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 
Susanna yours is awesomesauce! :0)
The Clauses have technology! Love it! And my family is a big fan of popcorn so we cheer Mrs Claus making Santa eat that. 😉
Fabulous idea having the kids solve the problem and do it all themselves! Terrific tale!
I refuse to believe it stinks, Robyn dear! You still have four days to post one! 🙂
What a great story idea- very creative!
Believe me, I'm glad that you're the judge and not entering the contest because your story is THAT good! 🙂
woo-hoo is right! fun fun fun, all linked up and ready to roll…thanks for this fun holiday treat!
It was wonderful! What a great story!
Great, funny story, Susanna! I'm off to read the entries! Good luck all! :0)
A story brimming with the holiday spirit…or should I say spirits?:) A happy, fun story.
Such a lovely story- made me laugh:)
Thank you for the kind words Elaine!
Thank you Teresa!!
Thank you Susanna for hosting such a fun contest! It makes it so much easier to get the creative juices going when there is a goal in mind and a subject!! It's been fun!
Thanks Cindy!
haha, thanks! (by the way, am I the only one who drinks my eggnog booze-less around here?) 🙂
A moving story with a beautiful message.
So gael you think so, Kristen! Plus, I'd think the possibility of an awesome prize wouldn't hurt either 🙂
The Adventures of Jonathan James
(SPECIAL GIFT)
This is a story about Jonathan James,
A ten- year old boy with two first names.
He was watching the snowfall to the ground,
With the Christmas spirit all around.
Sitting in church with family and friends,
Impatiently waiting for the sermon to end.
Thinking about the wrapped presents under the tree,
He wanted to get home in a big hurry.
While kneeling and praying on the floor,
A family of four walked through the door.
Their clothes were ragged and shoes were torn,
But they weren’t ashamed of what they had worn.
The Minister told the story when Jesus was born,
In the manger on that cold winter morn.
Mary and Joseph didn’t have much of anything,
Three Wise Men came, with precious gifts to bring.
As he was listening closely to the story,
Jonathan James stood up in a hurry.
He walked to the back pew, quiet as a mouse,
Inviting the family to celebrate at his house.
Sitting around the Christmas tree drinking eggnog,
In the fireplace, Jonathan’s dad placed another log.
The children’s eyes sparkled with pure delight,
Looking at all the decorations and colorful lights.
Jonathan James received so many gifts,
Now he had someone to share them with.
He gave each kid a gift from under the tree,
Which they both opened so very happily.
Written by:
Ryan J. Cunningham
Thanks Theresa!
Santa’s Stuck on the Toilet!
By Alissa Wilson
That night before Christmas was as silent as a rock-not a peep, not a word, not even a tick-tock. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, Santa’s voice was beckoning the reindeer. The whispers were soft, but were oh so clear; Santa said “Helloooo! Anyone there? I’m stuck on the toilet; can anyone help me down here?”
It had been a long sleigh ride. One too many cookies, some could say. Santa had to go to the bathroom and could not wait until the next day!
After unloading the presents, he happened to see, the bathroom was close to the fireplace- the perfect opportunity!
He rushed in there so quick, without taking a good look-Uh oh, there was no toilet paper, no tissues, not even a towel on a hook!
He quietly called up to Dasher, Vixen or anyone that was there,
“Hello, I’m stuck on the toilet, can anyone help me down here?”
After some muffled laughter and chuckles, the reindeer made a
plan, “We will go one by one down the chimney and hold on as hard as we can.”
They arrived fairly quickly but there was a little glitch, they couldn’t reach the bathroom so gave the roll of toilet paper a pitch.
Upon doing so, they heard the dog, Fido, who loved to play fetch, scurrying down the hall, to which the roll of toilet paper, he did catch!
Then the toilet paper dropped and slowly became undone, so the cat FiFi thought it was her turn to have some fun!
Her paws, one by one, pushed the tube down the hall, until Santa could reach out and grab it once and for all!
Whewww. Santa sighed. I am glad we got through that okay! But, as he began to leave he saw some more cookies and milk sitting on a tray.
Ahh…These will be for my helpers Fifi and Fido. This might help
keep what happened tonight a “secret”, so no one will ever know!
Fun story, Susanna! I liked hearing the backstory on Santa's red suit. 🙂 I've had fun reading the posted stories this afternoon, and of course as I've been reading another 4 stories have been posted! How can you keep up?? I'm hoping to post mine mid-week, and will come back for more holiday goodness.
Thanks Lakshmy!
Thank you Kim!
Poor Santa…what indignity! LOL! Fun story. 🙂
Love it! Great job, Kim!
Thank you Mandy! No holiday story is complete without a granny – lol 🙂
Thank you Kim. I appreciate it!
I am so happy you appreciate the story Lakshmy!! Thank you for your comment!
Come on, Robyn! Do it, do it! (Cheering you on, my friend!) xo
Such a beautiful story! Congrats to you!
Thank you so much, Cheryl! 🙂
🙂
Thank you for reading my entry Elaine!
Thanks, Erik! I'm glad you like it. I thought yours was already done? But I'm glad you have a 2 hour delay 🙂
A little gold at the end of the rainbow never hurt anyone – lol 🙂
Thank you for being nice about my sample, Vivian 🙂 And you're so welcome! I love running these contests and getting to see everyone's brilliance at work! Now, if only my internet would cooperate!!!
Thanks for being nice about my story, Cheryl 🙂 I can't wait to read yours! And I'm glad you're excited – I think the contests are so much fun! 🙂
Usually Susanna starts right in and keeps up with the entries as they're posted. This time the internet is not cooperating at all and her mom isn't well so her time is compromised, so she will be playing catch up along with everyone else!
You're very welcome, Patricia! But it's really not just me – it's all you lovely writers who take the time to craft such wonderful stories for all of us to enjoy, and to visit each other and encourage and compliment and generally make the whole experience fun! I look forward to reading your story!
Oh pshaw Robyn! Whether you're cutting the mustard or holding a candle, your entry will be right up there with everyone else's! Post it at once or I will weep with disappointment! 🙂
Yay! Can't wait to read your story, Beth! I'm way behind on reading – my internet is USELESS today! But I'll get there! (And you're very welcome – I love to do it, and thank YOU for entering and reading and commenting and being part of all the fun!)
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What a sweet story with a lovely surprise ending, Lakshmy! I love your description of Nani's Christmases in India, humming along to the carols with her heart like a dove! And what a funny, innocent mistake and nice ending! Thanks so much for joining in the holiday fun! 🙂
I saw that, Lakshmy, and I'm glad you're excited! I am too – the contests are always such fun! 🙂
Wonderful Teresa! You made me laugh! What a terrific idea, and so nicely written! I love the rhyme bits cleverly woven in! Great job! Thanks so much for joining in the holiday fun! 🙂
Son't worry at all, Cindy! I shall fix it 🙂 Looking forward to reading your story!
I spent all of my time on that little thing I posted on the MPBM FB Page, that I didn't get my story edited. I jut got done editing my draft that is exactly 350 (how many people get that exactly?). I think I may post it Friday the 13th! 😀
What a delightful, original story, Michele! I love the idea of needing carrots to fuel the reindeer to get the sleigh unstuck! Great idea! And I love that it took the kids to make anything happen – not the dumbstruck adults 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the holiday fun! 🙂
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Thank you Susanna! Really appreciate your comments. This is my first complete children's story ever, and that should tell you how inspiring your contest is:) And yes, a lot of fun too!
Nonsense! You always say that and your stories are always good! Now post it! 🙂