WELCOME EVERYONE!!! I’M SO VERY HAPPY YOU ARE HERE!!!
Art by Vicky Fang
Writing is a mostly solitary activity. But it takes a village to make a book. We work with mentors, we sign up for classes, we join critique groups, we attend webinars and workshops, we participate in contests and challenges – all along wishing and hoping and praying that the steps we take will lead to success.
Today I’m celebrating the life of a member of our kid lit community who took all of those steps and realized her dream. BIG DREAMS, SMALL FISH, her debut picture book as an author/illustrator, launched on March 1st. But sadly, Paula Cohen Martin passed away a few days before that. Here is the video she posted on Facebook when her box of author copies arrived a couple of weeks ago.
To honor her dedication to her craft, her positivity in the face of challenges, and her kindness and compassion to those she touched, I’ve added a new prize – The Paula Cohen Martin Big Dreams Mentorship. Paula knew all about Making Magic Happen by Making Every Word Count.
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. And that’s why I started this contest. I thought, wouldn’t that be a great challenge…to write a story for kids with only 50 words or less? With a beginning, a middle, and an end. I wondered if I could do it. Here’s the 49-word story I wrote as an example for the 2018 #50PreciousWords Contest.
WHY THE STARS TWINKLE (49 words) by Vivian Kirkfield
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.
I hope you have fun with this…as Jane Yolen tells us, in everything you do, Find Joy. It’s true that some might wonder how we can continue on when the world is in such a sad state. But I truly believe that we need to keep creating positivity – we need to keep sharing kindness – and no matter what, we cannot stop writing books that might educate, entertain, and most importantly, inspire young readers to make the world a better place.
GUIDELINES FOR #50PRECIOUSWORDS
- Write a story appropriate for kids ages 12 or under, that has a total word count of 50 words or less.
- It can be prose, rhyme, free verse, fiction or nonfiction, silly or serious…whatever works for you – but it needs to be a story, with a beginning, a middle, and an end.
- Title is not included in the word count. No illustration notes please.
- The contest officially opens today, Friday, March 4th and this is the correct blog post: #50PreciousWords 2022 OFFICIAL CONTEST POST
- Between March 4 and March 6, post your story in the comments of this #50PreciousWords 2022 OFFICIAL CONTEST 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. But please make sure you put your entry in the comments of this OFFICIAL CONTEST POST, even if you are posting it on your blog.
- Please make sure you put your name in the post so that I know who wrote it.
- Only ONE entry per person, please. And if you have a child who wants to write their own story alongside you, please hold their stories for the writing challenge I host in May for kids.
- I hope you will support the literacy initiative I’ve created in partnership with my local independent bookstore, The Bookery, in Manchester, New Hampshire. I’m asking each writer who posts an entry to purchase a children’s book.
All books will be donated to McDonough Elementary, Merrimack Middle, and Memorial High School – whether you purchase a board book, a picture book, a chapter book, middle grade or YA novel, there will be a happy school librarian to accept it. 😊
The link to the bookstore is here: shopbookerymht.com. Check off ‘pick up in store’ – the store will hold the books until the contest is over and they will deliver to the schools in Manchester and I’ll deliver to the school in Merrimack.
For those of you don’t like to purchase things online, here is the bookstore’s phone number: 603-836-6600.
If you aren’t able to purchase a book, I still very much want you to participate and post your story! - Deadline for posting the story in the comments is Sunday, March 6th, at 11:59pm.
- Winners will be announced on the first day of Spring, Saturday, March 20.
- First place winner will choose first. Second place winner goes next and can choose from the remaining prizes. And so on. There are critiques and above the slush-pile submissions with EDITORS and AGENTS and critiques and Zoom coaching sessions from PUBLISHED AUTHORS, seats in WRITING CLASSES, SIGNED PICTURE BOOKS, the new Paula Cohen Martin Big Dreams Mentorship…and thanks to the generosity of Highlights director George Brown, a 3-Day Personal Retreat at Highlights Foundation in Pennsylvania…and more. The book prizes are limited to USA addresses, please.
HERE IS THE LIST OF PRIZES – They are arranged somewhat haphazardly – Editors and Agents are mostly in the first group, seats in picture book writing classes in the second group, and author critiques and signed copies of picture books in the third group, but as more prizes come in, I just add them wherever I can. And just because something is Prize A or Prize 1 or 2 doesn’t mean it’s the best prize…if you are one of the 50+ winners, the best prize is the prize that is best for you.
Prize A: A 3-Day personal retreat at the Highlights Foundation. It is a $500 value and includes three nights lodging plus meals (based on availability).
The Highlights Foundation offers personal retreat opportunities for our community at our campus in northeastern Pennsylvania, The Barn at Boyds Mills.
On your personal retreat, time is yours to focus on your work, be in nature, and spend as you please. No structure. No schedule (unless you make one). You can come as an individual, or in groups (friends, critique groups, writing partners, interest groups, and more).
PRIZE B: An Above the Slush-pile Submission with Little Press editor Michele McAvoy. (They are currently closed to submission – so this is a fabulous opportunity!)
The Little Press is a traditional publisher bringing new talent and new voices to children’s literature.
Our books offer windows, mirrors, doors, escape hatches, trampolines & bungee cords because life, even for the young, is full of twists & turns.
For more info and their catalogue: https://littlepresspublishing.com/about-us
PRIZE C: Developmental Editorial Notes on 1st 30 pages of a YA or MG from Storm Literary Associate Agent Michelle Hauck.
Michelle Hauck is an associate literary agent for Storm Literary Agency. Michelle is currently accepting young adult, middle grade, and select adult genres. She has a particular love of science fiction and fantasy as well as cozy mystery, and is not the best fit for romance, though she does love a romance sub-plot. Please check out her full wishlist and submission directions at Storm Literary Agency.
She likes positive, upbeat characters, quirky humor (or really any humor) and is always excited to see stories with diverse underrepresented voices (including and not limited to LGBTQA+, neurodiversity, BPOC, Latinx, Indigenous People, and disability). Other traits she likes in a story are: Characters with lots of backstory that is revealed slowly, villains with complex motivations and layers, and stories set on secondary worlds or settings that are other than American or European.
PRIZE D: An Intensive Rhyme and Meter Self-Study Course from Master Lyrical Lady, Renee LaTulippe.
Renee LaTulippe is an amazing mentor to the kid lit community. I took Renee’s regular Lyrical Language Lab course back in 2014 and it totally helped me become a better writer. This self-study class is perfect for those who like to pace themselves – lyrical writing is necessary in both prose and rhy’re me writing. And if you don’t win this awesome prize, make sure you check out Renee’s many free resources on her wonderful website: https://www.reneelatulippe.com/
PRIZE E: THE PAULA COHEN MARTIN BIG DREAMS MENTORSHIP – A month-long mentorship with Vivian Kirkfield for a writer who is pre-published and not yet agented. Need to bring a beloved manuscript to the next level? Want help with a query/cover letter? Have questions about the path to publication? In celebration of Paula’s life and the success she achieved in this business while holding on to her sense of humility and humor, we are going to follow her path and do the work, together.
Many of you knew Paula, but for those who didn’t, I’m sharing the bio and story behind the story that she shared with me for a blog post in January:
“I’ve been an editorial illustrator for years, and writing children’s stories was my “hobby.” About 6 years ago I decided to learn more about writing for children. I took classes and webinars, joined SCBWI and Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 challenge. During that time, my mother passed away and I regretted that I’d never asked her about her childhood, much of which was spent in her family’s grocery store. When an opportunity to apply for a weeklong workshop at PJ Library Publishing came up, I realized that I had the chance to create the story of little Shirley, who worked in her family’s tiny store in an immigrant neighborhood in upstate NY.
Just a month after “workshopping” my story in June of 2019, I met Christy Ewers from the CAT Agency at an SCBWI conference. She liked my work and we stayed in touch throughout the year. In the meantime, I did some illustration work, including Honey on the Page (NYU Press), an anthology of translated Yiddish stories written for children. When I’d completed the dummy of Big Dreams, I sent it to Christy. I fully expected to have to send it to 50 other agents, but Surprise! She loved it, and offered to send it to Arthur Levine at Levine Querido. I waited for his polite No, but Surprise! He loved it. When I sent yet another story to Christy she offered me full representation and, of course, I agreed. I couldn’t wish for a better Agent or a better first Editor!“
PRIZE F: A Fabulous Package of Books and Book Swag from North/South Publishers.
For more than 30 years, NorthSouth Books has published a wide range of high-quality picture books. They began in 1989 as an English-language imprint of the Swiss-based NordSüd Verlag. Since then, NorthSouth Books has released about 30 books a year, with titles that span the globe. From Japan to France, from Germany to the US, we are a truly international publisher. Regardless of their origin, a NorthSouth picture book brings with it a love of detail and originality. Find out more here. And NorthSouth is also donating books and swag to the #50PreciousWords literacy initiative. The #50PreciousWords winner who picks this prize will receive: A copy of EINSTEIN, written and illustrated by the award-winning Torben Kuhlmann along with a signed art print from Torben, a copy of RAINBOW FISH TO THE RESCUE by Marcus Prister along with a Rainbow Fish plushie, and a copy of LITTLE POLAR BEAR AND THE REINDEER by Hans de Beer along with a 100% cotton Little Polar Bear bath towel. And a cool drawstring bag to carry books or other treasures. Since I will have to mail this package, the winner will need a U.S. address.
PRIZE G: A One-Year Membership in The New Hampshire Writers Project
The New Hampshire Writers’ Project (NHWP) supports the development of individual writers and encourages an audience for literature in our state. The membership provides a member’s rate on all webinars, workshops, and the 603 conference. There is also access to a members-only resources section on the website that offers discounts on software, PR services, editing and publishing services, book cover design, access to our webinars, archives, and the opportunity to participate and win prizes in exclusive events such as the Three-Minute Fiction Slam, the 603 conference Pitch Party, and the new monthly Writing Prompt Challenge. This is open to anyone – you don’t need to live in New Hampshire:
https://nhwritersproject.org/resources/
- Picture Book Critique with Penguin Random House UK editor COURTNEY FAHY. Courtney was my editor for MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD – she was a joy to work with.
Courtney Fahy is an editor at Penguin Random House UK. Some of Courtney’s picture books at her previous company, Little Bee 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. A PB Critique with my amazing agent, Essie White, Storm Literary partner
There isn’t enough room on this page to detail how amazing my beloved agent, Essie White is. This is an unbelievable opportunity to get your manuscript in front of a stellar agent who is currently closed to submission.
3, A PB Critique with the lovely Helen Wu, editor at YeeHoo Press.
Helen H. Wu is a children’s book author, illustrator, translator and publisher. She is the author of Tofu Takes Time, illustrated by Julie Jarema (Beaming Books, 2022), and Long Goes To Dragon School, illustrated by Mae Besom (Yeehoo Press, 2023). Helen is the associate publisher of Yeehoo Press, an independent children’s book publisher. Being fascinated by the differences and similarities between cultures, Helen loves to share stories that can empower children to understand the world and our connections. Born and raised in Hefei, China, Helen moved to the US in her 20s. Currently, she resides in San Diego, California, with her family and two kids. Learn more about Helen at helenhwu.com and follow her on Twitter at @HelenHWu and on Instagram at @HelenHWu.
Yeehoo Press is dedicated to publishing fun, enchanting, and socially responsible children’s books for audiences around the world. Yeehoo Press has offices in Los Angeles and San Diego, California, and Shanghai in China. Yeehoo books are currently being published and sold in English and Simplified Chinese editions.
4. 20-minute Zoom Chat with James McGowan, agent at Bookends Literary
James McGowan is a book person. He works with books as an Associate Agent at BookEnds Literary Agency. He reads books for fun. And he writes picture books. Good Night, Oppy! is his debut. While he’s not an astronaut, James wears tons of NASA shirts, and has always been interested in outer space.
5. Picture Book Critique from Thalia Leaf, Associate Editor at Calkins Creek/Astra (Thalia is the editor for my newest book that we just sold!)
Calkins Creek Books introduces children to the many people, places, and events that shaped our country’s history. Our picture books, chapter books, and novels—nonfiction and historical fiction for ages seven and up—combine original and extensive research with creative, energetic writing. History is key at Calkins Creek—front and center. Our authors transport their readers back in time to recognizable places with living and breathing people.
6. A PB Manuscript Critique or Above the Slushpile Submission from Kaitlyn Sanchez, Literary Agent at Context Agency
Kaitlyn loves helping authors and illustrators bring their beautiful books into the world. She’s the proud creator and co-host of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest and also co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest and Kidlit Zombie Week.
Kaitlyn’s Manuscript Wish List
7. Critique of PB or CB or 1st 50 pages of MG or YA (with detailed 3 page synopsis and query letter) from Heather Cashman – Associate Agent and Agent Mentor at Storm Literary
Surrounded by books from her earliest memories, Heather reads picture books, biographies and select nonfiction, poetry, and all genres of fiction. While she devours any book that tells a good story and introduces a new world, she especially loves the ones that make her want to be the heroine of her own life. She was a professional editor for Cornerstones Literary Consultancy, helped authors by working as Managing Director of Pitch Wars, and interned for three years at The Bent Agency. She’s now an Associate Literary Agent and Agent Mentor with Storm Literary Agency. You can find her latest deal announcements on her website, but many more have yet to be announced.
Storm Literary Agency520-850-5043 heather.stormliteraryagency@gmail.comWay-Word Writer | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
8. A Picture Book Critique with Lisa Amstutz – Associate Agent with Storm Literary
Lisa Amstutz fell in love with reading at an early age, devouring stacks of books from the library each week. While she never stopped reading, she earned degrees in Biology and Environmental Science and worked as a lab technician, outdoor educator, and small-scale farmer before returning to her first love: books.
With sixteen years of experience as an author and freelance editor, Lisa comes to Storm Literary Agency as an Associate Literary Agent. She has written more than 140 books for the educational and trade markets as well as numerous magazine and newspaper articles. As an editor and mentor, she worked with writers to shape and polish their manuscripts, many of which went on to land agents or book contracts. She also edited materials for several publishing companies.
9. 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/
What can I say about Susanna? Her class was the first picture book writing course I took – and it provided an amazing foundation for me. She is a mentor to all, providing challenges and contests to keep us motivated and inspired!
10. Your choice of one single 12×12 webinar from author, mentor, and fearless 12×12 leader Julie Hedlund.
Julie Hedlund is the founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, which boasts more than 1,200 members. She is a co-founder of Picture Book Summit, an annual online conference celebrating its 6th anniversary in 2020, and the co-creator (with Emma Walton Hamilton) of The Complete Picture Book Submissions System.
Julie is a sought-after speaker at writing industry events, schools and libraries, bookstores, and book festivals.
When she is not writing, you can find Julie on the hiking trails in and around Boulder, enjoying a cup of English Breakfast on her patio, or working on her latest jigsaw puzzle, perhaps accompanied by one of her two teenage children and/or her high-maintenance hound dog, Rocky.
Julie is represented by Erzsi Deak of Hen & Ink Literary Studio.
11. A Set of Webinars on the Craft of Writing from Author, Critique Maven and Editor ALAYNE CHRISTIAN.
Alayne Kay Christian is an award-winning children’s book author, and 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.
https://alaynekaychristianauthor.com/
Art of Arc http://www.alaynekaychristian.com/contact.html
Webinars https://alaynekaychristianauthor.com/webinars
12. Seat in Master Class in Picture Book Writing from author Karla Valenti
Karla was born and grew up in Mexico City. Since then, she has had the great privilege and opportunity to live in a number of places: the U.S., Japan, France, and most recently Germany. She currently lives in the Chicagoland area where she keeps herself busy with lots of words and big ideas (both in her job as a lawyer and author).
Her writerly self focuses on picture books and middle grade novels. She also offers a Master Course on Picture Book Writing and Editing and Picture Book critique services.
She is rep’ed by the inimitable Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency.
Find her on Facebook or Twitter
13. A 30-minute phone or video call to ask anything about publishing or editing with Independent YA & Children’s Book Editor Julie Scheina
Julie Scheina is a former senior editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers with over fifteen years of experience editing acclaimed and bestselling books for children and young adults. Julia has edited more than 200 titles across a variety of genres, from picture books and poetry collections to middle grade and young adult novels. Please visit www.juliescheina.com to learn more about Julie’s work. Julie also recently launched a free resource for writers, www.youreditorfriend.com, a series of weekly letters filled with writing guidance, revision advice, and encouragement.
14. Promotional opportunity – video interview with Mel Rosenberg, host of the Children’s Literature Channel of the New Books Network and co-creator of OurBoox.
Mel Rosenberg hosts the Children’s Literature Channel of the New Books Network. Following a career in science, Mel currently promotes writing worldwide via www.ourboox.com and www.itsyboox.com, free websites which he co-founded. The three animations which he recently wrote for TED-Ed have been viewed over nine million times (1, 2, 3). His own writing for children focuses on acceptance and the challenges of dealing with the unexpected.
15. Author Career Consult via Zoom with author Susan Kusel and an autographed copy of THE PASSOVER GUEST, winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award.
Susan Kusel is an author, synagogue library director, an independent bookstore buyer, and children’s book consultant. She has served on multiple book award committees including the Caldecott Medal and as the chair of the Sydney Taylor Book Award. Her debut picture book, The Passover Guest was illustrated by Sean Rubin, published by Neal Porter Books/Holiday House and won the Sydney Taylor Book Award.
Want to know more about children’s book publishing? This mentor session with children’s book expert, librarian, bookseller, book buyer and consultant Susan Kusel will help guide you on your path to publication and figure out the next steps in your journey.
16. Rhyming PB Critique from author Lori Degman
Lori Degman is the author of the award-winning picture books, 1 Zany Zoo (illus. by Colin Jack) – 2010 Winner of the Cheerios New Author Contest agbnd 2013 Illinois Reads featured title; Cock-a-Doodle Oops!(illus. by Deborah Zemke) – 2014 International Literacy Association Honor Book, and Just Read (illus. by Victoria Tentler-Krylov) – 2020/21 Illinois Reads featured title. Other titles include Norbert’s Big Dream (illus. by Marco Bucci), Like a Girl (illus. by Mara Penny, and Travel Guide For Monsters (illus. by Dave Szalay). Lori enjoys helping fellow rhymers by doing critiques and mentoring. Visit her at www.Loridegman.com.
17. PB Critique or Dummy Critique Plus Signed Copies of The Amazing True Stories of Pepito The Squirrel & More Amazing True Stories of Pepito The Squirrel from author/illustrator Federico Erebia.
Federico Erebia is an author-illustrator, artist and woodworker. His works have been featured in various magazines [including Boston Spirit Magazine, Boston Globe Magazine], newspapers [including The Boston Globe, Boston Home], television [Greater Boston] and radio [NPR-Boston]. The Pepito The Squirrel books have received critical recommendations from Kirkus, Booklife, and other editorial reviewers. His debut YA novel is schedule for publication in Spring 2023 by Levine Querido.Website: https://FJEbooks.comAmazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B08NLCYPM6https://twitter.com/FedericoErebia
18. PB Critique from award-winning author Lindsay Leslie.
A diary keeper, a journalism major, a public relations executive, now a children’s author—Lindsay Leslie has always operated in a world of written words. She likes to bring her unique outlook on life, quirky humor, and play with words to the page in picture books. Lindsay is the award-winning author of THIS BOOK IS SPINELESS, NOVA THE STAR EATER, DUSK EXPLORERS (an SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner, Bank Street Best Book of 2021 with Outstanding Merit, and Amazon Editors’ Pick), and SO YOU WANT TO BUILD A LIBRARY. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, two kiddos, two fur-beasts, and a guinea pig.
19. PB Critique from author Keila V. Dawson
Keila V. Dawson worked as a community organizer, teacher, school administrator, educational consultant, and advocate for children with special needs before becoming a children’s book author. She is coeditor of NO VOICE TOO SMALL: FOURTEEN YOUNG AMERICANS MAKING HISTORY (Charlesbridge, 2020), and the forthcoming NO WORLD TOO BIG: YOUNG PEOPLE FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE (Charlesbridge, 2023) with Lindsay Metcalf and Jeanette Bradley, illustrated by Bradley. She is the author of THE KING CAKE BABY, illustrated by Vernon Smith (Pelican Pub, 2015), OPENING THE ROAD: VICTOR HUGO GREEN and HIS GREEN BOOK, illustrated by Alleanna Harris (Beaming Books, 2021), and the forthcoming YUMBO GUMBO, illustrated by Katie Crumpton (Charlesbridge, 2023). A New Orleans native, Dawson has also lived and worked in states across the U.S., and in the Philippines, Japan, and Egypt. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.
When Dawson isn’t reading, writing, and visiting schools, she’s traveling, playing tennis, or digging in genealogical archives. Find more about her from her website and or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.a
20. Non-Rhyming Picture Book Critique from author Melissa Stoller
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
21. A signed copy of ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON from author Laura Roettiger
Laura 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, as a mentor for new teachers at a STEM school, and as a tutor in the adult literacy program Boulder Reads. She is a judge for Rate Your Story. Her superpower is encouraging curiosity in children and her students, letting them know she believes in them.
She can be found on Twitter and Instagram @ljrwritenow
Website LauraRoettigerBooks.com which includes a blog with author interviews, giveaways, and photography.
22. Picture Book Critique from author Maria Marshall (Maria is one of my long time critique partners – her thoughtful feedback has helped me take my manuscripts to the next level)
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.
23. Picture Book Critique from author Carol Gordon Ekster.
- Carol Gordon Ekster was a passionate elementary school teacher for thirty-five years. Now retired, Carol is grateful that her writing allows her to continue communicating with children. She is the author of Before I Sleep: I Say Thank You which won 3rd place in the children’s category of the Catholic Press Association Book Awards and was also a finalist for the ACP Excellence in Publishing Awards 2016. Her picture book, You Know What?, came out first in Dutch (Mama, Wist Je Dat?), December 2016 with Clavis Books. The English version released September 2017 and was a CLEL Bell Picture Book Awards Nominee for Talk (2018) and a finalist for the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award in the New England region, 2018. The Korean language edition came out 2019 and Arabic and Chinese editions are in process. A new picture book, Some Daddies, with Beaming Books, comes out May 2022. Trucker Kid, illustrated by Russ Cox comes out spring 2023 with Capstone. When Carol is not in a critique group or at her computer she might be doing yoga or biking. She lives in Andover, Massachusetts with her husband Mark. Find out more at www.carolgordonekster.com
- 24. Picture Book Critique (up to 500 words) OR 20-minute Zoom chat OR Signed book from author Debbie Zapata
Debbie Zapata is the author of UP AND ADAM, her debut picture book published by Kids Can Press and illustrated by Yong Ling Kang. As a child growing up in Austin, Debbie loved the places that brought people together—public parks, community rec centers and the local libraries. She loved writing letters to her international pen pals. Today she is passionate about writing books for children that have heart and humor. Her favorite stories are about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Through her work, Debbie hopes to make children smile, inspire kindness, and to create an inclusive world where all readers can see themselves.
Besides being an author, Debbie is a former international programs specialist. In 2005, she received her Master in Social Work from NYU. Debbie enjoys helping others as a counselor and spending time with her family. She is a member of SCBWI and represented by James McGowan of BookEnds Literary Agency. Visit her at debbiezapata.com.
25. A Copy of A Penny’s Worth from author Kimberly Wilson
- As a full-time writer, Kimberly is an active member of the SCBWI, 12×12, and several critique groups. She is a pun-lover and enjoys mixing humor, heart, and educational details into her writing. Her debut picture book, A PENNY’S WORTH, illustrated by Mark Hoffmann (Page Street Kids, April 5, 2022), is the story of a new penny searching for her place in the world while learning the importance of self-worth. The sequel, A DOLLAR’S GRAND DREAM (Spring 2023), follows a dollar bill as he discovers living large may not be as one-derful as it may seem.
When not writing, Kimberly shares her love for books by volunteering with local literacy nonprofits through their Title I outreach programs. She also enjoys yoga, tennis, and family ping pong parties. Kimberly lives in Charlotte, NC, with her husband and two daughters.
- 26. 30-minute Zoom Chat with author Shannon Stocker
Shannon Stocker is an author and proud word nerd. She lives with her husband, Greg, and her children, Cassidy and Tye, in Louisville, KY, where she molds words into picture books and songs all day. Shannon currently serves as SCBWI social co-director for Louisville, a judge for Rate Your Story, and created the blog series, Pivotal Moments: inHERview, highlighting transitional life stories of female picture book authors. She is also the author of the picture book Can U Save the Day? and the 21st Century Junior Library: Together We Can: Pandemic early reader series.
27. 30-minute Zoom Chat with author Donna Cangelosi.
Donna Cangelosi enjoys writing stories that entertain, enlighten, and inspire kids of all ages. When she is not writing, she works as a child psychologist, helping children deal with feelings that are hard to express with words using play, art, and music. Her debut picture book, MISTER ROGERS’ GIFT OF MUSIC, illustrated by Amanda Moeckel, will be published by Page Street Kids, August, 2022. Donna lives with her family in northern NJ. www.donnacangelosi.com
28. Picture Book Critique with Zoom chat from author Ellen Leventhal. (Ellen is one of my long-time critique buddies – I love her feedback!)
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. Her newest picture book based on the many flood disasters she and her family endured, launches this year, Flood of Kindness. 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
29. Picture Book Critique from award-winning author Tina Cho (Tina is one of my long-time critique partners – her insights are spot on!)
Tina Cho is the author of four picture books– Rice from Heaven: The Secret Mission to Feed North Koreans (Little Bee Books 2018), Korean Celebrations (Tuttle 2019), My Breakfast with Jesus: Worshipping God around the World (Harvest House 2020), and The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story (Kokila/Penguin Random House Aug. 2020). Her lyrical middle grade graphic novel, The Other Side of Tomorrow, debuts from Harper Alley in 2023. After living in South Korea for ten years, Tina, her husband, and two teenagers reside in Iowa where Tina also teaches kindergarten.
Twitter: @TinaMCho
IG: @TinaMCho
website: http://www.tinamcho.com
30. Picture Book Critique or Signed Copies of her newest board books, Wildflowers Grow & Butterflies Soar (which were once entries in #50PreciousWords) from author Amber Hendricks
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 eleven, she was writing and binding her own “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 is the author of Sophie and Little Star, Extraordinary Ordinary Ella, Superheroes Don’t Babysit, and the Little Nature Explorers board book series. She lives in Missouri with her husband and two children.
31.A Copy of a Calkins Creek Nonfiction Picture Book from author Beth Anderson
Beth Anderson, a former English as a Second Language teacher, has always marveled at the power of books. With linguistics and reading degrees, a fascination with language, and a penchant for untold tales, she strives for accidental learning in the midst of a great story. Beth lives in Loveland, Colorado where she laughs, ponders, and questions; and hopes to inspire kids to do the same. She’s the award-winning author of TAD LINCOLN’S RESTLESS WRIGGLE (10/2021), “SMELLY” KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES, LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT, and AN INCONVENIENT ALPHABET. Beth has more historical gems on the way.
@Bandersonwriter (Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram)
https://www.facebook.com/beth.anderson.3367174
32. A Signed Copy of DINO PAJAMA PARTY from award-winning author Laurie Wallmark
Award-winning author Laurie Wallmark writes picture book biographies of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) as well as fiction. Her books have earned five starred trade reviews, been chosen as Junior Library Guild Selections, and received awards such as Outstanding Science Trade Book, Best STEM Book, Cook Prize Honor Book, Crystal Kite Award, Mathical Honor Book, and Parents’ Choice Gold Medal. Her titles include ADA BYRON LOVELACE AND THE THINKING MACHINE, GRACE HOPPER: QUEEN OF COMPUTER CODE, HEDY LAMARR’S DOUBLE LIFE, NUMBERS IN MOTION, CODE BREAKER, SPY HUNTER, and her debut fiction picture book, DINO PAJAMA PARTY. Laurie has an MFA in Writing from VCFA and is a former software engineer and computer science professor.
Website: https://www.lauriewallmark.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauriewallmarkauthor/
Twitter: @lauriewallmark
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lauriewallmark/
33. Picture Book Critique or a signed copy of one of her books from award-winning author Nancy Churnin
A 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
34. Picture Book Critique (fiction) from author Lisa Katzenberger.
Lisa Katzenberger is the author of IT WILL BE OK: A STORY OF EMPATHY, KINDNESS, AND FRIENDSHIP (Sourcebooks 2021) and NATIONAL REGULAR AVERAGE ORDINARY DAY (Penguin Workshop 2020). She is an instructor at The Writing Barn, a mom to eleven-year-old twins, and serves on the Board of Trustees of her public library in suburban Chicago. She is represented by Wendi Gu at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.
35. A Signed Copy of Pigs Dancing Jigs from author Maxine Schur
Maxine Rose Schur is an award-winning children’s book author and travel journalist. She was the Baker-Nord Guest Lecturer on Writing for Children in the Humanities at Case Western Reserve University and teaches children’s book writing at the San Francisco Writing Salon.
Maxine has written children’s fiction and non-fiction for numerous trade publishers and for educational publishers including Houghton-Mifflin, Heinemann, Addison-Wesley, National Geographic Kids. She has also written imaginative children’s content for the BBC television program, Playschool and the Children’s Television Workshop. He upcoming book is Child of the Sea illustrated by Milanka Reardon (Child of the Sea)
Learn more about Maxine and her books at www.maxineroseschur.com.
36. Rhyming Picture Book Critique from author Gayle Krouse.
https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Twisted-Gayle-Krause/dp/1950169049
An SCBWI PAL member and Master Educationalist, Gayle writes PB, MG and YA novels. Her picture book, Rock Star Santa was performed as a play in Australia and presented at Storytime in Montserrat, West Indies with a real “Rock Star Santa” from The Climax Blues Band – Peter Filleul. (www.gayleckrause.com) Daddy, Can You See the Moon? (Clear Fork/SPORK) shares royalties with Our Military Kids, and her YA novel, RATGIRL: Song of the Viper, a retelling of the Pied Piper set in a dystopian future (Noble Young Adult) was nominated for the International Reading Award and the Horn Book/Boston Globe Award. Connect with Gayle on Facebook and Twitter.
37. Picture Book Critique from Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Award-winning author Rita Lorraine Hubbard is a retired special education teacher of 20 years who now writes for children and middle graders full time. Her books, THE OLDEST STUDENT: HOW MARY WALKER LEARNED TO READ; HAMMERING FOR FREEDOM: THE WILLIAM LEWIS STORY; and AFRICAN AMERICANS OF CHATTANOOGA: A HISTORY OF UNSUNG HEROES, have garnered awards that include the New Voices Award, the East Tennessee Historical Preservation Award, the 2021 Floyd’s Pick Honor Book Award, Amazon Editor’s Pick, and the 2021-2022 Texas Bluebonnet Master List Award. You can find Rita online at: www.ritahubbard.com
- 38. A 20-minute phone consultation for an emerging/unpublished writer to map out a plan of action for their career or to answer writing/publishing business questions from author Rosie J. Pova
Rosie J. Pova is a multi-published, award-winning children’s author and kid lit Writing Coach. Her latest picture book, Sunday Rain, was featured in The New York Times and recommended by Parents magazine. Her upcoming picture book, The School of Failure: A Story About Success will be released in spring 2022 in both China and the USA.
Rosie loves to visit schools and her interactive workshops empower students to unleash their creativity and grow in confidence through reading, writing, and creating.
She has been featured on TV, radio, podcasts, and print media, and also speaks on women’s and moms topics.
Join Rosie’s Facebook group community for supporting unpublished writers, The Unstoppable Writer, or find out more about her work by visiting her website: RosieJPova.com
Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram
39. A Picture Book Critique from author Shirin Shamsi
Shirin was born and raised in the UK. Having lived on three continents, she views herself as a global citizen and now spends her time sharing stories with children of the world. She has raised six children- three human and three feline, and lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband.
Her books include the middle-grade novel, Laila and the Sands of Time (Clear Fork Publishing, 2019)
Her upcoming books include:
ZAHRA’S BLESSING (Barefoot Books, Spring 2022) Illustrator, Manal Mirza
https://bit.ly/3sBMXbi
THE MOON FROM DEHRADUN (Atheneum, Fall 2022) Illustrator, Tarun Lak
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Moon-from-Dehradun/Shirin-Shamsi/9781665906791
www.ShirinShamsi.com
http://www. ShirinsBooks.com
@ShirinsBooks
40. A 30-minute Zoom Chat with author Lynne Marie, owner of Rate Your Story.
Lynne Marie is the author of Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten – art by Anne Kennedy (Scholastic 2011), Hedgehog’s 100th Day of School – art by Lorna Hussey (Scholastic 2017), The Star of the Christmas Play — art by Lorna Hussey (Beaming Books 2018), Moldilocks and the 3 Scares — art by David Rodriguez Lorenzo (Sterling 2019 and Scholastic 2019), Let’s Eat! Mealtime Around the World — art by Parwinder Singh (Beaming Books 2019), The Three Little Pigs and the Rocket Project — art by Wendy Fedan (Mac and Cheese Press, 2022), American Pie (Dancing Flamingo Press Spring 2022), There Was a Blue Whale Who Tangled with Plastic (Dancing Flamingo Press Spring 2023) and more, forthcoming. She’s also the Owner and Administrator of RateYourStory.org and a Travel Agent. She currently lives on a lake in South Florida with her family, a Schipperke named Anakin, where she can be found daydreaming and fracturing fairy tales. Visit her on her website www.LiterallyLynneMarie.com. Lynne Marie is represented by Marisa Cleveland ofwww.theseymouragency.com Follow her on Facebook here and on twitter here.
41. A 30-minute Zoom Chat with author Lynne Marie, owner of Rate Your Story – attention: THERE IS are not seeing double – Lynne Marie has generously offered this prize to two lucky winners.
Lynne Marie is the author of Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten – art by Anne Kennedy (Scholastic 2011), Hedgehog’s 100th Day of School – art by Lorna Hussey (Scholastic 2017), The Star of the Christmas Play — art by Lorna Hussey (Beaming Books 2018), Moldilocks and the 3 Scares — art by David Rodriguez Lorenzo (Sterling 2019 and Scholastic 2019), Let’s Eat! Mealtime Around the World — art by Parwinder Singh (Beaming Books 2019), The Three Little Pigs and the Rocket Project — art by Wendy Fedan (Mac and Cheese Press, 2022), American Pie (Dancing Flamingo Press Spring 2022), There Was a Blue Whale Who Tangled with Plastic (Dancing Flamingo Press Spring 2023) and more, forthcoming. She’s also the Owner and Administrator of RateYourStory.org and a Travel Agent. She currently lives on a lake in South Florida with her family, a Schipperke named Anakin, where she can be found daydreaming and fracturing fairy tales. Visit her on her website www.LiterallyLynneMarie.com. Lynne Marie is represented by Marisa Cleveland ofwww.theseymouragency.com Follow her on Facebook here and on twitter here.
42. A PB Critique with award-winning author Carrie Finison (Carrie is one of my long-time critique buddies…her critiques are amazing!)
Carrie Finison writes picture books with humor and heart, including Dozens of Doughnuts (2020), Don’t Hug Doug (2021), and the forthcoming Lulu & Zoey: A Sister Story, and Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School! (2022). She lives in the Boston area with her family. For updates and giveaways, subscribe to her newsletter, check out her website, or follow on Twitter or Instagram.
43. A PB Critique from award-winning author Hannah Holt. (Hannah is also one of my long-time critique partners – her feedback helps me make my manuscripts sing)
Hannah Holt is a children’s author with an engineering degree. Her picture books weave together her love of literature and lifelong learning. They include, The Diamond and the Boy (HarperCollins), A Father’s Love (Penguin), and A History of Underwear with Professor Chicken (Macmillan). She lives in Oregon with her husband, four children, and a very patient cat.
Find out more about Hannah and her books here.
44. A Picture Book Critique with 20-minute phone chat with author Zeena Pliska.
Zeena M. Pliska spends her days immersed in the joy of 5-year-olds. She is a kindergarten teacher by day and a children’s book author by night in Los Angeles, California. A progressive public school educator, she believes that the most important aspect of teaching is listening to children. A social justice activist and organizer for over 30 years, she brings race, class, and gender analysis to everything she does. A lifetime storyteller, she has facilitated stories as a theater director, visual artist, photographer and journalist. Her debut picture book, Hello Little One: A Monarch Butterfly Story from Page Street Kids came out May 12, 2020. Her second picture book Egyptian Lullaby from Roaring Brook Press is due out in 2023. Find out more about Zeena at Teaching Authors – and connect with her at www.zeenamar.comInstagram @zeenamarTwitter @zeenamar1013Facebook zeenamarFacebook Zeena M. Pliska author
45. A PB Critique OR a 20-minute Zoom Chat OR a signed copy of Counting to Bananas from author Carrie Tillotson
Carrie Tillotson is a biostatistician turned children’s book author. Her creative works orbit the intersection of science, creativity, persistence, and play. Through her work, Carrie aims to inspire others to follow their dreams. Her debut picture book, Counting to Bananas: A Mostly Rhyming Fruit Book, arrives on a shelf near you in April 2022. To find out more about Carrie: carrietillotson.com
46. A Fiction or Nonfiction Picture Book Manuscript Critique with author Robyn McGrath.
Robyn McGrath has spent her career working with children as a dance and yoga instructor, reading teacher, school counselor, and now…children’s author. Whether she’s writing fiction or nonfiction, Robyn believes that books help us navigate life experiences while fostering an understanding of self and others. When Robyn is not writing she works as a Play Therapist helping children and parents regulate BIG emotions. Robyn lives in Austin, TX with her husband, two children, a Labrador retriever, and a friendly cat they found camping. You can find her here at- https://www.robynmcgrathwrites.com/
47. A PB Critique (Rhyming or Prose) from author Melanie Ellsworth.
Melanie Ellsworth writes picture books, including HIP, HIP…BERET! (HMH, 2021), CLARINET AND TRUMPET (HMH, 2021), and BATTLE OF THE BOOKS (Little Bee, 2022). She and her family live in Maine, where Melanie writes in an old barn with an old dog as her muse. As a former ESOL teacher and literacy specialist with an M.Ed. in Language and Literacy, Melanie loves all parts of the writing process, from gathering ideas to revising to sharing books with readers! Visit Melanie at www.MelanieEllsworth.com, on Twitter @melanieells, and on Instagram @melaniebellsworth.
48. A Picture Book Manuscript (non-rhyming) Critique and a signed copy of Forever Home from author Cathy Stenquist.
Cathy Stenquist won second place in the 2020 Boston Author’s Club Picture Book Discovery Award for her MS “I Wish I Were” and had the chance to work with Peter H. Reynolds, who called her a “Magical wordsmith.” Herdebut picture book “Forever Home,” a story about two orphaned kittens searching for a place to be loved was recently published. She was delighted to work with her talented daughter @ericaleighart who illustrated it. Cathy is a longtime member of SCBWI, The Writer’s Loft in Hudson, Mass. and Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Challenge. You can find her at: www.cathystenquist.com and on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: @cathystenquist.
49. A Picture Book Manuscript Critique and signed copy of The Penguin Lady from author Carol Cole.
Carol’s father taught her to read when she was only three and she started writing “TV Scripts” at ten. As an adult, Carol had over 30 short stories for adults published in online e-zines and in four anthologies. A retired Physical Therapist in a Virginia School setting; a Special Education teacher told her – “You work with kids; write a book for kids.” So, after joining SCBWI in 2004 and her critique group in 2009; she did just that. “The Penguin Lady” was published by Arbordale Publishing in 2012. In pre-Covid days, Carol did multiple school visits along with a standing invitation for 5 years in a row at a private school.
You can learn more about her and reach out to Carol at:
Website: www.carolacole.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.cole.397
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CarolCole0413
50. A 20-minute Ask the Author Zoom Chat with author Melissa Coffey
Melissa Coffey is the author of FRIDGE-OPOLIS, her debut picture book published by Little Bee Books and illustrated by Josh Cleland. She grew up in Wisconsin toting around an overstuffed book bag and a dog-eared spiral notebook of poetry and stories. Unsurprisingly, her first job was at the public library. After earning a journalism degree from UW-Madison, she moved to Atlanta and called CNN Center home. Melissa was a freelance writer for Fortune 500 companies, CEOs and magazines before pursuing her passion as a children’s author. She now lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two sons—who thankfully inherited her book-loving genes. She is a member of SCBWI and represented by Charlotte Wenger at Prospect Agency.
Fridge-opolis | Book by Melissa Coffey, Josh Cleland | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster (simonandschuster.com)
WOW! What do you think about these amazing prizes? I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of this kid-lit community. Thank you to all the prize donors. And to all those who are participating, please remember that the best gift you can give an author or illustrator is to buy their books, review their books, tell friends about their books, and ask your local library to purchase the books for their collection.
This year, as I mentioned in the guidelines, I’m partnering with my local independent bookstore, The Bookery in Manchester, NH to create a literacy initiative that will put books in the hands of children who need them. I’m asking each participant to purchase a children’s book when they post their entry. Every book will be donated to three local schools in need – an elementary, a middle, and a high school. That way, you can buy whatever type of book you prefer – a board book, picture book, chapter book, middle grade, or YA. You can buy a book written by a friend. If you are a published author, you can buy a copy of your own book and it will become part of one of the school’s libraries. Here is the link to the bookstore shopbookerymht.com, and here is their phone number: 603-836-6600 for people who don’t like to purchase things online. If you are not able to buy a book or you’d rather not, I still want you to join the contest. But even if only 10% buy a book, and we have a turnout like last year, the schools will receive almost 100 books. If everyone bought one last year, we would have donated almost 800 books! When you buy the book, either online or over the phone, please let them know that this is for #50PreciousWords. That way, the bookstore will be able to put it aside in the #50PreciousWords pile. And guess what? There is already one book in the pile. Yesterday I called the store and ordered a copy of Paula Cohen Martin’s BIG DREAMS, SMALL FISH. This is a win-win-win for the independent bookstore, for the schools, and of course, for the students. And also for the authors and illustrators of the books that are purchased.
Dear friends…please put on your thinking caps and sharpen your pencils. And if you know someone who is always saying they are going to write a story, please let them know about this opportunity. If anyone has questions or has trouble posting their entry, please email me. I will be happy to help: viviankirkfield@gmail.com.
MY WONDERFUL JUDGES AND I ARE SO EXCITED TO READ YOUR PRECIOUS WORDS!
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
by Amy Leskowski
50 words
Until further notice,
Mia does NOT eat oatmeal.
Or drink from green cups.
Or sit in chairs.
Until further notice,
Mia likes dinosaurs.
Only dinosaurs.
Actually, only THAT dinosaur.
Until further notice,
Mia does NOT touch carpet.
Or answer questions.
Or wear clothes.
Until further notice,
Mia is having Mia-time.
LikeLiked by 45 people
Love this @Amy!!!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Tara!!
LikeLike
This is wonderful! Children and adults would love this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love this!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!
LikeLike
Thank you!!
LikeLike
Nailed it. Bravo!!!
LikeLike
I love the voice in this, Amy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dena!!!
LikeLike
Oh my gosh! Amy! This is amazing! I love the title. I love the voice…I totally know a child just like this. And I know that kids will see themselves in your story. Great SEL possibilities. Thanks for getting #50PreciousWords off to a fabulous start!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Awww, thanks so much, Vivian! You know I value your feedback so much!! Thank you for these great thoughts and for hosting this amazing contest. I was like, do I really have it in me to try for a 50-word story this year? But it was SO much fun to play with, and I really enjoyed getting to work with lots of CPs this year and see all the brilliance come alive in their entries. What a gift this is to our writing community!!
LikeLiked by 5 people
Love it, @Amy. What a sweet story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jyothi!!
LikeLike
Incredible! Just brilliant! lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such sweet words! Thank you, Ingrid!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have two little girls that very much resemble this story! Love it, Amy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kari! This may have been inspired by real-life events in the Leskowski household 😉
LikeLike
First up and setting the bar! Great title! Great refrain! Great ending! I love this, Amy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww thanks, Ebony!! Glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLike
I may be a bit biased, but I LOVE your characters name 🤍!!!! And I love your short story!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I had the same thought 🙂 Thank you! I love yours too!
LikeLike
It’s perfect =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sara!!!
LikeLike
I love Mia’s character!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cynthia!
LikeLike
I need to set up a few until further notices of my own. Great entry!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehehe thank you 🙂 Me too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect Amy 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lauren!!
LikeLike
🤣🤣🤣 I wonder who your muse was… not my small person? We all need a little ke time don’t we?
LikeLiked by 1 person
tehehehehe 😉 So beneficial having these little muses running around.
LikeLike
Brilliant! I think we can all relate to Mia 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes, for sure!
LikeLike
Haha, so much spunk and character in such few words. Mia is hilarious and I love her. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thanks, Debbie!!
LikeLike
Such great voice! I love this one, Amy!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Steph!
LikeLike
I love this Amy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! I’m so glad!
LikeLike
I love it, Amy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Aimee!!
LikeLike
Fantastic voice and a very important message!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Rozana!
LikeLike
Such a wonderful story! Love the refrain. We can relate to this at our house. And I may be a little bias on the name.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! 🙂
LikeLike
Don’t we all need a little Mia-time! Nice work, Amy! I’m glad you entered. This piece shows the exact voice of a child–love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thanks, Becky!! I’m so glad you read it and enjoyed it! Yes to the Mia-time! Bring it on 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so relatable! I love it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! 🙂
LikeLike
Amy captures so much, so joyfully! UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE I’m a fan of Mia-time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Toni!!!
LikeLike
Love this so much, Amy! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Laura!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sweet! Totally a representation of my kids.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kaylen!
LikeLike
Love, love, love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jessica!! 🙂
LikeLike
Brilliant, hilarious…slightly triggering. 🤣 Love this one so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe I get it!! And thank you!
LikeLike
Very sweet! I wanna be more like Mia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!!
LikeLike
Just love this. Great voice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Donna!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Written from experience, I’m sure! Very nice, Amy!
LikeLike
However did you know?? (And thank you!!)
LikeLike
What a joy to read! Congratulations on creating a wonderful story for all to enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!!!
LikeLike
I know this kid! Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 Thank you!!
LikeLike
This is so cute and fabulous! I can see you take this further to flip for a SEL where Mia does try something new. It’s adorable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! Yes, I’d love to find a great way to expand this.
LikeLike
I always love to see what wordy things you’re working on, Amy. 🙂 Super cute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww thank you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Go Mia! Great job, Amy 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tara!!
LikeLike
This is FANTASTIC! Can easily see this turning into a real PB.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Thank you, Carrie!
LikeLike
This sounds exactly like my daughter when she three! Great voice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Judy!! I can certainly relate too.
LikeLike
Love this! I definitely know kids like this. Perfect title!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mel!!
LikeLike
Amy, Great job! Love this! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! I appreciate it!
LikeLike
Love it, Amy! I think I know Mia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bahahaha you just might!
LikeLike
Brilliant, Amy! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, thank you, Becky!!! I appreciate it!!
LikeLike
Joy, I think you posted your story as a reply to mine instead of as its own. I just don’t want it to get lost and not counted. I think it’ll probably still be seen by the judges, but I’m not sure, so I wanted to at least point it out! Cute story, by the way! Glad Benjamin got a new buddy 🙂
LikeLike
Looks like Vivian took care of it!
LikeLike
She sounds like my niece! Great job, Amy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Michelle!!
LikeLike
So cute and relatable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lori!
LikeLike
So relatable, Amy! Love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lisa! Can’t wait to read yours!
LikeLike
Love it, Amy! So good! 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kelly!!!
LikeLike
Haha! I’ve known a Mia. Described perfectly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 Thank you!!!
LikeLike
I love this. The voice is fabulous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Gaynor!
LikeLike
Its amazing. ! Amy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!
LikeLike
So fun to read, I can totally see this child’s expression. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLike
So cute and so relatable! Love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Christina!
LikeLike
Love Mia’s voice – a child we all know (and love)!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!! Indeed!
LikeLike
So fun! Mia knows what she wants!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!
LikeLike
This is delightful, Amy! I love “Actually, only THAT dinosaur.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww thank you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this! I know several children who remind me of Mia! Nice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww thanks!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! Love it, Amy! Sounds just like my little miss 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amy this is wonderful! This is a true picture in words!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! I’m so glad!
LikeLike
You set the bar super high! Great job!
LikeLike
BALLOON AND BOY (50 words)
By Andrew Hacket
Boy was kind, but Balloon longed to fly.
So he slipped through Boy’s grasp.
Didn’t look back.
He soared and explored.
Had adventures galore!
Until…
Thunder and lightning.
Freedom was frightening.
Alone.
Isolated.
Balloon sank, deflated.
Then…
Footsteps.
A gasp.
Boy had come back.
Both filled with love once more.
LikeLiked by 36 people
So much heart in such few words!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this, Andrew! So good! Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jyothi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely! Andrew.
LikeLike
I’m not disappointed, Andrew! You’ve done yourself proud. What a unique slant on a story about a boy and a balloon from the balloon’s POV! I enjoyed the occasional rhyme – and love that the reader can feel the emotions of balloon…and boy. Great tension with your staccato sentences. And a happy ending – ‘filled’ with love. Well done!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Vivian for the kind words! I absolutely love this contest and the way it stretches and encourages my creativity. Thank you for all you do for this community. And happy reading. Everyone’s stories are amazing!
LikeLiked by 3 people
The red balloon in less than 50 words! Lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
ASPEN STAYS AWAKE by Jennifer Brennise
When columbines sleep
Aspen stays awake;
Her leaves taking flight in the breeze.
When bitter wind blows and snowy drifts cover her roots,
Aspen stays awake;
Her bark making sugar from sunlight.
When warm afternoons melt snow into trickling streams,
Aspen stays awake;
Buds blooming,
As meadows of columbines wake.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is lovely! As a native of Colorado I find it especially beautiful. Did you mean to post it in the general chat so others can see and comment on it too?
LikeLike
Hi Jennifer,
You’ll find your entry at #674, I believe. You had originally placed it in the comments of Andrew’s entry, but I didn’t want to eliminate this one because there was a nice comment on it. It’s a lovely look at the life-cycle of an aspen tree. I lived in Colorado for 18 years and loved those aspens!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As always, your words pack a punch! I love your writing so much. One of my favorite writers in this community! Love how fresh this idea is, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Andrew! Such lyricism and this POV!!! I love this!! Made me feel all the feels.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So lovely, Andrew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the feeling of wonder and the range of emotions.. I love the building of tension and the ending.. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is beautiful Andrew. I love the last line 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful! 🎈
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the unconditional love of the boy! Great entry!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my gosh, this almost had me in tears! LOVE this, Andrew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such vivid imagery here, illuminated by your beautiful words. Your use of assonance and meter is so good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great story! I love that it is written from the boy’s point of view.
LikeLike
Oops! I meant the balloon’s POV!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful story, beautifully written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this sweet story. So much heart in your words!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it! Many emotions and lots of imagery in 50 words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love what you did with this, Andrew! Beautiful story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This story filled me with joy. Thanks for bringing me happiness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely! I love the reunion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the sweet ending in this. 🙂 Sweet story, Andrew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much emotion packed into 50 words!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this so much!!!!! 😍💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, Andrew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely, Andrew. You captured all the emotions!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you used the balloons point of view! Wonderful story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a sweet story, Andrew! I love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Andrew, well done! I especially like the ending! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Andrew, this is great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Thunder and lightning.
Freedom was frightening.” ❤ ❤
I absolutely loved this! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this, Andrew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
lovely language Andrew
LikeLiked by 1 person
The imagery in this story keeps returning to me throughout the day. The didn’t look back line. Knife to the heart. So beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely done! I love Thunder and Lightening. Freedom was Frightening. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heartfelt and lovely- nicely done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sweet story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is full of emotion! Sweet story! Love the point of view!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve done an amazing job at telling such a beautiful story about a boy and a balloon – and from the balloon’s POV! Love it! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely! Love how you manage to capture the balloon’s POV! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice work, Andrew.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh goodness, another great entry! I loved the imagery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this, it’s beautiful!!
LikeLike
The Giraffes of Longicharo Island
By Han O’Reilly
WC 47
Waters rising.
Island sinking.
Nine giraffes
stranded.
Quickly,
rangers bringing
food delivery.
Hungry.
Huddling.
Land is shrinking.
Waters rising.
Rangers building.
Bigger,
biggest
raft for moving.
Waters rising.
Raft is floating!
One by one,
giraffes are boarding.
Sailing,
sailing,
shore to shore.
Safe on land.
Giraffes explore.
LikeLiked by 28 people
Oh wow! This is a masterpiece!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Jyothi!
LikeLike
I remember hearing about this. Great job telling the story in so few words.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
I gather this is from a true event? Amazing!
LikeLike
It is! Such an incredible story: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/last-two-giraffes-rescued-disappearing-island-kenya-180977512/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Han…this is wonderful. Is it nonfiction or based on a true story? It kind of sounds like it might be. You painted the setting so accurately – I could visualize the operation in my mind. Great use of those short phrases and I love the repetition of ‘waters rising’ – which helps provide the tension as we worry – will they make it in time? Nicely done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Vivian! It is NF based on a really remarkable story: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/last-two-giraffes-rescued-disappearing-island-kenya-180977512/
LikeLike
Han! I felt my heart racing to the cadence of your story. Nicely done!!
LikeLike
Thanks Amy!
LikeLike
Sailing giraffes is such fun imagery!
LikeLike
Thanks Kari! It’s based on a true story. The photos of the giraffes sailing are amazing: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/last-two-giraffes-rescued-disappearing-island-kenya-180977512/
LikeLike
I was hanging on every word. I needed this to end well! Amazing job pulling me in!!
LikeLike
Thanks Ebony! It’s a true story so luckily it ended well for everyone 🙂
LikeLike
Yes!!! 🤗
LikeLike
Thank you Kathryn!
LikeLike
This turned out so well Han! You told such a detailed story in LESS than 50 words. I am in awe. Good luck:)
LikeLike
Thank you so much Vashti and for your help getting it there!
LikeLike
I live the rising tension and the rhythm and rhyme to finish.
LikeLike
Thank you Kellie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
💖💖💖💖💖
LikeLike
Thank you Jenny!
LikeLike
LOVE this one, Han!!! What a wonderful story and I can’t wait to see it as a full PB!
LikeLike
Thanks Steph!
LikeLike
Wow! Amazing story arc — you definitely made every word count!! Would love to see this book!
LikeLike
Thanks Melanie!
LikeLike
What a cool story you’ve told here – love that it’s true! Great job working it all in under 50 words!
LikeLike
Thank you Debbie! It’s based on true events: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/last-two-giraffes-rescued-disappearing-island-kenya-180977512/
LikeLike
Wow! This is wonderful!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Pamela!
LikeLike
I adore this! Great tension and language. Yay for saving the giraffes!!
LikeLike
Well done!
LikeLike
Lovely! The tension is ::chef’s kiss::
LikeLike
Wow, love how you captured a real event. Wonderful!
LikeLike
So suspenseful! What a wonderful storyteller you are!
LikeLike
I love this! Great job!
LikeLike
Your imagery and pacing are spot on!
LikeLike
Wow, Han. Well done! Great tension. Good luck! – Rosanna
LikeLike
I had never heard of this event but you described it wonderfully! Love the alliteration and pacing!
LikeLike
Wow! The tension in this is excellent!
LikeLike
This is brilliant ! 🙂
LikeLike
This is fantastic, Han! I can’t believe how much story you packed into so few words!
LikeLike
So interesting! Love this, Han.
LikeLike
This came out great, Han!
LikeLike
Lots of action in such few words. Nice job!
LikeLike
Love that’s it’s a true story! Awesome!
LikeLike
Fantastic! Such movement in such a short story. Well done!
LikeLike
Wow! This is great and I want to know more about these giraffes!
LikeLike
Incredible story! Nice!
LikeLike
Wow, terrific story! Such drama packed into 47 words. I loved it!
LikeLike
Amazing! I leaves me wanting to read more! Nicely done! Good luck!
LikeLike
This story speaks to the animal lover in me. 🙂
LikeLike
I love the repetition of Waters rising!, the rhyme that isn’t so fussy but the rhythm is very tight, and the subject! So much action and a happy ending. Great read!
LikeLike
EGGS-HAUSTED (49 words) by Tara Shiroff
Feeling fried, Eggatha Christie needed a pick-me-up.
Double shot of eggs-presso?
Nope. Still eggs-hausted.
Eggs-ercise?
Not eggs-actly right.
New comedy club?
Eggs-cellent!
She was so eggs-cited!
And just couldn’t hide it!
Inside, the comedi-hen cracked her up. No yoke!
Eggatha left feeling eggs-quisite and back on the sunny side.
LikeLiked by 25 people
It’s hard to get eggs perfect, but you make it look over-easy!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Sara! I’m always glad when people can take a yoke! 🙂
LikeLike
GROAN LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Egg-stremely funny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!! Have an eggs-tra special day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Loved it from the first line. Nice job, Tara! This is so fun. Eggs-actly the type of punny-side-up brilliance I’d eggs-ect out of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re the best and you know I appreciate the compliment! Let’s HATCH a plan to hang out virtually soon!
LikeLike
Eggatha! Love ALL the wordplay!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You had me at ‘Eggatha Christie’ – this is such a clever story filled with eggs-traordinary wordplay! I’m so glad you joined in with these punny precious words, Tara!
LikeLike
Thank you so much for the kind words, Vivian! Egg puns always CRACK me up! This was a BLAST to write and I can’t wait to pick a book from The Bookery. Many thanks for hosting this spectacular event–it was such a great challenge to attempt to craft an entire story in just 50 words.
LikeLike
I’m a sucker for puns!!! I loved reading this!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words!
LikeLike
Oh Tara! Love it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, my dear friend! You know I’m always a practical yolker! 😉
LikeLike
Egg-eeding eggs-pectations. This crackede up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Super punny! Eggs-cited for you! Good luck, Tara!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!! I am off to get myself an eggs-presso right now. 🙂
LikeLike
I love you creative “egg” words and puns. Very creative!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most eggsellent!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eggs-quisite! 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eggs-pertly written, Tara! I loved this story 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol, so much fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eggatha Christie 🙂 LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a pun-lover and you nailed this! Were you scrambling to make the deadline?? 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are TOTALLY my people! Some people can’t take a YOKE! 😉
LikeLike
EGGquisite use of puns! Nice job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh good! I’m so glad you liked it! I was worried you might think it was’t all it was CRACKED up to be!! 😉
LikeLike
Well, the MC and I share a last name so how could I not love it?! Thanks for the laugh. Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Egg-actly what I needed to make me smile! Well done !🥚
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the laughs, Tara! Egg puns are the best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m scrambling to think of an original pun, but all you hard-boiled humorists have used them all up. So I’ll just say, well done with Eggatha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How fun! I think I need to read this one to my hens. 🐓
LikeLiked by 2 people
Maybe one will turn into a comedi-hen? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so cute! A fun read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
HAHAHA! Egg-ceptional, Tara! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love punny stories and think this one is egg-stra fun to read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! It felt eggs-quisite to write! I had a lot of fun trying to CRACK everyone up.
LikeLike
So clever and punny! 😂
LikeLike
Vivian and judges, thanks so much for hosting another fabulous #50 Precious Words Contest!
BONITA BEACH
By Kari Ann Gonzalez
Cora arrived,
ready for sandy feet
and shell collecting!
She raced to the shore for…
Chip bags? Bottle caps?
What’s that…
Diaper? Yuck!
Pinched nose,
she picked up.
Cora crafted, glued and spelled
art from her heart,
then leaned her piece,
‘Stop Trashing!’
next to the sign
at Bonita Beach.
LikeLiked by 19 people
We need all need this story and this message. This is a PB, Kari!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Jyothi!
LikeLike
My son would love this as a PB! A topic deeply engraved in him! Love this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome, so great to have little activists!
LikeLike
Awesome, Kari!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this!!!
LikeLike
I love your use of the question marks…chip bags? bottle caps? We can totally see the entire scene – you put us in the setting with so few words! And what a much-needed message! I love Cora’s can-do attitude…she cleaned up and made a sign so others would pay attention and take better care of the beach. I’m so glad you are participating, Kari…and thank you for the kind words – #50PreciousWords is in its 7th year! Hard to believe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Vivian! So glad to be in this amazing and supportive writing community!
LikeLike
Eww. But great message. Thanks for sharing
LikeLike
Wonderful message! You communicated it in a clever way.
LikeLike
Great message and love the can do attitude. Kids can make a difference!
LikeLike
Stop trashing, indeed. We need this message.
LikeLike
Love the topic and the writing- well done!
LikeLike
Bonita Beach is beautiful. What a great message and example for kids!
LikeLike
LOVE!
LikeLike
Love this! The scene, the details, the message. So beautifully crafted from beginning to end!
LikeLike
Nicely done! The beach is my happy place😊
LikeLike
Such an important message!
LikeLike
Omg its Amazing
LikeLike
Such an important message here that should make everyone stop and think before they take the lazy route and litter. Well done. Ken
LikeLike
I love this! Wonderful story with a great message!
LikeLike
DRUMS TO DUST
By Ebony Lynn Mudd
https://www.ebonylynnmudd.com
Feet drummed down stoop steps like drumsticks on tom-toms.
Knees became canvases clothed in grass and night-sky-colored bruises.
Palms connected generations through hand-clapping songs.
Now…
Tummies house growling monsters.
Ears are invaded by… BOOM!
Childhoods
reduced
to
dust.
Eyes grieve for families forming fences.
Drums cease.
Hearts finish the fight.
LikeLiked by 19 people
You made me cry! Love this! Sob!
LikeLike
Oh, Jyothi 🤎🤎🤎 thank you!
LikeLike
“Ears are invaded by …BOOM!” WOW. Talk about a BOOM to the heart!
LikeLike
Thank you! I’m so glad you connected!
LikeLike
Love how this turned out. Beautiful writing Ebony!
LikeLike
Thank you for letting me borrow your eyes and your mind!
LikeLike
Well you already know I think this is amazing. You really brought it, Ebony!
LikeLike
Amy!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was roped in by every. single. word. Well done, Ebony!
LikeLike
Ahhh Kari, that means SO much to me. A kidlit writer’s dream! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your word choices evoke deep emotion. I love your opening line – you put us right in the moment – BOOM! I grew up on the Lower East Side of NYC…and then lived in Brooklyn…the stoop was a big part of our lives. Thank you so much, Ebony, for your enthusiasm for #50PreciousWords – I loved your Twitter chatter about it! And thank you for this powerful piece!
LikeLike
So powerful and heart-wrenching. Beautiful work, as always.
LikeLike
Such powerful precious words
LikeLike
Wow! Such beautiful writing, evoking such emotions! Stunning work Ebony! ❤
LikeLike
Lovely.
LikeLike
So beautiful, Ebony! Love this story.
LikeLike
Wow, what a shock to the heart. Amazing!
LikeLike
Well done Ebony! WOw-so emotional. Good luck!!
LikeLike
Devastatingly beautiful. You’ve painted such amazing imagery – ‘Knees became canvases’! Love it!
LikeLike
Ebony, you know my thoughts on this story. Wonderful and powerful in every way!
LikeLike
Ebony, this is so beautiful! Your imagery is perfection
LikeLike
Beautiful! Love that tummies line!
LikeLike
Oof! This is powerful. It gave me chills!
LikeLike
Amazing…”hearts finish the fight.” Wow!
LikeLike
You elicit such emotions with this lyrical entry. Very nice!
LikeLike
Such powerful words, Ebony! Love it.
LikeLike
Beautiful writing, so poignant.
LikeLike
So powerful! What a whirlwind of emotions. Nice work, Ebony!
LikeLike
Ebony! Just wow. Beautiful.
LikeLike
Ebony, your words are so powerful! Love this piece! 🙂
LikeLike
Every line of this story is significant, ending with perfection: Hearts finish the fight. Wow!
LikeLike
This is so beautiful, Ebony! Powerful story!
LikeLike
Beautiful story, crushing, amazing how invested I got in the people. Incredible first line!
LikeLike
wow, this has emotional impact.
Excellent work.
LikeLike
So powerfully and beautifully sad!
LikeLike
YOU’RE WONDERFULLY MADE, MIA, THE CLAY!
By: Chantel Murray
Mia longed to become a vase.
But after the Potter turned her into a watering can, she became furious.
“WHY?” Mia demanded.
“You’re wonderfully made,” he said, tilting her.
Mia felt uncertain watering the ground.
But as sprouts became flowers, she was amazed.
“Wow,” she gleamed. “We’re all wonderfully made.”
LikeLiked by 27 people
I challenged myself to turn my 515-word PB manuscript into 50 precious words! Thank you for this opportunity, Vivian!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Wow, that’s so cool! Nicely done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much!!!
LikeLike
I love that you did that, Chantal! That’s definitely making magic happen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a cool challenge – and you did a great job of it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Penelope!!!
LikeLike
That’s impressive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Jessica!!!
LikeLike
I love this! Amazing job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!!!
LikeLike
From the POV of a lump of clay…that’s amazing, Chantal! And now she has a purpose in life. I love it! And I’ll be the longer story is fabulous! I’m so happy you joined in the #50PreciousWords fun!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! I’m so happy I joined, too!
LikeLike
Like Mia, sometimes I get inpatient when life doesn’t give me what I want. But it always gives me what I need.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Absolutely! I’m the same way!!! Mia teaches us all a valuable lesson 🤍!!!
LikeLike
Such a great message. We all have a purpose. Love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! And yes, we all have a purpose!! Mia reminds me every time I work on her story!
LikeLike
I love this Chantel 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so, so much!!!!
LikeLike
I LOVE this. It reminds me of my special needs daughter, and our favorite Bible verse…”You are fearfully and wonderfully made…” Beautiful! ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yessss!!! It’s inspired by that Bible verse as well as Isaiah 45:9!! I’m so happy you liked it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful Chantel! Love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, friend!!! I’m on the hunt to find yours 🤍!!!
LikeLike
This is lovely. I love the way your parable shows how we are all wonderfully made.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!!! 🤍
LikeLike
A beautiful story about self-esteem and loving others! It certainly is a challenge to cut down a full length ms and keep the feeling and gist of things intact, but you did it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you again, Donna!! You are so encouraging and I love that you caught on to the important concepts!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great concept. I love the message.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!!!
LikeLike
Beautiful Chantel! And the Potter has plans for all of us because we are all wonderfully made!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are absolutely right! Hoping I can get my full manuscript out for children as well so they can carry this message, too!!
LikeLike
Sweet! Love the message of this story❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!!!!
LikeLike
Such a cool way to share this message!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!! When I feel a bit down, I reread Mia’s story and I feel hopeful again!!
LikeLike
I have a daughter called Mia who is struggling with purpose….I’m not saying she’s a lump of clay but this story certainly hit deep!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhhhhh, my heart strings!!! Thank you for sharing!!! There is most definitely a purpose for your Mia and she will see it come!! Im believing for it right alongside you! 🤍
LikeLike
This is really lovely. Great message.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much!!!!
LikeLike
This is beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much!!!
LikeLike
Great story, great challenge. We all need to hear that were beautifully made.Way to go !!!very inspirational.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we do!! Thank you so much for your kind words, Steve!! I’m so glad you felt inspired by it!
LikeLike
You did such a great job! I’ll bet the PB is amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful. ❤️
On Sun, Mar 6, 2022 at 6:16 PM VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children wrote:
> jillburns7 commented: “You did such a great job! I’ll bet the PB is > amazing!” >
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much!!! It’s one of my favorite PB stories for sure!! 🤍🤍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Chantel, love the twist and reclaiming the value of uncertainty—the room it leaves for growth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your comment just made my day! I love that you captured those concepts from my story — they’re spot on🤍!!!
LikeLike
LITTLE LEAGUE ERRORS
Ump puts the ball
on the Tee.
I swing,
but hit the Tee.
RUN!
What?
RUN!
I run toward first base.
TOUCH THE BASE!
Can’t breathe.
GO TO SECOND!
Really?
TOUCH THE BASE!
Wheezing.
GO TO THIRD!
Seriously?
TOUCH THE BASE!
Palpitations.
GO TO HOME!
Honestly?
I hit a homer!
FEDERICO EREBIA
LikeLiked by 17 people
This really happened to my younger brother Daniel the first year Tee ball came to our small Ohio town.
LikeLiked by 4 people
That’s so cool that you made a story about something that happened when you were a kid…thank you for the story behind the story, Federico!
LikeLike
You turned a true story into a wonderful picture book. It flows through each part of the event beautifully.
LikeLike
I love a great t-ball story 🙂 Great job!
LikeLike
Thanks Amy!
LikeLike
Oh my gosh…I can just see this happening…and with your short phrasing, you gave us perfect pacing, Federico. I was getting out of breath along with the runner – you really put us right there in the moment. Nicely done – and thanks so much for joining in the #50PreciousWords fun.
LikeLike
Thanks Vivian!
LikeLike
Go Federico, this is a home run!
LikeLike
Love it!
LikeLike
I love this, such a funny story…I was on the edge of my seat! A tribute to your brother!
LikeLike
Federico, I can just this little kid playing T-ball and trying to follow all the adults’ directions! The excitement really shines through!
LikeLike
Love the title and I could really feel the excitement from the child! Great job.
LikeLike
Oh, so neat that it’s a real story! Brought back many memories of watching my little brother at tee ball. Nicely done.
LikeLike
Ha! I’ve been to some t-ball games just like this!
LikeLike
His first home run? Yep, I can relate to this. Well done Federico.
LikeLike
So cute, love it Federico!
LikeLike
You did a great job! So much excitement in so few words!
LikeLike
SENSING THE SEASONS
by Sara Kruger
wc 40
Sprinklers soak
Children squeal
Fireworks dazzle
BBQ wafts
Berries burst
Cardigans cling
Kettles whistle
Leaves parade
Cinnamon steams
Apples crunch
Winds whip
Coats zip
Flakes fall
Fire smokes
Stews soothe
Puddles spray
Robins sing
Daffodils bloom
Grass perfumes
Veggies pop
LikeLiked by 27 people
I love every word in your entry! so much action conveyed in so few words!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
I love all these words!!! This is so great, Sara!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your help with them!!
LikeLike
I felt all the seasons reading through your story!! Great job!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Love all the images and feelings this evokes!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So good Sara 🙂 I could feel the year passing by as I read…
LikeLike
Thank you =)
LikeLike
I’m right there with all of that seasonal fun…you helped us see and smell and hear summer, fall, winter, and spring. Nicely done, Sara! I love: cardigans cling…stews soothe…so many great visuals!
LikeLike
Thank you so much! I truly enjoyed coming up with the best words to convey each sense =)
LikeLike
Beautiful Sara. I feel all the seasons. Perfect word choice.
LikeLike
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
I love the way that you convey the sights and sounds of the seasons Sara 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
💖💖💖💖
LikeLike
I love sensing all of the seasons–especially summer! Well done, Sara!
LikeLike
Thank you–for all your help with it!
LikeLike
I love this! I could FEEL each season!
LikeLike
AWESOME! Success!
LikeLike
Love this, Sarah! You’ve captured the essence of the seasons perfectly!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
This is a beautiful journey through the seasons of the year. It’s full of beautiful images.
LikeLike
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it =)
LikeLike
Perfection!! Such a beautifully crafted story of the seasons.
LikeLike
Thank you–for ALL your help!!
LikeLike
This is wonderful! You captured the seasons perfectly.
LikeLike
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
I love the leaves parade!
LikeLike
Thank you! That is absolutely my favorite part of fall. I lived on the East Coast for a dozen years and I LOVED going tree gazing.
LikeLike
You describe each season so perfectly. Now I’m longing for the daffodils and Robins to make their appearance!
LikeLike
SAME haha Thank you for your kind review =)
LikeLike
Lovely, Sara! Such beautiful descriptions.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
So evocative, every word!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
So much action! Love how you represented every season in just 50 words.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
You managed to give us a sense of all the seasons perfectly in just 40 words!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Love how you have creatively covered all five senses for each season!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
You caught each season perfectly! I could smell it, feel it and taste it. 😊
LikeLike
Yes!! Thank you!!
LikeLike
Sense-sational!!
LikeLike
Love that! Thank you!
LikeLike
Well done! So simple, yet so incredibly vivid.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
You’ve portrayed the seasons in such an orignal way. Wow! Congrats!
LikeLike
thank you so much!
LikeLike
Love all the imagery! Nice!
LikeLike
Gorgeously told, Sara! Such vivid images come to mind from so few words – amazing ❤
LikeLike
I BELONG
By: Jyothi Nookula
47 words
GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM, snarls the man.
Where am I from?
My name is beyond a COUNTRY,
RELIGION,
and RACE.
I am LIGHT,
HOPE,
and LOVE.
I have stars in my eyes,
a wish in my heart.
I am the universe.
I BELONG HERE!
LikeLiked by 24 people
Absolutely beautiful and so important.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ebony!
LikeLike
Beautiful!
LikeLike
Thank you, Jessica!
LikeLike
Powerful, Jyothi!!! What an important message!!
LikeLike
Thank you, Amy.
LikeLike
So powerful, Jyothi! Light, hope and love emanate from this piece!
LikeLike
Thank you, Kari! Means a lot to me!
LikeLike
Gorgeous work, Jyothi!
LikeLike
My name is beyond a Country, Religion and Race…YES! This is the message the world needs to embrace! Thank you for this power piece, Jyothi. So many children come to new places with stars in their eyes and a wish in their hearts…we must make certain that the twinkle doesn’t dim and help them make their wishes come true. Well done!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Beautiful and perfectly timed Jyothi. Every word belongs.
LikeLike
This is such an important message to share. I love the last line 🙂
LikeLike
So beautiful, Jyothi!!
LikeLike
Gorgeous and powerful!
LikeLike
This is beautiful Jyothi! So powerful.
LikeLike
Wow! This is powerful and so beautiful.
LikeLike
Beautiful!
LikeLike
Beautiful and powerful!!!
LikeLike
Powerful! Such important words for kids to embrace…I am LIGHT, HOPE AND LOVE! Well done!
LikeLike
Beautiful! Your story is light, hope and love 🙂
LikeLike
This is wonderful and so important!
LikeLike
Powerful and important message. Well done.
LikeLike
Wow. “I am the universe.” So powerful and such an important message.
LikeLike
Very moving. You really convey everyone’s desire to have hope, be respected, and be loved.
LikeLike
This is beautiful, Jyothi! ❤️
LikeLike
Beautifully done! 💕 This is so powerful!
“My name is beyond a COUNTRY,
RELIGION,
And RACE.”
LikeLike
Beautiful 50 words! I wish everyone could feel the light, hope, and love of your story in their hearts. Well done:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful and powerful! I love this!
LikeLike
Beautifully written and message that everyone must learn. Well done!
LikeLike
AT THE BUS STOP (50 Words)
by Jessica Hope
She asked for a quarter.
I had none to give.
Her face looked sad,
like she lost something,
a lot of somethings.
All I had was the lunch Mom packed me
and my lucky penny.
“You can have these,” I said, biting my lip.
She smiled.
Then, so did I.
LikeLiked by 16 people
Heartwarming!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Wow. My favorite line “a lot of somethings.” So much there. Thank you for sharing your story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Amy!
LikeLike
Same here! Made me tear up.
LikeLike
Thanks
LikeLike
“a lot of somethings” is my favorite line, too! Good luck, Jessica!
LikeLike
What a poignant scene. And “biting my lip”–I’m right there.
LikeLike
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
This needs to be a PB – great job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Stephanie!
LikeLike
Really beautiful!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
What a powerful story in only 50 words. I love your opening lines and your satisfying ending – and in the middle, you packed lots of emotion! Nicely done, Jessica. I’m so glad you joined in with your precious words.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Vivian. Your words and feedback mean a lot. And thank you for hosting this fabulous contest! Its always fun and inspiring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awwww. This is heart-warming. Love it.
LikeLike
Thanks Kellie!
LikeLike
Beautiful 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike
I love this! It touches the heart.
LikeLike
Thank you Pamela!
LikeLike
I love the line…”like she lost something, a lot of somethings.” So poignant and a reminder that we should always be kind. Nice job!
LikeLike
Thank you Judy!
LikeLike
Great message on kindness. This one is really sweet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Truly lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Such a special story of kindness. I agree with everyone else: “a lot of somethings” is perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Sweet emotional story! Nice!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
MILK
By Jessica Hinrichs
45 words
“Mom, where does milk come from?”
“Some milk comes from cows,
and some milk comes from goats,
coconuts or soy,
or sometimes even oats.
Some milk comes from nuts,
like almonds or cashews.
All milk is delish!
Which milk would you choose?”
“That’s easy…
CHOCOLATE!”
LikeLiked by 15 people
haha! I’m that kid!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so fun and so relatable!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Educational and entertaining! I loved chocolate milk also (don’t tell anyone, but I loved the chocolate syrup and didn’t want to mix it up in the milk – I wanted to eat it off the spoon). That was a fun twist at the end, Jessica.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Vivian!
LikeLike
This is a delicious use of 50 words.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Same, kiddo, SAME!! Nice work, Jess!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this! Children learn the science and identify with the last word! So cute!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
I love this! Hope you win a prize.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thank you!!
LikeLike
So fun! Of course, chocolate!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Chocolate! I love this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha! Me too!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, that is my son. Chocolate every time. I’ll take coconut, please. Nice job, Jess!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol, thanks Darla! I prefer coconut or almond too. Regular milk doesn’t agree with me very well 😅
LikeLike
“That’s easy…CHOCOLATE!” Perfect words of a kiddo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Very relatable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe so funny 🙂 great job
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is adorable! A fun read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Adorable. 🙌
On Sun, Mar 6, 2022 at 6:28 PM VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children wrote:
> jillburns7 commented: “This is adorable! A fun read!” >
LikeLiked by 1 person
A Case of the Giggles
by Toni Miller
We were all feeling so sad.
A box arrived.
We opened it and laughed and laughed!
Grandma sent us a case of the giggles!
Next day…
Grandma was feeling lonely.
A letter arrived – special delivery!
She opened it and felt a great warmth.
Grandma smiled.
We sent her…
our love.
LikeLiked by 12 people
I love the idea of an actual case of the giggles! So creative!
LikeLike
Sometimes it helps to be a concrete thinker – or listener! Glad you liked it.
LikeLike
Toni, love this concept! Well done 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Dr. Danna!
LikeLike
What a great exchange…giggles for love. I think there are many grandparents who’ve been separated from family because of Covid – a letter filled with love sounds perfect for them. And the case of giggles is such a great visual. Thank you for sharing your precious words, Toni!
LikeLike
Thanks, Vivian! I think we all could use a letter filled with love…
LikeLike
Aaaah – so lovely that they all received something special in the mail 🙂
LikeLike
There’s still something so precious about snail mail, isn’t there? Maybe it’s the extra time & effort that’s behind it. Glad you liked it, Catherine!
LikeLike
Such a lovely little story with a big amount of heart.
LikeLike
Thank you, Kellie! Glad you liked it ❤
LikeLike
Letters filled with giggles and love. We all like to send and receive those!
LikeLike
You got that right Judy! Thx for commenting.
LikeLike
The last lines got me. Beautiful.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Michelle!
LikeLike
Aww, love this! Sweet. ❤️😊
LikeLike
So glad you liked it, Darla. ❤
LikeLike
Oooh, this one wants to be a picture book. Fabulous title!
LikeLike
When someone known as ‘Picture Book Becky’ tells me that what I wrote should be a picture book – I’m going to listen!
ps: Glad you like the title, also!
LikeLike
A case of the giggles, I love it! Adorable story!
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Jill! Glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, THIS Gram loves to receive love in the mail too!
LikeLike
RED SHOE DAY
By Markie Hayes
WC: 50
There was a spectacular boy who loved his red shoes.
Together, they left imprints.
Then, the world became still.
His red shoes sat unworn.
His heart grew lonely.
And on his birthday, something magical happened…
In windows and doors around town hung red shoes— a celebration of that spectacular boy.
LikeLiked by 12 people
Wow, Markie! This is beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your constant support, Amy!
LikeLike
Wow…I have so many questions, Markie. Why did the world become still? Why did his shoes sit unworn? Why did his heart grow lonely? I love the image of red shoes hanging in the windows and doors of the town…this definitely sounds like a magical story. I’m so glad you joined in the #50PreciousWords fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
For anyone interested in learning more about my son’s journey, his love of red shoes, and how our community came together to celebrate him, I posted the backstory and pics on my blog! https://markiehayes.com/?p=158
LikeLiked by 6 people
I really want to know more about this boy and his shoes. I’m drawn in.
LikeLike
Thank you, Kellie! You can learn more about him here 🙂 https://markiehayes.com/?p=158
LikeLike
I love this story, Markie!! Beautiful ode to your spectacular boy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Steph!
LikeLike
Lovely, Markie. Looking forward to reading the backstory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Melanie! You can read the backstory here, https://markiehayes.com/?p=158.
LikeLike
So glad there was a happy ending and the town celebrated this boy! Lovely story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Judy, it was a really extraordinary thing to experience, especially as a parent. Thank you!
LikeLike
I love this. The ending gave me happy chills.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, friend!
LikeLike
Oh I love it, Markie! Beautiful words! 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kelly! That means a lot!
LikeLike
Markie, love this so much! Next time I’m wearing my red shoes, I’m taking a picture for Lincoln❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
He would LOVE that, Darla!
LikeLike
You had me with your first line. I am intrigued!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words! If you want to read the backstory, you can find it here https://markiehayes.com/?p=158
LikeLike
This is such a sweet story! Thank you for the backstory! What a loving community! Nice!
LikeLike
PEOPLE MAIL THE STRANGEST THINGS (49 words)
By Brittany Pomales
“Mail that? Sure I can,”
said Jebediah the postman.
“Chickenpox in a box.
A swarm of Bees? If you please.
A donkey? Sure, the more the merrier.”
But boy, is this donkey heavier.
I guess the donkey could have walked,
But then…
They wouldn’t call me a mail carrier
LikeLiked by 16 people
I love your story! Great job!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Chantel! 🙂
LikeLike
Hahaha…that’s right, Brittany! So, I guess he has to carry everything. This is very humorous – it could be a picture book about a postman who has to deliver all types of odd things. The more I read it over and over, the more I can see the possibilities here for a pb. Nicely done!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! ☺️
That’s the goal, Vivian! It’s a storystorm idea that came to me in the form of this joke. I figured the joke was the perfect size for #50PreciousWords.
LikeLike
This is such a fun story Brittany. I laughed at the donkey being carried 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! I’m glad to hear you found it funny. It was a challenge to show it in the text without an art note or using the word carry. (I didn’t want to take away from the word carrier at the end.) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is really playful and fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Kellie. Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Ha! So hilarious!! My friend Allison once inflated a beach ball and wrote in marker all over it and mailed it to my roommate, Tiff, and I–not at all in a box. It was the best thing to receive in college hahaha. I had no idea you could mail something like that without a box. Then when Tiff was gone for the next summer, she mailed me a frisbee (inspired by the beach ball) and wrote her letter all over the frisbee. I still have it 20+ years later. Allison is no longer with us, but Tiff and I will never forget the beach ball and our discovery that you can mail more than a box!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It sounds nerdy but there are a lot of fascinating things about the post office! I’m sorry to hear your friend is no longer with us but what a lovely memory and memento to have of her.
LikeLike
haha! so cute! Did Encanto inspire the donkey carrying?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I was inspired by a Storystorm ideas to look up the strangest things that you could mail. Diseases, bees, and livestock were the ones that inspired this entry. Although, I afterwards when looking for pictures of carrying donkeys for my blog I remembered that Louisa carries donkeys in the movie.
LikeLike
Oh my gosh!!! Love this one, Brittany!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll be a lot of mail carriers could tell some interesting stories! Fun story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So funny Brittany! It made me think of MAILING MAY, the story of a little girl who gets put in the mail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so fun! I can picture this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a fun read, Brittany! Kids would love this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! Love this, Brittany!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So fun and silly! I laughed out loud. Nice work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this, Brittany! So fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, funny! That poor mail carrier.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funny ending!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Adorable and funny! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mini Cat Just Wants to Nap
By: Tiffany Kirtley
Mini Cat wants to nap.
Jackson Dog got a new ball.
It squeaks so loud!
Oh, no! It’s stuck!
Mini is glad it’s quiet. Jackson is sad.
Mini helps get Jackson’s ball! Jackson is so happy!
Mini may not get to nap, but it feels good to lend a paw!
LikeLiked by 5 people
I love that even though Mini Cat didn’t get to nap, she has a new friend. I was able to visualize it all in my head. Great storytelling in only 50 words. Good pacing, too. Nicely done, Tiffany.
LikeLike
I agree, great pacing for a 50 word story
LikeLike
I’m glad they ended up friends and Mini helped Jackson. I nice story of kindness amongst animals!
LikeLike
Love that Mini helps Jackson😊
LikeLike
Poor Mini Cat, but she sure is sweet! Fun story!
LikeLike
This feels just like a board book, great job!
LikeLike
This is such a sweet story! Kindness matters!
LikeLike
Sorry if this came through twice, made me log in to WordPress and I needed to reset my password.
Title: My Morning Ritual
I run out the door, down the driveway and see it – ice.
Softly, I touch my boot to the edge.
I squat down to look at the crystals sparkling in the sun.
My breath hangs in the air.
I stand up and – CRACK! It breaks into a million tiny pieces.
LikeLiked by 9 people
Ice is really beautiful…unless you need to walk on it or drive on it. ‘Crystals sparkling in the sun’ – that’s a lovely visual. Thank you for joining #50PreciousWords, but I’m wondering what you name is.
LikeLike
I’m right there with all my senses. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love how you captured the way ice softens and breaks when the sun warms it up! Nice job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I relate to this…you create the perfect picture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
okay… sorry! Steep learning curve for me to post on here I guess, ha. My name I Jenna Daucunas
LikeLike
It’s like you were watching at my house. Lovely imagery.
LikeLike
THE BUBBLE NEEDS A HUG
Kathryn Stowe Powell
50 words
“Porcupine, can I have a hug?”
“Ummm . . . Better not.”
“I neeeed a hug.”
“Bad idea, Bub.”
“It’s only a hug. — sniffle — You’re being prickly.”
“Sigh . . . How ‘bout? . . . Mwah—wwwwwwww……”
“AIR KISS? . . . YES!!!!”
“All good, Bubble?”
“ALL GREAT! I’M BEYOND HAPPY!!! I could just —”
!!POP!!
“Ugh . . . now I need a hug.”
LikeLiked by 11 people
Oh dear…Bubble is getting to close! Perhaps he should have hugged something a bit less sharp. 🙂
This is so funny, Kathryn! So glad you join in the fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vivian, Bubble was so happy, it popped! 😂😂 Thank you for all the heart and soul you put into this event. It’s fun!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love it. It reminds me of one of my favourite stories- Spike: the Hedgehog Who Lost His Prickles by Jeanne Willis &Jarvis.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the humor in your entry. Poor bubble popped anyway. I hope he finally gets a hug!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love porcupines! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so cute! Great story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
PELICANS ON PARADE
By Jessica Stremer
Soaring
Skimming
Climbing
Spotting
Diving
Splashing
Scooping
Gulping
Toxins leaching
Silently building . . .
Courting
Nesting
Shells thinning
Eggs crushing
Numbers dwindling
Pelicans needing
HELP
Researchers observing
Laws changing
Toxin banning
Scientists offering
HOPE
Eggs hatching
Numbers growing . . .
Chicks chirping
Feathers molting
Fledging
Flapping
Lifting
Flying
Species SURVIVING
Pelicans on Parade
LikeLiked by 21 people
You’re the queen of action verbs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
This is so good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it. Fantastic verbs. Such perfect use of every word.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a DREAM. Just a dream. We aren’t worthy!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol, you are too kind. Thank you Ebony!
LikeLike
So beautiful and poignant!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Masterful work! Not sure how you get this how story in there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is lovely, Jessica. I love ‘pelicans needing help’ and ‘scientists offering hope’ – and I love how the words build to a crescendo near the end! There could be some great back matter in this book. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vivian, thank you for your kind words and running this inspirational contest. Can’t wait to develop this further.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is my FAVORITE!!!! I am so madly in love with this story and I need to see it on the shelves now. Good luck!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so great—love how you’re able to give the ups and downs in so few words!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I LOVE your word choices! Beautifully written!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved reading your story, Jessica. This is BEAUTIFUL. Gorgeous. Good luck!!!!! -Rosanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Jessica! This is so strong! Love all these words. You convey so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a full story for only being 50 words! Well done!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love all the action verbs and the hopeful ending! Nice job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an important story, told beautifully! Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, this is really great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! This is so good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this. Your two words help and hope. Gah! Beautiful way to increase the tension of the story and break the rhythm. Only to have it begin again. Lovely, lovely story you have contributed here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that the pelicans survive. Great story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jessica this is amazing. Such great use of words.
LikeLike
Love the verbs! Love the message! Nice!
LikeLike
Such movement. I can hear it. 🙌
On Sun, Mar 6, 2022 at 6:43 PM VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children wrote:
> jillburns7 commented: “Love the verbs! Love the message! Nice!” >
LikeLike
That was really interesting! Loved it!
LikeLike
Nice! Love how the story progresses and the tides turn (so to speak!) Good luck!
LikeLike
HALF-HEARTED
by Emma Pearl
50 words
Art was glum.
A dark cloud hovered over him.
He watched others playing.
‘What’s the point?’ he sighed.
Then Alf arrived,
Art’s special friend,
his smile shining like the sun.
Art’s raincloud was bathed in Alf’s warmth.
A rainbow shimmered between them.
Art smiled, whole again.
Two halves, one heart.
LikeLiked by 8 people
Beautiful!
LikeLike
What a lovely friendship story. And how wonderful that Alf was able to share his positivity with Art. Thank you so much for sharing your precious words with us, Emma.
LikeLike
This is so heartwarming Emma 🙂
LikeLike
Such a lovely sentiment. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
I love the rainbow at the end. Such a symbol for hope! Very nice!
LikeLike
Love this, Emma! So sweet!
LikeLike
Love that his friend could help him feel better. Such a great friendship message.
LikeLike
Two halves, one heart! I love it! Beautiful story!
LikeLike
Such a sweet friendship story.
LikeLike