For the past 5 years, Vivian Kirkfield has provided an opportunity for writers to really engage in their craft with a contest that only allows for 50 words. In that word window, writers are asked to write a complete and engaging story that children would enjoy. It is quite the challenge! As all writers know, every word counts; this contest puts them on the line.   I suggest taking a peek at all of the fabulous entries. There are loads of wonderful writers out there. 

​                 viviankirkfield.com/2021/03/02/50preciouswords-2021-is-officially-open/
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In case you're wondering, I did enter the contest.
Here is my submission, an ode to spring. 

The Perfect Nest
By: Susan Summers
WC:50

“A spider’s web?” Asked Robin.
“You’ll see,” said Hummingbird.
“Grass is better!” Robin harrumphed.

“Moss?” Asked Mockingbird.
“You’ll see,” said Hummingbird.
“Leaves are better!” Mockingbird shouted.

“Is she done?” Asked Mockingbird.
“Let’s see,” said Robin.
Hummingbird was sitting in her soft nest. 

“Just right. You see?”
“We see!” They replied. 

Every year Susanna Hill allows writer's to get their creative juices flowing with fun contests. This year is no different. It's time for her annual Valentiny Contest. With a 214 word limit, writers are tasked with delivering a Valentine's Day tale brimming with bravery. I hope you like my entry!   

​Check out the other fabulous stories at susannahill.com/blog/


Valentine’s Day Bravery
By: Susan Summers
WC: 209

Mom says it’s important to try and like everything.
Even if it is hard to do. 
I’m not sure I agree.
I mean really, what’s likeable about a spider?
I know they eat bugs and all, but please.

Those eight eyes and eight legs make me shudder.
And do not get me started on the web in my room.
Mom won’t let me clean it off the ceiling.
“It’s a work of art, don’t you think?” She says.
I do not think.

She gave me a job. 
She asked me to be nice for one day: Valentine’s Day.
I’m going to try, but no promises. 

Usually candy hearts or chocolate kisses are the thing; they won’t work this time.
I found the perfect present, even if it is gross.

I’m going in.
I hope this dead fly makes it to the ceiling and into the web.
My aim is pretty good, but I can’t look.

RUN AWAY!

Mom told me I need to go back in there. 
There’s a surprise for me.
I hope it’s candy.

I’m creeping in slowly. 
With the broom. 
I don’t care what she says.
What’s that?

Wow. 
It is a work of art. 
THANK YOU! Love, Spidey

Okay, maybe I like them a little.

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The beginning of each year is a new opportunity to get creative.

Within the Kidlit community are a plethora of people willing to help you, and this year is no exception.

Tara Lazar has been inspiring authors for years with Storystorm (formerly known as PiBoIdMo). For the entire month of January, Tara enlists published authors to share their journeys with aspiring writers. Using personal stories, they let writers know it's okay to have a bad day. They follow this with their ideas of how to overcome such a slump. Every day is filled with fabulous suggestions - in addition to prizes for participants.

The goal is to have 30 ideas in 31 days. A way to start out the year strong and energized. I discovered this last year, and can attest it was a wonderful way to jumpstart my imagination. This year was as well.

With so much advice and support from this writing community there is no way to go wrong. Feel free to check it out, even if you are late to the party.  The suggestions and words of wisdom will make you glad you did.

Write on friends! 
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taralazar.com/2020/12/26/storystorm-2021-registration/

At the beginning of November I attended a fantastic non- fiction workshop put on by SCBWI and the Smithsonian Institution. My interest in nature  drives my manuscripts.  The opportunity to learn how to share what I find fascinating through the realm of non-fiction seemed to be a perfect fit for me. It was a three day event; an inaugural one at that. Would it be as good as I anticipated?

Yes. I was not disappointed. The range of information was amazing; the gifted writers and editors that shared their time and knowledge unbelievable. It was truly an exceptional event, one I hope will be offered again. 

Not only was the event outstanding, but there was an additional bonus. Several of the workshop faculty were editors interested in non-fiction manuscripts. Normally, they are closed to submissions, but after this event they allowed attendees to submit one query. 

This is the hardest part of the journey for a writer, putting your work out there and hoping that it is welcomed. It takes time and persistence; it invites criticism and heartache. Why in the world would anyone want to do such a thing?

For me, it is because I believe in my stories. I believe what I want to share with the world is worthy. It might take several years and hundreds of attempts, but I am up to the challenge. Until the day comes when an editor or agent knocks on my door I will continue to write, to be inspired by the world around me. 

​I know that someday I will be rewarded. 

The fall writing frenzy is a wonderful contest for writers. This year Lydia Lukidis and Kaitlyn Sanchez offered writers the opportunity to use a photo to spark creativity. I choose the photo of a tree-lined country road for my muse. Below is the story I came up with. I have always wondered what it would be like to participate in a migration. What do those geese have to deal with besides weather? I hope the entry makes you smile. The next time you witness geese on the move, I hope this makes you stop and think.  Check out the other wonderful entries via the link below. 

https://lydialukidis.wordpress.com/2020/09/30/fall-writing-frenzy-entry-form/


Migration Misery
By: Susan Summers
WC: 200

With a whap and a flap, Lacey stretched her wings.
"I am so ready for this!"
"It's not a race you know. It's migration," said aunt Martha.

Geese began lining up. 

Woosh! The first group was off. 

Cronk! The second group was up and away.

Lacey's group was next.
"Dear, you're at the back," said Mom.
"Why?" 
"It's your first time, just follow the leader."
With that, they took to the air.

Bwwaaap!
"Who's farting!?"
"Sorry sis." 
"I will not fly behind you!" Lacey flew ahead of her brother. 

Baarrfff!
"Sorry," shouted aunt Martha, "sometimes I get airsick."
"Gross!" Lacey flew ahead of her aunt. 

Buurrrrp!
"Excuse me," said her Mother. "I ate a big lunch."
"That's it! I am not flying in the back any more!"

She dashed ahead. 
"Flying south is awesome, but it's a lot of work."
Right then she had an idea.
“Follow my lead!”
Swooping down, she landed at the dealership.
Soon they were driving south in a Thunderbird. 

Her family was sipping juice at the golf course when the rest of the flock arrived.
"How did you get here before us?"
"We’re super migrators with extra motor-vation," she said with a wink.
Beep beep!


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Every year there are a plethora of wonderful contests for writers to participate in. The 10th Annual Halloweensie contest was yet another great one to write for. This contest gave writers three words that must be used in their entry with a limit of 100 words. As always, it was fun and spurred on the creativity of many writers! Mine is below. Check out the website to see what other entries were posted, they were wonderful! 
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susannahill.com/2020/10/29/the-10th-annual-halloweensie-writing-contest-aahhhrrrooooooooo/comment-page-1/#comment-63955


Polly’s Not-So-Perfect Potion
By: Susan Summers 
WC: 100


Out thumped the potions book. 
“This year, no witch for me.”
Polly’s cauldron waited by the fire as ingredients were collected.

“A skeleton, to shape the costume. No creepy mask for me. A caramel, for sweetness.
A feather, for a light personality, and licorice for flavor.”
She dropped each ingredient into the pot and stirred while whispering the spell.

Then, she drank it.
Polly raced to the mirror. 

“What?! Fur! Did you put an ingredient in?” She glared at the cat.
“Perhaps.”
“I wanted to be a princess not a quokka!” 
“They’re adorable. You’ll get lots of candy. You’re welcome.” 
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