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 
Thanks, Iza, even though I know you're just being nice! 🙂
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You're so funny, Teresa! 🙂 I can't wait to read yours! Of course, wouldn't you know that today, when I've got tons to do, my internet connection is barely functioning! So I'll be along eventually! 🙂
You're too kind, Elaine! But I'm glad you're enjoying reading the stories! That is my favorite part – getting to read all the wonderful, creative stories that everyone comes up with! It's so much fun 🙂 I will have my eye out for YOURS!!! 🙂
Sweet!
Thanks, Susanna, and cheers!!!
I agree completely, Nancy! 🙂 Looking forward to reading your story!
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Oh, well done, Mandy! That was very clever an fun! I LOVE the repetition of “did someone say nuts?” with the various different meanings, and I'm so glad Shirley, Pearly and Mort found a way to be part of Christmas! Wonderful job! Thank you so much for joining in the Holiday fun! 🙂
🙂
What a wonderful story, Kristen! Original and fun (and funny! :)) and with such a lovely message! Great job! Thanks so much for joining in the Holiday fun! 🙂
What a great story! Lots of good wished for you!
Such a cute story! Very visual, as well. Great job.
Awe! Great job. And so cute. 🙂 I love the granny part. 🙂
Awe. Thanks Susanna! It was fun and quite the challenge. Thanks for hosting this contest.
Very cute Suzy!
Thanks, Elaine!
Appreciate that, Cindy, thanks!
Thanks, Mandy!
Sounds like they all got drunk on eggnog…LOL!…which is what I kind of want to do right about now. 😉
I really do have a cat named Toby who is a big troublemaker, but he always gets his treats and his kisses, too.
Hahaha! It sounds like me and hubby, except we're not that old yet. 😉
Thanks, Teresa! I think Santa appreciated that some-cat was thinking of his reindeer, too!
Thanks, Iza! I feel as if it's quasi-non-fiction. I really do have a super good Snowball and a super naughty Toby who don't know quite what to make of each other (but I love them both).
Thanks, Susanna! My real Toby (I didn't even change his name) is all that and more, but with a good heart, I'm glad that came through! I didn't want anyone to think that Santa forgot that gecko on his list, but I don't think Santa wanted him eaten either. So envision my sleeping Toby opening one lazy eye to see the gecko dart away, knowing he won't catch him (and is too tired and content to go running after him), but also knowing Santa didn't forget.
Haha! 🙂
My entry…Santa is Stuck
It was late on Christmas Eve.
It had snowed for days and I lay in bed wishing for sleep so Santa would come when all of a sudden…
Knock, Knock, Knock, Knockknockknockknock!
My sister and I bolted from bed and opened the door to peek into the hallway.
Mom and Dad were already there. The baby was crying.
“Wait here,” said Mom as she followed Dad downstairs.
As we huddled at the top of the stairs, the heard front door open and we felt a rush of frigid air.
“Ho! Ho! Ho!” someone boomed.
We scrambled downstairs.
The door was open, snowflakes swirled into hall and Mom and Dad stood still as statues, mouths agape.
Santa Claus was in our doorway.
“Mom!” I said. “Invite him in! It’s freezing!”
Wordlessly, Mom and Dad stepped back. The big man entered.
“Hello Kate! Hello Lila!” said Santa as he winked.
“Mary, Bob,” said Santa to my parents. “Will you help me?”
They nodded, but they didn't speak.
“My sleigh is stuck,” said Santa “and the reindeer are hungry. We need to gather all the carrots we can then push the sleigh free.”
Mom and Dad were still nodding, and that just wouldn’t do.
“Lila,” I said. “Get dressed, get the toboggan and meet us in driveway.”
I donned my coat, hat and boots.
“Let’s go Santa,”I said, grabbing the carrots from the refrigerator.
We met Lila and went next door to the Holland’s’ house.
“Chris,” I said as my friend opened the door. “Santa needs help. Wake Andrew and Colleen. You take this side of the street, we’ll take the other. Get all the carrots and kids you can and meet us by Santa’s sleigh.”
Soon, kids with carrots tumbled out every door. Santa greeted each by name.
By the time we reached the sleigh, the toboggan was piled high with carrots. We fed the reindeer, then Santa climbed into his sleigh.
We got behind the sleigh and on the count of three, every neighborhood kid pushed until the sleigh rose into the sky.
We jumped and cheered and then heard Santa’s unmistakable voice:
“Merry Christmas to all! And to all a good night!”
It's not good. 😦 *sobbing*
It stinks!! Compared to all the magnificent writers like you and Stacy. And everyone. I tried to make it work. But waaahaaaaa!
If anyone needs the correct link for #6:
http://patricianozell.com/2013/12/09/spot-the-angel/
Yikes! I pasted the wrong version! Ignore this…new version to be posted in two seconds!
Right Version: Santa is Stuck.
It was late on Christmas Eve. It had snowed for days. I lay in bed wishing for sleep so Santa would come when all of a sudden…
Knock, Knock, Knock, Knockknockknockknock!
My sister and I bolted from bed. We opened the door to peek into the hallway.
Mom and Dad were already there. Wait here,” said Mom as she followed Dad downstairs.
As we huddled at the top of the stairs, we heard the door open and felt a rush of frigid air.
“Ho! Ho! Ho!” someone boomed.
We scrambled downstairs.
The door was open, snowflakes swirled in and Mom and Dad stood still as statues, mouths agape.
Santa Claus was in our doorway. “Mom!” I said, “Invite him in! It’s freezing!”
Wordlessly, Mom and Dad stepped back. The big man entered.
“Hello Kate! Hello Lila!” said Santa with a wink. “Mary, Bob,” said Santa to my parents, “Will you help me?”
They nodded. “My sleigh is stuck,” said Santa “and the reindeer are hungry. We need to gather all the carrots we can and push the sleigh free.”
Mom and Dad just nodded. That wouldn’t do.
“Lila,” I said. “Get dressed, get the toboggan and meet us in driveway.”
I donned my coat, hat and boots.
“Let’s go Santa,” I said, grabbing the carrots from the refrigerator.
We met Lila and went next door to the Holland’s’ house.
“Chris,” I said as my friend opened the door. “Santa needs help. Wake Andrew and Colleen. You take this side of the street, we’ll take the other. Get all the carrots and kids you can and meet us by Santa’s sleigh.”
Soon, kids with carrots tumbled out every door. Santa greeted each by name.
By the time we reached the sleigh, the toboggan was piled high with carrots. We fed the reindeer and then Santa climbed into his sleigh.
We got behind the sleigh and on the count of three, every neighborhood kid pushed until the sleigh rose into the sky.
We jumped and cheered then listened as Santa shouted:
“Merry Christmas to all! And to all a good night!”
Wow Susanna, the word limit certainly didn't appear to cramp your style – what a great story!
Thanks, Susanna! Mine is up! Santa Has to Ho, Ho, GO! I love reading all the entries. Such talent! Good luck!
Well, my very first contest entry and first ever attempt at writing something in so few words (except for poems). Thank you for the challenge Susanna!
“Popcorn For Santa On Christmas Eve” – Kimberly Tyser
It was two days before Christmas Eve and Santa’s Top Elves
had a problem!
“Jolly, we haven’t much time,” said Jack. “Mrs. Clause said Santa is eating too many sweets and she’s put her foot down. Santa
is NOT allowed any cookies on Christmas Eve. Popcorn only! We must get the word out, quickly.”
“How?” asked Jolly.
“I have a Plan,” said Jack. “Santa’s sleigh travels in the twinkling of an eye. That’s Fast! We’ll sneak the sleigh and reindeer to take us to all Santa’s helpers. We’ll have them get the word out to all the children to only leave popcorn for Santa on Christmas Eve. Let’s go!”
“But Jack,” said Jolly. “Dasher, Comet, Blitzen and Prancer still have the sniffles.”
“It’s okay,” said Jack. “The sleigh won’t be as heavy with just us. Four reindeer will be enough.
“Uh Jack, “ said Jolly. “We’re too little to drive the sleigh. We can’t see over the reindeer.”
“No problem,” said Jack. “The reindeer will guide us. Now
buckle up. Dancer, Cupid, Donner and Vixen, lets go!”
The reindeer didn’t move.
“Jack,” said Jolly. “I think Santa . . .”
“Oh yeah,” Jack interrupted. “Up, up and away!”
The sleigh Jerked! Crunch, Crunch, the reindeer pranced through the snow.
“Jaack” said Jolly. “Aren’t we supposed to lift up in the air?”
“Up, up and away!” Jack yelled.
The reindeer kept prancing and prancing.
“Uh Jack,” said Jolly.
“Now what?” said Jack.
“I think we need the magical reindeer dust,” said Jolly. “Only Santa has that.”
“Come on,” sighed Jack. “We’ll have to tell Mrs. Clause the plan failed. Hope she doesn’t fire us.”
“Well,” said Mrs. Clause sternly. “Good thing Santa didn’t find out. No one drives Santa’s sleigh but Santa!”
“We’re sorry,” said Jack.
Then Mrs. Clause smiled. “Don’t worry boys,” she said. I took care of it. Santa will be munching on popcorn this Christmas
Eve.”
“But how?” asked Jack.
“It was quite easy,” said Mrs. Clause. “I used email. Would you like me to show you how it works?”
“Jack,” whispered Jolly.
“Don’t say it,” moaned Jack.
Really cute and love stories with a twist!
Really cute, fun story. Very Good and I liked it a lot!
Thank you!
“Mom, invite him in it's freezing!” Loved that! I hope this was the version you meant – sweet story 🙂
Well not an eggnog drinker here but wondering if Santa had a little himself per his reaction 😉 Really clever story – liked it a lot!
That is a really cute, sweet story – Loved it!
Wow, what a beautiful story! I loved reading it 🙂
This is the right one Kim. 🙂
Thanks, Kim!
Thank you for the encouraging words, Kim!
Aww… Thanks Julie:)
Thank you so much Cindy!
Such a cute and cleverly written story!
So cute!
So cute! I can see the illustrations. 🙂
Jolene, I couldn't figure out how to comment on your blog. So sorry. But I wanted to tell you that I loved your sweet story, Day of the Kings. Such a wonderful Christmas message.
Thanks Cindy!