Hello, my friends, who I hope will still be my friends by the end of this post.
I’ve been putting off making this announcement. . .
At first I was just really hoping I could figure out some way to make everything work.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way, right?
But apparently, it seems. not always. . .
And then I didn’t announce partly because we’ve been so busy with other posts, and partly because I’m feeling bad about what I have to say.
But I’ve had a lot of folks asking about guidelines already, as well as a lot of wonderful, generous people offering prizes, which I SO appreciate, and I figure the time has come.
So, here it is.
Much as I love running them, I am, unfortunately, not going to be able to run the Halloweensie and Holiday Contests this year.
I’m so sorry.
After 15 consecutive years, October is not going to be the same without Halloweensie, I know.
I also know this is the 2nd year in a row I’ve had to miss the Holiday Contest. Sheesh! What is the world coming to?
You can make me wear the poop costume for Halloween, and put coal in my stocking if that helps!
But I’ve got family stuff happening and I’m afraid I’m simply not going to have the time required to manage the contests. And I don’t want to end up doing everything badly because I’m trying to do too much.
I’m hoping I’ll be able to run Valentiny in February and make it a little extra special somehow to make it up to you.
My sincere apologies for this interruption to our regularly scheduled programming. Hopefully we’ll get right back to normal for Halloweensie 2027!
Thank you for your understanding. I appreciate it. ❤️
No need to apologize, Susanna! Life gets in the way sometimes and you do so much for the kidlit community! Take a well-deserved break. I hope all is well with your family!!!
You are the best, and you are allowed breaks. We are not owed holiday contests. I’m always so glad to see humans prioritizing their sanity. Be well, and thank you for all the ways you inspire and create community among writers! 💜
Came her to say the same thing as @SWENSONSCRIBBLES! Thank you for all that you do for the writing community!
Susanna! Your Halloweensie contest has been an an amazing inspiration, as is your decision to do what makes sense for you and your family! So very thankful to you! Xo Mona
Totally understandable! You and family come first—not even questionable! And you know we’d never make you wear a poop costume! However we are rethinking the coal thing.🤣
You deserve a break, Susanna…I’ve said that for years! Your contests are the best but people can wait for the next one. Enjoy your family time! 💕
Gosh, has it really been 15 years?! I’d say a break is well-deserved and overdue. No need to feel guilty. Family is important and should definitely come first. 💕
Susanna, you do so much for the picture-book community. Wishing you all the best with your family and sending a big hug of gratitude!
Susanna, no apologies necessary. That you’ve run these contests for 15 years is an amazing gift to our community. Family comes first. Always. Wishing you & your family well!
There’s no way we can fully appreciate how much work you are doing behind the scenes, but it must be a TON! You’ve done such an amazing job running these contests, and we all appreciate you so much.
You are doing what is most important. Family is always first. I appreciate all you do and how much I learn from it all. Thank you. Enjoy time with your family.
Susanna, we will miss it but fully understand your decision. You have been so generous with your time, support, and effort. Family first!