So many of my blog posts revolve around the inspiration I get from family, childhood memories, and my time in nature. These are the things that motivate me to write children’s books. But I am also greatly encouraged by all those wonderful people who have been in the same difficult writing trenches and have climbed out to find success. Happily, for those of us still finding our way, these good folks understand the importance of doing what they can to lift up others and share their support. Such efforts can keep a writer going.
For children’s authors, each new year kicks off with a host of reflective, inspirational, and rewarding writing challenges. Beginning with Julie Hedlund’s 12 Days of Christmas challenge, in which writers reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, validate their worth, and develop writing growth goals for the coming year. Next up is Tara Lazar’s Storystorm –a delightful month of inspirational brainstorming blog posts by children’s authors that stimulate writers to produce 30 new book ideas. After that comes Susanna Leonard Hill’s Annual Valentiny Writing Contest, Mindy Alysse Weiss’s PB Party, Kailei Pew and Ebony Lynn Mudd’s PB Rising Stars Mentorships, Vivian Kirkfield’s Fifty Precious Words Contest, and now, Ciara O’Neal and Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez’s annual Spring Fling Kidlit Contest.
For the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, one must submit a 150-word story about a spring topic and post it on the host’s website, along with a related GIF. What I love about this contest, and so many others, is the challenge of writing a complete story with an arc using such a small word count. Doing so makes you choose your words carefully, picking out only the most necessary to help you creatively tell your story. The other thing I love about this contest is the awesome prizes donated by the even more awesome authors, agents, and editors who help sponsor the competition. Prizes include books, critiques, submission opportunities, editing services, or ask-me-anything meetings. These generous donors include:
Ivan Taurisano, Editor with Abrams Books, offers a critique or above-the-slushpile submission opportunity. IG: @ivantaurisano X: @IvanTaurisano
Kim Hoa, author of A Gift for Nai Nai – a signed book donation. @AutumnLeaflet on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Threads
DK Ryland, author of Giraffe’s Book is Missing a Story – a signed book donation. @dkryland – instagram
Sara Andrea Fajardo, author of Crack Goes the Cascaron – a critique. @safajarwrites
Rebecca Garden Levington, author of Whatever Comes Tomorrow – a 30-minute ask-me-anything meeting. IG: @rebeccagardynlevington, Twitter/X: @WriterRebeccaGL, Bluesky: @rebeccaglevington, Facebook: @WriterRebeccaGL
Aixa Perez Prado, author of Mercedes Sosa: Voice of the People – book donation or critique. insta: @aixasdoodlesandbooks
Vivian Kirkfield, author of One Girl’s Voice – a 20-minute ask-me-anything meeting. Bluesky: @viviankirkfield.bsky.social, Facebook: @vivian.kirkfield, Instagram: @viviankirkfield/, Twitter/X: @viviankirkfield
Valerie Bolling, author of I See Color – a 20-minute ask-me-anything meeting. Instagram: @valeriebollingauthor Bluesky: @valeriebolling.bsky.social Facebook: @ValerieBollingAuthor Twitter: @valerie_bolling
Jolene Guiterrez, author of Mamiachi and Me – critique. Facebook: @writerjolene Instagram: @writerjolene Bluesky: @writerjolene.bsky.social
Megan and Jorge Lacera, authors of Wild Ones – critique. Insta: @jorgelaceracreates @authormeganlacera
Ciara O’Neal, author of Pedro the Pirate – book or critique. Twitter: @Ciaralovesbooks https://ciaraoneal.weebly.com/
Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez – book or critique. IG/Twitter/Facebook: @KaitlynLeann17, Bluesky: @kaitlynleann17.bsky.social
So, if you’re a children’s author, it’s not too late to join the fun. You have until April 3 to submit a story. Follow this link for more information: https://sites.google.com/view/springflingwritingcontest/main.
And if you’re not a writer but love children’s books, I encourage you to purchase or check out the above list of books from your local library.
The following story is my entry for the contest.
Happy Spring, everyone!
Spring Bunnies
by Julie Lerczak
One moist and misty Springtime morn,
four baby bunnies once were born.
In four short weeks, they grew and grew,
soon, their nest just wouldn’t do.
So out onto the lawn they leapt,
to learn the secrets this world kept.
But little did the bunnies know,
hungry neighbors watched them grow.
A fox, an owl, a freckled cat,
were prowling, watching this and that.
Snapping twigs, a rustling shrub…
predators were hunting grub!
There was no time to breathe or think.
Bunny lives teetered on the brink.
Then, by chance, an escape appeared.
Down a hole, they disappeared.
Four wiser rabbits are now found,
raising their young on clovered ground.
And someday soon, their kits will know,
PAY ATTENTION WHERE YOU GO!
Little Seeds Read 