Susanna Leonard Hill's 11th Annual Valentiny Contest

This year, Susanna Leonard Hill's Valentiny Contest required its contestants to write 214 (or less) word stories for children where someone was feeling superstitious. I wrote about Violet, a vulture who feels like it was only the luck of her heart scarf that was bringing her Valentine's Day cards. 

Violet's Very Fine Valentine
by Rebekah Hoeft
214 words

Violet the Vulture was sad and distressed.
Her heart scarf was missing. She felt underdressed.

“When I wear that scarf on Valentine’s Day,
good things like sweets and cards come my way.
My classmates won’t think to give ugly ol’ me
anything special. But I’ve got these three
cards that I made for Lark, Gull, and Crow.
So I can’t skip the party, I do need to go.”

Sniffling, she dreamed of the luck the scarf brought.
Then bravely she banished those thoughts, and she caught
a current; she flew to Party Place Park.
Circling to land, she heard Crow, Gull, and Lark
talking about her. Their words made her blush.

Lark was impatient, “I wish that she’d rush!”

Gull said, “She’s late, but we really can’t start.
She’d miss all the feasting, the very best part!”

Then Crow proudly said, “Guys, I worked really hard
on making her perfectly roadkill-shaped card.”

“Vi’s funny and kind.”

“Violet’s great!”

“She’s the best!”

Their words made her weepy. She croaked, “I am blessed.”

Blinded by tears, she crashed onto the ground.
As her friends helped her up, her thoughts flipped around.

“You’re really my friends, I found out today!
You like me for me! Happy Valentine’s Day!”

Susanna Leonard Hill's Valentiny Writing Contest - Not So Perfect Valentines

 

It's that time of year -- Susanna Leonard Hill's Valentiney writing contest. This year, writers are to compose a Valentine's story for children that includes the feeling of worry. Stories must not be longer than 214 words. 

In my piece, Bink and Babs have returned, trying to get to Granny's house on time for their Valentine's Day party with their not so perfect Valentine's creations.

Not So Perfect Valentines

By Rebekah Hoeft

214 words

Bink bounced on Babs’s bed.

“Babs! Wake up, Babs! It’s Valentine’s Day! Let’s gooooo!”

Squeezing her eyes shut tighter, Babs yawned. “Too early, Bink. Granny’s not expecting us yet.”

“But we have so much to do. Paper chains. Snowflakes with heart cutouts. Glittering Granny’s card. How will we get it done if we don’t start now? Like, now now?!”

Bink handed her sister scissors and paper. Bleary-eyed, Babs began snipping. Bink glittered the card and glued strips of pink paper together.

When they finished, Babs got ready. Bink paced nervously.

“Bink, what’s got you worried?”

Bink sighed. “The chain’s too short, the glitter is globby–

“–and my snowflake hearts are lopsided.” Babs interrupted.

“It’s not perfect. I wanted Granny to see how much we love her.”

Babs hugged Bink. “Granny loves us. We don’t need to be perfect. Let’s goooooo!”

Bink smiled sadly. They scampered over the river and through the woods to where Granny lived. 

Granny was asleep, covered in glitter and paper scraps.

“Granny! Are you okay?” 

Granny squeaked. “Oh dear, you’re here! I got up early to finish your cards and must have needed a nap. Bother! I wanted your valentines to be perfect but they’re not done. I’m sorry.” Bink smiled. ”Who needs perfect? We love you! Happy Valentine’s Day!”

Get Well Soon, Mrs. Love -- Susanna Leonard Hill's 2022 Valentiny Contest

It's contest time over at Susanna Leonard Hill's blog. The rules?  Write a tiny story with a Valentine theme where a character feels pride. And keep it to 214 words or less.

I wrote a story about some kids who worked hard on Valentine presents for their teacher, who has to miss the classroom party becausw she's sick.

♥️ ♥️ ♥️

Get Well Soon, Mrs. Love
214 words

“Mrs. Love shouldn’t miss our party AND presents,” Ingrid said indignantly.

Omar agreed. “We worked hard on her gifts. Could you deliver them?”

Everyone looked at me, knowing I lived on our teacher’s street. I felt nervous but to cheer her up, I agreed.

On the way, I practiced the poem I’d written. I knocked, holding out the box of gifts when she tiredly opened the door.

Shyly I stammered, “…H-h-happy Valentine’s Day.

Bertha and Bree made a card with pink beads.
Eve shaped a heart for your birds with some seeds.

Omar and Oak wrote a Valentine’s joke.
Ume’s heart sculpture was great (till it broke).
Rue drew a lovebug so cute and so weird.

Von’s homemade chocolate has – GASP! – disappeared.
Anamaria recorded a song.
Lex penned a letter but spelled your name wrong.
Elle made a crown with those jewels that stick.
Neal’s heart is HEAVY with paint smeared on thick.
Tula thought tulips would be your delight.
Ingrid felt strongly that roses were right.
None of us like that you’re out with the flu.
Each of our presents say we sure love you!"

Mrs. Love beamed. “I’ve never been more happy to be your teacher. Thank you.”

She waved and I walked away, bursting with pride that we’d made her smile.

♥️ ♥️ ♥️

If you missed this year's contest, try out Susanna's other holiday writing contests in October and December.  

Happy Valentine's Day!

Susanna Leonard Hill's Halloweensie 2020: Scarlett Skeleton

Scarlett Skeleton

100 words

Scarlett Skeleton hid in the shadowy dark behind a shed, teeth click-clacking as she sobbed.  The shouts of trick-or-treaters echoed around her.

Footsteps crept close. A cat-masked face peeked around the corner.

“Hi!  I’m Casey.  Why are you sad?”

Scarlett sighed, showing her empty bucket.  “Parents shriek and throw hard candy at me, which rattles right through me.  I want treats; they think I’m the trick.”

Casey said, “That is sad.  Would you like some of my taffy? It's delicious and will stick to your ribs."

Scarlett nodded thankfully, happy to have found a sweet treat and a sweet friend

©️ 2020 Rebekah Hoeft

It's Halloweensie time over at Susanna Leonard Hill's blog! Here's what how she explains it:

"The Contest: write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (children here defined as 12 and under) (title not included in the 100 words), using the words skeleton, creep, and mask.  Your story can be scary, funny, sweet, or anything in between, poetry or prose, but it will only count for the contest if it includes those 3 words and is 100 words (you can go under, but not over!)  Get it?  Halloweensie – because it’s not very long and it’s for little people "

For more details on how to submit your own story or to read other entries, head to her Susanna's Halloweensie blog post.

Thanks. Susanna, for another fun prompt!

#FallWritingFrenzy

from Unsplash by Jakub Kriz

Dark and Deep

For things that scurry, things that creep,

the woods are lovely, dark and deep.

While sunshine shimmers high I’m fine

to play among the dappled pine.

But when the sun sinks low and hides

its warmth and cheer, the dusk divides

the day from night; I feel a chill

as fog falls fast. A screech owl’s shrill

and eerie shriek is all I need

to turn my feet with fear-filled speed

towards home and leave the dark and deep

to things that scurry, things that creep.

© September 2020 Rebekah Hoeft

It's writing contest time!  Between October 1-October 3, 2020, post a fall-themed poem or story on your blog or in the comment section at Lydia Lukidis's #FallWritingFrenzy. You  can find more information on her blog. 

Susanna Leonard Hill's Valentiny 2020 - Heart Hunt

It's that time of year--Valentiny time over at Susanna Leonard Hill's blog! 

Write a teeny-tiny children's story following these basic rules:

💜Make it tiny--214 words or less!

💜Make sure it is Valentine's story.

💜Make sure it includes someone who feels curiosity.

You can find more information at her blog.

Heart Hunt

214 words

Samuel shook his sister.  “Josie. Wake up.”

“Samuel,” Josephine grumbled, “it’s not dignified to be shaken.  Kindly desist.

“Princess Josephine, your royal presence is requested on a scavenger hunt.  Might you get up NOW?!”

Josephine popped up.  “To find what?”

Samuel shrugged, holding up a heart-shaped card with glimmering, golden words: ‘Head to the HEARTh.’  “Mother and Father left this before they set out for the Valentine’s ball.”

They ran to the great room.  There they found a warm fire and another card.

Josephine read:  'Go where cLOVErleaf grows.'

“The meadow!”  

Once ready, they crossed the moat to the snowy meadow.  Josephine sighed. “I wish Herbert was here. He loved adventures.”  

Samuel’s eyes grew hot with tears.  “I know. But he had to go. He didn’t like scaring people.”

The next crimson clue hung from a snowy branch on the edge of the meadow.

'Find your HEART’s desire where foxgLOVE’s found first.'

Josephine wondered.  “The only thing my heart desires is -- Oh!  Maybe through the woods…”

“...by the cave!  Do you think…?”

“I do.  Let’s go!” 

They ran until they reached the cave. 

Curled in the clearing was their dragon.  

“Herbert!”  

A golden heart around his neck read: 'Herbert’s here to stay. Happy Valentine’s Day!'

Herbert purred as they gave him a welcome-home hug.

Update: Not a finalist :) but there are some stories you can read at Susanna's blog that did make it to the finals! Read for fun or you can read for fun AND to vote by February 22, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

Susanna Leonard Hill's 9th Annual Holiday Contest - Merry and Bright

Susanna Leonard Hill, author, blogger, and chocolate lover, has given her annual holiday challenge:  write a teensy tiny holiday story.  Here are the basic rules if you want to play along:

-Story must have a clear holiday theme

-Story must be about a treat 

-Story must be no longer than 250 words

-Story must be for kids 12 years old and younger

Post your story on your blog and go to Susanna's site between December 9-11 and give her your story-specific link (or copy and paste your story in her comment section).

Happy Christmas and happy writing!

Merry and Bright

by Rebekah Hoeft

250 words

You'd think Christmas Eve on the tippy-top of the world would be merry and bright.  But Christmastime in Christmastown is covered in cold darkness.  The only light comes from what stars and moon peek through the clouds.  This Christmas, not even the moon showed its face.

Grumpy Christmastown elves, wishing for their cozy homes and well-deserved naps, were not cheered by Abner’s letter. 

Tomkin waved his lantern around, casting strange shadows on the other elves.  “Abner said there’d be something splendid out here.  All I see is dark...and a little more dark after that...wait...I see something.  Oop.  More dark.”

Pierette said, “Tomkin, Abner never lies.  If he said we’ll have a treat tonight, we will.” 

The elves agreed and huddled together, passing the time with elf song and stories.

After hours of waiting, elves started taking stealthy steps back home until Tomkin gasped and pointed at a glimmer growing in the sky.  Soon, it looked as if the sun had decided to wake from its sleep.  Brightly colored packages dropped, gliding to the ground on shimmering parachutes.  The elves scampered to open them:

“Candy canes!” 

“Cotton candy!” 

“Chocolate covered carrots!”  

—all the makings for a fine elf feast. 

The last parachute floated down, carrying a giant lantern and another letter:

Dear Ones,

You worked hard this year!

Enjoy your feast!

Love,

Abner

Head Elf,

Delivery Division

And so they did and all were merry and bright, even in the darkest, most tippy-top part of the world.

Susanna Leonard Hill's 4th Annual Valentiny Writing Contest: Eve and Mort

Eve and Mort

by Rebekah Hoeft

214 words

Eve folded, cut, and glitter glued

so many Valentines that you'd
be certain she had made enough for all

her class of twenty-eight, plus two--

a card for Mrs. Mackenrue

and one for her best friend across the hall--

but you'd be wrong, for Eve was short

by one sweet heart.  I must report

it was no accident that Mort was missed.

For he on playground three days past

had beat her in a race; aghast

she claimed, "He cheats!" and bopped Mort with her fist.

So she was sent to Mrs. Brahm

who shrilled, "Detention!," called her mom,

who picked Eve up and grounded her for life;

or so it felt to Eve:  "Not fair!"

She pouted, stomped, and vowed, "I swear

I'll never be a friend to Mortie Drife."

On Valentine's she made her move 

to show him up; with hearts she'd prove

that she was not his friend and never would

forgive him for his besting her,

for stealing "Fastest Kid," no sir,

but when she saw his card she felt no good.

It was impressive, glittered gold,

Amazingly with words in bold:

"Two kids as quick as us should be fast friends."

Guilt-ridden, in remorse Eve cried

"You won!  You didn't cheat!  I lied!"

With Valentiny hug she made amends.

*     *     *     *    *     *     *    *     *     *     *

Interested in writing a 214 word Valentine's story and sharing it with all the world?  Okay, not ALL the world, but whoever wanders over from  Susanna Leonard Hill's blog?!

Here are the rules:

💗214 words--can be less but not more!
💗clearly about Valentine's Day

💗has a character who feels guilty about something (or makes someone feel guilty about something)

💗be written for children

Your story can be poetry or prose.  If you don't have a blog but want to compete for fabulous prizes you can post your story to the comment section of the blog post she posts on February 13.  Or email her.  Or don't compete and just use her prompt as a prompt.

Or don't write a thing and just go read all the teeny-tiny stories about Valentine's Day.

Thanks, Susanna, for a fun challenge!