#50PreciousWords 2020 Contest is OFFICIALLY OPEN

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WELCOME, WELCOME to the FIFTH ANNUAL #50PreciousWords Contest!!!

I am so very happy you’ve stopped by!

Art by Vicky Fang

When I first got the idea for this contest back in 2016, I thought a few of my friends might take pity on me and submit a story – to my surprise, there were 128 entries! The winner that year went on to sign with my wonderful agent, Essie White, and the story that won is now part of a beautiful board book series. Several other entries over the years have become books…and I’m thrilled with the positive energy that this contest generates.

 

dr-seuss-stampI began this contest to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss and honor this children’s writer who changed the face of kidlit.

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If you are currently writing picture books…or just reading them, you’ll notice that the average word length for many is getting shorter and shorter. So I thought, wouldn’t that be a great challenge…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. I opened the challenge to everyone.

Please put on your thinking caps, sharpen your pencils, and get busy writing. You have till March 5th at 11:59pm to post your story. Here are the guidelines:

GUIDELINES FOR #50PRECIOUSWORDS

  1. Write a story appropriate for kids ages 12 or under, that has a total word count of 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. The contest officially opens today, Saturday, February 29, in this special post on my blog.
  6. Between February 29 and March 5, post your story in the comments of this special contest blog post. If you have a blog of your own and want to post it there also, that is terrific…please add the link to your comment so we can all go and visit you there.  Also, please make sure you put your name in the post.
  7. Only ONE entry per person, please.
  8. Deadline for posting the story in the comments is Thursday, March 5, at 11:59pm.
  9. Winners will be announced Saturday, March 21.
  10. Winners? Of course, there will be winners…and prizes, too! There are critiques with EDITORS, seats in WRITING CLASSES, CRITIQUES by published authors, SIGNED PICTURE BOOKS…and more. The book prizes are limited to USA addresses, please.

HERE IS THE LIST OF PRIZES:

  1. Picture Book Critique with Little Bee editor COURTNEY FAHY.

Courtney Fahy is the Editorial Assistant at Little Bee Books and Yellow Jacket, where she acquires and edits board books, picture books, and middle grade novels. Some of Courtney’s picture books include Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit by Linda Marshall, Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe by Vivian Kirkfield, Mootilda’s Bad Mood by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Kirsti Call, as well as Moonbeams: A Lullaby of the Phases of the Moon by Ann Bausum. Prior to joining Little Bee Books, Courtney interned at Macmillan at Roaring Brook Press and Farrar, Straus, and Giroux for Young Readers, as well as W.W. Norton. Originally from New Jersey, Courtney graduated from Pace University with a Master in Science in publishing. You can find Courtney on Twitter @courtneyfahy.

2. Critique from Callie Metler-Smith, publisher of Spork/&mg

Callie Metler-Smith is the CEO and founder of Clear Fork Publishing in Stamford, Texas.
She answers to the following titles: Publisher of Books, Newspaper Chick, Bookstore Owner, Writer, Illustrator, Wife, Mom, and Friend.

3. PB Critique or Seat in Writing Humor for Kids or 1/2 off The Craft and Business of Writing Picture Books course from  Art Director and CBA Founder MIRA REISBERG. https://www.childrensbookacademy.com/

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4, Seat in Making Picture Book Writing Magic course from the founder of Perfect Picture Book Friday, NYTimes Best-selling author Susanna Leonard Hill. https://susannahill.com/for-writers/making-picture-book-magic/

Susanna Leonard Hill (2)

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5. A set of craft of writing webinars from Blue Whale Editor ALAYNE CHRISTIAN.

Alayne headshot

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Alayne Kay Christian is the acquisitions 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. In addition, she shares her knowledge with writers through free and affordable webinars at Writing for Children Webinars. She has been a picture book and chapter book critique professional since 2014, and she worked as a 12 X 12 critique ninja for three years. Alayne has spent the last thirteen years studying under some of the top names in children’s literature. Alayne’s focus at Blue Whale Press is content editing, creative direction, and working with authors and illustrators to coordinate the path to quality books.

https://alaynekaychristianauthor.com/

https://www.bluewhalepress.com/

Art of Arc http://www.alaynekaychristian.com/contact.html

Webinars https://alaynekaychristianauthor.com/webinars

6. Seat in Master Class in Picture Book Writing from author Karla Valenti

Karla Valenti

Karla madame curie cover

I was born and grew up in Mexico city. Since then, I have had the great privilege and opportunity to live in a number of places I have come to call home: the U.S., Japan, France, and most recently Germany. I currently live in the Chicagoland area where I keep myself busy with lots of words and big ideas (both in my job as a lawyer and author).

My writerly self focuses on picture books and middle grade novels. I also offer a Master Course on Picture Book Writing and Editing and Picture Book critique services.

I’m rep’ed by the inimitable Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

Find me on Facebook or Twitter.

7. Rhyming PB Critique from author Lori Degman

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Growing up, Lori Degman struggled with reading, but the more she read, the easier it got! Now she reads all the time. She is the award-winning author of 1 Zany Zoo and Cock-a-Doodle Oops!, Norbert’s Big Dream, and Just Read. Lori was a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing and is now a full-time author. She is a frequent presenter at schools and conferences.

Lori’s forthcoming books are Like a Girl (2019) and Travel Guide for Monsters (2020). Learn more about Lori at loridegman.com

8. PB Critique plus copies of two fabulous picture books from author/illustrator Patricia Keeler

PKeeler Head Shot

PKeeler_LIZZIE AND LOU

PKeeler_SCOOPPatricia Keeler is the author/illustrator of SCOOP THE ICE CREAM TRUCK and LIZZIE AND LOU SEAL, both of Sky Pony Press. Patricia received the Christopher Medal in 2011 for her illustrations in WOULD YOU STILL LOVE ME IF. Patricia won the children’s book category for the New York Book Festival 2013. Her work has been a selection of the Junior Library Guild and the Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club. Follow her on Instagram @patricia.keeler.books.

9. PB Critique and copy of Nova the Star Eater from author Lindsay Leslie.

Lindsay Leslie Headshot smallNova the Star Eater

Lindsay likes to bring her unique outlook on life, quirky humor, and play with words to the page in picture books. She is the author of THIS BOOK IS SPINELESS and NOVA THE STAR EATER (Page Street Kids). Her third picture book, DUSK EXPLORERS (Page Street Kids), will launch June 2, 2020. Lindsay lives with her husband, two boys, two dogs, a guinea pig, and a tortoise in Austin.

10. PB Critique from author Keila V. Dawson

Before becoming a children’s book author, Keila Dawson worked as a teacher, school administrator, and educational consultant in the U.S., the Philippines, Japan, and Egypt.

A native of New Orleans, her debut picture book THE KING CAKE BABY (Pelican Publishing Co. 2015), celebrates one of the unique cultural traditions in her hometown – eating King Cake during the Mardi Gras season. Her second book, NO VOICE TOO SMALL: Fourteen Young Americans Making History, co-edited with Jeanette Bradley and Lindsay H. Metcalf (Charlesbridge) will release in September 2020. A third nonfiction book is under contract has not been announced yet.

Keila is a member of SCBWI, writes monthly author studies for the Reading for Research Month (ReFoReMo) blog, and reviews books for Multicultural Children’s Book Day. When Keila isn’t reading, writing, and visiting schools, she’s traveling, playing tennis, or digging in genealogical archives.

Twitter: @keila_dawson  Website: http://www.keiladawson.com

Facebook author page: @keilavdawson

11. Non-Rhyming Picture Book Critique from author Melissa Stoller

Melissa Stoller books

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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 2020); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready, Set, GOrilla! (Clear Fork, 2018). Upcoming picture books include Return of the Magic Paintbrush and Sadie’s Shabbat Stories (Clear Fork, 2020). 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. In other chapters of her life, 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 Temple Shaaray Tefila, and a past trustee at The Hewitt School. Melissa lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and one puppy.

www.MelissaSoller.com       http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller

http://www.twitter.com/melissastoller   http://www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissastoller/     http://www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller

12. Picture Book or Query Letter Critique from author Laura Roettiger

LauraRoettiger Headshot 2019Laura Roettiger is the author of ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON and has enjoyed working with children ever since she was no longer considered a child herself. She was a reading specialist and elementary teacher in Chicago, IL before moving to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado where she worked in Environmental Education and as a new teacher mentor for two years at a STEM school. She is a judge for Rate Your Story, an active member of SCBWI and 12x12PictureBook Challenge. Laura works with third grade classrooms through #KidsNeedMentors, tutors adults in the Boulder Reads Literacy program at the Boulder Public Library, and works with BookstoKids, a Colorado based literacy nonprofit. Her superpower is encouraging curiosity in children and her students, letting them know she believes in them. She has three children of her own whose curiosity and creativity led all of them into STEM related professions. 

13. Picture Book Critique from author Maria Marshall

Maria is a children’s author, blogger, and poet passionate about making nature and reading fun for children. She’s a Cybils Awards judge ( http://www.cybils.com/) and a contributing blogger for STEM Tuesday – From the Mixed-up Files of MG Authors ( https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/stem-tuesday/). She interviews authors & illustrators and reviews books on -The Picture Book Buzz ( www.mariacmarshall.com/blog). Her poems are published in The Best Of Today’s Little Ditty 2017-2018, 2016, & 2014-2015 anthologies. When not writing, critiquing, or reading, she bird watches, travels the world, bakes, and hikes.

14. Picture Book Critique from author Katey Howes

katey howes

be a maker katey howesKatey Howes is thrilled to be making books for children. She also makes bad jokes, great apple crisp, and messy mistakes. Katey lives in Upper Makefield, Pennsylvania (really!) with her husband and three adventurous daughters makers. A former physical therapist specializing in brain injury, Katey now divides her time between writing award-winning stories and raising kids with a love of books. She also contributes to parenting, literacy and STEM websites including All the Wonders, The Nerdy Bookclub, STEAM Powered Family and Imagination Soup. Find Katey on Twitter @kateywrites and on Instagram @kidlitlove.

15. Copy of Play Like An Animal from author Maria Gianferrari

Maria Gianferrari’s childhood playground was nature: climbing trees, playing hide and seek in the cornfield and slapping cow patties for fun! Nowadays she tries to keep the spirit of play alive in her writing. She enjoys playing Dominion with her family sans the curse cards. Her late dog, Becca, was always ready for a game of “catch the flying biscuit.” To learn more about Maria check out her website, Instagram or Facebook pages.

16. Picture Book Manuscript Critique from author Kirsti Call

Kirsti Call loves putting words together. She co-runs Reading for Research month, has judged for the Cybil’s award since 2014, blogs for Writer’s Rumpus, and her second picture book, Mootilda’s Bad Mood (Little Bee) comes out this fall.  Cow Says Meow (HMH) and Cold Turkey (Little Brown) release in 2021!

Instagram @kirsticall   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirsti.call

Twitter: @kirsticall Websites: www.kirsticall.com, www.writersrumpus.com, www.reforemo.com

17. Picture Book Critique or signed copy of Lola Can’t Leap from author Ellen Leventhal

Ellen L head shotlola can't leap 2

Ellen Leventhal is an educator and writer in Houston, TX. Her writing usually contains universal themes to which children can relate–even if the thoughts occasionally come from talking cows or lambs.  She can’t remember a time when she wasn’t writing in some capacity. Ellen is the co-author of Don’t Eat the Bluebonnets and the author of Lola Can’t Leap.  She has been published in magazines and newspapers as well as in short story and poetry anthologies. Ellen loves school visits! When visiting schools, she coordinates with and supports literacy programs as well as diversity and anti-bullying programs. Ellen’s best days are when she can interact directly with the students and spread her love of literacy and kindness. To find out more about Ellen’s books and writing projects, please go to www.Ellenleventhal.com

18. Picture Book Critique from author Tina Cho

tina choTina is the author of Rice from Heaven, a picture book from Little Bee Books August 2018, Korean Celebrations, a nonfiction picture book from Tuttle, August 2019, My Breakfast with Jesus, a nonfiction picture book from Harvest House June 2, 2020, The Ocean Calls: A Mermaid Haenyeo Story from Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House August 4, 2020, and her first middle grade graphic novel in verse, The Tune Without Words by Harper Alley Fall 2022.

ocean calls tina cho

19. Picture Book Critique or Signed Picture Books from author Amber Hendricks

updated authorSALSCover_Final_RGB_NoBleed_StarsBorn 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 as well, and by the age of 11 she was writing and binding her own “books”. Amber has worn many hats in her career but she has always circled back to her first love of telling stories. Amber currently resides in Missouri with her husband and two children.

 

20. Picture Book Critique from author Beth Anderson

Beth Anderson head shot hi res

Lizzie Demand a Seat

Beth Anderson loves digging into history and culture for undiscovered gems, exploring points of view, and playing with words. A former educator who has always marveled at the power of books, she is drawn to stories that open minds, touch hearts, and inspire questions. Born and raised in Illinois, she now lives in Loveland, Colorado. Author of AN INCONVENIENT ALPHABET (S&S 2018) and LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT (Boyds Mills & Kane, 2020), Beth has more historical gems on the way.

bethandersonwriter.com
@Bandersonwriter (Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram)
https://www.facebook.com/beth.anderson.33671748

21. Signed copy of Beautiful Shades of Brown from author Nancy Churnin

nancy c this oneA native New Yorker, Nancy is a graduate of Harvard University, with a master’s from Columbia University. She lives in North Texas with her husband, a dog named Dog and two cantankerous cats. Learn more about Nancy at www.nancychurnin.com

Beautiful Shades of Brown

22. Signed copy of Can U Save the Day? from author Shannon Stocker

Shannon Stocker headshotcover

Shannon Stocker’s debut picture book CAN U SAVE THE DAY (Sleeping Bear Press) released in 2019, LISTEN: HOW ONE DEAF GIRL CHANGED PERCUSSION (NF PB bio about Evelyn Glennie) comes out with Dial/Random House in 2022, and several of Shannon’s nonfiction essays have been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul. Shannon currently serves as SCBWI social co-director for Louisville, a judge for Rate Your Story, a ninja for 12×12, and she created the blog series, Pivotal Moments: inHERview, highlighting transitional life stories of female picture book authors (http://www.shannonstocker.com/blog/). Cool facts: Currently writing her memoir, Shannon is a medical school graduate, a coma survivor, an RSD/CRPS patient and advocate, and a singer/songwriter who once performed two songs, including one original, as part of an opening act for Blake Shelton. She can be found online at www.shannonstocker.com, on Facebook (Shannon Otto Stocker/Shannon Stocker Author), and on Twitter/Instagram @iwriteforkidz. Shannon is represented by Allison Remcheck of Stimola Literary Studio.

23. Picture Book Critique (fiction) from author Lisa Katzenberger.

lisa-head-shot-2017I live in La Grange, IL in a hundred-year-old Victorian house with sloping hardwood floors, glass doorknobs, and the tiniest bathroom you’ve ever seen. I have a great husband and amazing boy-girl twins. I’m an active member of SCBWI, where I volunteer as the Social Media Coordinator for the SCBWI-Illinois region. I work part-time as a technical writing consultant to fund my writing conference habit. I am represented by Wendi Gu of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

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24. Picture Book Critique from author Jenna Grodzicki

Jenna's head shotJenna is the author of both fiction and nonfiction picture books, including Finn Finds a Friend (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017), I See Sea Food: Sea Creatures That Look Like Food (Millbrook Press, 2019), Harmony Humbolt: Perfect Pets Queen (Clear Fork Publishing, Fall 2020), and Wild Style: Amazing Animal Adornments (Millbrook Press, September 2020). She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two crazy awesome kids. At all hours of the day (and night) she can be found at her desk, drinking iced coffee and working on her next story. Jenna is represented by Victoria Selvaggio of Storm Literary Agency.

i see seafood

 

What do you think about these amazing prizes? I’m blown away by the generosity of this kid-lit community. Thank you to all the prize donors. If I made any mistakes with the bios or photos, please let me know (I am not very tech savvy when it comes to making photos smaller)…and if anyone else has a prize they’d like to add to the list, please contact me.

Dear friends…you have 6 days to post your story…and I can’t wait to read your precious words – just put your story in the comment section. If you have a blog and are also putting your entry there, please add your link to your comment. But whether or not you put your story on your own blog, please put it here. And also, please add you name. If anyone has questions or has a problem posting, please email me and I will be happy to help: viviankirkfield@gmail.com.

I am going to take a page from Susanna Hill’s last contest and try to list the stories here so you can easily click through and get to the one you want to read – although I hope you will want to read and comment on ALL of them!

1. Paul Kurtz: My Magic Place

2. Donna Kurtz: Green Eggs and Meat

3. Claire Lewis: A Moving Tale

4. Kirsty Rorke: Lights

5. Sue Lancaster: After the Storm

6. Brenda Whitehead: My Important Job

7. Sara Ackerman: Caterpillar Season in Sinshasa

8. Jennifer Linville: I See

9. Kelly Swemba: Playful Puddles

10. Monica Acker: Mirror In The Sidewalk

11. Robin Currie: Wombat Rescue

12. Jill Proctor: Caterpillar Rain Dance

13. Cheri-Ann Wong: Hunter and Prey

14. Joannie Duris: Hug Hunt

15. Jessica Coupe: The Winter Garden

16. David McMullin: Making Something Out of Nothing

17.Mary York: Swinging From the Black Walnut Tree

18.Anita Narayan: Race to First Place

19. Shonna Nance: Time for BED?

20.Jennifer Moore: BORING!

21. Glenda Roberson: The Hug

22. Abbi Lee: The Worst Burglar in the World

23. Lu Pierro: BARK PARK

24. Aimee Satterlee: Red Truck

25. Estelle Tudor: My Mum’s a Superhero

26. Carolyn Bennett Fraiser: SNOW

27.Hannah Lapehn: DYLAN’S HUNT

28. Tara Cerven: GAME OVER

29. Danielle Hammelef: SAM’S SECRET CAVE

30.Bouvier Eulen: TODAY I’LL BE

31. Ashley Wheelock: Mommy’s Hair Salon

32. Polly Renner: TODAY

33.Jolene Ballard Gutierrez: THE LAST WATERMELON

34. Jessica Reiner Harris: Yummy Me

35.Janet Parkinson Bryce: Can Hippos Jump?

36. Debra Daugherty: Rabbit’s Big Day

37.Stacey Miller: Chloe’s Cloud

38.Katherine Rahoy: Teeny Tiny Turtle Tucked

39. Chelsea Tornetto: SNOW

40. Jill Lambert: Bird TV

41. Maryna Doughty: Dance for Daddy

42. Roxanne Troup: ALLIE’S APPLES

43. Sarah Atherton: Mum’s Spaghetti

44. Leah Moser: A COOL TREAT

45. Margaret Aitken: Dino Friends

46. Rachel Funez: Learning to Ski Fun

47.Nicole Loos Miller: Spring Puddles

48.Maureen Morrison: No Tengo Palabras

49. Carole Gerber: Summer Storm

50. Liz Sites: Fuzzy Wuzzy and the Fuzz Buzz

51. Marziah Abbas: Cookie Thief

52.Hanh Bui: Tet is…

53. Carol Cole: Dragons Love Camping

54.Ana Siqueira: An Elefante is a Terrible Horrible Fantastic Pet

55. Alana Washington: Draw with Me

56. Paulette Sharkey: How to Read to a Cat

57. Joan Leotta: Trucks Together

58. Lindsay Hobson: Dragons Have Bedtimes, Too

59. Robin Jordan: Dear Journal, Today…

60. Debbie Sanders: Hummingbird Battle

61. Anne Lipton: Here Be Dragons

62. Sandy Brooks Foster: Mr. Crayfish

63. Marie Prins: Backyard Bunny

64. Leigh Therriault: PANDEMONIUM

65. Nancy Ferguson: GRIMM THE SHELTER DOG

66. Arlene Schenker: Kinkajou

67. Megan Weatherford: Now What?

68. Brittany Pomales: Conduct a Lullaby

69. Amy Renee: Midnight Cake

70. Kelly Mangan: Duck Butts

71. Paula Obering: Smile

72.Carol Coven Grannick: Me in the Mirror

73. Nancy Riley: INCUBATION

74.Jennifer Humphreys: Spring Fun

75. Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez: A Dance in the Night

76.Elizabeth Janczyk: My Baby Brother is a Ninja

77. Katy Rose: Light Changes Everything

78. Rose Cappelli: Scritch! Scritch! Scratch! Scratch!

79. Jane Baskwill: IMAGINE THAT!

80. Phil Dillon: Ugg the Inventor

81. Sue Twiggs: Water Tickles

82. Andrea MacDonald: TWINS

83. Robin Brett Wechsler: SHELLY SOLD SEASHELLS

84. Roo Parkin: MISCHIEF MAKER

85. Allison Rozo: BEARDED PAPA

86. Amy M. Miller: Little Red Riding Hood

87. Carey Ann Welch: The Egg Parable of Matthew Welch, Age 10

88. Susan Summers: Rainbow

89. Liz Kehrli: If a Tree Falls

90. Aundra Tomlins: Rumble, Grumble, Crumble, Tumble

91. Jenny Buchet: TO CATCH THE MOON

92.Ranessa Doucet: KAZOO

93. Jason Perkins: DADDY TIME

94.Kelsey Gross: BATTERIES FOR BOT-BOT

95. Stephanie Higgins: Spores Away

96. Chris Baker: Muddle in a Puddle

97. Susan Drew: Sledding at Oma’s

98. Deborah Holt Williams: Moving Day

99. Marietta Apollonio: MOON MESS

100. Carrie Karnes-Fannin: Photos of Hope: A Small Biography of Margaret Bourke-White

101. Sharon K. Solomon: Frog Pond 2

102. Laurie Smollett Kutscera: FIREFLY

103. Laurie Smith Murphy: COMING ON CHRISTMAS

104. Patricia J. Holloway: I SPY

105.Jennifer Dawson: Siblings

106. Sylvia Chen: TOOTHY JOURNEY

107. Kimberly Laura: Alphabutt – A Lift the Flap Book

108. Camille Lancaster: A PIECE OF PAPER

109. Laurie Carmody: GRANDMA’S HOUSE

110: Christina Vrba: A New Pet

111. Meryl Sachs Cullon: MOMMY! MOMMY!

112. Katie Walsh: LEFTOVER NO S’MORE!

113. Susan Ralls: CUPCAKE FIX

114. Heidi Coryell: THE DARK

115. Gabrielle Cardwell: My Pup

116. Rachael Clarke: BALLERINA GIRLS

117. Kim Hart: BUBBLE BATH FUN

118. Amber Hendricks: Starling Flight

119. Kathleen Reitman: Love My Feet

120. Kaylynn Johnsen: TWO to TANGO

121.Heather Kinser: YET

122. Catherine Friess: PICNIC ON THE MOON

123. Richard Stonebridge: The Scarecrow with a Secret

124.Melissa Mwai: Not A Unicorn

125.Heidi Vance: Mr. Squirrel

126. Pippa Chorley: Walkies

127. Stefanie Razler: Happy Winter, Friend!

128. Liz Rice: All Gone

129. Janie Reinart: BRAVE ENOUGH

130. Deb Sullivan: Recycle Me!

131. Melissa Stoller: SEALS

132. Becky Ross Michael: Miss O’Blair Has No Hair

133. Lisa Zaccaria: The Tree of Courage

134.Rina Singh: Born to Dance

135. Stephanie Gibeault: Baked with Love

136. Jaclyn Crawford: I Can Do Hard Things

137. Delia Black: Are We There Yet?

138. Sarah Meade: Five Flamingos with Flair

139. Judy Cooper: Just Leo

140. Tina Mowrey: THE DAY YOU ARRIVED

141. Erin Kerger Duffett: WOLF

142. Dea Brayden & Lindsay Brayden Ellis: TRUE COLORS

143. Charlotte Dixon: MIGHTY MAGNUS ROOSTERUS

144. Laura Wadsworth Carter: A YAWN, A SIGH

145. Leila Nabih: A Dog, a Frog, and a Log

146. Jen Lawson: SWITCHWICH

147. Dea Lenihan: CAMERA NIGHT

148. Laura Howard: BUBBLE TROUBLE

149. Susan Silver: MOMMY’S BIG DAY

150. Sharon J. Wilson: The Absolutely True Story of Miss Locomotive

151. Aixa Perez-Prado: El Gato Romeo’s Nine Lives

152. Joy Moore: letter from BIG FOOT

153. Leslie Ross-Degnan: WATER PLAY

154. Emily Ann Davison: SOMEBODY ATE MY CAKE

155. Jarmila Kurucova: Blue Monkey Makes a Friend

156. Aimee Larke: Good Morning It’s Time for Bed

157. Kael Tudor: Good Morning

158. Eileen Mayo: THE DAY THE BOOK WASN’T A BOOK

159. Stacey Corrigan: Another Hat in the Ring

160. Lori Sheroan: Googly Eyes

161. Laura Fredrickson: Race and Roll

162. Sarah Hetu-Radny: GARDENS

163. A Kidd: Baby Bounces

164. Kalee Gwarjariski: THE FIRE-SNEEZING DRAGON

165. Nina Nolan: RIGHT NOW

166. Rebecca Thill: BIG DOG – TINY BED

167. Mia Geiger: Just Beachy

168. Kristy Ryan: FIRST DAY FEELINGS

169. Linda Kulp Trout: Snowplow

170. Kathy McClaskey: The Fox and the Cat

171. Jenny Harp: DETERMINED PEA

172. Colleen Murphy: Problem Solved

173. Amanda Davis: One Last Time

174. Sloane Jacobs: Bitty Boo Taco Ninja

175. Andrea Greenwich Heffner: Who Can? Toucan!

176.Joel Chalmers: BEACH BLAST

177. Amy Flynn: Dinner is Ruined

178. Traci Van Wagoner: BE

179. Laura Roettiger: It’s Hard to Pick a Favorite

180. Teresa Traver: Rainy Day

181.  Riya Zachariah: Until Tomorrow

182. Steve Rogers: It had no eyes

183.Eszter Molnar: The Last Biscuit

184. Mary Rudzinski: THE BIG YAWN

185. Tom Lancaster: THE MIDNIGHT VISITOR

186.Tracy Curran: Pea-po

187. Lisa L. Furness: SUN FUN

188. Lynne Marie: PANDEMONIUM: A Morning at the Panda Kindergarten

189.Sarah Anne Carter: Backyard Pirate

190. Anne Weedon: Dinner

191. This is Maisha: Victorious Firefly

192. Kirsten Allen: The Seed Who Believed

193.Sarina Abbasi: $10

194.Jim and Tim: Circles aren’t pointless

195.Deb Bartsch: DANCE LIKE A DINOSAUR

196. Jessica Whipple: Boy and Bulldog

197. Zachary Snyder: What Will You Remember

198. Candace Spizzirri: HAPPY HEART

199. Linda Staszak: TRIBUTE TO DR. SEUSS

200. Kathryn Rammell: THE GRUMPY DAY PARADE

201. Suzie Olsen: THANKFUL FOR PANTS

202. Emma Jenkins: VACUUM CLEANER

203. HT Lynne: Do You Hear What I Hear?

204. Hollie Wolverton: Make a Wish

205. Charlotte Sheer: WHEN SMILES SPEAK

206. Heather Bell: Frisbee

207. Lydia Loeber: The Something

208.Kristy Roser Nuttall: 100 Worms Before Breakfast

209. Kate Thompson: Love Will Always Win

210. Julie Koon: The Love Machine

211. Katherine Rothstein: MY HANDS, MY VOICE

212.Patricia Finnegan: BUBBLE GUM BLOWOUT

213. Stefanie Hohl: MONSTER SCARES

214. Sandra Sutter: LIBRARIES CAN BE ANYWHERE

215. Cathy Ogren: Humpty Grumpty

216. Jim Chaize: The Hole

217. Rebecca Gardyn Levington: BIRTHDAY WISHES *DO* COME TRUE

218. Laura Elizabeth Baukol: SISTERS

219. Jillian MacKenzie: LUCKY RED GUMBALL

220. Val Dormady: Jumble Days

221. Penny McNally: THE NEW GIRL

222. Mary Ann Cortez: SNOWSTORM

223. Rachel Backland: Look! A Bubble

224. Jennifer Raudenbush: MOSQUITO BANDITO

225. Tiffany Dickinson: The Blessing Box

226.Zoe Arena: Spot and the Line

227. Mary Munson: The Relation Ship

228. Rebecca Woodall: Don’t Look for a Kerboomer

229. Martha Simpson: Just Desserts

230. Rebecca Heonig: Monkey in the Middle

231. Jim Merryman: What’s a Word?

232. Kathy Halsey: A TALE SO TRUE

233. Melissa Rutigliano: JUST A PRETTY GIRL

234. Ashlyn Parker: THE UPSIDE

235. Emmie R. Werner: STRAIGHT and TALL

236. Shaunda Wenger: WEARY ROOSTER

237. Cheryl Schuermann: Flamingo Glulch

238. Priscilla Merryman: Heart Beats

239. Donna Burkert: Who’s there

240.Mary Warth: Izzy’s Itch

241. Mandy Yokim: No Returns

242. Patricia Tilton: Thunder Flapjacks

243, Samantha: I SING FOR ME

244. Rebekah Lowell: Fly

245. Kari Gonzalez: PONY NEEDS A HAIRCUT

246. Naana Amissah: A SUPER HOG PALINDRONE SUNDAY

247. Darren Spink: What if

248. Airlie Drozdowski: Toddler Tamer

249. Michelle Losardo: STORM’S PASS

250. Sandra McGraw: Lost and Found

251. Becky Loescher: GOTCHA!

252.Ilona Bray: THE PAINTER OF THE GOLDEN GATE

253. Jenny McClay: Every Day is a Beautiful Day

254. RT Jahns: What Can Grieving Bring?

255. Kimberly Marcus: PUFFIN’S PROBLEM

256. Liz Bickerstaff: An Alien Stole My…

257. Lauri Meyers: Bella with the Big Bun

258.Jessica Murray: Kids’ Day at Super Scissors

259. Susan Claus: TOOK

260. Diana McCarthy: SEEDLINGS

261. Mareen Egan: BIRTHDAY BASH

262. Sharon Nelsen: SLEEP LOVE

263. Dianne Moritz: LET’S MAKE PANCAKES

264. N.R.M. Roshak: The Runaway Present

265. Farrah Riaz: What Love Is

266.Geraldine Jones: MICE NIBBLE

267. Lori Himmel: LET’S TAKE A WALK

268. Costantia Manoli-Rumfitt: MY BEST BUD

269. Josie Gawlowski: GROWING CRYSTAL CARROTS

270.Julianna Helt: Creek Walking

271. Debbie Neuenschwander: WHEN SHOOTING STARS ARE BORN

272. Imogen Marshall: You

273. Adam D. Blackman: GATHER

274. M.M. Baker: Fairy Homes: The Mushroom Houses of Earl Young

275. KC Young: Bubbles

276. RB Frank: BEST IN SHOW

277. Deb Buschman: SNOW BEACH

278. Dedra Davis: What’s in There?

279. Karen Greenwald: WHERE ARE MY GLASSES?!

280. Judy Politzer: THREE PICKLES IN A PICKLE

281. Dina Towbin: Can Katerina the Caterpillar Go to the Dance?

282. Robin Wiesneth: I LOVE socks!

283. Shira Zwiren: DRAGON’S TREASURE 

284.Karen Yin: EYE LOVE: WHAT EYES CAN DO

285. Linda Gammon: Brotherly Love

286. S Schipper: A Fantastic Farm of Color and Charm

287. Gail Handler: My Guide No M

288. Lynn Rogalsky: MISBEHAVING FRUITS & VEGETABLES

289. Anne Stephens: Grandpa’s Hats

290. Denise Seidman: Who Wants to be a Dimenaire

291.Jilanne Hoffman: Search for Life

292. Rinda Beach: Baby Can’t Sleep?

293. Lynn Vieira: TIME FOR BED

294. Natalie Cohn: WHISTLE!

295. Darlene Ivy: Little Brother

296. Dawn Young: SMART

297.Jill Burns: My Cherry Tree

298. Megan Hoyt: Chocolate Chew-Chew: A Totally True Two-Year-Old Tale

299. Christine Nantra: Because of You

300. Carol Bullman: The Meow-Thru Window

301. Michelle Vattula: Boy’s Night

302. Judy Abelove Shemtob: Enemies to Friends

303. Jessica Haster: Everybody Loves Sunglasses

304. Claire W. Bobrow: Dog’s Day

305. Adrienne Yarbor Blacksher: Mommy’s Belly

306.Jane Serpa: Wind Talks

307. Lolly Ward: I SPY SURPRISE

308. Ruth Solitario: Six Lights

309. Gretchen Pitluk: Summer Vacation

310. Alison Horsburgh: Space Travel on a Trampoline

311. Kathryn Hollingworth: Jimmy’s Winter Future

312. Patty Wurster: FOX FINDS A FRIEND

313.Leslia: MY BOY AND I

314. J. Bradley Blankenship: The Crying Book

315. Helen Ishmurzin: MOUNTAIN PEBBLE

316.M. Jane Hawkins: EJ Johnson Isn’t Happy Anymore

317. Karen Dibbens-Wyatt: Rain Race

318. Rhett Trull: HERO: ZERO, BOREDOM: ONE –

319. Tracy Smith Schmidt: NAUGHTY NIGHT NOISES

320. Jodie Parachini: “Bored” Game

321. Kristen Reinsel: The Late Bloomer

322.Cathy Stenquist: Cat and Mouse

323. Anna Maledon: JEALOUS PET VACUUM

324. Bev Baird: Garden Gnome

325. Leslie Liebhardt Goodman: SPRING BEAUTIES

326. Ciara O’Neal: Maggie and the Blank Page

327.Jean James: Quaking Bog

328. Joy Pitcairn: THE BIG RIDE

329. Kathi Morrison: Girl and Dog — Low Tide

330. Dorena McFarland Williamson: Tennessee Strong Again

331. Candice Rauser: LITTLE BEE

332. Linda Curtis: SWEET GUARDIAN ANGEL

334. Mary Arkiszewski: Loggerhead’s Journey

335. Kelly Lenihan: JAKE, THE EAGLE WHO WOULDN’T FLY

336. Kathy Shanahan: My Bike

337. Yvona Fast: WINTER’S COMING — TRANSFORMATION

338. Cheryl MacAller: LITTLE EYES, BIG WORLD

339. Beth James: Unlikely Friends

340. Catie Daly: The Gremlin in our Playroom

341. Mona Pease: Our World of Color

342.Sofia Dibble: BABIES

343. Florbela Nienaber: BLAST OFF!

344.Sarah C: RABBIT

345. Stephen James: I showed up

346. Kristina Schwartz: THE FOUNTAIN OF AGE

347.Jen Bagan: TEACHER’S PET

348.Gail Aherne: SIGN LANGUAGE

349. Patricia Nozell: Fifty Precious Words to Show That You Care

350.Lisa Hollman-Allen: Cuddle Dust

351. Sara Gentry: Again, Lola

352. Ryan Waters: The Zebra with No Stripes

353. Natalie Fischer: Hooray for Spring!

354. Sam Smith: PRESENT

355. Rachel Wilson: If You Were a Bubble

356. Diana Monteiro Toombs: The Wuwus

357.Sarah Crouch: SURPRISE TOAST

358. Rita Russell: MORNING BABY

359. Rachell Abalos: SAY “CHEESE”

360.Heather Gallagher: A seed for peace

361. Liz Ski Healey: BANANAS

362. Linda Hofke: Change of Season

363. Kirsten Pendreigh: COLOR LOVE

364. Angela Song: Me Just Being Me

365.Carol Vieira: Mouse Sets Sail

366. Laurie Sunderman: Last Party of the Year

367. Ellen B: In My Garden

368. Ashley Bates: CHA-CHING!

369. Vashti Verbowski: MY BLUE AND GREEN SHOES

370. Jenifer Lynn McNamara: Michael’s Moth

371. Michelle Howell Miller: The Human Race

372. Michele Ziemke: TAMING BARN KITTENS

373. Joni Hay Patras: Little Gray Cloud

374. Ruthie Kirk: MY TALLEST FRIEND

375. Pamela Courtney: A Case Against the Leafy Sea Dragon

376. Zia Marie: Fluffasaurus Fashion Show

377. Katie Hesterman: Bear Necessities

378.Krys: A Mother’s Promise

379. MontaukDeb: Sammy’s Blocks

380. Lara Elliott: Dance Battle

381. Ashley Congdon: The Carrot Stick

382. Ingrid Boydston: The Anything Game

383. CJ Penko: MAYFLY

384. Laura Bost: TRASH

385. Cheryl Cassaday: THE PROBLEM WITH UNICORNS

386. Katie Williams: Coyote and Badger

387. Darci Nielson: Go Bella!

388. Jacki Kellum: Counting My Garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hurray! I can’t wait to read your precious words

5,744 thoughts on “#50PreciousWords 2020 Contest is OFFICIALLY OPEN”

  1. I’ve enjoyed reading these pieces! Thanks Vivian.

    In My Garden

    In my garden, I grow
    tomatoes, beans and
    cucumbers.
    The tomatoes have
    holes, the beans are skinny and
    cukes don’t appear
    on the vines,
    just some sad-looking
    leaves.
    I give my plants more
    water and vitamins —
    no luck, still wondering.
    I dig in the earth—
    Aha!
    My friend
    the snail!

    Liked by 10 people

  2. CHA-CHING!
    by Ashley Bales
    (45 words)

    Cha-ching!
    I add some dollars
    to my brand new bank account

    Cha-ching!
    I deposit more
    and up, up, up goes the amount

    Cha-ching!
    I watch my money grow
    like magic *poof* it multiplies

    Cha-ching!
    I have learned to save
    my only limit are the skies

    Liked by 9 people

  3. Posting for Vashti Verbowski

    MY BLUE AND GREEN SHOES
    By Vashti Verbowski

    My shoes are blue and green.
    Perfect.
    Clean.
    I want to see the world,
    But trash,
    Hurled.
    A wrapper on my shoe,
    Just one.
    Two.
    The wrappers stick to more.
    Garbage
    Galore.
    My shoes stack to the moon
    Recyclables,
    Strewn.
    My shoes no longer clean,
    The world
    Unseen.

    (48 words)

    Liked by 8 people

  4. Posting for Jenifer Lynn McNamara

    Michael’s Moth
    by Jenifer Lynn McNamara

    Michael and Grandpa took a walk. Large white wings fluttered in front of them.
    “Let’s catch the moth,” said Michael.
    “I’d rather not,” said Grandpa.
    Michael sat. Grandpa laughed. The moth landed on Michael’s shoe.
    “Look!” exclaimed Grandpa.
    “The moth found you,” said Grandpa.

    Liked by 8 people

  5. The Human Race
    by Michelle Howell Miller
    (Word Count 49)

    One race.
    The human race.

    Different on the outside.
    Same on the inside.

    Different languages?
    A smile is the universal language of friendship.

    Different Preferences?
    Red? Blue?

    Different beliefs too.
    Wouldn’t life be boring otherwise?

    We are different in many ways.
    We are the same in so many more.

    Liked by 9 people

  6. TAMING BARN KITTENS

    Feral kittens in the barn.
    Adorable.
    Scrappy.

    I watch and giggle.

    Kittens behind bales of hay.
    Cautious.
    Playful.

    I dangle twine.

    Sharp little claws.
    Swinging.
    Grabbing.

    Dinner time!

    Hungry kittens smell a treat.
    Meows.
    Scuffles.

    Plump little bellies.
    Cuddle, cuddle.
    Purr, purr.

    All mine.

    Liked by 8 people

  7. Little Gray Cloud
    by Joni Hay Patras
    44 words

    A little gray cloud
    follows me all around.

    It never leaves my side
    even when I try to hide.

    But then the sun peeks out–
    A ray of light breaks through.

    The sun looks at me and says…
    “Friend, I’m always here for you.”

    Liked by 8 people

  8. MY TALLEST FRIEND

    Playing ball with Max is fun.

    He kicks it and away I run.

    I play ball with Nikki, too.

    She throws just like the big kids do.

    But when no boys or girls are free,

    The hill rolls my ball back to me.

    Liked by 9 people

  9. A Case Against the Leafy Sea Dragon
    by Pamela Courtney

    Is his movement an aimless contemplation?

    Or does his suspended animation

    Give plankton, shrimp and other crustacean

    A cause to believe they’re no temptation?

    So the leafy sea dragon sucks vegetation.

    And in their moment of hesitation

    The plankton, shrimp, and other crustacean

    Fall prey to Leafy’s manipulation.

    Liked by 11 people

  10. Fluffasaurus Fashion Show
    by Zia Marie

    If dinosaurs wore feathers
    they were sure to be in style,
    as they strut the dinowalk,
    a Pre-historic mile–

    Feathered caps and feathered scales.
    Feathered wings and feathered tails.

    Boas, plumes, bristle, down,
    fancy feathers tail to crown.

    A Prehistoric fashion show
    for classy Dinos on the go!

    Liked by 13 people

  11. This Prehistoric fashion show has something for everyone, both the girly-dino and the tom-dino ; ) Best wishes!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Bear Necessities
    By Katie Hesterman

    Whoosh! Cold winds blow
    They’re bringing snow.
    But big black bear
    knows where to go…
    A hollow trunk–
    Her cozy place
    To tuck up in
    Without a trace.
    When naptime ends
    Sweet springtime finds
    A fluffy pair
    Of bear behinds.
    Cubs!

    Liked by 11 people

  13. A Mother’s Promise

    I promise on your heart within my womb

    I don’t know if you’re a he, she, or in between

    I will love your true self

    I don’t know the shade or shape of your skin

    I will love the worth within

    I will love you, always, exactly as you are.

    Liked by 8 people

  14. Sammy’s Blocks

    Sammy has tons of blocks.
    Some are big and some are small.
    He has red, yellow, and blue blocks.
    Sammy wants to build the tallest building.
    But they keep falling down.
    He has an idea.
    He builds three buildings.
    One for kitty.
    One for puppy.
    And one for him.

    Liked by 8 people

  15. Dance Battle
    By Lara Elliott (47 words)

    Funky beat.
    Ready feet.
    “Dancers in!”
    Who will win?
    B-boys, b-girl,
    Flip, twirl,
    Pop and lock it,
    Walk it, rock it,
    Bent arms, bent knees,
    Break, freeze,
    Head to ground,
    Spin around.
    Judges shout,
    “Dancer out!”
    Down to four
    On the floor.
    Three then two.
    Winner? “You!”

    Liked by 6 people

  16. The Carrot Stick
    by Ashley Congdon

         I have a carrot stick to eat. But first, what else could this stick be? A race car driving down the street? A jet plane soaring over trees? A steam train chugging at top speed? A submarine descending deep . . . into my belly!

    Liked by 7 people

  17. Thank you Vivian! This has been another joyful experience! Thank goodness for deadlines though, or I might never stop editing! 🙂

    The Anything Game
    50 Precious Words
    By Ingrid Boydston

    What’s “The Anything Game”?
    It’s the best game there is!
    When playing alone, I’m an Anything Whiz!
    But I like it best when I play it with you.
    There’s magic! There’s laughter and mystery too!
    On epic adventures, our fun will not end!
    The Anything Game… the game of pretend!

    Liked by 10 people

  18. CJ Penko (50 Words)

    MAYFLY
    The World’s Shortest Life Cycle Told in Common Monikers of the Mayfly

    Wake up! it’s MAYFLY
    grow in the LAKE FLY
    rise to the DAYFLY
    feast for the FISHFLY

    delicious DRAKE?
    or fisherman’s fake?

    Dry, dry! UP-WING FLY
    escape to the SANDFLY
    birthday show— IMAGO!
    born to live ONE-DAY FLY

    so…

    Dance! SPINNERS! Fly!!

    precious time SPENT FLY
    until the next MAYFLY

    Liked by 7 people

  19. Posting for Laura Bost

    TRASH
    By Laura Bost
    (50 words)

    Trash.
    Our playground is full.
    In the sandbox.
    On the slide.
    Blowing, blowing, blowing.
    Across the playground.
    We can help!
    In the sandbox.
    Behind the swings.
    On the slide.
    Helping, helping, helping.
    Across the playground.
    Our playground is empty.
    Our playground is full.
    Friends.
    Smiling. Smiling. Smiling.

    Liked by 8 people

  20. THE PROBLEM WITH UNICORNS

    Everyone cheered the day the unicorns arrived!
    But then….
    They sneezed confetti.
    And pooped rainbows.
    And got glitter everywhere.
    We tried chasing them away. Didn’t work.
    What do unicorns hate?!
    Aha! We painted everything in town black.
    EVERYTHING.
    The unicorns promptly left.
    But black is boring. Maybe just one unicorn?

    Liked by 8 people

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