Heather Kinser
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#50 Precious Words Contest Entry

2/26/2017

38 Comments

 
Update: I'm happy to say that my little story pulled in
at 13th place in the contest, out of 250 entries. Hooray!

Here's another wonderful writing challenge to fall in love with...
Write a children's picture book story using only 50 words.
     Sound easy? Just give it a try.
    This contest, called "#50 Precious Words", is the brainchild of picture book author Vivian Kirkfield, and I want to thank her for the opportunity to join the fun. I can't wait to see what everyone writes.
     My story is based on a concept that's close to my heart and that has been on my to-do list for a number of months. I think the super-short format suits it perfectly, so I'm grateful for the inspiration and impetus this contest has provided.

ROSE PETAL SOUP

Rose bud.
 
Bloom!
 
Sweet perfume.
 
 
Rose dud.
 
Gloom.
 
Sweeping broom.
 
 
Petal pile.
 
Brainstorm…

smile!
 

Petal style!
 
 
Petal necklace. Petal sash.
 
Petal blush. Petal lash.
 
 
Petal pen. Petal ink.
 
Petal portrait, rosy pink.
 
 
Petal pocket smells divine.
 
“Rose Sachets for Sale” sign.
 
 
When our blooming roses droop,
 
1-2-3…

make petal soup!
 

38 Comments

2017 Valentiny Contest Entry

2/10/2017

18 Comments

 
News Flash:
I'm thrilled to say that this entry placed THIRD in the contest!
Thanks to everyone who visited the site, enjoyed my story, and voted.

     What could be more fun than entering one of Susanna Leonard Hill's mini writing contests? This year, the story entries for the "Valentiny" contest must be 214 words or less and include a character who is confused.
     At first I was, like, "Um. Nope. I can't do this." But then inspiration struck...and I had a blast composing my entry. Thanks, Susanna! Your contests are always fun and inspiring.
VALENTINE CRUSH
I hope you’ll be my valentine.
You’re not so sure? I see.
You wonder why the card I gave
is crushed and crumpled?
                                                         Gee…
 
I fashioned it with you in mind--
with paper, sequins, glue--
then gently walked it to your house.
The next part’s strange, but true…
 
I tried to place it in your box.
(Yes, that’s what I had planned.)
Just then, a sentimental ape
removed it from my hand!
 
She lumbered down the street so fast
(your note crushed in her fist).
She seemed to think she’d won my heart
but in a crazy twist
 
a magpie spied your valentine
as ruby sequins flashed.
It stole her heart! She stole your card,
flew far away…
                                   then crashed.
 
A smitten chipmunk found your note
and stuffed it down a hole.
It would have stayed there--disappeared--
except a lovelorn mole
 
insisted it was in his way
and swept it from his floor.
It popped up at my feet. What luck!
I bolted to your door.
 
Remember, it’s the thought that counts,
so don’t look so confused.
This valentine’s a fine design
it’s just a little…used.
 
And anyhow, it demonstrates
the kind of love I feel.
This crushed-up valentine is proof--
my crush on you is real!

18 Comments

Trenton Lee Stewart on Writer's Block

2/4/2017

0 Comments

 
     These days, while driving to and from school, my kids and I have been riveted to the audio recording of "The Mysterious Benedict Society". Since author Trenton Lee Stewart is such a mind-bogglingly good writer, I thought I'd see if I could find any words of wisdom from him on the Internet.
     On the web page of the literary journal "Toasted Cheese", I found a great interview with Mr. Stewart. My favorite passage was in answer to a question about writer's block. (Long story short...Don't plan to write. Just write!)

"It seems to me that writer’s block is not so much a lack of ideas as it is a flare-up of perfectionism: the writer doesn’t want to put something bad on the page, and everything he or she can think of seems bad. When this happens to me (as it occasionally does) I remind myself that the act of writing is different from thinking about what to write, that if I will just start laying down prose I will probably discover something to help me move forward. I may need to discard what I’ve written, or it may reveal to me that I need to be writing something different, but one way or another the act of writing tends to eliminate the act of fretting before a blank page."
   ~ Trenton Lee Stewart

0 Comments

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