As many of you know, in addition to telling stories, I also write them! I’ve got three published books and a whole lot of manuscripts in the works. This year I have grown even more serious about my writing, participating in such author-ly endeavors as Picture Book Idea Month, seeking professional critiques for my manuscripts, and beginning the process of finding an agent for my work. I’ve also joined a few online writing groups and subscribed to some writing blogs so I can learn as much about the craft of writing as possible.
Recently I heard about a writing contest through one of the groups I joined. At random I decided to enter, and I’m glad I did because I won a critique of the first page of my novel, Carlos and the Corral of Forgotten Ones, by Erin Black, an editor at Scholastic Press! Her feedback was super helpful, and I know it will make my story a lot stronger as I move forward.
Then I came across another contest — the 3rd Annual Holiday Writing Contest — hosted at Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and decided to give it a try as well. The contest asks participants to write a children’s story about any sort of holiday mishap in 350 words or less. The prizes for the contest range from critiques by editors to autographed children’s books to Amazon gift cards. If you want to have some fun with words and tell your own holiday story, head on over to Susanna’s blog and get started. The deadline is this Friday so don’t delay.
Here is my entry, just making the cut at 345 words! Phew! I hope you enjoy it! Please feel free to leave your comments as they are much appreciated! 🙂
A Holiday Hippo Wish
“AAAHHHHHH!!!” Mrs. Allen’s scream rang throughout the dark house on Christmas Eve.
“What is it, Mommy? What’s the matter?”
Anna hopped out of bed and raced down the hall to find a hippopotamus in the bathtub!
“Hello,” said the hippo. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. You’re more pleasant than that other woman. She gave me a fright with all her screaming.”
“Sorry. That’s my mom. I think she was surprised to find you here.”
“Not as surprised as me! I was minding my business, floating down the river, when all of a sudden some impala-like creatures dove through the sky, lifted me with their hooves and brought me here. Then a fat man in a red suit told me to shimmy down the chimney. When I refused, he pushed me down! All he gave me for my traumatizing ordeal was a sickeningly sweet substance and a chalky white liquid. I want to go home!” The hippo burst into tears.
“I’m sorry,” said Anna. “This is all my fault. I asked Santa for a hippopotamus for Christmas. But I had no idea he’d take you from your home and force you down the chimney! I guess I need to be more careful what I wish for.”
“I guess so,” said Anna’s mother. “Now what are we going to do? This hippo cannot stay! If grandma sees her, she’ll have a heart attack!”
Anna looked at the clock. “1:00AM. There’s still time! Hurry!”
Anna and her mother pushed the hippo down the stairs and out the front door. Then Anna hung a note around the hippo’s neck.
Dear Santa,
Sorry for the inconvenience, but please return this hippo to her home. I promise to make my Christmas wishes more carefully in the future.
Love,
Anna
The next morning Anna looked out the window to see an inflatable hippo with a bow around its neck. The attached note read:
Dear Anna,
Your wish has been granted. Here’s a hippo the whole family can enjoy.
Love,
Santa