As a kid I wanted to participate in writing contests, but never had the confidence to put myself out there. As an adult, but a kid at heart, I’m still building my confidence. My debut picture book IF SUN COULD SPEAK was released this year, and my confidence still takes regular nose dives. I came across the Fall Writing Frenzy put together by Kaitlyn Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis. For the contest, entrants choose from images and then write 200 words for any kidlit age. You can find contest info here. It’s an opportunity to connect with great people and get the creative thoughts flowing. It’s just what I needed. And there’s prizes too!
The image that spoke to me was this young girl:
A Spell to Bring a Friend
Willow entered a clearing on Halloween night. In one hand she held a cauldron, in the other hand a small bag. She could hear the distant hoots and hollers of the children trick or treating.
“Maybe a bag of candy would be nice…” she wondered.
She shook her head. “I’d rather have a true friend.”
And tonight was the night to try out her new spell.
Into the cauldron of river water her special items went, as she recited the spell:
A last flower from summer’s end.
To bring a friend who plays pretend.
An acorn from a mighty tree
To bring a friend who’s wild and free.
A fallen leaf with colors bright,
To bring a friend who is just right.
Swirl and stir, swirl and stir
‘til the potion is a blur.
Think good thoughts till whirling stops.
Just when the water became still, a twig snapped behind her.
“Oh!” Willow shouted as a girl emerged into the clearing. The girls smiled at each other.
“Sorry to scare you, but I was wondering if you’d like to play?”