I’m going to try something completely different today… Author Susanna Leonard Hill is organizing a “Valentiny Writing Contest.” The challenge? Write a Valentine’s story appropriate for children, maximum 214 words, in which someone is hopeful.
So… here’s a little piece of my writing out for all to see. (GULP!)
The Happy Little Paper
(207 words)
Light shines into the drawer where I live with the other unused paper. A chubby little hand slides inside.
“Pick me! Pick me!” We all cheer.
The hand grabs me and I fly up, up, up out of the drawer. I flutter a corner of my page to wave goodbye to my friends.
I wonder what I will become?
Will I be a grocery list, reminding Dad to bring milk home from the store?
Will I be a paper airplane, feeling the wind on my wings as I fly through the air?
Will I be a beautiful picture, hanging on the fridge for everyone to admire?
Gosh! I hope I won’t be one of those crumpled up papers sitting on the table by the markers!
The hand sets me on a table with markers and crayons laying all around.
This is it! I can’t wait!
The hand picks up a crayon and starts to draw.
Hey! That tickles!
I hear the child singing softly as the hand draws a big shape in my middle and little doodles around my edges. The big shape has bumps on top and a point at the bottom.
Oh! I’m the best surprise of all:
“Happy Valentine’s Day Mom, Dad, and Alex”
2 Cooks Crafting Books 
Cute. Best Wishes!
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Thanks Aileen. You too!
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This is an interesting perspective, very nice. I wish you well with the story.
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Thank-you. You too! It’s so cool to see another Canadian participating (I’m transplanted now, but grew up in Ontario and attended Acadia before moving down here)!
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Happy paper! Best of luck.
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Thanks! I love your haiku and other poetry… Haiku is one of my favorites!
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Thanks for stopping by to check out my poetry. So glad you liked it. I’m partial to haiku myself.
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Unusual and wonderful point of view. Very cute story. Good luck.
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Thanks. Good luck to you too!
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A very creative take on this! And I love the picture. Is that what gave you the idea? Good Luck!
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Thanks! Yes, my daughter loves drawing and has been making us valentines for days! Good luck to you too!
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What a fun perspective! My daughter has been busy emptying our scrap paper drawer making Valentine cards too! I love the way your character wonders what it will be.
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Thanks! Although we sometimes talk about it as a “Hallmark holiday,” little kids really DO get excited about Valentine’s Day!
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I’m glad the paper got to be something other than a shopping list. Good luck!
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Well… shopping lists have their uses too! Good luck to you as well!
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What a cute story. Good luck.
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Thanks. You too!
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I love it. What a story of hope. I was pleasantly surprised at what he became. Simply beautiful. Wishing you the best.
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Thank-you. Good luck to you too!
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Cute story with a good voice. These contests are so much fun.
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Thanks! They are fun. And so great to meet so many other authors and read their work! Good luck!
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Lovely and filled with emotion. Good job!
Best of luck in the contest 🙂
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Thanks. Good luck to you as well!
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Such a fun perspective!
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Thanks! Good luck in the contest!
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Love your perspective. Happy paper! Good luck!
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Thanks – good luck to you too! And, Happy Valentine’s (or Valentiny?) Day!
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A very creative perspective! That little piece of paper is filled with hope! Good luck in the contest!
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Thank-you. Best of luck to you too!
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Awwww, I’m smiling with tears in my eyes. What a fantastic idea and a lovely sentiment. Good luck!
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Thank-you! Good luck to you too!
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Hiya – well done to the paper … that made him happy and he’s happily covered with hearts and stars – what more could a paper want … cheers Hilary
http://positiveletters.blogspot.ca/2018/02/the-robin-who-hedges-her-choices.html
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That’s what my daughter thought too – a paper is always happier with hearts all over! Thanks so much & good luck in the contest!
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This is too sweet! Very nicely done. You did a great job of making us feel the hope. I love the picture at the end too. Best of luck!
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Aww thanks! You’re too sweet! Good luck to you too!
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Such a cute, nicely-written story from a unique perspective, Liz! Kudos to you for trying something completely new and coming up with such a great little story! Thanks so much for joining in the contest fun!
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Thanks for offering this fun contest for us all! (I’ve only made it through about 1/2 of the entries – or maybe less than that – and, I have to say, you guys have a LOT of great stories to read! You’ve got a tough task ahead!)
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