When I’m not tutoring or offering professional development opportunities, I find myself spending an increasing amount of time and resources learning about how writing for children works, how the market works, how to be a good critique partner and where to find others in the same frame of mind. Here’s a peek at a few pieces from contests, poems, and smatterings of random journal filler from 2024- present. Sometimes, I actually write!
Where Buzz Can Wear Wings by Sherry Dubis: WC 95
“Those wings spell trouble, every time you enter or exit the van, they fall off your wheelchair. Leave them behind.”
“But Dad, people won’t know I’m a bee without wings. We shouldn’t have to drive at all. Stupid rain and fog.”
“Hey Buzz, what if we could get rid of the weather problem?”
“There’s an app for that! Search for Indoor Trick-or-Treat.”
“Hmm. This says there’s a Trunk-or-Treat in an airplane hangar at the old air force base. We can drive right in!”
“Sweet! I can wear my wings where there used to be wings!”
2025 Fall Writing Frenzy Entry
People think we’re wild about Halloween, because of this display in our yard. Our “miracle” — my little brother’s word for ‘marigold’ garden, is for our grandmother. I wasn’t a fan of a whole garden of marigolds, but every year, out came the seed packets, soil, trays, and grow lights.
“Why not roses, Abuelita?”
“Why not these, Nieta?”
“Roses smell better! Roses are bigger!”
“Roses have thorns, but marigolds have power! These flowers bring me home.”
“Like in Mexico, Abuelita?”
“Si. So much sun! Not like here.”
“But, why not plant something new, or lots of different flowers?”
“All together these are powerful like the sun. They call our ancestors to us with their scent and beauty. One day, I will be gone. Then you will know. Harvest the seeds to begin again. Plus, it’s cheap!”
That was my Abuelita! Papi said she died with a monkey on her back. I think the monkey was all those hospital bills! Even now, she tends her garden in spirit; her watering can in hand, as pure blue as the Mexican sky.
Spring Fling Contest APRIL 1-3, 2025
This contest is sponsored by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez, a teacher, writer and agent along with librarian, Ciara O’Neal. These hosts have collaborated with the larger kidlit community to source prizes ranging from signed book copies to above the slush pile submission opportunities. I’ve already had the privilege of an “ask me anything” session with author Rebecca Gardyn Levington who has generously offered her services for this event. I have met teacher/author Valerie Bolling in SCBWI virtual events. It’s like a treasure hunt discovering all these cool events, and rediscovering familiar names and faces!
Early Riser
Hyacinth: Keep pushing!
WC 149
Daffodil: Psssst. You awake?
Hyacinth: I am now!
Daffodil: Hear that?
Hyacinth: Robins.
Both: We’re late!
Daffodil: Bedcovers…heavy…rocks…
Daffodil: Raindrops.
Hyacinth: Upward! Follow the worms.
Daffodil: To the sky!
Hyacinth: Less talking. More growing.
Stretch… Poke…POP!
Daffodil: Agggh! Alien Ship!
Hyacinth: Daffy, that’s the sun!
Daffodil: Blinding l-i-i-i-ight!
This year’s entry Photo 4,
Dia De Los Muertos, WC 178/200
By Sherry Dubis
Hyacinth: Reflected off snow!!
Daffodil: Snow? Isn’t it spring?
Hyacinth: Beware the Ides of March!
Daffodil: WHERE!
Hyacinth: Not where. When, Bulbhead!
Daffodil: Someone woke up on the wrong side of the vernal equinox.
Hyacinth: Whose fault’s that?
Daffodil: Birdsong is a sign.
Hyacinth: …of inexperience. Even Crocus isn’t up yet!
Daffodil: Now what?
Hyacinth: We wait.
Daffodil: I’m chilly.
Hyacinth: And annoying.
Daffodil: Hey! Who are you?
Snowdrops: First Harbingers of Spring!
Daffodil: I was first!
Snowdrops: Maybe, but we’ll still be alive tomorrow. Will you?
Daffodil: Which one’s Harvey Spring
Hyacinth: I should’ve stayed in bed!
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