In 75 words or less, set the scene for a character in your story who faces a task of a less than thrilling nature.
We received over 150 entries to our DO I HAVE TO writing contest, and are pleased to announce that our winner is Noreen Cedeno, the recipient of a free year of membership with the SCBWI!
Thanks to all who participated in our contest. A new contest will be posted on Friday, May 23rd. In the meantime, please take a few minutes to read the winning entry below.
Noreen
Cedeno
Round Rock, TX
Member since 2008
WINNER
Thomas plunked his backpack down. “Why do I have to practice handwriting?” he grumped. “My homework is online. My class work is on a laptop. Handwriting is obsolete! Who uses paper anymore? What’s next, quills? I won’t do it!”
“Do your homework, or forget about playing computer games,” answered Mom.
“Mo-om,” groaned Thomas. “Didn’t your office just go paperless?”
Mom frowned, “This isn’t a debate.”
“Fine, but my hand will cramp from holding the pen!”
Noreen Cedeno began writing after quitting paid employment in order to stay home and raise her beautiful kids, ages 7, 3, and 1. She recently decided to try to publish something, so she joined SCBWI in 2008 to find out where to begin. She enjoys mysteries, gardening, and reading to her children.
Michelle
Ehrich
Ruckersville,
VA
Member since 2007
Honorable Mention
Doug shuffled slowly to Mrs. Abbott’s boutique. Had he really accepted a job painting the shop for Amanda’s grandmother? He could just imagine what she’d say: “Ew, you hired Bug? Customers are going to think this is a rummage store!” She would toss her long hair and strut away like she always did. Doug needed the money too much to dwell on it. He opened the door to his first day at work.
Michelle Ehrich studied creative wirting at the State University of Virginia. A professional potter for ten years, she has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and tutors reading part time in a supplemental education program. She loves knitting, crocheting, hiking, traveling and hanging out with her husband Matt, dog Coal, cat Zoe and her seven nieces and nephews.
Kay
Pluta
Oklahoma City,
OK
Member since 1997
Honorable Mention
Please don't make me clean
the gunk
Between the dragon's toes
Or wash the wax out of its ears
Or wipe its smoky nose.
Don't make me shovel dragon dung
Piled deep and high like rocks.
Instead I'll sweep what Kitty shed
And clean her litter box.
Kay Pluta, the author of There's A Yak In My Bed (Blooming Tree Press/2007), a humorous easy reader/picture book, lives in Oklahoma with her husband, two tween sons, and three wonky cats. Visit Kay's web site at www.kpluta.com.
