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 
LOVE IT! Such a great surprise ending. 🙂 Great job, Rachel.
Sharon, your Hot Tub Santa was so cute! I can definitely see it as a picture book. Well written and so much fun. Great job!
Thanks, Keila! 🙂
Thanks, Michelle!!
Oh, this is such a fun story! I love the ending. Great job, Suzy!
Santa Baby by Pia Garneau
After a long day of toy-making, twin elves Tumbledee and
Bumbledum tumble on a trampoline.
“Can you do a double twist like me?” says Tumbledee
“Oh, but can you do a triple somersault like me?” says Bumbledum.
There stood Santa in his toy workshop inspecting toys for
Christmas delivery.
Apparently, he is standing in the wrong place.
Blonk! Bumbledum nose-dives on top of Santa.
Thud! Down goes Santa, unconscious.
When Santa wakes up…
“Ga-ga goo-goo,” says Santa. “Mama? Dada?”
Santa sucks his thumb.
“Oh no, Santa’s been baby-fied!” says Tumbledee.
Santa crawls to a baby rattle and a pacifier.
Giggle-rattle-suck.
Giggle-rattle-suck.
“And how did he get in those pajamas with footsies?” says
Tumbledee.
“I have an idea to de-baby-fy Santa,” says Bumbledum.
Bumbledum bounces three times on the trampoline.
He bounces high. He does a triple somersault.
He misses landing on Santa.
Instead, he crash lands on Christmas gifts.
“Oopsie. That wasn’t supposed to happen.” Bumbledum stares at
the broken gifts.
“Calling all elves! Help!”
And in true elf spirit, they mend all the toys in a jiffy.
“Time to deliver the gifts, Tumbledee. Come with us Santa. We’ll take care of you. You can thank us for our babysitting services later.”
Santa sits in the back while the twins steer the sleigh.
They arrive at the first house. The sleigh lands on the roof.
“I will deliver the gifts and you watch Santa,” says Tumbledee.
But when Bumbledum wasn’t looking…
Chuckle-swoosh-suck.
Chuckle-swoosh-suck.
Bumbledum peers down from the snowy rooftop. He sees Santa making a snow angel and sucking on his pacifier.
“Sneaky Santa,” says Bumbledum.
They arrive at the next house.
“I will watch him this time,” says Tumbledee.
Santa makes a run for it to slide down the snowy rooftop again.
“Sneaky Santa!” Tumbledee leaps onto Santa’s back.
Together, they tumble and roll.
Ow-blonk-crash.
Ow-blonk-crash.
“Um, why am I wearing pajamas with footsies?” says Santa.
“Santa, you’re back!” says Bumbledum. “Christmas is saved! Tumbledee, we’ll get to deliver the Christmas presents in time after all.”
“Ga-ga goo-goo” says Tumbledee. “Mama? Dada?” Tumbledee sucks his thumb.
What a sweet story, Lakshmy, and I love the touch of Christmas magic. Well done!
Terrific story, Pia! I love all the fun words, and the ending is perfect. Great job!
Thanks, Cheryl, that means a lot! 🙂
Thanks, Cindy!
Wow! Rhyme is so very difficult and you nailed it! It did not sound a bit forced or awkward – job well done! Cute story too.
ENTRY POSTED FOR SUSAN
THE CHRISTMAS WAGON
by Susan Halley
Every Christmas Michael Gabriel McBride wished for a wagon. Not just any wagon, but a shiny red flyer! However, since the Great Depression, Michael’s parents had little money.
On Christmas morning, Michael climbed down the stairs, yawned, and pulled his stocking from the fireplace mantle.
Inside the stocking was a wooden whistle Papa had carved, bright-colored sugar cookies, and woolen socks from Mama.
“Merry Christmas,” said his parents.
“Merry Christmas and thank you,” said Michael. And he meant it.
“It’s chilly,” said Mama. “I certainly could use my sweater.”
As Michael opened the closet door, his eyes grew large. There, sitting as pretty as you please, was his shiny red flyer!
“Oh Mama! Papa!” he cried. “However did you do it?”
“Mama took in extra sewing,” said Papa. “And I delivered nearly a dozen wooden toys.”
“Thank you,” said Michael. And he meant it.
As Michael closed the closet door, he saw Mama’s tattered winter coat and Papa’s worn down work boots.
Without further thought, Michael went outside rolling his shiny red flyer behind him, and headed toward Mister Hops’ shop. Mister Hop’s had an apartment above the store.
Michael knocked.
“We’re closed today,” called Mister Hops.
“Please!” Michael cried. “I need your help. I want to trade my new flyer for those.”
“Are you sure dear boy?” asked Mister Hops.
“Yes, sir,” said Michael. “Very sure.”
Michael left Mister Hops’ shop and headed home. Once inside, he placed two packages wrapped in brown paper and string under the tree.
When his parents opened the packages, they began to cry. Inside was a brand new coat for Mama, and new work boots for Papa.
“We know that you traded your shiny red flyer for these gifts,” they said. “What an unselfish boy you are.” And they meant it.
Suddenly, a knock came to the door. When Michael opened it, his eyes grew large. There, sitting as pretty as you please, was his shiny red flyer!
“The entire town pitched in,” said Mister Hops.
“Merry Christmas, Michael!” The townspeople shouted.
And they truly meant it!
Aw! What a lovely story, Susan! So much unselfishness and generosity! That's what Christmas is all about. Thank you so much for such a heart-warming entry!
Hahahahaha, Rachel! What a great ending! You had me totally wondering what on earth they found, and it never occurred to me that they'd actually find something edible! What a resourceful pair 🙂 Great job! Thanks so much for joining in the holiday fun!
Great job, Pia! I love all the fun words and the tongue-twisteriness of Tumbledee and Bumbledum. Wonderful how each crash carries the story forward and I love that it ends with Santa recovering his senses but Tumbledee losing his 🙂 Entertaining, fun, and lots of kid-appeal! So glad you joined in the contest!
What a purr-funny, adorable story, Nancy. Happy the gecko got away :0) Happy Holidays!
Loved it, Laksmy! Happy Holidays! :0)
ENTRY POSTED FOR BONNIE
The Sound and
Smell of Christmas
by Bonnie Ogle
Alone he travels
hard packed street,
Pitter pat
from puppy feet.
Nearly done
his daily chores,
As backdoor creeks,
innkeeper pours.
Slosh, the
dirty water gutters.
Slam! A final
window shutters.
Rustling fronds
of date palm trees
sound like
rain on gentle breeze.
Fresh and
clean, the manger hay
where Baby
Jesus’ head will lay.
A newborn’s
life-affirming cry.
His mother’s whispered
lullaby.
Doves, perched
high in rafters, coo.
A bray, a
baa, a cluck, a moo.
Steam wafts up
from pungent dung,
shoveled by
the landlord’s son.
Lambs and
donkeys, lowing, huddle.
Urine trickles
down, to puddle.
Musky woolen,
winter coats.
Unshorn sheep
and milking goats.
The Sound and Smell of Christmas, Page 2
Mold of ages
caked on walls.
Muddy tracks
of hooves and paws.
Smokey clothes
from campfire site,
On those who
watch their flocks by night.
Human sweat
on those who traveled,
and message
of the Star unraveled.
A roar of
wings; the angels sing,
Announcing Jesus, Servant King.
Who could resist eggnog! Great job, Suzy! Happy Holidays! :0)
Wow, Bonnie! What a perfectly described vision of the birth of the Christ child! I feel like I'm right there in the stable. Beautifully done! Thank you so much for an entry that focuses so completely on what Christmas is all about!
Great job, Mandy! I got a real keek…NUTS, I meant kick out of your story. Happy Holidays! ;0)
Wonderful story Kirsten! My kids enjoyed it also. They especially got a kick out of Rudolph's nose being changed with a light bulb.
I still love it, Ann! :0)
I love squirrels! Love that the squirrels go nuts when they hear the word “nuts” and that it was a squirrelly Christmas after all. Cute!
Beautiful, funny and wonderful! Happy Holidays, Kristen! :0)
Cute take, the poor guy's exhausted! At least he gets to have a good night's sleep before the Big Night! Happy Holidays! :0)
Thanks Susanna! I appreciate your comments. What fun to be a part of this contest. Thanks for hosting.
Thanks Cheryl! Glad to be able to participate and get the creative juices flowing.
I'm so glad you're having fun! Thanks for entering 🙂
Thanks, Donna!!
Ooo, a very unexpected twist! Clever!
I like the mice as elves angle!
A different kind of winner. Very nice.
Very clever! And I love the first person POV.
A unique way to have a winter wonderland!
You're so welcome, Susan! Thank you for joining in the fun! I'm going to leave you here, just in case people have trouble with FB – I haven't had anyone link to FB before… and I wouldn't want you to miss any comments 🙂
I love witty word-play. Nicely done!
I don't know what is up with my blog! This is the second story I've come across that I KNOW I commented on, and yet my comment has disappeared! Maybe we've totally overloaded the system 🙂 Anyway, thanks for a very cute story, Susan! I love your description of the “silvery blue haze” the “wintery wonderland” and the “glistening, delicate snowflakes falling gently” – so lovely! And i love the Molly's mishap was repaired so that John could still have his surprise 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the holiday fun!
A wonderful story with a postive message that's also fun to read. Well done with your rhyme too!
Santa's best friend!
I just discovered a nine year old has entered to give you a run for your money 🙂
Love the Santa Snow Angel!
I'm glad you felt brave enough to try, Kim! I know it's not easy. But this is a nice group of people 🙂
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So very sweet! Merry Christmas!
Love the punchline!
You can't go wrong with a loveable dog, an adventurous spirit, and a generous heart.
Of course she did! That resourceful Mrs. Claus 🙂
I love fractured fairy tales! Very clever 🙂
O Deer is such a clever name and such a lovable character!
Oh, a child's version of The Gift of the Magi! Perfect!