What’s in Lottie’s Wagon?
With the holidays coming, I’m offering contests with prizes and random giftaways to kid lit writers and illustrators as a thank you for always supporting me, Blue Whale Press, and our authors and illustrators. Last week, our giftaway offered four ARCs for No Bears Allowed by Lydia Lukidis and illustrated by Tara J. Hannon. The first place winner will also win a 15-minute “first impressions” picture book critique from me (Alayne) via phone or Skype. There is still time to get in on the fun! The deadline for the photo caption contest is December 4. The first week, we offered four ARCs for Randall and Randall by Nadine Poper and illustrated by Polina Gortman. And this week, we are offering even more!
This week, we are giving away, for first prize, a hardcover pre-release proof for Who Will? Will You? along with a picture book critique from the author of the book, Sarah Hoppe, PLUS a 15-minute “first-impressions” picture book critique from me (Alayne) via phone of Skype. For second through fourth places, we will be giving away a softcover Who Will? Will You? ARC to three winners. If you aren’t familiar with Who Will? Will You? you can view the fun book trailer below.
“A beautifully illustrated tale that’s sure to appeal to animal lovers and budding environmentalists. . . .” Kirkus Reviews
“A fun, unexpected conclusion teaches kids not only about shore life, but about what makes a welcoming home for a stray. Kids who love beaches and parents who love thought-provoking messages will find “Who Will? Will You?” engrossing and fun.” —D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
My goal is to have weekly contests until we run out of prizes. So watch for more Holiday Giftaways–books, critiques, bundles of ARCs, and some other great things.
The beauty of writing contests is it gives you a possible start for your next picture book. So, it is never a waste of time.
Following is the picture book trailer.
Following is a short peek at the Who Will? Will You? activity book for teachers, parents, and librarians
The Contest—WHAT’S IN LOTTIE’S WAGON?
- Write a 100-word story about what’s in Lottie’s wagon. The story must include the words pup, beach, help, and of course wagon and Lottie. Any form of the words is acceptable—for example: puppy, puppies, beachfront, beach ball, helpful, helping and so on. The title is not included in the 100 words. You can go under, but not over.
- It should be appropriate for children ages twelve and under.
- Your story can be serious, funny, sweet, or anything in between. It can be written in poetry or prose, but it must include those 3 words.
- NO ILLUSTRATION NOTES PLEASE! Keep reading beyond the following image, there are more steps you must take.
- Post the above photo with your story on your blog, along with a blurb about the contest and a link to this blog.
- IMPORTANT! Along with the story you paste into comments, add your name and your blog post-specific link (post-specific link not your blog’s main url because if you put up a new post on your blog after your entry during the dates of the contest, the judges will find the wrong post!)
- Post between now and Saturday, December 14 by 11:59 PM EDT
- If you don’t have a blog, just leave your name and paste your story in a comment, explaining you don’t have a blog. But please share the a blurb about the contest and the link in social media.
- If you have difficulty posting in the comments, which unfortunately sometimes happens, you may email your entry using the contact form on my blog or at alaynecritiques at gmail dot com, and I’ll post it for you. Please place your entry in the body of the email including your title and byline at the top – NO ATTACHMENTS!
- Please submit your entry only ONCE.
- By entering this contest, you agree that if you win, and you like the book, you will post an Amazon review.
The Judging
Judging criteria will be as follows:
- Kid appeal—something the twelve and under reading audience will enjoy and relate to.
- Originality and creativity.
- Humor, heart tugging, or thought provoking.
- Wow factor—something that makes the story stand out from all the others.
- Following the directions thoroughly. Very important. Not following directions may result is disqualification.
- Winners will be announced on this blog, Facebook, and Twitter on Sunday, December 8.
The Prizes
First place:
A pre-release proof (hardcover) of Who Will? Will You? along with a picture book critique from the author of the book Sarah Hoppe, PLUS a fifteen-minute “first impressions” critique from me (Alayne) via Skype or telephone. Learn more about Sarah here and more about Alayne here.
If outside of the U.S., the prize will be an e-ARC and Alayne’s critique will have to be Skype or written.
Second Through Fourth Place:
A softcover ARC of Who Will? Will You?
Alayne Kay Christian 