Hello dear friends and loyal blog followers! I’m grateful to all of you…and so, in the spirit of the season, there will be THREE giveaways today! Giveaway #1: a signed copy of any one of my books. Giveaway #2: a 30-minute Zoom chat with me about anything. Giveaway #3: a picture book critique. There will be three questions randomly scattered through this post…and you can answer them in the comments…let me know in the comments which prize you would prefer.
GIVEAWAY QUESTION #1: WHEN DID I BUY THE OUTFIT I’M WEARING? (Hint: I’ve had it for a long time)
I apologize for my absence and sporadic social media presence. Many of you know I’ve been dealing with vision challenges for a long time. On December 9th, my eye surgery went smoothly and the doctor says everything looks great…although to me, things are still blurry…but he feels that within a few weeks, my vision should sharpen. Meanwhile, I’m able to use the computer since I can increase the font size and also change the background for greater contrast.
Huge thanks to an organization called Future Insight which is active in New Hampshire and provides assistance in the form of in-home mobility and technology training. One of the simplest…and most helpful aids has been my use of Siri on my iPhone. Honestly, I was aware that Siri existed on my iPhone, but I never used it. Picture getting up in the middle of the night and fumbling with your phone to navigate to find out the time…or frantically swiping through apps to find the flashlight icon. And then. on one of the visits from the Future Insight angel, I learned that all I needed to do was press the home button and ask Siri for the time…or to open a particular app. LET THERE BE LIGHT!
And while I’m on the topic of light, today is the first day of winter…the shortest day of the year…the day when there is the least number of hours of light. But in that moment, there is also the promise of possibility…because from that day on, the days lengthen and the hours of light increase! Even as a child, I was struck by that knowledge…and it always gives me hope as I moved forward into the new year.
With the new year approaching, it seems appropriate to look back on 2025. It was a difficult year for many, both here and around the world and my heart goes out to all who struggle with illness, loss, and danger. In those respects, I have been fortunate. Although my younger son was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer a few months ago, he, too, is moving forward with a positive outlook for his future.
Fortunately, for myself, other than the eye issues, my health is excellent and I was able to enjoy several trips…to Costa Rica in February with a dear local friend…and to Austria and Portugal in April with my son. The year began with the launch of my latest NF PB bio, ONE GIRL’S VOICE: How Lucy Stone Helped Change the Law of the Land, which received the California Reading Association Silver Eureka and was a Mighty Girl pick and a Junior Library Guild selection. Huge thanks to my fabulous editor, Carolyn Yoder…and to the incredible illustrator, Rebecca Gibbon. I was able to present at schools in Dunstable and Billerica, MA as well as participate in bookstore events…at the Silver Unicorn in Acton, MA and at G.Willikers in Portsmouth, NH.
Also in March, we held another successful #50PreciousWords, receiving 586 submissions, distributing 65 prizes, and donating over 200 books to the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF). I’ll ever forget the very first contest in 2016 when I thought a few friends would enter…but we had 128 submissions and the winner, Julie Abery from Switzerland, walked away with 1st place, a critique with my amazing agent, Essie White, and who later sold that story which became a board book series! I can’t express how rewarding it is to receive an email from a former #50PreciousWords participant who shares that they now have an agent or a book deal because of that contest.
GIVEAWAY QUESTION #2: WHAT YEAR DID 350PRECIOUSOWRDS START, HOW MANY SUBMISSIONS DID WE HAVE AND WHO PLACED FIRST IN THAT CONTEST?
In October, I was invited to panel at the New Hampshire Book Festival in Concord NH…sharing the stage with several other NH authors, Kari Allen, Sandra Nickel, and Erin Dionne.
In November, I traveled to Denver to attend the NCTE conference (National Council of Teachers of English)…and again presented on a panel for a cohort of fabulous authors: Jolene Gutierrez, Nyasha Williams, Nadia Salomon, and Bianca Schulze. It was so much fun…and I got to meet one of my long-time critique buddies, Tina Cho!
GIVEAWAY QUESTION #3: WHO IS MY FABULOUS EDITOR FOR ONE GIRL’S VOICE AND WHO IS THE INCREDIBLE ILLUSTRATOR FOR THAT BOOK?
November also heralded my receiving the New Hampshire PBS Literary Award for Excellence for PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: Annie Londonderry, the First Woman to Cycle Around the World. I’m grateful to the New Hampshire Writers Project and its director, Masheri Chapelle, who is certainly a beacon of light for New Hampshire writers.
I also submitted a new manuscript to my agent…a story I co-authored with the amazing Hanh Bui. She immediately sent it out on submission.
Which brings me to looking forward into the light of the possibilities of 2026…hoping for positive responses from editors, getting ready to reach out to my fabulous #50PreciousWords judges: Maria Marshall, Diane Tulloch, Pamela Coutney, Shirin Shamsi, Leah Moser, Carmen Castillo Gilbert, Amber Lavoie (fingers crossed they all want to return as judges) and equally incredible prize donors; planning a presentation for World Read Aloud Day on February 4th for a Bronx, NY school; already ticking off a tentative packing list for a trip to Scotland and England in May; and extremely excited for the launch of two brand new books in the Fall: PIPPA’S HANUKKAH HUNT (the sequel to Pippa’s Passover Plate) and FRIENDS COUNT, a board book that will be a PJ Library selection for our littlest story-lovers.
Thank you all again…for your friendship…and for sticking it out till the end of this post. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway…the three questions can be found in the captions of some of the photos.
And please remember that the best gift you can give an author is to buy their book, review their book, tell friends about their book, and ask your local library to purchase copies of their book. Three of these suggestions don’t cost any money…just a few minutes of your time…and they say that Amazon reviews are important – they say that 50 is a magic number and when a book gets more than 50 reviews, it is given precedence in some way on Amazon. I just checked…and ONE GIRL’S VOICE, which came out almost a full year ago, only has 31 reviews, even though it’s a Junior Library Guild selection, a Mighty Girl Pick, and was awarded the Silver Eureka from the California Reading Association – and I just found out that it will be used at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts for student field trips in the coming year. If any of you haven’t reviewed it yet, maybe you can find a few minutes to do so – I’d be grateful!
I’m wishing you all the happiest of seasons…and a New Year filled with light, love, and laughter.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Outfit from college!
2016; Julie Abery
Carolyn Yoder, editor
Rebecca Gibbon, illustrator
Prize: talk or critique
THANK YOU.
Elizabeth Suneby
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I hope your doctor is correct and your eyes improve in the near future. And I hope your son’s treatment goes well. And that you all enjoy a wonderful holiday season together.
My answers:
Q1: I’m not sure if you’re looking for a specific year or a time period but I would say you bought this before you were married and probably wore it on a date with Stuart way back when.
Q2: The first 50 precious words contest was 2016. I took part. There were 128 submissions and Julie Avery won.
Q3: The Editor for ONE GIRL’S VOICE: How Lucy Stone Helped Change the Law of the Land is Carolyn Yoder and the illustrator is Rebecca Gibbon.
If I’m selected I’d love to have a signed book sent to my niece in PA.
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1969
2016
128 Submissions
Julie Abery
Critique
Thank you and Happy Holidays
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Vivian, What a year! So happy that you are finding light and hope for your health, your family, and your writing life. Thank you for all that you do to lift up and support the writing community. Enjoy your holidays!
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1969 – I was in college then too!
2016 128 entries Julie Abery
Carolyn Yoder
Rebecca Gibbon
love a critique, please!
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I have to comment on this one because I would love nothing better than a signed copy of one of your books!
Question
#1 Short plaid skirts were popular in the 1960s (especially with a big pin attached). Then again in the 1990s with grunch and punk, they made a come back in the 2000s…all of which are quite a long time ago (even if it doesn’t feel like it). My guess would probably be the 1990s. Btw, you look terrific in it…very British.
#2 1st contest 2016 with 128 submissions. I think i might have been one of those. If not, for sure the next year.
#3 your editor is Carolyn Yoder and illustrator is Rebecca Gibbon…can i get extra points for your agent’s name, Essie White? 🙂
Vivian, I’m so glad your eye surgery went well. Eyes re a most needed body part.
Here’s to a wonderful New Year and an exciting and adventurous 2026 to all.
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Vivian-
So glad to hear you are finding ways to deal with your vision issues. Thank you for being a bright light in this industry. I’m looking forward to another fun #50 Precious Words.
Answers:
#1 – College, maybe?
#2 – 2016; 128 submissions, Julie Aberry
#3 – Editor – Carolyn Yoder; Illustrator – Rebecca Gibbon
Would love a critique!
Many happy holiday wishes to you!
Rose
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Hi Vivian,
What a fun activity this is! You’re so good at these things.
I couldn’t open up the comment link to leave my answers so I’ve decided to write you directly in the hopes that you receive this one.
To answer your three questions here are my answers:
Your jacket: You bought it for your first job interview OR did you wear it at your college graduation? 😊 2. #50preciouswords contest started in 2016 and you had 128 submissions. You and your contest have certainly come a long way! Congrats! 3. Th editor for ONE GIRL’S VOICE was Carolyn Yoder and your illustrator was Rebecca Gibbons.
And if I were so fortunate as to win this contest, I’d love to receive a PB critique from you. 😊
Thanks for offering this great contest during the shortest day of the year and with the theme of MOVING AHEAD. I’m following this same path.
I thought I would get an agent in 2025 but it didn’t happened. A bit sad for me but I’m still optimistic and will continue to strive toward that goal.
Best wishes and see you at our Zoom meeting in Jan.
Salud y abrazos,
Carmen
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Hi Vivian,
I’m so glad I discovered you and your contest this year. Making the winner’s circle was a huge honor and confidence-booster, so if I win, I’d love a critique from you, or if that’s not available, a 30-minute call would be lovely. Here are my answers:
1: Miniskirts and plaids were popular in the 1980s (thanks in part to JCrew), so that’s my guess!
2: 2016 | 128 submissions | Julie Abery
3: Carolyn Yoder | Rebecca Gibbon
I’m so glad to hear that your surgery went well, so I wish you continued healing and happy holidays!
Thank you,
Susan Corry
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Brilliant!
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Hi Vivian! So happy to hear your vision problems are on the mend! Sending prayers for your son.
#1 I think your cute outfit was very popular in the late ’60’s/early 70’s!
#2 It was 2016 with 128 entries!
#3 Illustrator is Rebecca Gibbon and editor Carolyn Yoder
If I were a lucky winner, I would be thrilled with any of the choices!
Wishing you continued good health and vision❣️
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First, thanks for your generosity in running these giveaways and thanks for writing fascinating books and for supporting so many other authors.
Giveaway Question #1: I have some outfits like that still in my closet. Your outfit could date from the 1980s.
Giveaway Question #2: 50 Precious Words: 2016, 128 entries, Julie Abery
Giveaway Question #3: Editor is Carolyn Yoder and illustrator is Rebecca Gibbon
Prize Choice: I’d love to have a picture book critique from you.
Wishing you Happy Holidays and Happy Reading and Writing in 2026!
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Vivian, I am so happy to hear that your eye surgery went well! Here’s hoping ing you’ll be seeing clearly again soon. What a year you’ve had! You are such an inspiration!
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Vivian, what a year you’ve had! Sending best wishes to you and your son for the days ahead.
Your thoughts on the winter solstice echo my own. I love the fact that the days are once again getting longer. Here’s to moving forward into the light of a new year!
Being chosen a winner in your #50PreciousWords was one of my favorite moments of 2025. It gave me such a thrill and fueled my efforts, and my confidence, going forward. I consider it a great honor to have been chosen out of so many amazing entries.
Now to your fun questions:
#1. I’m guessing the 80’s.
#2. 2016. 218. Julie Abery
#3. Carolyn Yoder. Rebecca Gibbon.
I’d love a signed copy of one of your books.
Enjoy the holidays.
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I’m not going to answer any of your questions, Vivian, even though I know the answers! I’m so glad you’ve had a terrific year despite your blurry vision. So I’m going to wish you Happy Holidays and a healthy and happy new year! Best wishes to your son, as well, as he navigates his own health issues. Sending hugs. I hope that 2026 becomes the year that I meet you in person. xo
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Hello Vivian,
Thank you for being such a beautiful light and inspiration to the kid lit world! I’m glad to hear your vision appears to be on the mend.
Now for your questions~
#1) Considering that the plaid pattern of your adorable skirt looks very similar to a favorite pair of bell-bottom pants I owned many moons ago 😉, I’m going to guess sometime in the early 70’s. Whether I’m right or wrong, it’s still a cute and classy outfit!
#2) 2016, 128, and Julie Abery. Thank you for dedicating so much time and hard work to your contest.
#3) Carolyn Yoder-editor; Rebecca Gibbon-illustrator. An amazing story!
If I were fortunate enough to win one of the give-away prizes, I would choose a critique from you.
Warm Regards,
Pam Adams
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Happy holidays, Vivian!
I couldn’t find the definite answer to your first question other than “a long time.” It’s a classic outfit and you look fabulous in it!
Question 2: 2016, 128 submissions, with Julie Abery taking first place.
Question 3: Carolyn Yoder, editor and Rebecca Gibbon, illustrator.
I’m happy to hear your vision is improving. I hope it continues to sharpen during 2026 and that your son beats cancer!
I would love to win a critique from you. 😉
Hugs,
Stefanie Raszler
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I know the answers! But I have all your books, so I’ll opt out of the contest. BUT, my big win was getting to spend so much time with you at NCTE. Glad all the surgery went well. Big hugs!
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I loved reading your blog post, Vivian. Congratulations on past and upcoming achievements, and on fitting into a great old outfit! Wishing all the best for you and your family!
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Good to hear you are on the mend, Vivian. I wish you all the best as you recover. You are such a light to the kidlit community!
2. 2016, 128 submissions and Julie Abery from Switzerland for 1st place
3. Carolyn Yoder, editor and Rebecca Gibbon, illustrator
Thanks for the fun contest! I’d appreciate a PB critique.
Happy New Year!
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Vivian, it is a joy to see this post and I know the answers to all three of the questions but I feel like I should leave the prizes for someone else! Answers two and three are fairly easy to determine but the answer to question one takes a little more guess work but I remember when you shared about it before. Hugs, my friend and I wish you all the best for 2026 including a full recovery from your surgery!
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