I absolutely LOVE KidLit contests. I love the challenge of preparing a piece within the parameters of the contest and working with a deadline. I love the feeling of accomplishment I get just from participating. But most of all, I love connecting with other writers and lifting each other up.
Fall Writing Frenzy is an exciting contest for many reasons, but I really love the broad guidelines here. Writers choose an image and write anything- a story, poem, mood piece, whatever- for any KidLit age. The possibilities are endless. If you haven't already, take a look at the contest details and give it a go!
As if the joy of connection within the writing community wasn't enough, Kaitlyn has amassed a troupe of SUPER generous prize donors! Follow them on Twitter, request their books at your library, write reviews, preorder, do what you can to support them in return!
Twitter Handles:
@AndreaYWang @chanastiefel
@JStremer @amandarhill32 @AutumnLeaflet @HovorkaSarah @readbystephanie @Ms_Holliday93 @SerendipityLit @BrianGehrlein @IvanTaurisano @ErDiPasquale @ShannonStocker_ @ebonylynnmudd @kaitlynleann17 @AReynosoMorris
Since I primarily write picture books, I first studied the images with the mindset that I'd be writing for younger kids... and I struggled to find inspiration. Lately I've been brainstorming some ideas for older kids, too, and I've started plotting out a young adult novel. So I decided to shift my focus a bit and start thinking about how these images could inspire me to write something for an older audience. I came up with a vignette titled TRY AGAIN. I hope you enjoy it!
Try Again
by Julie Hauswirth
199 words
When Dad first tied the hammock between the trees, he said it would become my favorite place to relax. He hopped in, stretched out, and placed his hands behind his head. It cradled him back and forth between the oaks.
“See?” He said. “It’s easy!”
I tried to jump in as effortlessly as he did, but my sneaker slipped on the slick leaves. I flipped over, landing flat on my stomach in the morning dew. Dad’s laugh hung in the air, mingling with the sparkling sun. He helped me up.
“Try again,” he said.
I wish I had.
He spent every morning there, sometimes with a crossword puzzle or podcast, but always with that half-smile that meant there was nowhere else he’d rather be.
I lift my brother Benji into the hammock now. So little when Dad got sick, there’s no way he remembers rocking here with him. I steady the hammock and lower myself in, but it twists and turns us over onto the wet earth.
“Jessie! Try again.” Benji demands.
This time I do, again and again, and after all this time Dad was right. I squeeze Benji as the hammock sways, our favorite place to relax.
You can check out the other entries by visiting Kaitlyn Sanchez's blog here.
Your stroy was very touching.
We hear the saying “the picture tells the story,.” This time the writer ✍️ tells the story, and I must say very beautifully! Very Heartfelt Julie!
So much story in so few words. Really well done. Bittersweet is right.
This is so lovely and bittersweet! Well done, Julie!
This makes me tear up every time I read it. It's beautiful, Julie!