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!”

Susanna Leonard Hill's Teensie Tiny Halloweensie Story Contest - The Plan

Susanna Leonard Hill is hosting her 8th Annual Halloweensie story contest. Head to her site or to the bottom of this post for more information.

The Plan

100 words

by Rebekah Hoeft

Princess stirs the bubbling concoction.  In the flickering firelight, her tarnished crown and tattered dress look eerily royal.

Jester and Bear arrive as something howls in the dusky distance. The group shivers and huddles by the fire.

"All is as planned," Princess says. "None will resist."

Concerned, Bear peers into the cauldron.  "Will there be enough, you think?"

Jester cackles. "Of course! Princess plots perfectly.”   

A lone figure emerges out of the shadowed woods. 

“Look. It begins."

"Trick-or-treat?" Mouse says timidly.

Princess smiles kindly.  "Welcome. Come. Warm yourself.”  

She offers Mouse a cup of cocoa. “Nice costume, Keith.  Happy Halloween!”

© October 2018  Rebekah Hoeft

Per usual, Susanna's rules are simple:
1.  Super teeny tiny story:  100 words or less.
2.  Use the words cauldron, shiver, and howls.
3.  Have a main character and story arc.
4.  Tell a story that is clearly about Halloween.
5.  Write well, with readers age 12 and under in mind.

Head on over to her site  to join in as a reader or writer (stories due by October 31 at 11:59 p.m.).

Edit (Sunday, October 28):  This morning, I realized I hadn't read Susasanas whole blog post.

So I read it.

Gulp.

I found what I am sure every writer dreads most...that the story you wrote and slashed at and muttered over has already been written.  By someone else.  And worse, that someone else is the person you are submitting your work to. 

In a nutshell, Susanna's example 100-word story is about a group with a plan gathered at the edge of town (in the woods, maybe?) around a fire on a Halloween night with a cauldron filled with hot cocoa. 

Susanna's is a 20-line rhyming poem.  My original was a 16-line rhyming poem.  I liked it, but it didn't emphasize a character enough or feel like it had a story arc. So I canned it but kept the basic idea. 

Our stories ARE different stories.  A witch MC vs. a Princess MC.  Cocoa motives are different.  But still.  I cringe.   But leave it 'cause writing 100-word stories is darn hard.  Plus, it's report card, parent teacher conference week.   

So, Susanna, if you've read this far, my apologies for inadvertent plagiarism.  Great minds think alike?!