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. You deserve a break! Hope you take time to enjoy your family and the holidays. 🙂
Thank you, Ryann ❤
Suzanna
At the risk of being redundant, I have to thank you for all you do for the Kidlit community and tell you that although we will all miss the contests, your support and friendship is what we value more. Take care of your family and take care of YOU. I am sure we will hear from you soon.
Thank you, Susan – you are so kind! I truly appreciate it ❤
Absolutely no need to apologize to us. Thank you for all the work you’ve put in over the years. Enjoy the time with your family!!
I will, Elyse, thank you ❤
Life happens! I totally understand as I’m experiencing similar stuff. Take care of yourself and be with your family… we’ll all connect in the new year.
Thank you for understanding, Sue. I hope all is well with your family. It is a mix for me – some wonderful, some a little more difficult – but so important to be able to be there for everyone. ❤
Susanna, You are the best! No need to apologize! You will never have to wear a “bad costume”🎃❣️
Thank you, Susan 🙂 ❤
We’ll look forward to it next year! You enjoy your family. No boos for you – just hugs and celebrations for all you do!
Thank you, Stacy ❤
Take all the time you need and there is no need to apologize for “filling your well”.
You’re so kind, Nancy – thank you ❤
15 years? Whoa! You’ve earned a break! I wish it was not for family stuff. Hope all goes well Susanna. Hugs and ❤
Thank you, Donna. I hope so too! ❤
Hi Susanna! Just wanted to pop
I’m guessing there was more to this, Becky, so thank you for popping by to say what I’m sure was something very nice! ❤
Wishing you the best, Susanna. Family first, except for God. He can help us with all this old world’s problems. Saying a prayer for you and your family. You have been a blessing to many.
I appreciate the prayers so much, Ellie – thank you ❤
You do so much for kidlit, Susanna! Glad you are taking the time you need to attend to family matters.
Thank you, Shuba – it is important ❤
Susanna, there are never enough hours in the day for all we want to accomplish. Thank you so, so much for the opportunities you have given us already. Wishing you and your family the very best!
That is so true, Susan! I usually feel like I need twice as many hours as there are! Thank you for the well wishes ❤
your personal life comes first, and I hope things work out soon.
Thank you, Judy ❤
Hi Susanna, I am not sure if I posted to this or not yesterday. So much turmoil going on in the United States in the world right now. There’s no reason for you to apologize for all you have done over the years for our kid community.
What it’s taking a long time for me to learn is that to serve others I must take care of myself first. We are here and always will be in this community that you have created so lovingly and generously over the years.
Take the time you need for what you need. If you decide next year to run a contest, I would be happy as always to volunteer a library consultation, and I would love to help you as a judge if you need more people to help behind the scenes. With love, admiration, and respect.
Thank you so much for such a lovely message, Kathy. I truly appreciate it, and you! ❤
Susanna, no one does more for our kidlit community than you. Keeping your contests going for as long as you have is a feat in itself. How you juggle all the commitments is beyond me. Never ever feel you need to apologize for needing a bit more personal time. Take as much as you need. And know that all of us are sending you love and support going forward. And a huge thanks for being you! We love you!
Thank you for all your kind words, Marty. I so appreciate them. It’s hard not to feel like I’m letting people down, even though I wouldn’t be skipping the contests if I didn’t really need to. Thank you ❤
Take care of you, Susanna! You have spent the last 15+ years providing the kidlit community with these wonderful opportunities, and we are so thankful for that. Big hugs!
And I am thankful for all of you in this wonderful community! Thank you for your kindness, April ❤
Thank you thank you thank you for all the contests and learning over the years!
You’re welcome, Lauri, it is truly my pleasure. I love doing it. And I hope to get right back to it when things settle down! ❤
Wow! 15years! That’s amazing! Sending love and hugs your way. 🩷💕🩷
Thank you so much, Sue ❤
No need to apologize. Family first and life happens. We all just appreciate you trying and giving us these last years.
Thank you, Cynthia. I appreciate your understanding. And I hope to be back to business as usual when things settle down ❤
I totally understand. It has been such fun entering your contests, I may just create my own one-person Halloweensie contest, just to have a writing deadline and see what I come up with. 🙂
That, at least, I CAN provide, Margaret! Here you go – a 100 word Halloween story for kids (ages 12 and under) that uses the words HAYRIDE, PARADE, and ZOMBIE. Words can be used in any form – noun, verb, adjective etc. hayrides, paraded, zombified etc. 🙂
Thanks Susanna! I will be working on this one!
Yay! I would be delighted to read it when you’re done! 🙂
Thanks for all you do, Susanna. Take the time you need and don’t feel badly about it. This caring community understands.
Take good care.
Thank you, Rose. I know how caring this community is and I am so grateful ❤
Never apologize for not being able to do a volunteer job. Everyone really appreciates what you have done in the past, and we all know that life happens!
Thank you, Katia. It’s funny – I don’t think of it as a volunteer job, but I guess it is 🙂 Thank you for your understanding ❤
I’m sad, but I hope you take this time for yourself guilt-free. THANK YOU for everything you’ve done/do.
I’m sad too, Kendra. I hate to break a 15 year streak, and I will miss Halloweensie. But other duties call, so…. hopefully see you in February 🙂 ❤
Looks like I’m a bit late to responding, but just wanted to say that no apology is necessary — of course family comes first!
Thank you so much, Rebecca. I appreciate your understanding ❤
Dear Susanna,
Although I’m a little sad that you won’t be hosting your very-well known holiday writing contests, you deserve a break to take care of your family affairs and yourself. We appreciate everything you do for all of us in the children’s lit world. Muchas gracias!
well-
Thank you for your understanding, Carmen. Believe me, if I thought I could have managed everything, I would have done it – I hate missing the contests, especially Halloweensie – but sometimes you’ve gotta make the tough call.