Ho! Ho! Ho! The 3rd Annual Holiday Writing Contest Is Here!

WOO-HOO!  Let the joyous news be spread!  It’s time for

The 3rd Annual Holiday Contest!!!


The Contest:  Write a children’s story about a Holiday Mishap, mix-up, miscommunication, mistake, or potential disaster (a la Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer :)).  Your story may be poetry or prose, silly or serious or sweet, religious or not, based on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever you celebrate, but is not to exceed 350 words not counting the title (aren’t I being generous?! 🙂  It can be as short as you like, but no more than 350!)  Did the dog knock over the Christmas Tree?  Did little Johnny’s costume get grape juice all over it moments before the holiday pageant?  Did the menorah go missing?  Did travel arrangements get snarled or miscommunicated?  Did Santa’s sleigh have to make an emergency landing?  The field is wide open!  Have fun!  (And because so many people have mentioned this, the story does not have to be funny!  You can have a holiday mishap that is serious or sweet or mysterious…  Please don’t feel that you have to go the humor route!  Also, because a number of people have mentioned it this time, no art notes please.)

Post:  Your entry should be posted on your blog between now and Friday December 13 at 11:59 PM EST and your post-specific link should be added to the link list below which will remain up through Sunday December 15.  (There will be no WYRI or PPBF this week.)  If you don’t have a blog but would like to enter, please copy and paste your entry into the comments below.  (If anyone has trouble commenting, which unfortunately happens, please email me and I’ll post your entry for you!)
The Judging:  My lovely assistant(s) and I will narrow down the entrants to 6-12 finalists (depending on the number of entries) which will be posted here on Monday December 16 for you to vote on for a winner.  The vote will be closed on Wednesday December 18 at 5 PM EST and the winners will be announced on Thursday December 19.  Whoever gets the most votes will be first and so on down to sixth place.  Remember, judging criteria will be kid appeal/friendliness, originality/suitability of mishap, quality of story, and quality of writing.
The Prizes!:  Well, I hope these prizes are going to knock your socks off!!!  In the spirit of the holidays, winners will be named for 1st – 6th place.  In addition to the incredible fame of being able to say you won or placed in the Pretty Much World Famous 3rd Annual Holiday Contest, the following AMAZING prizes will be awarded:

 – A Picture Book Manuscript Read and Written Critique by Karen Boss, Editor at Charlesbridge!!! (Priceless!)  Karen Boss is the editorial assistant at Charlesbridge Publishing in Watertown, MA. She has a master’s degree in children’s literature from Simmons College and is currently editing projects that range from picture books for younger readers to picture books for older readers to middle-grade novels, both fiction and nonfiction. (But let’s face it, folks!  You’re getting YOUR picture book manuscript in front of an actual editor at a highly regarded publishing house!  Who knows where that could lead?)

 – A Gold Membership to Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 in 2014 (a $150 value)
    Little GOLDen Book Membership includes:

  • Full access (view and post) to the Main 12 x 12 Forum and Critique Connect (where you can find critique partners)
  • Access to the members-only 12 x 12 Facebook Group
  • Ability to view the Events, Member Books, Videos/Trailers and Help An Author Out (HAAO) sections of the 12 x 12 Forum
  • Opportunity to win craft-related prizes from the monthly featured authors
  • Full (view and post) access to the Events, Member Books, Video/Trailers and HAAO sections of the 12 x 12 Forum
  • FULL (view and post) access to these additional sections of the 12 x 12 Forum: Query Corner (get feedback on your query letters), Pitch Perfect (get feedback on loglines and pitches), and Manuscript Makeover (get feedback on the first 250 words of your ms)
  • Access to the Submission Station section of the 12 x 12 Forum, which will provide information about that month’s agent or editor and instructions on how to submit to him or her.

 – 2 signed Picture Books by Linda Ashman – RAIN! and PEACE, BABY! (Keep for yourself or give as a holiday gift to a little person in your life :)) PLUS
    a $25 Amazon Gift Card

 – A Picture Book Manuscript Critique by Erin Molta Erin is an experienced senior editor of picture book, early readers, chapter, middle grade, and YA books, as well as novelty and licensed titles. She has been in childrens publishing for more than twenty years and has a keen understanding of early reader through YA audiences. She has an excellent reputation with established authors, illustrators, and agents.

 – Enrollment in the Online Writing course Making Picture Book Magic in the month of your choice (a $99 value)

 – A signed copy of TUGBOAT by Michael Garland (not even released yet!) AND
    a signed copy of A TROOP IS A GROUP OF MONKEYS by Julie Hedlund (Keep for yourself or give as a holiday gift to a little person in your life :))  PLUS
    a $25 Amazon Gift Card

 – A Picture Book Manuscript Critique from author/illustrator Sarah Frances Hardy, author and illustrator of PUZZLED BY PINK (Viking Juvenile, April 2012) and the forthcoming PAINT ME!. A great choice for someone who is both an author and an illustrator – and I know we have quite a few of those here 🙂

 – 2014 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market by Chuck Sambuchino (your choice of paperback or Kindle edition)

 – The Crock Of Charms Anthology – a three volume collection of stories for readers of all ages from writers all over the world including some you probably know 🙂  Robyn Campbell, Cheryl Secomb, Clarike Bowman-Jahn, Theresa Milstein, Lenny Lee, and me, to name a few 🙂

(Run your mouse over the prizes, books, authors, etc… most of them are links)

The Contest Winner will have first choice of the prizes.  2nd place will have next choice of what’s left and so on.  (I’m doing it this way in the hopes that no one will get something they already have – for example, if you’ve already signed on for Julie’s 12×12 or taken Making Picture Book Magic or own RAIN! and PEACE, BABY! etc.  – and also because I think all the prizes are fabulous and I wouldn’t want to make anyone feel less valued by giving them as 6th place as opposed to 1st.)

Wow!  Let’s get the Holiday Party started! 🙂

Here is my sample… to prove that in can in fact be done… and because I wouldn’t ask you to do anything I won’t do myself…  (But seriously, whose idea was 350 words?  It’s cramping my style! :))

The Trouble With Santa’s Suit (350 words)

On Christmas Eve the sleigh was packed.
The reindeer waited, snug in red velvet blankets.
Santa struggled into the tuxedo he always wore and turned pale.
“Elton!” he hollered.
Chief Elf Elton came running.
“Oh, dear!” he gasped.  “Dry-cleaning disaster!”
The sleeves barely reached Santa’s elbows.  The pants fell short of his knees.  He looked like an underdressed penguin.
“You’ll have to wear something else,” said Mrs. Claus.
But Santa was stuck in his shrunken suit.
“I can’t get it off!” he said.
“Go on a diet,” suggested Elton.
“I don’t think that will work in ten minutes!” said Santa, “I’ve got to go!”
“Call the fire department,” suggested Elton.
“I’m not on fire!” said Santa.
“Everyone calls the fire department for emergencies!” said Elton.
The fire department arrived in a jiffy.  Chief Bumpkin took charge.  “Grab the hose, men!” he ordered.  “We’ll blow that suit off the Big Guy!”
“The hose?” asked Santa.  “I don’t think…”
Icy water blasted Santa off his feet.
“STOP!” spluttered Santa.
“Plan B!” ordered Chief Bumpkin.
The firemen picked up their axes to cut the suit off.
“No axes!” said Santa.
“Well,” said the Chief, “there’s always Plan C…”
The firemen divided into four groups, one by each arm, one by each leg.  On the count of three they pulled the suit to shreds.
“Great job!” said Chief Bumpkin.  The firemen shook hands, gathered up their hose, and left.
Santa sat glumly in a puddle.  “Now I have nothing to wear.”
“How about this?” suggested Mrs. Claus holding up Santa’s Bermuda shirt and shorts.
“It’s TWENTY BELOW ZERO!” said Santa.
“Good point.  Overalls?  Your bunny costume from Halloween?”
“I don’t like to mix my holidays,” said Santa.
“You’d better agree to something or you’re going to miss Christmas!”
Just then Elton returned breathlessly with a red velvet suit.
“How about this?” he asked.
It fit perfectly.
“I love it!” Santa exclaimed.  Then he sniffed.  “Does anyone else smell reindeer?”
“Not me,” said Elton.
Santa climbed aboard the sleigh.  “Merry Christmas!” he called.

And away he flew in the red velvet suit he’s worn ever since.



So now!  Everyone filled with confidence about their entries?  I certainly hope so after that display!  Never let it be said that I’m not willing to be a fool for my art 🙂

I can’t wait to read all of your (much better!) stories!  I hope there will be a lot – the more the merrier!  And there are still 4+ days to write, so you have time if you haven’t written yet and want to join the fun.  Feel free to spread the word to your writing friends as well.

Remember to put your post-specific link (not your general blog link or people will find the wrong page if you post again before the contest is over) in the list below!

Don’t miss 38 entries in the comment section below (which thanks to Penny I’ve figured out how to link, so if you click on the person’s name it will take you directly to that story so you can read and comment… just give it a second to load 🙂  And this intelligence just in – if you’re trying to work these links on iPad or iPhone you will need the google Chrome app to get them to work – Safari won’t do it.)
Nancy – Toby’s Christmas: Ho Ho Ho Or No No No?
Suzy – Reindeer In The Eggnog
Mandy – One Squirrelly Christmas
Lakshmy – Santa’s Stocking
Kristen – The Great Christmas Morning Mix-Up
Teresa S – Always Ready Or Not
Michele – Santa Is Stuck
Kim – Popcorn For Santa On Christmas Eve
Ryan (Rino) – The Adventures Of Jonathan James
Alissa – Santa’s Stuck On the Toilet
Kirsten (not to be confused with Kristen above) – Blackout!
Karen – Santa’s New Toy-Making Machine
Anne – The Gingerbread House Disaster
Ann – The Christmas Present
Sue – Pup Unwrapped
Tim – O Deer
Diane – Frank’s Adventure With Santa And The Elves
Karen Z – Santa’s Snow Angel
Michelle S – Cookies For Papa Noel
Pat – Santa’s Paws
Vicki – Mrs. Claus Saves Christmas
Charlotte – Goldilocks’s Night Before Christmas
Susan – The Christmas Wagon
Pia – Santa Baby
Rachel – Fresh Frosting
Bonnie – The Sound And Smell Of Christmas
Martha – A Christmas Surprise
Patty – Santa’s Special Gift
Susan S – Snowman On A Roll
Kristen 2 – No Sleep For Santa (same author as The Great Christmas Morning Mix-Up above)
Debbie – Home For Christmas
Rita – George’s Christmas Present: A True Story
Sue – Blue Latkes And Salsa
Ruth – Santa Claus Has Lost His Voice
Heather – Behind Schedule
Morgan – A Brother For Christmas
Kelly – Happy Birthday Bambino
Kristen S – Dasher Does A Dash


Happy Writing and Happy Holiday Season!!! 🙂

923 thoughts on “Ho! Ho! Ho! The 3rd Annual Holiday Writing Contest Is Here!”

  4. facebook.com/suthomasartist says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    Thank you so much, Susanna – it was a lovely surprise to come across your personal message today. It has been so much fun reading the stories here. You have definitely offered an opportunity for many, many of us 'hopefuls'
    in the writing world. Thank you! My son was disappointed with the 350 word limit – 'What happens next,Mum? You can't stop the story there!' So I am looking forward to the next chapter in the New Year!

  12. Martha Hubbard says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    Oh, I love this! Very clever! It's kind of like the old “getting ready for school and then realizing it's Saturday” scenario. 🙂

  14. Patricia Tilton says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    Very clever story Susanna! Wow, I can't believe the number of wonderful entries. The judges are going to miss the holidays festivities! Thank you for what you do.

  15. Patty Toht says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    Hi, everyone! I'm enjoying all your great holiday stories. Here's my silly addition. Happy Holidays!

    Santa’s Special Gift by Patricia Toht (350 words)

    Bags packed tight with Christmas gifts,
    Loaded on his sleigh,
    Santa called to Mrs. Claus,
    “I’ll be on my way!”

    But Mrs. Claus rushed to his side.
    “Wait one minute, dear!
    She dropped a present in his hands.
    “A special gift this year!”

    Perhaps she’d bought a new fur hat?
    Warm and wooly socks?
    Santa ripped the paper off,
    Opened up the box.

    “With years of wear,” said Mrs. Claus,
    “Your maps are such a mess.
    To help you find your way this time,
    I’ve bought a GPS!”

    “But how to hold it?” Santa asked.
    “I need my hands to steer.”
    “With this,” she said, and Velcro-strapped
    it to a reindeer’s rear.

    Fingers flying o’er the screen with
    Rapid button presses,
    Santa typed in names and streets —
    thousands of addresses.

    Lights and arrows flashed onscreen while
    Santa sat there waiting,
    drumming fingers while a tinny
    voice said, “Calculating…”

    The GPS began to shake,
    smoke poured from its top.
    Beep! Boop! Fizzle! Snap and sizzle!
    Then a giant POP!

    The startled reindeer jumped and jerked.
    They lifted off to go.
    But pulling back upon the reins,
    Santa shouted, “WHOOA!”

    “Now steady, boys!” He calmed his team
    and motioned to an elf.
    “Please run inside and grab my maps —
    I’ll find the route myself.”

    Elves and reindeer stopped to watch
    enormous maps unfold.
    A giant grid with children’s homes
    Each marked with dots of gold.

    So many good kids in the world!
    It came as no surprise
    that Santa’s map lit up and twinkled
    like the starry skies.

    He clapped his hands, snapped the reins.
    “Now, dash away!” he cried.
    With a whooosh the sleigh began
    its global nighttime ride.

    Each stocking stuffed and gift dropped off,
    Soon Santa’s work was done.
    He flew back to his frosty home
    Before the dawning sun.

    As Santa stood by Mrs. Claus,
    He held a mangled mess —
    tangled wires and plastic bits —
    The broken GPS.

    He kissed his wife and said to her,
    “It was a thoughtful treat
    But sometimes old things work the best —

    Did you keep the receipt?”

  19. Martha Hubbard says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    A Christmas Surprise

    A Christmas snow was decreed by King Winter.

    “It must be cold, it must be grand, it must blanket all the land,” he declared.

    “I can do that!” exclaimed young Jack Frost. He set out to find the merriest land of all to paint with his crystal brush.

    “Take care where you travel,” said old North Wind.

    “I will!” promised Jack, and he dove into a strong, winter gale.

    He flew over mountains and forests and fields.

    “The mountains are lonely and forests too green; the prairies too flat for my work to be seen!” Jack rode away on a strong, gusty breeze.

    Soon, old North Wind caught up with him. “Have
    you made your decision?”

    “There is no perfect place!” Jack cried.

    “The first snow of Christmas is special, indeed,” said old North Wind. “Your time runs short.”

    Jack thought about Christmas and the joy that it brings. A Christmas surprise could be just the right thing.

    “I’ve got it!” he said. “Follow me!”

    Together they flew through the clouds and the air until Jack finally stopped.

    “Here!” Jack declared.

    Old North Wind looked. “I don’t usually work HERE,” he said.

    “Nevertheless, that’s what I want,” said Jack.

    Below was a beach with a colorful boardwalk. Merry lights dangled from coconut trees and a salt-bitten breeze ruffled the air.

    Jack laughed. “They won’t see it coming,” he giggled with glee. “They won’t expect it, can’t you see?”

    Old North Wind rumbled and grumbled.

    “It will be a Christmas surprise!” Jack’s smiling face pleaded his case.

    Old North Wind took a deep breath and blew. Jack’s crystal brush turned the rain into snow and painted the rooftops with a luminous glow.

    “Snow in the south!” the people exclaimed.

    “We haven’t seen snow since I was a small boy,” said an elderly grandpa, his face marked with joy.

    The crispy white flakes found the children below and many of them tasted their very first snow.

    Jack’s lively laughter pealed through the sky. “Merry Christmas,” he said to the people below. “You are special, indeed, to get this first Christmas snow.”

  20. pennyklostermann says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    Ahhh! Finally got mine post. Now to sit back and do what I've grown to love since I first learned of your contests…read all the entries.

    Your story, as usual, made me smile. You always weave a tale that draws me in. And I'm so glad I know how Santa came to wear his red suit 🙂

    I can't believe the number of entries! I think you must be as busy as Santa Claus himself. Let's face it, he has a whole slew of elves to help out….it sounds like you only have a few. Have you thought about calling him? To see if some of those elves could just fly down to New York for a few days to help you? Ask for the ones in charge of picture books! They will be the most help. And have them bring cookies and cocoa because y'all will be working long days and nights.

    Thanks, Susanna, for all of your hard work!

  36. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    ENTRY POSTED FOR MARTHA

    A Christmas Surprise
    By
    Martha Hubbard

    A Christmas snow was decreed by King Winter.

    “It must be cold, it must be grand, it must blanket all the land,” he declared.

    “I can do that!” exclaimed young Jack Frost. He set out to find the merriest land of all to paint with his crystal brush.

    “Take care where you travel,” said old North Wind.

    “I will!” promised Jack, and he dove into a strong, winter gale.

    He flew over mountains and forests and fields.

    “The mountains are lonely and forests too green; the prairies too flat for my work to be seen!” Jack rode away on a strong, gusty breeze.

    Soon, old North Wind caught up with him. “Have you made your decision?”

    “There is no perfect place!” Jack cried.

    “The first snow of Christmas is special, indeed,” said old North Wind. “Your time runs short.”

    Jack thought about Christmas and the joy that it brings. A Christmas surprise could be just the right thing.

    “I’ve got it!” he said. “Follow me!”

    Together they flew through the clouds and the air until Jack finally stopped.

    “Here!” Jack declared.

    Old North Wind looked. “I don’t usually work here,” he said.

    “Nevertheless, that’s what I want,” said Jack.

    Below was a beach with a colorful boardwalk. Merry lights dangled from coconut trees and a salt-bitten breeze ruffled the air.

    Jack laughed. “They won’t see it coming,” he giggled with glee. “They won’t expect it, can’t you see?”

    Old North Wind rumbled and grumbled.

    “It will be a Christmas surprise!” Jack’s smiling face pleaded his case.

    Old North Wind took a deep breath and blew. Jack’s crystal brush turned the rain into snow and painted the rooftops with a luminous glow.

    “Snow in the south!” the people exclaimed.

    “We haven’t seen snow since I was a small boy,” said an elderly grandpa, his face marked with joy.

    The crispy white flakes found the children below and many of them tasted their very first snow.

    Jack’s lively laughter pealed through the sky. “Merry Christmas,” he said to the people below. “You are special, indeed, to get this first Christmas snow.”

  37. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    Lovely story, Martha! I love that you chose Jack Frost as the MC, and made him such a genuine character with his lively laughter and his concern over finding just the right place, and how wonderful that he found it for the first snow of Christmas! I felt so happy for the elderly grandpa 🙂 Thanks so much for a terrific story and for joining in the holiday fun! 🙂

  38. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    Wow, Patty! Just wow! Fantastic rhyme, clever story, tons of fun! Excellent job! You made me laugh 🙂 The line where the tinny voice said “Calculating…” – oh my, how many times I've heard that! Often followed by “Re-calculating!” when I've missed a turn! And so true that sometimes the old things are the best. Thanks so much for a very entertaining entry and and for joining in the holiday fun!

    Settings

  39. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    Wow, Patty! Just wow! Fantastic rhyme, clever story, tons of fun! Excellent job! You made me laugh 🙂 The line where the tinny voice said “Calculating…” – oh my, how many times I've heard that! Often followed by “Re-calculating!” when I've missed a turn! And so true that sometimes the old things are the best. Thanks so much for a very entertaining entry and and for joining in the holiday fun!

  41. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    ENTRY POSTED FOR SUSAN

    SNOWMAN ON A ROLL by Susan Schade

    Each year at winter, a snowman named Bo

    Was built out of love with white, sparkly snow.

    Each year the same hat, same mittens and shovel

    Built in the same spot, flat with no rubble.

    He should have been happy, a face with no frown

    But instead he was not, his smile pointed down.

    “I would not be bored if I could just go

    And travel around to explore in the snow.”

    After great concentration, he set up a plan

    He would become a traveling snowman.

    He first tried a bike but just couldn’t ride

    Without strong, snow legs attached to his side.

    A scooter was next but that wouldn’t fly

    He just couldn’t balance, as hard as he’d try.

    When a shiny, red sled appeared in his yard

    He used all his strength and pushed very hard.

    One final shove and he was inside

    Finally ready to go for his ride.

    He sailed through the town past buildings and parks

    He waived with delight at dogs with fierce barks.

    He sped over the ice rink, scraping the top

    For the first time he worried, how would he stop?

    Without brakes or a plan, what would Bo do?

    Just then a large snowbank came into view.

    SMACK!

    Bo was sent flying, the red sled was stuck

    With a thud poor Bo landed in the bed of a truck.

    The truck kept on driving with Bo still in back

    The ride was so bumpy, Bo thought he might crack.

    He started to cry, where would the truck go?

    He wished to be home in his yard filled with snow.

    Just as his tears were beginning to freeze

    He started to recognize houses and trees.

    One special house was just up ahead

    This was his chance to be home before bed.

    He took a deep breath, closed his eyes made of coal,

    Leaned to the side and started to roll.

    With great relief, he was finally home

    Would never again be tempted to roam.

    It wasn’t much fun to travel around

    Bo was much happier safe on the ground.

  43. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    What a fun, entertaining story, Susan! I love that you wrote about a snowman with wanderlust! And that moment when it occurred to him that he hadn't made a plan for how to stop 🙂 What an adventure he had! I'm glad he found his way safely home 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the holiday fun! 🙂

  47. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply
    Unknown's avatar

    I can't wait to read yours, Penny! I'm glad you enjoyed my silly little tale, and I could certainly use some cookies and cocoa 🙂 Also, it would be extremely helpful if my internet connection would FUNCTION for more than 1 minute at a time here and there! Sheesh! This week of all weeks!

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