Charlotte Dixon
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FALL WRITING FRENZY 2021

9/29/2021

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PLEASE READ THE RULES POSTED BELOW!
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1. All non-agented writers may pick one of the images below and write about it. It can be a poem, a story, a mood piece, or whatever comes to mind. Happy, scary, beautiful, grotesque, whatever suits your fancy for any kidlit age, board book through young adult.
Maximum length: 200 words (not including the title).
2. You can write about the picture in a literal or metaphorical way, or focus on a memory or emotion it elicits. Just let the photo inspire you and have fun!
3. Entries for the contest can be submitted between October 1 and October 3, 2021 11:59 PM EST. Come back to this website and there will be a special blog post specifically for entries. You will enter your information to the form on the blog post, and you can include the link to your entry. If you don’t have a blog, no worries, you can post in the comments of the blog post. This is meant to create connections with others in the writing community so you visit (and maybe even subscribe to each other’s blogs).
One entry per person please.
5. Share, share, share! Please spread the word about the contest with your writing groups, on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook etc. When you do, we’d love it if you tag us so we can interact too! Kaitlyn is @kaitlynleann17 and Lydia is @LydiaLukidis. And once the event starts, comment on other entries with supportive, encouraging messages. Don’t forget to use out official hashtag: #FallWritingFrenzy.
6. The winners will be selected by Kaitlyn, Ameerah Holliday, myself, OR their prize donor. We’ll choose whatever speaks to us the most, could be sentimental, sweet, powerful, funny, lyrical, scary, inspiring, or something we haven’t thought of. We’re excited to be surprised!
7. We are aiming to announce the winners by October 31st but depending on how many wonderful entries there are, it may take longer, please be patient with us so we can give each entry the attention it deserves.

​
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May 17th, 2021

5/17/2021

6 Comments

 

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR JANIE REINART ABOUT HER UPCOMING DEBUT PICTURE BOOK: WHEN WATER MAKES MUD: A STORY OF REFUGEE CHILDREN


​Hi Readers:


​I’m sharing the true journey of refugee children as they use their imaginations to find hope because we’re talking to author and my amazing CP, Janie Reinart, about her debut picture book When Water Makes Mud: A Story of Refugee Children that comes out next month!


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Book Description for: When Water Makes Mud: A Story Of Refugee Children

A Heart-Warming Story About Loss, Family, Kindness, and Hope.

​When war forces two sisters to flee their home in South Sudan with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, Big Sister strives to help Little Sister smile again at the refugee settlement. But as quickly as Little Sister's smile appears, it disappears: that is until water makes mud. In the end, Big Sister's artistry and kindness brings hope to their situation.

​This title is a tribute to the resourcefulness of children who have no toys, but continue to play and is dedicated to the 200,000 refugee children living at the Bidibidi settlement in Uganda.


                                                  INTERVIEW


Charlotte: Hi Janie, thank you for joining us today.

Janie: Hi Charlotte. Thank you for taking the time to interview me for your blog. You are the best critique partner, cheer leader, and note-taker I know. Your feedback is always amazing!

Charlotte: Thank you Janie. It is a privilege to share your incredible journey as your debut picture book gets ready to celebrate its upcoming Book Birthday! Can you share where your inspiration for this book came from? 

Janie: A National Geographic article about refugee children making their own toys from mud, paper, and plastic caught my eye. The exquisite pictures in the article started the picture book story for me. 

I noticed the photographer, Nora Lorek was on Instagram. I contacted Nora to ask if she would consider confirming what animals might be found in the Bidibidi Settlement. Nora was gracious enough to give me her email and became my inspiration and resource. 

Charlotte: National Geographic is a great resource for writers. I’ve seen Nora Lorek’s photography—her work speaks volumes. Why did you want to share this story?

Janie: One of my favorite quotes from Albert Einstein is “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” I was inspired by the refugee children at the Bidibidi Settlement; children who invented toys from found objects using their imagination and critical thinking skills. Children without toys—yet children who play. Their hope becomes our hope. 

I would like to see today’s tech savvy children disconnect from screens and spend more time using their imaginations and creating. I’m hoping When Water Makes Mud will also inspire people to donate to UNICEF.  Publisher’s profits from When Water Makes Mud are being donated to UNICEF. 

Charlotte: Janie, you were meant to bring this story to publication. Children struggle all over the world. UNICEF has been a leader in helping children find their hopes and dreams. It’s generous of the publisher to donate their profits to this amazing organization. Speaking of the publisher, can you share the publication journey of this book?

Janie: I read the story about the children in the National Geographic article in December of 2018. After several drafts, I was ready to show my critique group and get their wonderful feedback. It is always a treat to work with you Charlotte, Pamela Courtney, Melissa Rutigliano, Kathy Halsey, Marietta Apollonio, and Monique Morales Wakefield. When my 184 word story was polished (after a few more drafts), my CP’s gave me their blessing to send the story out.  I submitted to Alayne Kay Christian/Blue Whale Press on Feb. 3, 2019. Alayne emailed for a phone call on—Feb.10, 2019 and the contract finalized on Feb. 19, 2019. The release date is June 1, 2021.

Charlotte: What a journey! As part of your critique group, I can tell everyone how proud we are of you and your beautiful story. Since you mentioned Alayne, can you share why you enjoyed working with her as your editor/designer?

Janie: What a joy to work with Alayne Kay Christian, acquisitions editor and creative director for Blue Whale Press. From the first moment, Alayne was excited and loved the story about the children as much as I did.
      “Well, Janie, you did it. You tugged at my heartstrings.” 
Not only is Alayne an editor, but she is also an award-winning author, and creator and teacher of her own picture book writing course. Alayne’s vision for the story was the steady hand at the helm that launched my picture book.

Charlotte: It sounds like it was destiny for the two of you to team up and send When Water Makes Mud out into the world. Is there anyone else you would like to credit with helping this story forward?

Janie: The charming and talented Morgan Taylor, illustrator for When Water Makes Mud : A Story of Refugee Children, tells stories though art, and promotes making the seemingly ordinary, beautiful. Morgan’s art carries so much emotion. Each spread is more lovely than the next. Her pictures make the story come alive. 

Charlotte: I agree Janie. Morgan’s characters come to life with her palette, textures, and thoughtful compositions. Before we go, I’d like to ask one more question. What pinged your heart on a classroom visit?

​Janie: I love doing classroom visits. During my latest virtual visits, I wanted the students to think about the importance of the written word. I asked a third-grade class in Ohio and a class in Minnesota—Why do we write? These are the answers that pinged my heart.

​We write—to change people’s lives, to bring joy, to express our feelings.

                                               Bio for Janie Reinart

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Janie Reinart revels in playing with words. As an author, educator, storyteller, and poet words are her tools. Janie’s passionate about encouraging emergent writers of all ages to find their voice, share their stories, and experience the sheer joy of writing. Her latest work for hire picture book, a retelling of The Ugly Duckling, was published by Wonderbooks, 2020. Her debut picture book, When Water Makes Mud: A Story of Refugee Children (Blue Whale Press 2021) celebrates its book birthday on June 1, 2021. She lives in Chagrin Falls, Ohio with her charming husband. Janie relishes reading historical novels and poetry, writing picture books and singing, and delights in playing with her 16 grandchildren. You can find Janie at: https://www.janiereinart.com

​Twitter 

Instagram

​Pinterest
Charlotte’s review of When Water Makes Mud: A Story of Refugee Children

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WHEN WATER MAKES MUD hugs your heart as two sisters flee from their war-torn home to a refugee camp. This inspiring story engages the reader as Big Sister’s toy artistry and kindness brings back Little Sister’s smile. The illustrations shine with tenderness and warmth as the children struggle to find hope again. Please share this true story told with heart and compassion.

Links to buy your copy of this book:


Amazon


Barnes & Noble


Target


Thank you all so much for reading and supporting this amazing creator!


Sincerely,


​Charlotte Dixon





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#SpringFlingKidlit

4/1/2021

16 Comments

 
It's time for #SpringFlingKidlit! 
It's a sunny SPRING day & what great timing for #SpringFlingKidlit to begin! Special thanks to
@CiaraONeal2
&
@KaitlynLeann17
for organizing a fun contest! I'm looking forward to reading all the amazing entries!

I found my gif at giphy.com


Click the button below to submit your story:


 
Submit Your Story
Here is my story taken from my childhood. Thank you for reading:

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JENNY AND HANNAH 
by
Charlotte Dixon


BOING! Spring sprung in a burst of sun. Jenny and her hen, Hannah, planted a new garden.
Jenny dropped seeds. Hannah pecked and swallowed.
“No Hannah!” 
“BAWK! BAWK!” cackled Hannah.
Jenny shooed Hannah from the garden.
Later, Jenny discovered Hannah sitting on four tiny eggs.
“BABY CHICKS!” squealed Jenny.
Three weeks passed until—four chicks hatched.
CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!
After a couple of days, Hannah and her chicks helped Jenny garden.
Jenny weeded—Hannah and chicks gobbled beetles, bugs, and slugs.
One afternoon, a Spring shower PITTER-PITTER-PATTED.
“BAWK! BAWK!” cackled Hannah.
“Cheep! Cheep!” chirped chicks.
Jenny, Hannah, and chicks squished in mud and splashed in puddles like ducks. 
Chicks grew. Wattles and combs jiggled.
Cool air turned warm in a— 
WHOOSH of wind.
Bees, butterflies, and fireflies winged through flowers and trees. 
Jenny, Hannah, and chicks waved goodbye to Spring and greeted Summer.
“BAWK! BAWK! BAWK! BAWK!”

​
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NFFest 2021 Winner!

3/1/2021

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NFFest 2021 has ended, but I've taken copious notes from posts made by the amazing guests. I thank everyone for the information and inspiration given each day in February. 
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REFOREMO 2021 IS HERE!

2/12/2021

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The 2021 ReFoReMo reading list is up! Sign up is the 3rd week of February. Stacks of mentor texts are waiting to be plucked from the library. Join in for guest posts, sharing, and amazing prizes. Press the green button for details! Let the fun begin!
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ReFoReMo 2021
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STORYSTORM WINNER 2021!

2/2/2021

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Thank you, Tara Lazar and guests, for STORYSTORM 2021. I will move into the new year with inspiration and possibilities. I have 33 plus ideas to light my way on my writing journey. I'm grateful to be a part of this amazing kid lit community.  Wishing everyone happy writing and illustrating.
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SUSANNA LEONARD HILL'S VALENTINY CONTEST 2021

1/28/2021

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February is around the corner and so is Susanna Leonard Hill's 6th Annual Valentiny Contest 2021!! Here are some particulars and a button to push into a great HEART time in the kid lit universe.

Write a Valentines story appropriate for children (children here defined as ages 12 and under) maximum 214 words in which someone feels brave! They can be brave about asking someone to be their Valentine, of course, but they can also do something brave to get a Valentine (the person or the gift), or do something brave to help a friend. They could be brave about giving something up, or brave about asking someone they’re not sure about for some reason to be nice. . . sky’s the limit! Think beyond the obvious! Your story can be poetry or prose, sweet, funny, surprising or anything in between, but it will only count for the contest if it includes someone brave (can be the main character but doesn’t have to be) and is 214 words (get it? 2/14 for Valentines Day!

​Push the button for more fun details!




6th VALENTINY CONTEST
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TIME FOR NFFEST2021

1/15/2021

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NFFEST 2021 is back for the month of February. Don't miss the opportunity for some nonfiction fun with posts and giveaways!

​
NFFEST 2021
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#FallWritingContest Flip Story

10/18/2020

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Kaitlyn Sanchez has stepped up the fun with a challenge to flip your story entry and highlight the antagonist's POV. Here's her challenge:

​Try this: take your Fall Writing Frenzy piece & turn it on its head. Put it in another setting or switch your MC to his/her/their antagonist & share here how it went! RT & tag friends! 
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MY NAME IS CANDY CORN   Image #3
by Charlotte Dixon 
158 words


My name is Candy Corn. 
Some shout my name with scorn.


I’m orange, yellow and white. 
I shimmer under light.


I’m sweetly mouthwatering.
I’m simply mesmerizing.


A wizard glimpsed my shine. 
He declared, “You are mine!” 


We whirled inside a park. 
My brilliance caused a spark. 


I spun into a plant. 
He spoke a magic chant.


 My sugar turned to mist.
I rolled into a twist.


Something swallowed and squealed.
I breezed and wheeled and reeled.


I sprayed in spittle with dread.
Confused disorder spread.


Candy corn multiplied.
I curled around and cried.


Candy corn packed my place.
They shoved and claimed my space. 


They pranced and danced about.
I tried to slither out.


They multiplied too fast.
I spurted and spewed aghast.


The wizard spoke a chant.
I spun into a plant.


I found relief at dawn.
The madness forever gone.


My shine is back this morn.
I’m not going to mourn.


NO. ONES. EATING. CANDY. CORN!
 












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FALLWRITINGFRENZY 2020 STARTS TODAY!!

10/1/2020

18 Comments

 
Lydia Lukidis and Kaitlyn Sanchez are hosting their annual Fall Writing Frenzy Contest. You can write a poem, a story, a mood piece, whatever comes to mind. Happy, scary, beautiful, grotesque, whatever suits your fancy for any kidlit age: board book through young adult. The maximum word count is 200. My submission is posted below.
 
Click this green button to visit Lydia's Entry Blog:


ENTRY FORM
​THANK YOU FOR READING MY ENTRY! GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
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STAY AWAY FROM CANDY CORN   Image #3
by Charlotte Dixon
171 words

I’ve got an aching head.   
I’m home and sick in bed.    


I celebrated at the park.    
I stayed there way past dark.    


I know I played a game,    
but not its silly name.     


A wizard raised his wand. 
It hovered by a frond.    
 
Out curled a purple wisp.     
It caused my tongue to lisp.        


My head felt round and strange.    
My eyes began to change.   


My teeth felt loose and dropped.   
They spurted in spittle and plopped.   


The wizard poked my cheek.      
I spewed and could not speak.    


My ailing tummy growled.   
A crowd of people howled.    


I ran for cover but fell.  
I could not break the spell.  


       They wolfed the goodies down, 
defied my scowling frown. 


They danced a jig till morn 
and gorged on candy corn.   


The wizard raised his wand.   
It hovered by a frond.  


The purple swirled up high.
I breathed a welcome sigh. 


Not sure how I got home, 
but I don’t plan to roam. 


I know one thing this morn, 
NO. EATING. CANDY. CORN. 


















 


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