I just love entering writing contests. It's challenging to write to a prompt with a specific set of rules, and it's inspiring to read all the other entries. For the second year in a row, I'm entering Susanna Leonard Hill's 7th Annual Halloweensie Contest. As the name implies, it's a "teensy" Halloween contest . . . the word count is 100 words or less. The theme is Halloween, and this year writers must incorporate the following three words (or any form of the words): monster,

Shelley Kinder's debut picture book, Not So Scary Jerry, is releasing from Clear Fork Publishing on September 19th! Welcome Shelly - I'm so excited to read your upcoming PB! And I'm happy to chat with you here on the blog today! STORIES – Discuss what inspires your ideas and stories, and share the process regarding your latest projects. First, I just want to say thanks so much for inviting me to your blog, Melissa! My biggest source of inspiration is probably my four kids. Th

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm so excited to participate in my first Valentine's Day Writing Contest...courtesy of Susanna Leonard Hill's 2nd Annual "Valentiny Writing Contest 2017." The rules are: write a story for children, with a clear story arc, using 214 words or less, including a character who is confused. Here goes . . . I hope this Valentiny story brings a tiny smile to your face and brightens your day just a teeny bit! TEENY TINY’S VALENTINY By Melissa Stoller 214 Words

I had so much fun participating in Susanna Leonard Hill's 6th Annual Holiday Contest. The rules were to write a children's holiday story for children under 300 words using the basic format/concept of the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas." I was so excited to be awarded -- "Honorable Mention For Excellence In Evoking Mood And Holiday Spirit And Tradition: Melissa Stoller for The Eight Nights Of Chanukah (also lovely portrayal of family)!" I can't wait for the Valentiny Conte