#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. I’m posting this for Lisa Rose:

    Lisa Rose · Oakland University
    HONK! VS. BEEP!

    Honk! Honk!” squawks the goose.

    “Beep! Beep!” replies the truck.

    The angry driver shouts out the window.

    The goose hisses at the driver.

    Seven tiny goslings waddle out of the weeds.

    The goose follows her goslings to the other side of the road.

    The driver smiles and begins again.

    Liked by 7 people

    • This was so cute Lisa. Where I used to live we had a mother duck and her ducklings cross the same stretch of road every year to make it to the pond. There were cute homemade signs posted for duck crossing. Every year it made me smile. Good luck with your story.

      Like

  2. … AND FLY

    The path is safe
    and sure
    but why’s it such
    a bore?
    I wasn’t born
    for paths so worn
    by those who came before

    I must
    explore
    the sights
    the sounds
    and smell
    the scents
    of my
    surrounds

    Alike
    the bird who sings—
    it’s time
    to spread my wings…

    ****
    Reading through all the stories and poems has been so inspiring that I couldn’t resist putting together another entry. Thank you all.

    Liked by 7 people

    • Hello Serge…I’m so glad you are enjoying the challenge and the wonderful stories people are posting. I love your fabulous rhythm and spot on rhyme. This is full of heart…and beautiful imagery – ‘I wasn’t born for paths so worn’…WOW!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Thanks Maria, but I have to admit that I’m not particularly familiar with Frost’s work, so the homage is purely coincidental (or possibly subconscious, as I’ve searched and assume you’re referring to his poem The Road Less Travelled – whilst I hadn’t read the poem before, it is a phrase and concept I’m familiar with and may in some way have contributed towards the story, though not intentionally.

        Like

  3. Bubble Gum Champ
    Stephanie Ward
    Word Count: 39

    Manny is the tops at tag.
    Sterling wins a race.
    If we play a game of jacks,
    Tully takes first place.

    But there’s one thing I do best.
    No one argues that.
    My bubbles are the biggest
    Watch! Puff…puff…SPLAT!

    Thanks so much for organizing this contest, Vivian. The entries are such fun to read. Best of luck everyone 🙂

    Stephanie
    http://www.stephaniemward.com

    Liked by 9 people

  4. You. Me. Us. We. (48)

    You.
    Me.
    Us.
    We.
    Floating in the galaxy

    Many beings, One earth to share
    Show your kindness, Show you care

    Different skin, Different face
    All part of one human race

    Our animals, big and small
    Are our friends – Peace for all

    Together, smiling happily
    You.
    Me.
    Us.
    We.

    Liked by 9 people

  5. ZARA’S PAINTED FLOWERS

    In a meadow long ago,
    The flowers were as pale as snow,
    To the meadow Zara did go,
    To paint the flowers a vibrant glow.
    With pots of paint a lively spread,
    Zara splashed color on the flowers heads.
    Then to her house she did retreat,
    Happy with her artistic feat.

    Liked by 6 people

  6. This is a fun exercise Vivian. Thanks for sending me the link. Here goes:

    Title: FAITH (49 words)

    “I can’t.” Pudge peered over the nest, trembling.
    “Watch.” Mama flapped, rose into the air, landed.
    Pudge fluffed feathers. Stood tall.
    He flapped and fell back into the nest.
    Mama patted. Mama nudged.
    Pudge stood. Fluttered his wings. Closed his eyes. Stepped into the air.
    Falling…
    Flapping…
    Fluttering…
    Flying.

    Liked by 7 people

  7. Aiden got cross with his dragon
    when he sat on his sand castles
    and melted the candles
    on his birthday cake,
    until he found out that his dragon
    loved marshmallows
    as long as they were pink.
    So Aiden ate the white ones
    that were toasted
    from his dragon’s fiery breath.

    Liked by 4 people

  8. Forest Arena

    Heads pop up.
    Moonlight dances on the ice.
    Time to glide and twirl.

    Slipping and sliding,
    Squirrel joins in the fun.
    Rabbit executes a perfect axel.

    One after another,
    They skate round and round.
    Another night of shared fun.

    The forest gang slowly departs,
    the forest arena quiet once again.

    Bev Baird

    Liked by 6 people

  9. Before you was the sun and the moon.
    Before you were bees and flowers.
    Before you were mountains and beaches.
    Before you were cats and dogs.
    Before you was love.
    But when you came suddenly everything was shinier, dreamier, buzzier, bloomier, mightier, sandier, friskier, wigglier, and just plain lovelier.

    Liked by 6 people

  10. Honey and Bun

    Two little kittens
    Nap in the sun.
    She’s named Honey.
    He’s named Bun.

    What is that?
    It’s on the run.
    Look out, Honey.
    Look out, Bun.

    Chase it away.
    Make it run.
    Brave little Honey,
    Brave little Bun,

    You’re not scared,
    That was fun.
    Two little kittens,
    Honey and Bun.

    Liked by 7 people

  11. My very first attempt at one of these writing challenges:

    A Day In the Woods

    Morning air; crisp, smoky scent,
    Daddy, please, unzip the tent!
    Let’s canoe and ride our bikes,
    Then let’s go on nature hikes.
    We’ll see squirrels, owls, and deer
    And when evening’s drawing near,
    Build ourselves a roaring fire,
    Then to sleeping bags retire.

    It’s posted on my blog as well (http://www.traylorillo.com/50-precious-words-2018/)
    (43 words)

    Thanks for hosting this challenge!
    Tami Traylor

    Liked by 9 people

    • Tami,
      Your story has great visuals and rhythm. I hope you are queerying agents if this is the quality of stories you write. As a long time preschool/Montessori teacher, I can honesyly say you have talent that is ready to be shared!

      I would love to read A Day In the Woods to my daughter as a way to help look forward to each camping trip. So glad you submitted! I hope you get published soon! I want to read more of your writing.

      Liked by 2 people

      • Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement. I can’t tell you how much they mean to me. I am planning on possibly developing this into a book dummy (because I’m an illustrator) and pitching it to some agents. 🙂

        My family has gone camping every year since my children were little, so this is really written from personal experience.

        Liked by 3 people

        • Give yourself due credit- you are more than an illustrator in skill! I’ve been perusing your blog and you are a dynamite duo in one! I definitely hope you pitch this camping book.

          Liked by 1 person

      • Hello Dawn…I wanted to thank you for your uplifting and encouraging comments. This is what I love so much about our kidlit community! I wish we could spread this positive energy throughout the world.

        Liked by 1 person

    • Hello Tami! I’m thrilled you took a leap of faith and joined in the fun! What a great story you wrote. I could just about smell the wood fire. Nice rhyming and great imagery! Well done!

      Like

    • This is a beautiful story that perfectly captures the fun of a family camping trip. Just missing the marshmallows. 🙂 Glad you joined the challenge. Good Luck.

      Like

  12. I’m posting this entry for Jill Staunton.

    Big Wet Coming

    My Granddad says there’s a big wet coming
    ‘Cos ants are shifting camp, climbing way up high
    And Storm birds are flying like kites through the sky,
    Frogs in his downpipes are playing didgeridoos
    And red tails are flashing on black cockatoos
    So my Granddad says there’s a big wet coming.

    Liked by 5 people

  13. Hi. Here’s mine.

    LITTLE BAT
    By Marcia S. Nass (48 words without title)

    Little Bat can’t sleep tonight.
    He’s afraid of the LIGHT.
    “And that big yellow monster− the sun streaming in.
    Little Bat has an idea.
    He collects small rocks,
    and builds a fort in the cave’s opening.
    Dark and damp. Perfect.
    Upside down
    he goes.
    Ssh! He’s sleeping already.

    Liked by 7 people

  14. Seasons Cycle (50 words)

    Winter’s here!
    Cold and clear
    Blizzards
    Snow
    Ice
    Trees sleep, darkness creeps…

    Spring arrives
    Active beehives
    Daffodils
    Tulips
    Iris
    Eggs hatch, sow garden patch…

    Summer’s bloom
    Like peacock plume
    Rainbows
    Heat
    Shade
    Long days, firefly plays…

    Autumn hails
    Hay bales
    Pomegranates
    Persimmons
    Pears
    Leaves fall, shadows tall…
    Seasons cycle again.

    Liked by 9 people

  15. What a fantastic contest!

    The Big Bed (50 words)

    Baby in the big bed.
    Drifting, dozing.
    Baby and Mama in the big bed.
    Cuddled, content.
    Baby, Mama, Daddy in the big bed.
    Snoring, stretching.
    Baby, Mama, Daddy, Sister in the big bed.
    Jabbing, Jerking.
    Baby, Mama, Daddy, Sister, Rover in the big bed…
    BOOM!
    All done bed.
    Breakfast instead?

    Liked by 7 people

  16. Pingback: 50 Precious Words Writing Challenge – Thislittlebirdie's Blog

  17. Angie Hawkins – https://thislittlebirdie.blog/2018/03/05/50-precious-words-writing-challenge/

    MUIR: A Dog’s Tale
    (PB, WC 50)

    Muir is a muddy, dirty dog.

    Muir wants to come inside.

    “Too messy,” mumbles Muir’s boy.

    Muir races to the pond.

    Splishy! Sploshy! Splashy!

    Muir gives a little bark.

    “Too wet!” cries Muir’s boy.

    Shimmy! Shammy! Shaky!

    “Woof! Woof!”

    “Tidy dog!” exclaims Muir’s boy.

    Muir is a happy, lap-y dog!

    Liked by 6 people

  18. I’m posting this entry for Angelique Pacheco.

    Little Frog Free
    By Angelique Pacheco
    49 words

    “Woe is me!”
    Cried little frog.
    I cannot flounce,
    Or jump about.

    “Look down, Silly!”
    Turtle said drily.
    Your leg is caught,
    No need to squawk.

    You need to flounce,
    To find your bounce.
    Little frog flounced,
    And jumped about.

    SNAP!
    The reed broke,
    “Yay!” the happy frog croaked.

    Liked by 7 people

  20. How To Be A Friend (Word Count: 50)
    By: Caroline Hines

    Let the words you speak
    Lift them up, not bring them down

    Celebrate their joys
    Do not be filled with envy

    Seek to understand
    Rather than to place blame

    Embrace your differences
    These are what make each of you special

    And always listen with intent
    For everyone needs to feel heard.

    Note: I am a School Counselor and wrote this for my students. Many times we tell children what not to do (don’t be mean, don’t bully) but we don’t tell children what TO DO. 🙂

    Liked by 6 people

    • You are absolutely right on this one. I like what you said. Children need to know what to do. And if adults can speak to children in a positive way and give examples of how to be a friend then this becomes the best gift anyone can give to a child.

      Like

    • That is so true, Caroline! When we say, “Don’t do this or that” kids often hear ‘do this or that’…they tune out the negative. What a much more positive way you have found! Thank you so much for sharing these precious words with us.

      Like

    • This could make a fun “how to” picture book, b/c a picture of doing right “is worth a thousand words.” Not just telling them, but showing them. Modeling this behavior is the other part we often miss. Good Luck.

      Like

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