FINALLY! It’s here!
The Fourth Of July Secret Mystery Writing Contest!
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| WHO ATE THE BLUEBERRIES???!!! |
I am so excited about this! I look forward to these contests so much because so many wonderful, talented writers contribute such fantastic stories! I can’t wait to read what you’ve all come up with this time!!!
The Contest: Write a children’s story, in poetry or prose, maximum 400 words about the 4th of July in which a secret is revealed or a mystery is solved!
You may choose any 4th of July setting you like: country, city or small town, sleepaway camp or vacation, with family or friends or all alone, at a parade, a picnic, a fireworks show or a bonfire, in the middle of the woods or in a country where the locals don’t celebrate 4th of July. Your secret or mystery doesn’t have to be anything earth-shattering. It could be who took Granny’s award-winning Fourth of July cherry pie? Or what did Robin tell Sarah who told Olivia who told Gracie about Anna in cabin 7? Or where did the flags for the parade disappear to? Or why doesn’t Becky Sue want to go to the fireworks show? Or what Old Mrs. Hootenspiegal knows about the mayor! Just as long as a secret or mystery of some kind is revealed or solved by the end.
You may choose any 4th of July setting you like: country, city or small town, sleepaway camp or vacation, with family or friends or all alone, at a parade, a picnic, a fireworks show or a bonfire, in the middle of the woods or in a country where the locals don’t celebrate 4th of July. Your secret or mystery doesn’t have to be anything earth-shattering. It could be who took Granny’s award-winning Fourth of July cherry pie? Or what did Robin tell Sarah who told Olivia who told Gracie about Anna in cabin 7? Or where did the flags for the parade disappear to? Or why doesn’t Becky Sue want to go to the fireworks show? Or what Old Mrs. Hootenspiegal knows about the mayor! Just as long as a secret or mystery of some kind is revealed or solved by the end.
Post: Your entry should be posted on your blog between Monday July 1 at 12:01 AM EDT and Friday July 5 at 11:59 PM EDT, and your post-specific link should be added to the link list below which will remain up through Sunday July 7 (no Would You Read It on Wednesday July 3… and although the post will remain up through Sunday to give everyone plenty of time to read and enjoy, the entry list will be closed at midnight Friday so we have time to judge). If you don’t have a blog but would like to enter, please copy and paste your entry into the comments on this post by midnight Friday July 5th. (If anyone has trouble commenting, which unfortunately happens, please email me and I’ll post your entry for you!)
The Judging: My lovely assistant and I will narrow down the entrants to five (or possibly a couple more :)) finalists which will be posted here on Monday July 8 for you to vote on for a winner. The vote will be closed at 6 PM EDT on Thursday July 11 and the winner will be announced on Friday July 12.
The Prizes!: The first place winner will receive (I am not making this up!) a picture book manuscript critique from Simone Kaplan!!!!! Yes, THE Simone Kaplan!!! I wish I knew how to put that up in lights and make it all sparkly! 🙂 Simone Kaplan has been editing children’s books and magazines for over 20 years. She was an editor at Henry Holt and Company, and then a Senior Editor at HarperCollins. More recently she has worked as a consultant to various authors, illustrators, and publishing houses. She also runs a wonderful website called Picture Book People (where you can sign up for her free newsletter among other things.) A prize like this makes me wish I could compete in my own contest! 🙂
If we get more than 15 entries, we will place through 3rd. If we get more than 25 entires we will place through 5th. Additional prizes will include:
– a $50 Amazon gift certificate
– a picture book manuscript critique from yours truly (a $75 value)
– the writing craft book of your choice (up to $30 value)
– a place in Making Picture Book Magic (my online PB writing course) (a $99 value)
If we get more than 15 entries, we will place through 3rd. If we get more than 25 entires we will place through 5th. Additional prizes will include:
– a $50 Amazon gift certificate
– a picture book manuscript critique from yours truly (a $75 value)
– the writing craft book of your choice (up to $30 value)
– a place in Making Picture Book Magic (my online PB writing course) (a $99 value)
Here is my sample (and I will admit this was a REAL challenge for me! I’ve never tried writing a mystery before (as I’m sure you’ll be able to tell!), so that was hard enough, but fitting it into 400 words nearly killed me! In fact, I didn’t quite manage, but it was past my bedtime. I had to cut so much out to get it near the word count that I’m not sure it even makes sense anymore 🙂 Be forewarned this may qualify as the worst story I’ve ever written – that’s what happens when you over-schedule and write at the last minute! 🙂
The 4th Of July Parade
Lola longed to lead the Crumb Creek 4th of July Parade.
But Granny crashed her motorcycle and broke her arm, and it looked like there would be no 4th of July Pie this year.
“Never mind the parade,” said Lola. “I’ll help you bake.”
“Fiddlesticks!” said Granny. “I can bake pie with one hand tied behind my back!”
Lola gave her a hug. “I’ll be your other hand right after tryouts.”
“Knock their socks off, Sugar-Pie!” said Granny.
At tryouts, the boys hopped on YankeeDoodlePony one after another. Lola hated to admit it, but they were pretty good riders.
When it was her turn, Lola rode her best.
Afterwards George said, “You won’t win.”
“I have just as much chance as you,” said Lola.
Henry said, “You’re too small.”
“I’m the right size for YankeeDoodlePony,” said Lola.
Billy said, “You’re not a boy. Yankee Doodle was a boy.”
Lola had nothing to say to that.
“This year, the leader will be Lola!” announced Mayor Fluffbottom.
Billy had nothing to say to that.
George stuck his tongue out at Lola, but she was too happy to care.
“They picked me, Granny!” Lola sang, rolling piecrust while Granny picked one-handed through seventeen quarts of blueberries.
“I knew they would!” said Granny.
By bedtime, fifty pies cooled on the counters.
“How will you get these to the Village Green without your motorcycle?” worried Lola.
“I’ll figure a way,” said Granny. “Sweet dreams, Sugar-Pie. Big day tomorrow!”
In the morning Lola raced to the barn.
“Hey!” said Billy. “YankeeDoodlePony is gone!”
“What?” Lola gasped.
George and Henry smirked.
“What did you do with him?” demanded Lola.
“Nothing!” the boys insisted.
The parade started in thirty minutes!
Lola had to find YankeeDoodlePony!
“Help me look for him!” she begged.
They searched high and low, but YankeeDoodlePony was nowhere to be found.
Lola discovered hoofprints and wheel tracks on the driveway.
“It looks like someone drove a pony out here, but he’s long gone. I guess I won’t be leader after all,” Lola said miserably.
Clip-clop-rattle-rattle.
YankeeDoodlePony came down the road at a smart trot pulling a little cart. Granny drove one-handed!
“Sorry I’m late, Sugar-Pie! Had to deliver the pies!”
Lola turned to Billy, Henry and George. “I’m sorry I thought you hid YankeeDoodlePony,” she said.
“That’s okay,” said Billy.
Lola hopped aboard YankeeDoodlePony
George handed her the flag.
Then Lola rode out to lead the 4th of July Parade.
She sat tall and straight and proud.
YankeeDoodlePony pricked his ears and pranced.
The American flag waved its stars and stripes in the hot breeze.
The crowd along the sidewalk cheered.
And afterwards, there was 4th of July Pie for everyone!
Now then! That was quite spectacularly awful! So I hope it will fill you all with confidence, because I know you can all do better than that!
CAN’T WAIT to read your stories!!! Don’t forget to add your post-specific links below, or copy and paste to the comment section! Look for Sidney, Sian, Pam, Michele, and Brianna’s stories in the comments.
Susanna Leonard Hill 
That was quite the nice example, Susanna. I'm wishing I could participate since I'm beginning to get into PB writing now. Timing can be a bother sometimes. Just not enough hours in the day. Le sigh. But I had fun reading yours 🙂
Not sure I shall get to this with WOW and other revisions this week, but good luck to all who enter, and what a swell first prize!
OK, Susanna. I'm trying this for the 1st time (your contest) Thanks a lot for hosting. And I love your name Mayor Fluffbottom! I guess I've been around my kids too much today. 😛
I am so excited for this contest! It was the first thing I thought of when I woke up this morning. Thank you so much for hosting Susanna! Your story was very cute. My favorite part was, “You're not a boy. Yankee Doodle was a boy!” Gotta love those childhood squabbles.
I like the idea of a granny on a motorcycle! Great story! I still need to finish mine! 😀
I'm looking forward to yours, Erik! And thanks for your kind words… I'm not happy with this story – I had to cut so much out that I don't like what's left. I want to write a version that's twice as long 🙂
Thank you for entering, Heather! I loved your story – great job! And you're very kind to find something nice to say about my miserable attempt at a mystery 🙂
Loved your story, Nancy! Have fun at Jury Duty 🙂
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You're just making stuff up, Teresa – but that's to be expected – you're a writer 🙂 Loved your story! Happy Monday and Canada Day to you too 🙂
Well I'm glad you enjoyed it, Angela – you're very kind. Sorry if the timing didn't work out for you (although you've still got nearly 5 days to get something posted if you think of an idea! :)) but there will be other contests… at least 2 more this year 🙂
I know you're busy, but I hope you'll get an inspiration and find a few minutes to enter! I will miss you if you don't! 🙂
I'm so excited you entered, Tina – I loved your story! And I rather liked Mayor Fluffbottom too – actually, it was my favorite part of the story! 🙂
Thank you, Catherine! I can always count on you to say something nice even when I've posted rubbish 🙂 I loved your clever poem/story!
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Everyone looks as if they're having great fun. I know I'm enjoying reading these amazing stories. What talent! I know it's far too soon but I've got a favorite. Can't wait to see if this changes.
I know! Isn't everyone amazing? I'm so impressed by people's abilities and creativity! Looking forward to reading yours, Pam… don't make me get the ECP 🙂
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Ouch! I'm trying! I really am! No one's (mc and his gang) cooperating. But to your motorcycle riding granny, TOO FABULOUS! I love it! This totally does not read like the last minute story I know it was. So love the fact that Gran had taken the horse since she couldn't ride her bike. See what skill and talent can get 'cha? Well it can get 'cha a really cool and funny story.
Poppycock! This is not my best work! But it was a very eye-opening exercise 🙂 Tell that MC and gang to cooperate or I'll use the ECP on them 🙂
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Now that I'm back from Jury Duty . . . I had time to read your story. It's FUN, FAB, and FULL of Energy, Susanna.
Gotta love a motorcycle (grand)mama! Vroom. Vroom.
Silly me! I accidentally posted my link twice! Can you take one down for me? And thanks for hosting such a great contest! (The Case of the Fruity Felon)
No worries, I already fixed it 🙂 Loved your clever story, Melinda! So glad you entered!
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Why don't you do that, and call it a book? 😉 I finished my story! 😀 Gonna post it SOON! 😉 Okay I'm posting it on… THE FOURTH OF JULY!!!
I've read everyone's entry and left comments on most . . . but I couldn't get past the bouncers at the door on #2 and #10.
I enjoyed everyone's stories!
Mysteries are hard! It's been a real challenge coming up with one for this contest. I have much greater respect for those who write mystery now.
I know – I had to try 5 times on one of them, and it took me a while to figure out the drag and drop game on one of them 🙂
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So do I, Heather! I love to read them, but I never realized how hard they are to write! 🙂
WOW SUS!!!!! YankeeDoodlePony is so much fun. You aced it pal! Mine however stinks. I'm embarrassed to post it. Wishing I could tell the blog followers that some crazy person who THINKS she's a writer hacked my blog and posted some jibberish. 😦 I couldn't work on it today. Too much other stuff going on down here at the farm.
You cannot possibly be embarrassed to post yours after I posted mine, Robyn!!! I'm glad you like it, but it truly stinketh and I'm sure yours is better. I hope you see that I took my inspiration from the barn though 🙂
You're going to make me wait 3 whole days to read it? That's just mean! 🙂
Cute story, Susanna! Thanks for sharing it. I'll post mine later this week in the comment section.
I have no blog so have to post here.
My mystery is definitely a mystery with a tiny lowercase 'm' and I'm not American and so know very little about July 4th. However here goes anyway! –
“The Disappearing Drumsticks”
“Where are my drum sticks?” asked Jonny. It was July the 4th and it was time for the town parade. Jonny played the Big Bass Drum. His BOOM BOOM BOOM kept the beat for the whole band.
“I saw them sticking out of your bag,” said his band mate
Karen.
But they weren't there. Jonny searched high and low but the drum sticks had disappeared.
“What are we going to do,” wailed little Camille. Nobody knew.
Then they heard the noise. COO, COO. Two pigeons had nested in the gutters above them. In amongst the twigs were two drum sticks.
“Hey,” yelled Jonny, “you pesky robbers. They’re mine!”
The pigeons looked down at him through beady eyes.
“What we need is a ladder,” said Jonny. The children soon found one in the store cupboard.
Karen held the bottom while Jonny gingerly climbed to the
top.
“I’m up,” he bellowed down below, “I just need to grab
the….”
Before he could reach out the pigeons picked up the drum
sticks in their beaks and with a flurry they flapped away.
“After them” Jonny roared.
The members of the band flew down the road following the
birds. They zoomed passed the parade floats. The State of Liberty, Abraham Lincoln and some Hula girls cheered them on.
Finally the birds landed at the top of a very tall tree,
cooing happily.
“How are we going to get them back?” Camille was wailing again.
Jonny had an idea. He rushed off to find Mrs Morris. Her cake
stand took pride of place at the fair.
“Mrs Morris,” said Jonny breathlessly, “ I really need a
piece of your yummiest cake.” He went on to tell her the rest of the story.
Mrs Morris cut a slice of a delicious looking red velvet cake.
“Good luck dear,” she said and Jonny hurried back.
“Here you go birdies,” he shouted and he held the prize up
high.
The aroma of warm cake filled the air and the pigeons
couldn’t resist. They dove down and started to gobble. The drum sticks clattered on the ground.
“Got them!” Jonny was triumphant.
Jonny’s booming drum kept time for the best parade yet. But the star of the show was Mrs Morris’s red velvet cake.
“Best cake ever,” said Jonny with a face full of crumbs. The cooing pigeons up in the trees agreed.
Hurray for Susanna's Holiday Writing Contests!!!! I've posted my link…can't wait to read all of the other entries. 🙂
Yours is so cute, Susanna…and how do you arrange such amazing prizes?
I enjoyed taking part it was difficult editing down to the 400 word limit. A learning curve for me.
I enjoyed Lola's adventure with YankeeDoodlePony, Now to make coffee and read the other entries!
Yay, Pam! I'll look forward to it! 🙂
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I love Granny. She sure is a tough cookie! She is a great character who needs her own series Susanna!
I'm so glad you like her, Lauri 🙂 I like the idea of a series about her, but books with adult MCs are VERY hard to sell (unless you're Cynthia Rylant or Quentin Blake :)) But it might be fun to do just for fun 🙂
Very cool and brilliant, Sidney! In addition to what Susanna said, I love that you used the presidents' names too. 🙂
Sian, you wrote a fine 4th of July story even if you're not American! 🙂
True – like the Gracie and Grandma books, Granny needs an awesome kid sidekick. Maybe a girly boy? You don't see much of those.
True! Excellent food for thought! 🙂
Thanks, Teresa! I had a lot of fun writing it. I was amazed at how many presidents' last names are now common first names, not to mention Reagan and Carter! Too funny 🙂
Thank you, Susanna! You made my day! Thank you for the fun writing challenge.
Thank YOU for joining in the contest! 🙂
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Sidney…what a FANTASTIC story…you put so much thought into this…and I love how each of the gifts is such a true representation of what America stands for. And how clever the apple pie maker was to think of equality as her gift, when she had originally thought it would be the pie itself.:)
I wonder if bloggers who set up those roadblocks find that they don't get as many comments as they should. With WordPress, I never get spam…they filter it all out.
I also had to try several times…failed the lemonade game and the building blocks…open sesame with the keys in the keyhole.:)
Thank you, Vivian!
It would appear that my link is not working so I shall copy/paste here….
A Guest At The Picnic
The little town of Wainright was preparing for their annual
Fourth of July celebration. Flags and
bunting hung outside the shops and houses.
The parks department had mowed the park and raked the ball diamond.
7 year old Jenny didn’t feel much like celebrating. Her daddy was a soldier and he hadn’t been
home for a long long time. Jenny missed him so much.
“When is Daddy coming home?” she asked her mother.
“I don’t know sweetie, but we have to brave and look after
things until he does.” her Momma replied.
Jennie’s momma was packing the picnic basket to take to the
parade and ball game. Jenny watched with
wide eyes as sandwiches and potato salad and fried chicken, brownies and
lemonade went into the basket.
“Is someone coming with us?” she asked. “There’s an awful lot of food there.”
“Well, you never know.” Her mother said. “There might be
someone there who forgot to pack a lunch and we can share.”
“I hear the band.” Jenny squealed.
“Me too. Let’s go.”
The band played and the veterans marched and the school
children waved flags. It was a very
stirring sight. The mayor mounted the
grandstand and made his usual Fourth of July speech and invited everyone to
spread out over the park and enjoy a picnic before the big ball game.
Jennies momma set the picnic table they chose with a
tablecloth and three plates.
“Who is the third plate for?” Jenny wanted to know.
“Well you never know if someone forgot to bring a lunch.
We can share can’t we?”
Jenny wondered who the mystery guest at their picnic would
be.
Just then the mayor made a further announcement. “If you could all direct your attention to
the ball diamond ladies and gentlemen we have a special surprise for someone in
the crowd.”
The was a horrific roaring noise coming down out of the
sky. The grasses in the field beside the
ball diamond started swaying and twisting and the dust from the ball diamond
rose up in spinning clouds. A huge camo
painted army helicopter slowly descended onto the ball diamond. The big door opened and a heavy duffel bag was thrown out. A soldier climbed out with his back to the
crowd.
“Let’s get a little closer.” Jennies mom said and she led
Jenny through the crowd to the edge of the ball diamond.
Jenny was little nervous about the big helicopter but
the blades had stopped moving so she stood close beside her Mom to see what was
happening.
The soldier slowly turned
around……..DADDY…………….
“Happy Fourth of July sweetie.” Jennie’s momma said. “Do you think we could share our picnic
lunch with Daddy?”
Best of luck everyone! Neighbor Girl drafted a story but our schedule changed drastically and she won't have time to get back to it in time. Fluffbottom is a great name and we will enjoy reading the other stories. Thank you for the amazing opportunities!
Cool Mom/Christine M.
(Stanley & Katrina Tech Support)
I was literally embarrassed to post mine. I ONLY did it because I told you I would. Hey. A thought just jumped into my mind. I will say I nipped at the cookin' sherry with you. Yeah man! That's MY story.
Oh, that brought happy tears to my eyes! What a wonderful story!