Susanna Leonard Hill's 7th Annual Holiday Contest - A Children's Holiday Story

Hi there. This holiday season, I am being courageous and entering the contest for the first time. Thumbs up for everyone, and Happy Holidays.

Working title: A Surprise for Ava. PB WC 250

Dear Santa,

My name is Ava Evans. Please make sure you have me on your list.

This Christmas I would love a pet, even if mommy doesn’t want one.

But if YOU bring me a pet… she won’t get upset. So, please, please, please, make my dream come true.

I’ve been very good this year, REALLY! Well, besides a few accidents.

It wasn’t my fault I broke my big brother’s ruler. He was making fun of me, and it sort of fell and broke.

It wasn’t my fault I spilled the bowl of cereals on the kitchen table and floor. I was trying to catch a fly that wanted to drink my milk.

It wasn’t my fault mommy found a box full of cockroaches under my bed. They were the only pets I thought she wouldn’t find.

I’m sure these little accidents don’t count as being bad, right?

Oh! Just in case you don’t remember my address, here it is:

222 Snowball Lane

Cupboard County, USA.

Big kiss and hug.

Ava put the letter in an envelope and slipped it into the mailbox.

On Christmas morning, Ava ran downstairs. She rummaged through the pile of gifts and found a big box with her name on it.

She unwrapped it and sighed. A few tears rolled down her cheeks.

 ‘I didn’t want a dollhouse, I wanted a pet!’

Then… Ava saw a tiny snout peeking through a window of the dollhouse.

“Awesome! I knew my dream would come true.”

Publishing Quest for Children's Books

Oh, dear, where to start? Since December 2016 lots of things have happened. Therefore I didn't find the time to post.

Firstly, as per Alinka Rutkowska’s suggestions, I followed writing classes.  Alinka is a pro in book marketing. I don’t know where she finds the energy and time with two wonderful kids, but she has built an empire. For those of you that want to self-publish click here. (I’ll get a small commission if you join) There’s a lot of information, read, read, read.

Then, I started following Children’s Book Insider and took a course in writing Chapter Books,(Chapter Book Blueprints) I also took a course on social media, which was great. I am still a member of CBI for the great information and monthly newsletters about trends and agents, etc. Check out Laura Backs and Jon Bard.

Then, I stumbled upon CBA, Children’s Book Academy where I immediately felt I was at home with Dr. Mira Reisberg.

Call it ESP. Mira is a wonderful person, she loves her work and she really wants to help new authors get published. I don’t know how she does it? In any case, I have followed various courses; illustrating kid’s books, Middle-Grade Mastery, and in writing picture books, with CBA.

It’s difficult, the classes are packed jammed with information, which we must digest in 5 weeks, but can have access to the material for 6 months after the lessons are finished.

It’s a challenge for those who are serious about becoming illustrators and authors. I highly recommend you check them out.  It’s well worth it. Psst...they also have the Golden Tickets. Click on the link's for CBA, and find out what it means.

http://bit.ly/CBAcademy

This said, I feel fulfilled, I am learning and applying the know-how. Perseverance and patience are important here. Don’t expect to get your book published soon.

Nothing in life is easy, you have to work hard to achieve your goals, as in any other business.

Become a member of SCBWI, there’s a lot of information on the website to help newbies.

If you want a ROI, (Return On Investment), you must first invest in time and money. Attend workshops in your area, and hone your craft.

Become an active member of the SCBWI. You can’t imagine the wealth of information SCBWI can offer.


If you’re a Canadian citizen join CANSCAIP here.

You’ll get contacts and make friends with other authors that are willing to help you.

Oh… let’s not forget critique groups.

I was once afraid of joining critique groups. Why? Will they steal my idea? Even if they do, they will never write the same story as you will. It’s impossible. So…take the dive, find other authors willing to critique your work and do the same. You’ll learn a lot from it. Both ways.

This said, I hope you investigate and take a few writing courses or workshops, especially if you are newbies to the publishing business - they are so important.

You’ll learn the ins and outs of the publishing world and what is trendy right now.

All of the above-mentioned courses and persons are wonderful people, it's up to you to take the first step and find the right fit.

Now, get out there and write a great book.