WOO-HOO! Let the joyous news be spread! It’s time for
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.)
– 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)
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! :))
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!!! 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill 
What a sweet and fun story. I like the exchange between Molly and the Pup. Who wouldn't want an adorable pup like that? 🙂 Great job, Susan!
Seth Greenwald, very funny story! Show why one should never leave a kitten and a puppy alone with Christmas decorations and gravity. 😉
Bo is obviously not a homebody like me! He had quite the time though. Sledding is pretty fun!
I always knew Mrs Claus could do Santa's job with no problem. He'd better watch out! 😉
Mmm…cinnamon tortillas sound very tasty! No wonder Santa granted Rosa her wish. Very sweet story!
Oooh, I want that new sleigh of Santa's! It'd sure beat driving in our current bad weather. 😉 Cute image of Santa stuck with only his hat showing.
Yay for Frank! Every dog gets to have its day, right? I thought I remember seeing dog hair on my present one year. *wink*
Oh, I love this story! You very deftly handled the transition between the main character being annoyed at not getting a bike to loving his new brother. Really sweet!
Those sound like the most unusual and yummy latkes ever! Love those fusion meals. Mama should let the family cook more often. 😉
Fabulous! We're the same way: navigating by a tattered road atlas. I'm not anti tech but some things just can't beat the old-time equivalent…as Santa found out. 🙂
Thank you, Stacy! I appreciate your stopping by. 🙂
Bonnie, this was a lovely, pithy poem that managed to convey a lot! I felt like I was right there in the journey and the stay in the manger.
What a hilarious melding of two different kinds of fairy tales! Glad Santa tried to reform Goldi..a little. 😉
Thank you, Teresa! 🙂
My dog had big feet when she was a pup though she grew to have proper proportions. You never know! Glad Paws could save the day though. 🙂
I feel 'ya! There are many nights that one or the other of us ends up on the couch! Otherwise, neither of us would get any sleep! 🙂
What a great twist. Kept me reading. 🙂
Thanks Debbie.
I hadn't connected it in my mind to that– but how true. Lol
Thanks Vicki to write and one of those that just flowed.
Ahhh he has Mrs. Claus — she'll get him there. 🙂
Fun! Fun! Fun! I love the language!! So visual. This reminds me of the first snow I saw in Louisiana as a child. We were so pathetic, using socks for mittens. Who knew from mittens? Good job, Martha!
This is just beautiful! I can just imagine myself reading this to kids. Well done.
Just a work of fiction based on the many, many gingerbread disasters we have had at home. Thanks for reading!
OH…my…GOODNESS! Talk about your Christmas mishaps!! Oh but it all proved worth it in the end. Oh this is the kind of stories I like to read. Touching, and with of hint of drama building. I thoroughly enjoyed this. So good. So good.
Very cute! I love 53rd and Fawn, ha! Good luck!
Blue latkes, yum! Good luck, Sue! 🙂
What a fun poem! You're making this a very difficult job for Susanna and her helpers. I'm glad I'm not judging. 😀 This was such a fun story and your words allowed me to visualize Bo's adventure. I totally loved when we realized that Bo didn't have a plan to stop the sled! Loved the way you got him home safe and sound.
Susanna, we said just about the same thing about this story. I'm impressed with myself. I think like the great ones. I'm starting to sing the “I am Special” song, now.
Oh my goodness! I'm sure glad everyone was all right- what a wonderful dog! You rescued him, but in the end he rescued you! Lots of luck with this heartwarming story! 🙂
Ha! What a hilarious story and a great ending! Good luck to you! 🙂
Thanks Martha!
Thank you! Thanks for reading it!
This is just adorable! I mean to have a bunny as a potential Christmas hero! Fun! Molly sounds a little mischievous with a good heart. I can see her getting into many more scrapes every holiday season. This is really, really good.
Yes-me too! Thanks!
Couldn't agree more:) Thank you!
Thanks Michelle!
I'm glad you like it, Pamela! Hey…socks for mittens? Whatever works! 😉 Thank you! 🙂
Heart patter, audible “Ohhhhhh and awwwww,” and a warm heart after reading, ” He walked to the back pew, quiet as a mouse, Inviting the family to celebrate at his house.” This is so touching. I enjoyed reading this so much.
I swear I replied to this entry, but now my comment is gone! Go figure! Anyway, I like this very much – Santa using modern technology…who knew??? I love the tongue-in-cheek ending. Good job! 🙂
It sure would be fun to hear you sing it! Cute entry!
Modern technology in the North Pole? Hahaha! Love it! This was so much fun to read! TOTALLY LOVE THE ENDING!
Gosh – sounds like you know Molly inside out – she is already in two stories- one published – and you are right! she does get up to mischief!! Thank you for your lovely comment!
Thanks so much Penny!
Thanks so much Cecilia!
Ha! Cute story! Good luck! 🙂
Ha! Great story! Lots of luck! 🙂
Great minds think alike 🙂
ENTRY POSTED FOR KRISTEN
Dasher Does a Dash by Kristen Schroeder
Rudolph had a problem.
“Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!” Santa cried.
Unfortunately, one reindeer had taken Santa’s words too much to heart. Dasher had done a dash and left an empty harness behind.
They had nearly finished delivering presents to all the Australian boys and girls and were headed to Indonesia next. Dasher could have “dashed” anywhere between Perth, where Santa did last reindeer roll call, and Darwin.
Rudolph remembered that Dasher had been a bit down in the dumps lately, talking about retirement and leaving the North Pole for someplace warmer. Had Dasher seized his chance on Christmas Eve?
As captain of the reindeer team, Rudolph was in a pickle. Sure, they could fly without Dasher and still make it around the world if everydeer put in a big effort, but there was the Reindeer Code to consider.
“Santa! We’re going to have to turn this sleigh around,” Rudolph called.
Santa obliged with a knowing nod and a wink. There was nothing Santa didn’t know.
The team did a 180-degree turn at breakneck speed and swooped toward the coast. A lovely full moon lit the balmy, summery night. The reindeer, and Santa, were panting and sweating from the heat.
Rudolph turned his nose up to full power, and using it as a searchlight, the team began checking each and every beach along the coast of Western Australia for their wayward friend.
“There!” shouted Prancer, and they all saw Dasher at once. They flew towards him swiftly and saw his body twisted on the beach in an awkward position.
“Dasher!” Rudolph shouted, his voice full of concern.
“What happened?” he asked.
Dasher turned his head to look up at his friends.
“It’s bloody hot,” he said. His fur glistened with sweat.
“This lying on the beach ain’t all it’s cracked up to be,” he added.
Rudolph just shook his head, relieved.
“Up you get, Dash, we’ve got a big night ahead of us,” he said.
“Why’d you come back for me?” Dasher asked.
“No deer left behind,” Rudolph said, quoting the Reindeer Code.
I guess a reindeer with a full North Pole winter coat would be pretty hot sunbathing 🙂 And I like the concept of “no deer left behind” – teamwork is so important! Thanks so much for joining in the holiday contest fun!