VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children

Picture Books Help Kids Soar

VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children

The 2019 #50PreciousWords Writing Contest

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Strike up the band! Sharpen your pencils! It’s time to show the world that:

MAGIC HAPPENS WHEN YOU MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT

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Today is the day, dear friends! Ready! Set! Go!

The #50PreciousWords 2019 Writing Contest 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 three 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. To answer that challenge, Seuss wrote Green Eggs and Ham. 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! The next year, there were 253 entries. And last year, there were 298.

To backtrack a bit, 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. IMPORTANT: 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. But no matter how many other places you want to post your story, make sure at least one of those places is in the comment section of this blog post…and please make sure you put your name in the post because some of you have very creative emails/avatar names and I won’t know who you are. 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 Wednesday, March 6, at 11:59pm. And if you plan to ask me to post it for you, please send it at least the day before.
  7. As many of you know, I am in New Zealand right at this moment on a round the world trip of a life-time. I am hoping to announce the winners on March 16th, but I ask for your patience and understanding in case something comes up and it doesn’t happen that day. Also, although I will be posting the winners on March 16th,  I won’t start awarding the prizes until after I return home, on April 8th. But believe me, these prizes will be worth the wait! 
  8.  When I do start contacting the winners, 1st place will choose whichever prize he/she wants. Then I will contact 2nd place with the remaining prizes to choose from. And so on down the line. And here, for your dining and dancing pleasure are the wonderful prizes.

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  • A seat in Susanna Leonard Hill’s MAKING PICTURE BOOK MAGIC: This is the first picture book writing class I took in February 2014..it was a stellar foundation and it has served me well. Susanna is an amazing mentor and a seat in her class can be life-changing!

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  • A complimentary viewing of Alayne Kaye Christan’s latest webinar: Top Ten Reason’s for Rejections.  
    If you want tips on some corrective action that you might take to improve your chances of submission success, and/or if you would like to deepen your understanding of plot and arc, this webinar is for you.

    http://www.alaynekaychristian.com/

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Alayne Kay Christian is the content and developmental editor for Blue Whale Press and an award-winning children’s book author. She is the creator and teacher of a picture book writing course, Art of Arc. She has been a professional picture book and chapter book critique writer since 2014. And worked as a critique ninja for Julie Hedlund’s 12 X 12 for three years. Alayne is a graduate of the Institute for Children’s Literature and she has spent the last eleven years studying under some of the top names in children’s literature.

 

  • Picture Book manuscript critique from author Lindsay Metcalf

lindsay h. metcalf (credit anna jackson)Photo courtesy: Anna Jackson Photography

Lindsay H. Metcalf is a children’s author, poet, reporter, and former editor for The Kansas City Star. She will debut with two nonfiction picture books in 2020. In the fall of that year, Charlesbridge will release Taking the Mic: Fourteen Young Americans Making History, a poetic anthology co-edited by Lindsay, Jeanette Bradley, and Keila V. Dawson, and illustrated by Bradley. It features fourteen contemporary young activists, each spotlighted by a well-known poet. Subjects include literacy activist Marley Dias, water protector Jasilyn Charger, Scout for Equality founder Zach Wahls, and immigration reformer Viridiana Sanchez Santos. Contributors include Nikki Grimes, Joseph Bruchac, Lesléa Newman, and Guadalupe García McCall. Details about Lindsay’s second nonfiction picture book will be forthcoming. To learn more about her books and paid critique services, please reach out on lindsayhmetcalf.com or on Twitter @lindsayhmetcalf.

 

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Melissa Stoller is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection – Book One: Return to Coney Island and Book Two: The Liberty Bell Train Ride (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017 and 2019); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready, Set, GOrilla! (Clear Fork, 2018). Upcoming releases include Return of the Magic Paintbrush and Sadie’s Shabbat Stories (Clear Fork, 2019). She is also the co-author of The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through Reading (HorizonLine Publishing, 2009). Melissa is an Assistant and Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, a Moderator for The Debut Picture Book Study Group, and a volunteer with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators/MetroNY. Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer and editor, and early childhood educator. Additionally, she is a member of the Board of Trustees at The Hewitt School and at Temple Shaaray Tefila. Melissa lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and one puppy.

www.MelissaStoller.com

www.MelissaStoller.com/blog

http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller

http://www.twitter.com/melissastoller

http://www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller

http://www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller

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Born and raised in the Midwest, Amber Hendricks grew up reading everything she could get her hands on- including the morning cereal boxes. That passion melded into writing, and by the age of 11 she was writing and binding her own “books”.  Amber is the author of Sophie and Little Star (Clearfork/Spork 2018) and two yet to be announced picture books.  Amber has worn many hats in her career : Army wife, Mother, Visual Merchandiser, Certified Pharmacy Technician, and most recently, Childcare Professional.  But she has always circled back to her first love of telling stories.  Amber currently resides in Missouri with her husband and two children.

https://twitter.com/ashayhen

  • Picture Book manuscript critique from author Sherry Howard.

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Sherry Howard lives in Middletown, Kentucky, in a household busy with kids and pets. She worked as an educator, and now has the luxury of writing full time. Her debut picture, Rock and Roll Woods, released in October, 2018. And her middle grade NF, Deep Sea Divers, just released. She has quite a few books in the pipeline for publication soon.

Sherry Howard | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 Meet Kuda and Rock and Roll Woods here.

Deep Sea Divers

Julie Abery

Mother. Writer. Teacher of the very young. I live in Switzerland with my partner and Tilly, the Springer Spaniel.

I ❤️ my job (it’s not every day you get to be an honorary five year old!)

I ❤️ chocolate  (I live in Switzerland after all!)

I ❤️  walking the dog (well, I did eat all the chocolate!)

I ❤️  picture books!

If you would like to learn more about me, please visit

http://www.stormliteraryagency.com/our-authors-and-artists/

  • Picture book critique from author Tina Cho.

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Tina Cho is the author of four picture books– Rice from Heaven: The Secret Mission to Feed North Koreans (Little Bee Books/Bonnier Publishing August 2018), Korean Celebrations (forthcoming Tuttle 2019), Breakfast with Jesus (forthcoming Harvest House 2020), and a new sale yet to be announced. Although she grew up and taught in the United States, she currently lives in South Korea with her husband and two children while teaching at an international school.

The Girls Guide to Manners

www.tinamcho.com

 

  • Picture book critique from author Carrie Finison.

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Carrie Finison began her literary career at the age of seven with an idea, a box of markers, and her father’s typewriter. She has been writing off and on ever since, though she has (somewhat regretfully) traded in the typewriter for a laptop. Her poems and stories for children have appeared in Babybug, Ladybug, High Five, and Highlights magazines, and her debut picture book,DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS, illustrated by Brianne Farley, will be published by Putnam in 2020. She lives outside Boston with her husband, son, daughter, and two cats who permit her to write in their cozy attic office. Find her online atwww.carriefinison.com or on Twitter @CarrieFinson.

  • Picture book critique from Maria Marshall

Maria Marshall photos

Maria is a children’s author, blogger, and poet passionate about making nature fun for children. She was a round 2 judge for the 2018 & 2017 Cybils Awards. And a judge for the #50PreciousWords competition since its inception. Two of her poems are published in The Best Of Today’s Little Ditty 2016 and 2014-2015 anthologies. She is the parent of two amazing adults and lives in the Pacific Northwest with two Pixie Bob cats. When not writing, critiquing, or reading, she bird watches, travels the world, bakes, and hikes. The Picture Book Buzz

 

Website  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

 

  • Signed copy of book by Laura Sassi

laura sassi

Laura Sassi has a passion for telling stories in prose and rhyme.  Her picture books include  GOODNIGHT, MANGER (Zonderkidz, 2015), GOODNIGHT, ARK (Zonderkidz, 2014), DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE (Sterling, 2018) and LOVE IS KIND (Zonderkidz, 2018). She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children, and a black Cockapoo named Sophie. She is represented by Lara Perkins of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and you can learn more about her and her books at https://laurasassitales.wordpress.com/

  • Signed copy of THE MASTERPIECE by Shelley Kinder

The Masterpiece - cover image

Shelley lives in Indiana with her family and loves writing for little people. Not So Scary Jerry (2017) was her first picture book. The Masterpiece (2018) is her second. Its original version got eleventh place in Vivian’s #50PreciousWords Contest in 2016

www.ShelleyKinder.com

 

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, Julie Abery, and Diane Tulloch who will be helping me read and comment.

Last year there were almost 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 could definitely learn something from us.

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. I hang my head in shame because I am using the same story I wrote for last year’s post. I hope you will forgive me, preparations for my book launches and trip did not allow me time to write a new one, but I did want to put up an example for those who haven’t participated before. And maybe it will be new to them!

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.

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Remember, if you have any questions or concerns, please email me at: viviankirkfield@gmail

I ask for your patience and understanding if I don’t get back to you right away…but please don’t stress…if you write a story and have trouble posting it, just email me. As long as your email gets to me time stamped before the contest closes, I will make sure your story is entered. Right at this moment, I am in Auckland, New Zealand, participating in library and school story times, reading FOUR OTTERS TOBOGGAN: AN ANIMAL COUNTING BOOK, PIPPA’S PASSOVER PLATE, and SWEET DREAMS, SARAH! How lucky can aa girl get???

And I am so looking forward to reading all of your precious words!

 

3,153 thoughts on “The 2019 #50PreciousWords Writing Contest”

  1. Glug-Thump-Whomp by Monica Acker (35 words)

    We drive into the open mouth.
    WHOOSH SWISH PISH
    GLUG THUMP WHOMP
    Bubbles scrubble grumble tumble.
    Tentacles bump. Feelers thump.
    Rollers squish.
    ROAR!
    We glide toward the light ahead.
    The car sparkles in the sunshine.

    Liked by 18 people

  2. ‘Alone’ by Ellie Royce – 49 words

    Sometimes, when the world is too loud,
    and too busy,
    I like to be alone.
    Alone is wild and wonderful.
    Alone is twinkly and still.
    Alone is special time.
    Yes, sometimes, I like to be alone.
    But then, just before ‘alone’ turns to ‘lonely’…
    …together is good too!

    Thank you Vivian this was my first time, and great fun!
    Best wishes,
    Ellie

    Liked by 15 people

  3. This is a silly question. Please forgive me. But I assume we can only enter one story each. Is this correct?I love this challenge!! I’m enjoying reading everyone’s entries!!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yes…if you wanted to enter more than one, that would be fine, Lindsay. 🙂 Sorry I am just seeing this now…I am in NZ on my book/speaking tour and we didn’t have internet access for several days. But I am back now…and so enjoying reading all of these amazing stories!

      Like

  4. In the yards
    cows snort
    air fills with dust

    ‘Go behind,’ orders Dave.
    The young pup
    slinks
    away.

    In the yards
    calves lick and sniff.
    The young pup waits.

    He thinks.

    Is this his job?

    He barks and snaps.
    He goes behind.
    The calves move on.

    ‘Good dog,’ says Dave.

    Liked by 9 people

  5. Carrot Top

    by Glenda Roberson

    Carrot top,
    Red,
    Ginger!
    I hate my
    hair!

    Until….
    Science,
    Mr. Bates.
    Unique
    Human traits.

    Individuals with
    Red hair.
    Rare.
    Blue eyes, too?
    Super unique you!

    Everyone’s looking
    At me.
    No longer thinking,
    I’d rather be dead
    Than red on the head!

    Carrot top,
    Red,
    Ginger!
    I love my
    Hair!

    THE END

    Liked by 13 people

  6. MY SWEET PUDDIN’ by Lindsay Fiore (50 words)

    You’re my butterbean,
    My little sweetie pie!
    I love you more than pickles,
    You’re the apple of my eye!
    When you pitch a fit,
    With a face like a prune,
    I’ll stir up chocolate pancakes
    Then you’ll quickly change your tune.
    Love is brownie batter on a thick wooden spoon…

    Liked by 15 people

  7. I AM A SLOTH
    I am…
    A sloth… minutes munching away each bite.
    A weed… shoots springing this way and that.
    A thief… sneakily stealing Daddy’s spot.
    An artist… imagination oozing onto paper.
    A Pug trainer… no, we don’t have any pugs…
    World’s best hugger… it’s official.
    “Just like your father…”
    I am… me.

    Liked by 7 people

  8. My thoughts by Melodee Dahl 50 word count

    My thoughts are so unique.
    My thoughts are my
    insides way to speak.

    My thoughts of an ocean full
    of bubblegum and lollipops.
    Thoughts of puppies, unicorns
    and silly flip flops.

    My thoughts are special,
    your thoughts are too.
    So what will you think about?
    That’s all up to you.

    Liked by 9 people

      • Thank you for your kind response. I loved this little big challenge! I tried to come from a child’s perspective and of course, thought of more after I posted:)

        Like

      • Thank you sooo much for sharing your thoughts too! That’s exactly what I imagined- Vast pink ocean as far as the eye could see then as you got closer you could hear the slight rhythmic tapping of the gum and lollipops as the waves swelled and flattened. Mmm

        Like

          • You just made my day even sweeter! Thank you! I’d love to connect:) I’m a newbie to this wonderful world of inspired writing and believe it or not, when I had to sign up with WordPress to post here, I couldn’t come up with a name for a blog! So- nothing Lol! FB Melodee Cluff Dahl, Twitter @MDaahl

            Like

      • Thank you for your kind thoughts about my thoughts:) We all have a hidden power inside us- and it’s all up to us how we will use it!

        Liked by 1 person

    • An interesting topic to have kids thinking about thinking. A nice way to think about it and a great conversation starter about what kids are thinking. Good luck!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you Ashley! I appreciate that. I’m inspired by my own journey to recognize the power of thought and that we use it for all the good ones:)
        The stories I’m writing are to empower kids and I’m enjoying every minute of it!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you Vivian! I appreciate your kind words. That means a lot that’s you have taken the time to comment on everyone’s post!
        I love to dive deep in thought! (haha into and ocean of bubblegum 😂) Expan our minds and open ourselves to the endless (ocean) of possibilities. To be able to encourage our little ones to test their mind limits and see what comes up sounds amazing to me! I mean think of it, kids are operating at nearly a 90% genus level! Lol, well, I definitely held onto my silly goofy child self😉

        Like

  9. This is an entry for Glenda Roberson:

    Carrot Top (50 words)

    by Glenda Roberson

    Carrot top,
    Red,
    Ginger!
    I hate my
    hair!

    Until….
    Science,
    Mr. Bates.
    Unique
    Human traits.

    Individuals with
    Red hair.
    Rare.
    Blue eyes, too?
    Super unique you!

    Everyone’s looking
    At me.
    No longer thinking,
    I’d rather be dead
    Than red on the head!

    Carrot top,
    Red,
    Ginger!
    I love my
    Hair!

    THE END

    Liked by 5 people

  10. Very cute! I think this is me. I think I’ve got it all together and nope! I put aside all expectations, forgive myself and do the best that I can! Lol:)

    Like

      • Oops, I’m sorry Glenda! This was a response to someone else’s post! The sticky Birthday cake for mum! However when I read over my comments again-it’s rather vague and would apply here too! Lol!

        Like

        • And I did enjoy yours as well! Very important for anyone to recognize and appreciate they are rare and special:) Great message. Red hair is so beautiful!

          Like

          • How funny! I read and reread your comment, and I think I just made up some vague connection to my story. Thank you for your “actual” comments on my story!

            On Sun, Mar 3, 2019 at 11:45 AM VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children wrote:

            > melodeewrites commented: “And I did enjoy yours as well! Very important > for anyone to recognize and appreciate they are rare and special:) Great > message. Red hair is so beautiful!” >

            Liked by 1 person

  11. Never Trust A Magical Teleportation Device by Ciara O’Neal

    Mischa’s magic medallion misfired again.

    Zap. China.

    Zoing. Statue of Liberty.

    Zing. Was that a lion? POUNCING?!

    Mischa screeched.

    Zink.

    “Phew! Close One! B-b-brrrr! Dang thing landed m-m-me in Snowmaggedon! What’s that magic word?”

    Zazoom!

    “Znuffleflumster!” Mischa dropped the medallion. In the sand… on the sunny beach.

    “Now we’re talking!!”

    Here is the link to my website if you would like to go comment! Have a great day!
    https://ciaraoneal.weebly.com/mrs-o-writes/50-precious-words

    Liked by 11 people

  12. Farming
    by Mary Beningo
    (43 words)

    Tractors plowing.
    Plant the seeds.
    Ask for rain.
    Oh please, oh please!
    Sun is shining.
    Seedlings sprawl.
    Crops are growing
    Green and tall.
    Air is cooler,
    Watch the field.
    Combines harvest
    Highest yield.
    Rest in winter.
    Tinkering.
    Back to farming
    In the Spring.

    Liked by 14 people

  13. My Secret Superhero Sidekick Weapon (50 words)
    By Costantia Manoli-Rumfitt

    Mom (again): No! No dog!

    Have superhero cape, need superhero sidekick – fast.

    No dog allowed; cats don’t care, birds fly away.

    Hm… pickupable slippery slugs might just work.

    Big kids come to push and shove.

    I dangle slimy, slippery slugs – they turn and RUN…

    VICTORY!

    Slugs make super superhero sidekicks!

    Liked by 12 people

  14. AAARGGH! NO CAKE! – 50 words

    It’s Mum’s birthday!
    Present – yes!
    Card – yes!
    Cake – AAARGGH! NO CAKE!

    Hmmmmmm…

    Bread
    Butter
    Strawberry jam
    Chocolate spread
    Runny honey
    Sandwich cake!

    Microwave – ping!
    AAARGGH! Soggy cake!

    Hmmmmmm…

    I’ll DECORATE!
    Yoghurt icing
    Chocolate windows
    Marshmallow turrets
    Jelly Baby soldiers

    Present!
    Card!
    Scrumptious sticky birthday cake castle – YES!
    Happy Birthday Mum!

    Liked by 13 people

  15. The Storm (46 words)
    by Sarah Wallace

    The sky darkens, fat raindrops fall.

    Splisha splasha splosh
    Drum a drum a drum

    Lasha lasha lash
    Cracker cracker boom!

    Wind sings and lightening dances across the sky.
    The chorus peaks.

    Then, thunder slowly rumbles away.
    Clouds part, sun breaks through.

    And they see it.

    Magic.

    Liked by 10 people

  16. WILD CHILD (49 words)
    By: Aimee Isaac

    Wild child
    Kissing toads
    Hoarding stones
    Lurking in corners
    “ROAR!”
    Climbing trees,
    Racing across streams.
    Swoop!
    Snatch!
    Seize!
    A bucket full of treasures,
    Boots full of mud.
    Splosh, Squelch, Splash!
    Wild child takes a bath.
    Mommy scrubs,
    Daddy hugs,
    A sleepy turtle under covers.
    Goodnight my little
    Wild child.

    Liked by 12 people

  17. MAGICAL MARDI GRAS
    By Candice Marley Conner

    First the boom, boom.
    Then the clip, clop.
    Batons on fire
    pinwheel among the stars.
    Do you see what’s coming next?
    Mermaids shimmy in the air.
    A giant dragon zigzags down the street,
    smoke and fire blasting out its snout.
    Hands up to catch beads and MoonPies
    and magic.

    Liked by 10 people

  18. JUNGLE BEDTIME
    by Mary Rudzinski

    One elephant sings good night
    Two iguanas start a fight

    Three koala kneel to pray
    Four baboons swing and sway

    Five crocodiles beg for hugs
    Six flying bats catch green bugs

    Seven rhinos turn off lights
    Eight piranhas sharpen bites

    Nine cockatoos tuck each head
    Ten gorillas break the bed

    Liked by 13 people

  19. Ruby and Whoo: A Puppy and Plushie Tale
    By Katie Hesterman

    Ruby and Whoo shared crunchy kibble, and cozy cuddles.
    Usually…
    “Good sit.”
    “Great fetch!”
    they earned treats!
    Sometimes…
    “WHO tipped the trash?”
    “WHO ruined the rug?”
    they didn’t.
    Whoo… always got the blame.
    While Ruby…
    “Crate!”
    served the time.
    Still, after timeout, Ruby cuddled Whoo.
    And WHO cuddled Ruby?
    EVERYONE!

    Liked by 8 people

  20. In My Kitchen I Found…
    by Hedy Frazier

    In my kitchen, I found . . .
    Sprouts on my potatoes.
    I wiggled my toes
    To the garden I go
    To dig a little hole.
    In they go
    Grow, grow, grow!

    In my garden,
    I watch them grow
    In a row.
    Grow French fries,
    Grow mashed potatoes,
    Grow baked potatoes,
    I sing!

    Liked by 9 people

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