Spring has sprung, and so has another kidlit contest!  SpringFlingKidLit was the first contest I entered in the Twitter kidlit world 2 years ago, and I didn't place, but I made some great friends and was ushered into the amazing world of Twitter kidlit.  I've not once looked back!  I continue making great friends.  @Kaitlyn Sanchez was one of the first ones to welcome me as part of this contest, followed by @Kailei Pew.  Now, I have well over 3,000 followers - -many of whom I also count as friends.  Two years ago I did not have a critique group nor a critique partner.  I was just sort of almost beginning to grasp what writing a picture book looked like.  Now I have several critique groups and critique partners and I consider them an invaluable resource in my writing life.  Two years later, I have placed in several contests as a winner, finalist, or an honorable mention.  The changes are apparent, helpful, and good, and it all started with a leap on Leap Day of 2020!

Two years and many contests later, we're back to SpringFling Kidlit.  150 words. Inspired by a GIF.  Geared towards kids. etc.  Interestingly, last weekend was busy (THAT's nothing unusual). It was my nephew's birthday weekend and he'd had a sleepover at a nearby Christian camp lodge.  We had hauled stuff, worked a full day , slept on camp mattresses, stayed up late chatting, and had lots of fun.  We were also very tired.  So, hubby and I took a nap.  My sister was supposed to come pick up some things, and was supposed to text before she came.  In the middle of our nap, I was awakened by a "knock knock, knock knock".  Shane awoke, too, and said, "Is someone at the door?"
 Yes!  
He got up to check. . . .
No!  
No one was at the door.  He checked the turtle's aquarium.  That wasn't it either.  As he continued to investigate, he discovered a woodpecker pecking on the eaves of our house.  "Stupid woodpecker!" he said and he went back to sleep.  The knocking mystery had awakened me too far to go back to sleep, so I got up, planning to write the story that was formulating in my head.  Then, I realized -- this would be the perfect spring fling kidlit story!  A mom of one of my nephew's friends had told the story of her youngest child who was wanting to do a knock knock joke, but none of his siblings would listen to him, so he finally let out a big sigh, shrugged, and said, "Wrong door. . ." From those two bits, this story was born.  When I was searching for a GIF to use, this one popped up and the rest of the story came together.  I hope you enjoy my version of KNOCK, KNOCK!

Knock, knock!
Knock, knock!
Woodpecker taps a door in Spring.
“Whoo’s there?”
Owl opens both eyes wide.
WRONG DOOR.
Woodpecker flies away.

Knock, knock!
Knock, knock!
Woodpecker taps a door in Spring.
“Who’s there?”
Squirrel skitters and chatters,
Acorns and peanuts scatter 
WRONG DOOR!
Woodpecker flies away.

Knock, knock!
Knock, knock!
Woodpecker taps a door in Spring.
“Who’s there?”
A man looks out the window
With a scowl and a growl,
‘WRONG DOOR!”
Woodpecker flies away.

Knock, knock!
Knock, knock!
Woodpecker taps a door in Spring.
“Who’s there?”
Snake lurches out,
Fangs exposed,
“WRONG DOOR!”
Woodpecker ZOOMS away!

Knock, knock!
Knock, knock!
Woodpecker taps a door in Spring.
“Who’s there?”
A girl woodpecker comes out to dance.
RIGHT DOOR!
They tango up and down their tree
And build a nest to lay their eggs.
Woodpecker is finally home!

​

​Another day, another contest. . . It seems like contests abound this time of year!  
Valentiny -- check 
KidChoice -- check
PBParty -- check
50 Precious Words -- coming at you down below.

This is a superfun contest because you only have 50 (Yes, I said 50. . .) words to craft something precious. The topic is up to you, but it should  be a complete story and be appropriate for kids 12 and under. Furthermore, it happens AGAIN in May -- only this time for KIDS!  If you have children who are interested in writing, check out www.viviankirkfield.com for more details on this contest and her 50 Precious Words for Kids.  

My 50 Precious Words were inspired by this precious artwork by Felipe  Lancha, a kidlit illustrator I discovered on Twitter.  His image of these very different little birds, with an audience of other birds on a wire inspired this little piece.  Having grown up in a church that sang acapella, and being part of an acapella chorus in college, I have a great affinity for acapella music, including barbershop quartets.  When I saw this picture, that's where my head went, so I hope you enjoy this mini-story about a treetop quartet. You can find his original illustration here:  twitter.com/fe_lancha/status/1495940370483531777/photo/1 I can just hear them belting harmonies and singing for this sweet little audience.  Love the variety of birds, and the detail -- look at the eyebrows on the little guy far left, and the glasses and beanie next, and that little short bird with glasses is near and dear to my heart :-). That far right bird is so full of personality.  I took a little liberty, since a titmouse is not technically in Felipe's illustration, but I love this picture! Thanks, @fe_lancha for the inspiration, and these cute little birds!

I hope you enjoy Felipe's illustration and my short little story about finding your voice and your place to shine with perfect harmony.

Four dapper songbirds formed the Treetop Quartet.
But with a wonky sound,
The harmonies were disharmonious, and
Their melody fell flat,
Until. . .

Big-hearted Benny swung down to bass.
Timmy Titmouse tumbled up to tenor
Acapella Ozzie sang lead
Brave Brad belted baritone.
Now. . .

Perfect harmony,
As the quartet sings.

​

February is short, but packed full!  At school, we've had Groundhog Day, 100th Day, SouperBowl luncheon, Valentine's Day is coming, along with "TWOS-DAY", and more!  The writing community is kickin' too -- with folks gearing up for PBParty contest, NFFest going on, and SpringFling is just on the horizon.  There is always so much going on and so many fun things to write about and participate in!  Today, I'm sharing my entry for the Valentiny contest, compliments of Susanna Hill You can read more about the contest there, but here's the short notes:  kid-friendly (12 and under), no more than 214 words, about feeling PROUD, and a clear connection to Valentine's Day. I hope you enjoy PROUD THAT YOU ARE MINE!

I Curve my fingers,
And point my thumbs
To make a little heart.
Lift it up and blow a kiss
Proud that you are mine.

​

I hold up my Pinky,
My pointer, and thumb
To say “I LOVE YOU”
When I can’t say out loud
How proud I am you’re mine.

​

I squeeze your hands three quick times.
You know it means “I love you.”
It’s our special signal
To tell you with my hands
how proud I am you’re mine.

​

I sing it out loud and proud,
“I love you a bushel and a peck,
A bushel and a peck
and a hug around the neck.”
I’m so proud you’re mine.

​

I whisper it in your ear.
As I twirl my fingers in your thick red hair,
And you stroke my cheek with gentle hands,
I’m so proud that you are mine.

​

I whisper.
I sing.
I squeeze.
I sign.
I kiss.
Proud that you are mine
​On Valentine's Day!

​

Well, if you've been here before, you KNOW how I feel about contests.  I love the challenge, the competition, the fun, the comradery, the growth, and so much more.  You also know how I feel about Kailei Pew.  She was one of my first writerly Twitter friends, and really was helpful in showing me the ropes when I started my serious writing journey a couple years ago.  So when Kailei posted this amazing one-of-a-kind contest where the judges are -- KIDS?!  (Imagine that!!  Go figure. . .Kids judging a contest where people like me write for kids, like them.) It might seem like a no-brainer, but it took a brain like Kailei's . . .and here we are!  The first Kids Choice Kidlit Contest!  200 words. Kid-friendly.  PB, MG, or YA.  You can read more about her brilliance here:   https://www.kaileipewbooks.com/post/the-1st-annual-kids-choice-kidlit-writing-contest-is-open  

So, I dug up a manuscript that I thought was a pretty funny idea.  I had done some work with it, but  had set it aside in frustration.  But this. . . this might be just the time, and just the place, for UP YOUR NOSE.  We'll see what you think.  And most importantly, what the kids think, because this is my entry for the Kids Choice Kidlit Contest.

Ed had a big problem. He couldn’t stop picking his nose! 
 
Boogers! Loogeys! Slime! While drawing, Ed felt something in his nose, but it didn’t feel like regular bogeys. He pressed, pulled, wiggled. . .  After 19 tries, “Kaphooey”
 . . . out came a crayon! How. . .?!  It was covered in slime. He threw it away.

When Ed was picking and flicking, and racing loop de loops, something felt strange--What now? He pressed, pulled, wiggled . . . After 49 tries, he trumpeted. . . out came his toy car!? He couldn’t throw away his favorite car (even if it was covered with snot!) He cleaned it and stuck it in his pocket.

Ed was watching TV, eating gummy worms, and mining for nose nuggets.  A tingly sensation. He pressed, pulled, wiggled . . . After 94 tries, he honked! The remote control?!  
 What happened to my cartoons?

Ed was digging for gold while playing in the sand pile, and something felt odd. He pressed, pulled, wiggled. After 149 tries, he bellowed . . . out came . . . a dump truck?!?  
It didn’t come out easy. He felt a bit sick. Ouch!  That really hurt!

“I’m not sticking my fingers up there any more. Who knows what you’ll find up your nose?!”
[page covered with odd objects]

​

2021 -- how will we remember it?  The Second Year of Covid?  While Covid has certainly changed us and our world.  For some of us, it has stolen loved ones, family vacations, weddings and funerals, and more, my prayer is that we will find a different way to remember 2021. It was a year of survival, yes, but it was also a year of growth and change.  It was a year of masks, but also a year of seeing clearly what was truly important.  I pray that you can look back at 2021 and see something positive amidst the chaos.  For me, it was a year of family and travel and making memories -- a year of finding a new normal after losing Mama in late December of 2020. Interestingly, my word for 2021 was balance.   We took some chances with our travel this year, and I know there are some of you who think us foolhardy with Covid afoot.  My daddy is 79 years old, and just experienced what was probably the biggest loss of his life.  It was an honor and a joy to be able to take him on some excursions this year.  This year really was about balance. Life is short.  I've lived much of my life in fear of what people thought, fear of failure, fear of not being "enough".  I refuse to let fear rob me of spending these amazing times with my family.  So, we did 3 big family trips this year:  to Memphis, TN and back -- an Elvis Presley/music vacay. You can read about it in great detail here: https://www.tonnyefletcher.com/snippets-bits-of-life-blog/will-the-circle-be-unbroken  In the Fall, we went to visit a farm in South Georgia for a weekend, and made some new friends and got some great ideas for some creative endeavors our family is considering.  Christmas of 2021 found us in Asheville at Biltmore Estate and The Grove Park Inn (to view the National Gingerbread House competition winners).  Three amazing trips!   They weren't perfect trips. The first trip Daddy had quite a few minor mishaps that could have been major.  The second trip got totally rained out from our original plan, but that ended up being even better in so many ways.  The Christmas trip, I got sick and felt terrible for a large part of it.  Yet and still, there are GREAT memories, and I am so thankful to have them! If we look for and honor only perfection, we'll live a sad and lonely life. 

2021 ended with me feeling pretty rough -- bronchitis and a sinus infection plagued me over the entire Christmas break.  After getting back to school, Covid hit our house -- Hubby first, then me.  It was not fun.  It's still not fun.  I'm needing another day or two to recuperate before I tackle 500 kids. :-O But, I'm fever-free, feeling more human, thinking more clearly, breathing better.  Yes, I still occasionally sound like I'm coughing up a lung, feel like a bowling ball is square in the middle of my chest, etc. but I'm improving every day.  It could have been so much worse, so I am grateful.

​I'm approaching 2022 with a growth mindset -- looking for progress, not perfection.  I understand that there will be good days and bad days.  I know that failure is part of the learning process.  I'm trying to learn not to live in fear of not being ________ enough. I'm trying to learn not to compare myself to others, but only to compare where I am today with where I was before today. I want to be the person that embraces those new mercies every day and starts fresh to see where today will take me.  I want to live each day with gusto and enthusiasm.  I want to be willing to try new things, to learn new things. 
Indeed, this is my prayer for all of us in 2022.  Whether you are my friend or my co-worker, a part of the kidlit community, or a part of my Jesus family -- my prayer is that we can all focus on a growth mindset, be willing to learn and stretch and grow, that we would face each day as a gift -- an opportunity. I know if we can do that, 2022 will be a great year -- not perfect, but still GREAT!

Illustrator friends, this one is for you!  PBJamz needs a logo/illustration.  And art is NOT one of my talents.  I'd like to share some love with the #kidlitart community.  So I'm having a CONTEST!! I have a $50 Amazon gift card coming to the winner!  You can use it to buy amazing #kidlit books, art supplies, or anything your heart desires that is on Amazon for $50 or less! :-) The deadline is January 16.  Read on for more details!

Deadline: January 16 (Sunday) by 11:59PM EST
The contest is open to any illustrator, but I'd LOVE to give the honor to an un-agented illustrator.
The image needs to be high-def, digital, and scalable. (This is where my art ignorance shows. I want to be able to use it as a logo, possibly a background for the video portion of the show, in promo materials, social media posts, etc.) jpg format
I get rights to use the image in any way needed for #PBJamz 
I will give kudos, high fives, lots of credit and shout-outs on the show, blogs, and social media :-D.
Illustrator can use image for portfolio or in any other way that is not in conflict with #PBJamz.
Logo must contain:

•  Words "PBJamz"
• An image of a PB (picture book)
• Some musical elements
• Bonus points if you integrate PBJ (peanut butter and jelly) in an appropriate, meaningful way!

Other pertinent details:
I'm going for a fun, joyful, colorful vibe.
​You can read more about the intention in my prior blog post "PBJamz"
The audience for this video/social media series is::

• K-5 teachers
• Elementary music teachers
• Authors/Illustrators of kidlit
• Musicians
• Parents
• K-5 students

To enter, send your good quality jpg to my email (tonnyefletcher at gmail.com) with the subject line: PBJamz logo contest NO LATER than Jan. 16 at midnight EST.  I will narrow the entries down to my favorites, and then I will post those for a vote.  The one with the highest number of votes will be the jamming' winner of this #PBJamz logo contest!!!!  And I will send the winner a $50 Amazon gift card. And I will announce the winner here on my blog on Jan 22! Let the illustrating begin NOW!!!!!  I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Some things just go together -- Lucy and Ricky, salt and pepper, macaroni and cheese, and the ubiquitous PBJ -- peanut butter and jelly. It's always been one of my favorite combos. I'm still a sucker for a delectable PBJ sandwich -- made with just the right ratio of each on soft white bread.  It takes me back to my childhood in a blink. I've always thought music and learning were 2 more things that go together like peanut butter and jelly.  When I was in the regular classroom, I used music to teach every single subject at some point.  I have 2 professional development presentations where I pair music and learning to help teachers make learning fun.  Seven years ago when I began teaching K-2 Music, I started looking out for books that incorporate music to share in the classroom.  As I've traveled this picture book journey over the past few years and learned more and more about PBs and the business, I've been overwhelmed by the connections that can be made between music, teaching and picture books.  Those thoughts led to a brainstorm which is quickly leading to . . . PBJamz!

My yearly word for 2022 is CONNECTION, and that's the purpose of this new PBJamz.   My hope is to connect teachers, readers, musicians, and authors in new ways surrounding picture books (PB) and music (Jamz).  I'll be interviewing industry professionals in those intersections where reading, writing, teaching, and music meet.  Musicians who create content relative to picture books.  PB authors who incorporate music in their books.  Teachers who integrate books and music. Performances of new kidlit music.  Kid-friendly content. Teacher tips. Read-alouds and reviews of musical picture books. Currently, I'm working with Annie Lynn on a little theme song for the show, and I have an opportunity coming for artists for a logo contest (Stay tuned -- that info should drop by next weekend!) PBJamz will share in various ways how picture books and music connect through YouTube videos, Twitter, Instagram, FB posts, and this blog. 

This show and additional content is the perfect way to bring together so many things that I love.  It's a way to give back to the writing community and the teaching community and the reading community and the children's community.   We'll start rocking it out on February 24, which is my birthday!! ​ Stay tuned, and get ready to jam with PBJamz.

Birthdays and Twitter contests both abound right now!  Happy birthday to Gennie and Amy who are having this fun writing contest!  And Happy birthday to my baby sister -- who is now 41 years old.  She is friend and sister and shopping buddy and more.  In my teenage years and into my adulthood, we always celebrated my birthday and my brother's (both in February) with a family oyster roast.  Sometimes we went out, but we usually brought a bushel home from a local seafood market and scrubbed and steamed and slurped.  Eating steamed oysters is not for the faint of heart, but they are one of my faves!  Somewhere along the way, my brother revealed that he actually was not a big fan of oysters, so our tradition ceased.  His revelation inspired this short birthday story that I'm entering into the BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY contest in honor of Amy and Gennie.  You can find out more about it here: https://motherhoodblockparty.net/birthday-birthday-party-time/. My story, SLIPPERY BIRTHDAY WISHES is below.

“No oysters for my birthday!”
Della declared.

“They’re slippery.
Slimy.
Gross!
I want pizza for my birthday!”

“But we always have oysters!”

“Not this year. 
I want pizza -- with pineapple.”

“But Grandpa loves oysters!”

“Not Grandpa’s birthday.”

“But oysters are yummy and good for you.”

“Pizza is yummier and gooder.”

Della crossed her arms,
with her grumpiest face.

What a conundrum!

Della conjured a big tear in her eye,
with her saddest face.

Mama looked at her.

Della put her hands together and said, “PLEASE?!. . .”

So Mama brought out. . .
 Pizza!
for the birthday girl. . . 
Topped with pineapple -- 

and oysters!

​

I've never thought much about the meaning of "retreat".   Perhaps it conjures images of armies for you -- or maybe church youth retreats (which may have FELT like armies to the youth leaders).  Perhaps it inspires pictures of soaking in a bubbly tub or camping in the middle of nowhere.  The word retreat means "to withdraw, retire, or draw back, especially for shelter or seclusion" and that has never been a more apt definition than this week at the Sassy Goose retreat center at Cedar Mountain, NC.  Susan VendeWeghe and her family have created such a lovely spot for "retreating" -- whether you are retreating from work, stress, family or retreating in order to work, recover from stress, or spend time with family, you'll find The Sassy Goose the perfect respite.  This has been a beautiful week, full of new friends, new ideas, new insights, new resources, even a new recipe or two. :-). We've laughed, shared heart-wrenching stories, deep thoughts, big dreams and our passions.  We've critiqued and encouraged and motivated each other in myriad ways.

I came Wednesday night with a vague sense of who one of these ladies was from our Twitter interactions.  I'm leaving tomorrow (sadly) with 5 new friends who I know will be a constant source of knowledge, help, and encouragement moving forward.  They have opened their little critique group up to me, a stranger, so beautifully, if temporarily.  I worked as sous chef for evening meals, which gave me some one-one time with 3 of these ladies.   We've shared stories of our lives, dreams and struggles over chopping veggies, shredding cheese, and searching out a new kitchen for just the right utensils.  We've eaten well, and like any good writers' retreat, we've had wine and chocolate (and lots of healthy stuff too!)  Susan was kind enough to make a variety of muffins (all of which were amazingly delicious!), in addition to providing yogurt and fruit and granola.  Nancy and I made lasagna, salad and garlic bread Thursday night.  Kelly and I made enchilada stacks last night (and improvised some gingers'mores, which seemed to be well-received).  Tonight, Carolyn and I will warm some chili, bake some cornbread and put together a salad.  We've eaten well and been sustained for all the creative work we've done.

Each morning we've chatted over breakfast and shared resources, spurred each other on to expand our social media presence through Twitter, Instagram, and even a YouTube channel.  We've asked questions, and answered them, shared funny stories, ideas for books, marketing ideas, and so much more!  Susan, an amazing puppeteer, took us to her workshop where we got to meet members of her marionette family -- the puppets that she has designed, created and performed with. for years.  I even got to see some video footage of her performances and got to watch her light up like a Christmas tree as she shared her love of puppetry. We shared stories of our day jobs and hopes for our writing jobs.  The ladies are all as different as can be, brought together by a love of story and wanting to share that love of story with others.  Some of us are already-published or almost-published. Some of us have been at it for a while and still awaiting our "big break". Some of us are just beginning and figuring things out.  No one held back.  Everyone participated for the good of all -- whether it was unloading the dishwasher or critiquing a manuscript or sharing resources.  

I'm going home with 9 new books by Miriam Jones Bradley, author of The Double Cousins series, and other great books.  You can find more about her here: http://www.miriamjonesbradley.com You can order her books there for your children -- or one of her adult books for yourself!

Kelly Greene, aka Sunshine Story Time, is a story teller, story writer, VoiceOver artist, and so much more!  She was our techie geek for the weekend, and she was our favorite read aloud artist for our stories for critiques.  If you'd like to share some great stories with your littles, check out her YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UCsH0cTmTRGFhgWtxnaQR0Jg and keep your eyes open for more great content from her!

Carolyn B. Frasier has a brand new book coming out with more to come soon.  You can stay abreast of her upcoming publication, pre-orders and more right here: https://carolynbfraiser.com

Nancy is a retired veterinarian with a passion for animals and lots of expertise and heart!  You can find out more about her projects here: ​http://www.speakingforspot.com/index.php

Susan's website is here and you can find out more about her outside of her work at The Sassy Goose. 

The Sassy Goose is sidled up in the NC mountains, and Fall held onto its color and was glorious in its display.  Thursday poured rain all day, but after that the weather has been chilly, but absolutely beautiful.  It is a gorgeous setting for a retreat, a family reunion, or any other group outing.  They have 7 lovely guest rooms in various layouts -- the lodge, the cottage, or 2 cabins.  If you'd like to get away, you should totally contact them.  The pillows are comfy, they have sweet touches of home everywhere you look, a beautiful lake, breathtaking views, great hiking, and the oversized bath sheets in the bathrooms will wrap you in fluffy comfort as you come out of the bath or shower.   There are games under a pavilion, swimming and fishing available and so much more. (although a little chilly for the swimming right now. . . .)

If you're a writer, and interested in retreating for writing, contact Susan for opportunities in March, April and September.  If you have a creative group that would like to retreat together, contact her as well and schedule your own time to get away and get with it!

​https://www.sassygoose.com

I highly recommend The Sassy Goose if you're seeking a retreat -- from life or for life.  Tell Susan Tonnye sent you.  It won't get you a discount, but it will give me an opportunity to pay it forward :-) and say thanks for this amazing weekend.

While the hardest part will be saying goodbye to these amazing authors and wonderful women tomorrow, I am incredibly blessed to have shared in this weekend of writing, inspiration, friendship and retreat!

KidLit is all about stories for eensie, weensie kids -- and PBs about eensie weensie stories -- and micro fiction about eensier weenier stories and Twitter contests often have the eensiest weensiest stories of all!  Such is the case with Susannah Hill's Halloweensie contest -- a Halloween story for kids 12 and under in less than 100 words!  AND it has to contain special words!  This year's words:  goodies, glow-in-the-dark,  and goosebumps!  All those g's inspired me to write an alliterative story.  I hope you enjoy my eensie weensie story and have a Happy Halloweensie!

Green and gold glimmers grow
from glow-in-the-dark gourds.
Guests with goosebumps gather --
Gaggles of giggly girls and gangly guys,
Gussied up in grisly or glittery garb.

Glamorous ghosts and garish ghouls 
glide among games,
Vying for gallons of goodies.

Then. . . 
Glimmering lights go out!!
The sudden dark hides thievery.
When the glow resumes, 
Goodies have disappeared!

“Whodunnit?” 

Gumshoes on the job!
A clue:
Grunts and groans grow, 
from Angel Gabriel and Gladys Gladiator, 
from gobbling
goodies galore!

Looking green,
grasping their bellies, 
Gabriel and Gladys go.

Later. . . 
Goodies eaten,
Games won.
Glimmers ungleam.
Gourds unlit.
Guests ungather
Until next Halloween.

​