#50PreciousWords 2018 Writing Challenge is OPEN!!

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Today is the day, dear friends! Ready! Set! Go! The #50PreciousWords 2018 Writing Challenge is now OPEN!

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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

  1. 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.
  2. It can be prose, rhyme, free verse, silly or serious…whatever works for you.
  3. Title is not included in the word count.
  4. No illustration notes please.
  5. 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.
  6. Deadline for posting the story in the comments is Tuesday, March 6, at 11:59pm.
  7. Winners will be announced in a special blog post on Sunday, March 11.
  8. 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!

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  • 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.

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  • Picture Book manuscript critique from author Lori Degman.

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  • Your choice of either a picture book manuscript critique from author Karen Valenti or a seat in her Master Course on Picture Book Writing.

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  • Picture Book manuscript critique from author Katey Howes.

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Julie Abery

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  • A piece of original signed art and a copy of LIZZIE AND LOU SEAL plus a silver seal necklace from author/illustrator Patricia Keeler.

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  • Rest & Relaxation package with two picture books and a surprise from author Maria Marshall.

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  • A signed copy of CAT IN THE CITY from author/illustrator Jill Weber.

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  • $15 credit in her TeachersPayTeachers store from Barbara Leyne(GradeOnederful)

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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!

 

1,892 thoughts on “#50PreciousWords 2018 Writing Challenge is OPEN!!”

  1. The Moment of Tooth
    Tara Trudel

    Wiggle, tug, I’m on the loose!
    Goodbye, dear Lips and Gums.
    And Tongue, I’ll miss you most of all,
    But now adventure comes.

    Freedom…Wait. Is that a pillow?
    I’m stuck beneath! How scary!
    Until a kind voice calms my fears:
    “Hi sweet Tooth! I’m your fairy.”

    Liked by 11 people

  2. Sweet Dreams, Baby (48)

    Baby’s had a big, big day
    Lots of laughter, lots of play

    Time to lay down in your bed
    I’ll kiss you on your sleepy head

    Magical moon beams delight
    In bringing you sweet dreams all night

    See you tomorrow, little one
    Your smiling face – my morning sun!

    Liked by 7 people

  3. Hiking

    Up hill

    Wind fierce, pushing. Grit flying.

    Branches gallop, clap, snap.

    Squirrels skitter, leaping, heads ducking, peering around trunks with big eyes.

    Birds bundle close, fluffing feathers, but hawks soar, riding the wind’s crest.

    Around the bend a glimpse of sun, cloud shaded, sparkling, welcoming.

    Another step and home.

    Liked by 6 people

  4. Apropos of your poem Vivian:

    Sally was sad.
    Sun had lost it shine.
    Mummy said Sun had sent out stars and that’s why Sun had lost its shine.
    “Gather them all up Sun”, she whispered sleepily.
    Sally woke the next morning; all the stars had gone.
    “Oh Sun” smiled Sally, and they both shone.

    Liked by 4 people

  5. Pingback: #50PreciousWords and Madness! Poetry | Thoughts on writing for children

  6. “Nana isn’t here.” Mama says softly. Maybe she’s playing hide-and-go-seek. Lola dances into the study. Nana’s not there. Lola’s body sags. Mama reaches out and folds her in a hug. “Where is my Nana.” Lola asks. “Look up at the stars, my precious, she’s watching over you.”

    Liked by 6 people

  7. This is a fabulous challenge, Vivian! And, wow, I’m blown away by the stories this year. Here’s mine (also posted on my blog: https://writingtoconnect.wordpress.com/2018/03/04/50preciouswords-and-madness-poetry/).

    Moose Wants to Play! (50 words)

    “Duck.”
    “Duck.”
    “Moose!” screeched Owl. “Vamoose! You’re too big for Duck, Duck, Goose.”
    Moose clumped on.
    Rabbit and Hedgehog twirled a rope.
    “Little white rabbit, hop…”
    “Moose! Stop! You can’t hop!”
    Moose stumped on.
    Porcupine tossed a ring.
    “Ping!”
    “Moose!”
    Moose slumped…
    “Wait! Your antlers CAUGHT the ring!”
    “Hurray!”
    “Play?”

    Liked by 9 people

  8. Pingback: #50 Precious Word Contest 2018 | THE NIGHTINGALE TALES

  9. Vivian so excited for #50 precious words. Thanks for all you do! Here is my entry:

    Snow day (50 words)

    School is cancelled!
    Hip, hooray!
    Called my friends
    “Come out, let’s play.”
    Slick bottom sleds,
    conquer the hill.
    Pigtails ascending,
    Oh what a thrill!
    Race up and down
    till sun starts to set,
    stomach growling,
    clothes soaking wet.
    Gather our sleds;
    head on our way.
    Hoping tomorrow’s another snow day.

    Here’s a link to my site:

    #50 Precious Word Contest 2018

    Liked by 8 people

  10. Spring cleaning

    “Don’t track dirt in the house,” Mom said.
    “Don’t get the floor wet.
    Clean up. Shoes off.
    Sweep. Mop. Vacuum. Dust.
    I know it’s spring and you haven’t been outside in four long months.
    But keep it tidy, kid.”
    Poor Mom forgets the squish-skwelsh-squwick of brand new mud.

    Liked by 6 people

  11. The Squirrel
    By Jim Chaize

    What’s-He-Nutsy
    ran so fast.
    To find the nut
    that was his last.

    What’s-He burrowed
    underground.
    But cold, damp soil
    was all he found.

    Nutsy screeched ‘til
    his lungs hurt.
    Then spied the nut
    upon the dirt.

    What’s-He chuckled,
    took a bite.
    His smile bloomed,
    a taste delight.

    Liked by 9 people

  12. Pingback: Spring cleaning – Kate Rowland writes

  13. I needed to clear my head after family month long drama. Thank you Vivian Kirkield this was a joy!

    Sunday morning Dim Sum
    By Laura N. Clement

    She wakes without the light of morning.
    Dresses.
    Prepares.
    Joyfully greeting the day of promised possibilities…
    Hand in hand, leaving the car to rest,
    She springs up the street,
    To wait.
    Hopping on one foot in anticipation, too big now for mother’s arms,
    Until their table is set.

    Liked by 7 people

  14. Topper watched expectantly, but his garden didn’t grow.
    Mr. Snickle peered over the fence.
    Topper had tilled the land…
    planted the bulb…
    watered the soil…
    fertilized…
    fought vermin…
    and waited…
    “What do you expect to grow from a lightbulb?” Mr. Snickle scoffed.
    Topper said, “You harvest what you plant!”

    Liked by 7 people

  15. THE HUG by Liz Kehrli

    Little sister is crying.
    How can Brady cheer her up?

    Favorite toy?
    Savory Snack?
    Cuddly bear?
    Snugly blanket?
    All sent soaring!

    Nothing working
    New tears forming
    Don’t give up!

    Brady ponders- What helps me feel better?
    His eyes brighten
    He offers a big hug
    Her eyes lighten
    No more tears!

    Liked by 8 people

  16. Wow, we’re almost 1,000 comments in! It’s amazing to see so many great 50-word stories. Mine is nonfiction. Thanks for hosting the contest, Vivian!

    OLD FARM, NEW FARM
    By Lindsay H. Metcalf

    Old farm,
    field and sky.
    New farm,
    crops stack high.

    Old farm,
    tractors toil.
    New farm,
    there’s no soil.

    Old farm,
    clouds and rain.
    New farm,
    mist and drain.

    Old farm,
    sun beams bright.
    New farm,
    bulbs give light.

    Old farm,
    on the range.
    New farm,
    bringing change.

    Liked by 11 people

  17. Thank you – I had a lot of fun with this! I also used this entry to kick off my blog:
    http://charlotteoffsay.com/mouse-to-the-rescue/

    Mouse to the Rescue (50 words excluding title)

    I race to help.
    But –
    The hose
    is too heavy.

    A house on fire
    doesn’t need
    a mouse.

    My feet
    drag.

    A cry.
    A kitten.
    Frozen.

    Flames dance higher.
    What can
    I
    do?

    CHOMP.
    “HISSSS!
    My tail!” it wails,
    and chases me
    to safety.

    I grin.
    Small yet mighty.

    Liked by 9 people

  20. Posting #50PreciousWords from Michael Samulak
    Here is his website: http://www.michaelsamulak.com/articles-and-news.html, where you can find his last year’s story plus more good stuff. 😉

    A Snowflake Tale
    By Michael I. Samulak

    Resting above.

    Then…

    Falling free.

    Criss-crossing through clouds.

    Waltzing with the wind.

    A pause.

    Compelled onward by winter’s constant cold breath.

    Drifting now on a different course:

    Yet, somehow the same.

    Together with fellow voyagers:

    Twisting,

    Turning,

    Tumbling.

    Down.

    Down.

    Down.

    Until…

    Landing at last:

    Creating masterpieces upon the earth.

    Liked by 7 people

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