying snowflakes, all is white
The storm has hidden Mama!
Yowling, where has she gone?
Worried Mama hears him calling
Out near the Grizzly’s den
Run Mama Bear! Found him!
Don’t wander in the storm
Stay with Mama now, Frosty
LikeLiked by 10 people
Louise, great acrostic poem and a fun story. Nicely done. Good luck. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Maria 🙂
LikeLike
I’m so glad Frosty and Mama are reunited, Louise…but I was worried at first. Great tension…and very well done!
LikeLike
Thanks Vivian!
LikeLike
This was so nice Louise. I love how it evolved into an acrostic. Very clever!
LikeLike
Very clever, Louise and a lovely little story arc too! Well done!
LikeLike
Love the addition of the acrostic!
LikeLike
I love how you captured the moment when you discover that something you feared or dreaded is actually amazing. This does have lots of illustration potential and fun twist on a circular ending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your positive feedback, Ms. Marshall, and thanks so much for your support helping Vivian with this event!
LikeLike
Fun play on words. Poor Martian. Good luck
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
Greedy chicken still seems to get dinner. Interesting story in just 50 words. Good job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: For Writers – #50PreciousWords – Elza Kinde
Just who walked whom? Great action verbs with a fun twist at the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor Sweater
Elza Kinde
50 words
Theo ripped his favorite sweater.
This was very bad.
Would it be thrown away?
It is still a great sweater.
These stripes!
Those pockets!
He took the poor sweater to Mimi.
She took out her sewing kit.
Mimi let Theo help fix the sweater.
Theo’s sweater is even better now.
Also posted on my blog: https://elzakinde.com/2018/03/02/for-writers-50preciouswords/
LikeLiked by 10 people
Always good when a beloved sweater or other treasure can be fixed instead of tossed. Glad Mimi could help Theo. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a lovely lost skill. I’m happy to see sewing return in a lot of homes these days!
LikeLike
I’m so glad that Theo can keep his beloved sweater. It reminds me of my grandson who used to come to me with a favorite stuffed animal that he was always poking a little hole in a spot there the stitching would come loose and I would sew it for him…the joy on his face each time was a sight to see. You helped us see how Theo felt also. Great job! And thank you for joining the challenge. I am getting to meet so many new people!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lots of great crafty memories from my childhood, too!
I had a lot of fun with this challenge! Always great to meet fellow writers 💛
LikeLike
Lovely, Elza, and so happy that Theo helps to fix the problem 🙂 Good for Mimi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always loved when my mom let me use the iron when she quilted. Thank you for the lovely comment 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cute story. One thought: might the last line work better if you ended with a rhyme by moving “now? i.e. Now Theo’s sweater is even better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great point, thank you for the suggestion!
LikeLike
A very relatable story that conveys an excellent message about working to keep and repair something precious rather than just tossing and replacing it. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was always very emotionally attached to my things as a kid (actually, I still am). It’s always a relief when they can be salvaged. Thank you for the lovely comment 💛
LikeLike
Funny, nice play on words. Not sure I want an elephant pulling my teeth though. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a fun challenge! Thanks Vivian for the opportunity.
Let’s Draw a Monster (50 words)
One boy.
One girl.
One paper.
“Let’s draw a Monster!”
“No, a fairy!”
“Snow monster?”
“Unicorn!”
“Sea monster?”
“Mermaid!
Will we ever agree?”
“I dunno.”
“What’s an Idunno?”
“I’ll show you.”
“That’s not an Idunno, that’s a monster!!!”
One boy.
One girl.
One monster… with fairy wings and a tutu.