#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. #50preciouswords entry

    Sara Meets Shep (49 words) by Tina Barbour

    Sara was afraid of dogs.
    She climbed
    lawn chairs
    or trees
    or played indoors
    to avoid
    neighbor dog Shep.
    Sara missed sunshine
    and her bike.
    She looked into Shep’s
    kind eyes.
    She held out her hand.
    Shep sniffed and licked.
    Sara laughed
    and wiped her hand
    on Shep’s fur.

    Liked by 14 people

  2. #50preciouswords entry (50 words exactly!!)

    At School by Valerie McPherson

    They dig through my backpack
    Snatch pencils
    Stuff my jacket where I can’t reach
    Push me

    I forgot to say
    They are friends

    Finding backpack stuff I need
    Sharpening dull pencils
    Tucking my jacket so I’m warm
    Pushing my wheelchair through snow to the school bus lift

    We wave goodbye.

    Liked by 10 people

  3. Pingback: 50 Precious Words – Kourtney LaFavre

  4. #50PreciousWords

    I heard a little buzz buzz fly my my ear.
    I heard it once again, the little bug was near.
    Little bug flew in my hair.
    I jumped up and down, I had a little scare.
    I swatted once, swatted twice
    I realized the little bug was really nice.

    Liked by 8 people

  5. With the help of my son Tommy (age 7), we came up with these 50 precious words:

    TOMMY’S TRACKS

    Tommy asked Mama if he could go outside.

    “Yes, but don’t go into the woods.”

    He quickly forgot and ventured through the forest.

    He glanced behind.

    Frightened by the tracks following him,

    he followed the footsteps until he saw something.

    It was Mama.

    His own footprints brought him safely home!

    Also shared on my blog:

    https://kourtneylafavre.com/2018/03/03/50-precious-words/

    Liked by 7 people

  6. Thank you, Vivian, for such a fun writing challenge. A special thank you to everyone who donated those wonderful prizes.

    Cathy Ogren’s fabulous entry is going out on submission and has been removed at her request. Fingers crossed for a successful journey for this super story!!!

    Liked by 13 people

  7. I’m posting this story for Erin Buhr.

    MOM CAN WE GET ICE CREAM by Erin Buhr
    50 Words

    Mom can we get ice cream?

    No.

    Mom can we get ice cream?

    Nope.

    Mom can we get ice cream?

    Never gonna happen.

    Mom can we get ice cream?

    Definitely not.

    Please?

    Not a chance.

    Pretty pretty please?

    No!

    Mom can we get cotton candy?

    Go ask your Dad. (Mom puts on headphones)

    Dad –

    Liked by 9 people

    • Ha…what a true story this is, Erin! I’m such an ice cream lover…so this story has a special place in my heart. And the dialogue sounds so familiar…as a parent, I know I must have said, “Go ask your dad” at least once. 😉 😉 Lots of humor here…a yummy ice cream!

      Like

    • Erin, this is lots of fun! Yep, the age old struggle to get ice cream. Maybe they should have sent in “the baby.” Always worked for us. Nicely done. Best of Luck.

      Like

  9. Hide and Sseeek—-by Jenny Buchet
    (50w)

    My snake’s hiding!

    Is she curled in Mama’s boots?

    Or sliding through Daddy’s suit?

    Maybe she’s napping in a hat?

    Or twisted ‘round my softball bat?

    Is she hiding in spaghetti!?!

    Or slithering under some confetti?

    Perhaps she’s sleeping in Grandpa’s chair?

    Oh wait, I know…

    She’s in my hair!

    ~~~
    Love reading all the entries! 🙂

    Liked by 12 people

  10. Thanks for the fun challenge, Vivian–and getting me to write something today! (The beep, beeps and ping, pings and flitter, flap are intended to be italicized, but I don’t know how to do that in a comment.)

    Bitsy Bat, Bug Catcher (50 words)

    Bitsy Bat was scared of bugs.
    But Mama said they were delicious.
    Beep, beep! Mama called.
    Bitsy listened. A sound bounced back. Ping, ping!
    Bitsy flew toward the sound. She opened her mouth. All she caught was air.
    Beep, beep! Bitsy called.
    Ping, ping!
    Flitter, flap!
    Yum! Bugs are delicious!
    –Buffy Silverman

    Liked by 14 people

  11. Thanks for such a great challenge, Vivian. 🙂 My blog is
    http://thestorytellersscroll.blogspot.com

    PICKLEPALOOZA
    By Gayle C. Krause

    All of the picklers were rarin’ to go,
    to compete in the Picklepalooza show.

    Daisy’s dills were a tart, tasty treat.
    Gilda’s gherkins – a little too sweet.
    Bob’s bread and butters couldn’t be beat.

    But the most “unique” pickle entry of all
    Was Mortimer’s competitive game—pickleball.

    Gayle C. Krause
    @2018

    Liked by 4 people

    • PICKLEPALOOZA
      By Gayle C. Krause

      All of the picklers were rarin’ to go,
      to compete in the Picklepalooza show.

      Daisy’s dills were a tart, tasty treat.
      Gilda’s gherkins – a little too sweet.
      Bob’s bread and butters couldn’t be beat.

      But the most “unique” pickle entry of all
      Was Mort’s competitive game—pickleball.
      @2018

      It should be this one. Couldn’t find an edit button on your blog. I blogged about the contest on mine. http://thestorytellersscroll.blogspot.com

      Liked by 8 people

  12. Here’s my entry. Thanks so much for the diversion — I needed it today!

    Here’s the link to my blog, too — I’m posting it both places.

    Loving these stories, everyone!! So adorable!

    http://www.meganhoyt.net/blog/its-dr-seusss-birthday-lets-celebrate-with-vivian-kirkfields-50preciouswords-contest

    The Peasant and the Peacock

    A Prince arrayed in finest silk,

    His robe the color of buttermilk,

    travels the kingdom puffed with pride,

    a thorny heart nestled inside.

    “My kingdom is yours if ever you see

    anyone quite so handsome as me!”

    A peasant girl in a dirty frock

    quietly points to a dazzling peacock.

    Liked by 20 people

  13. Thanks for the contest. Here’s my entry at 50 words.

    Day Off
    By Darcee A. Freier

    “Mom, I don’t feel good.”
    Cool hand on my forehead.
    “No school for you today.”
    Before I can make plans,
    Mom tucks me in
    with a kiss.
    Naps, stories,
    and slurping noodle soup.
    Cartoons, Crazy 8’s,
    and coloring.
    Too soon Mom says,
    “Bedtime.”
    “Noooo.”
    What happened to my
    day off?

    Liked by 10 people

  15. March Madness
    By Barbara Mojica

    Gentle raindrops
    Tinkling down

    Faster, faster
    Snowflakes swirl
    Wind howling
    Cracking limbs
    Ground encased
    In a gown of white

    Lights flicker
    Windows rattle
    Roofs creak
    Quiet stillness
    All around
    No traffic
    Save the plow

    A new dawn
    Birds twitter
    Now the world
    Is all a glitter

    A fresh start

    Liked by 13 people

  16. The party (49 words)

    It was Peppa’s birthday,
    Dora played the host.
    Fairies flittered socially.
    Caterpillar ate the most.

    Cinderella had a ball.
    The pirates had a blast.
    Superheroes raced around –
    Spider-Man came last.

    Parents weren’t invited
    But they couldn’t resist –
    A toddler dress-up party
    Is too much fun to miss!

    Liked by 14 people

  17. Pingback: Contests and Writing Challenges – 50 Precious Words, ReFoReMo, Chapter Book Challenge | Alayne Kay Christian

  18. Wally Earthworm’s Quest
    by Alayne Kay Christian

    Wally Earthworm hated dirt
    Reading’s what he loved the best
    That, and snuggly, silky shirts.
    Ready to begin his quest,
    He squirmed, he searched, he wished, he roamed
    He dreamed of silk and book abodes
    Until a page of silken words
    Became his perfect bookworm home.

    (Metrical variance intentional)

    Contests and Writing Challenges – 50 Precious Words, ReFoReMo, Chapter Book Challenge

    Liked by 9 people

  19. Little Bird (50)

    Little bird, broken wing
    Was so sad, couldn’t sing

    Took her home and fed her
    Kept her warm in the cold weather

    We’d cuddle, I’d stroke her feathers
    One day, I knew she was better

    I let her go, she flew away
    But returns to sing her song each day

    Liked by 9 people

  20. William Carlos Williams, This is just to say

    I have borrowed
    your structure
    published in
    ’34

    and which
    you were probably
    revising
    for ages

    Forgive me
    it was delicious
    so sweet
    literary gold

    Liked by 10 people

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