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| Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss! |
Hop to her blog to read the details, entries, and generous prize list.
The kid-friendly stories are limited to fifty words, which turned out to be a lot easier than I thought once I got the theme in my head. This one is based on research I've been doing for a children's magazine.
Sound like fun? It's not too late. You have until March 6 to post your entry.
Here's my offering:
The Ballad of Mary Fields
By Joanne Roberts
Mary Fields comes chug-chuggin' from the saloon,
A thundering locomotive,
Streaming smoke from her cigar.
Wolves on the trail,
Four-legged or man-sized,
Won't slow her down.
Slapping the mail sacks across Moses's saddle,
She rolls out of town.
Her smile wide as Montana skies,
Freest soul ever born a slave.
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| The real Mary Fields courtesy BlackCowboys.com |
Wow. Even without the picture, I had a mental picture of Mary :0)
ReplyDeleteOh, thank-you. That's what I hoped. She was larger than life and that fascinates me. Thanks so much for the encouragement.
DeleteAwesome job! Have you written a picture book biography about Mary Fields? If not, you should!
ReplyDeleteWow. That's so kind. Actually I'm just working on a magazine piece about her, but I promise to think about it. Thanks for your kind words.
DeleteI so agree with Jen! Great PB
DeleteThis is so cool and now I want to know more about Mary (ditto what Jen said)! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks. There's so much I wanted to say about her, but 50 words isn't much. Believe it or not, her Wiki article is pretty accurate. You can start there. Thanks again.
DeleteThis was excellent, love that it was NF!
ReplyDeleteWhen I started writing non-fiction two years ago, I felt like Cinderella trying on the slipper. My first attemps at 50 words were fiction, then I realized I could merge my current research with my contest entry. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.
DeleteThis is wonderful Joanne! I'm a big non-fiction fan too.
ReplyDeleteI loved your character of Cyclone Winnie. After having worked on my piece about Mary Fields, at first I naturally thought your story was about the old west too! Thank-you for your encouraging words.
DeleteThis is great, Joanne! In very few words you have created such a powerful image of Mary! Attitude...Determination...Bravery. Love it!
ReplyDeleteGoodness. Thank-you so much.
DeleteWow, now I want to learn more about her. Great imagery!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I guess I'll let everyone know if the piece gets published. I enjoyed writing this. Thanks for reading it.
DeleteYou really convey a powerful sense of this incredible woman in 50 precious words. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank-you Anne. I spent a lot of time researching her history and looking at photos. I guess it was all simmering in my brain subconciously distilling down. I never would have guess just 50 words could be so much fun to write.
DeleteI love that you managed a biography in 50 words - precious! I hope to read more about this trail-blazing Ms. Fields soon.
ReplyDelete"Trail-Blazing!" That was the theme we were given by the magazine. Have you guessed the article I was working on pr did you already know? Thanks for encouraging me.
DeleteAbsolutely love that you used a nonfiction for your #50PreciousWords...Well done, Joanne!
ReplyDeleteI struggled with different topics, then one day in the car...bam! Wy not combine my current project with the contest? Thanks for the 50 word constraint. I've learned so much that will make me a better writer!
DeleteThis is fantastic, Joanne. Such glorious words.
ReplyDeleteWow. High praise. Thank-you kindly!
DeleteThe analogy of Mary to train is so well done throughout. Love this 50-word story.
ReplyDeleteI had a blast writing this. Thanks for the support.
DeleteLove your 50PreciousWords. Now I have to learn more about Mary Fields. I hope you continue with this!
ReplyDeleteHa Ha. I guess I'll have to with so much support! Thanks.
DeleteThis is so powerful Joanne! I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThat's so kind of you to say. Thank-you very much.
DeleteYour 50 words speak volumes Joanne! Mary Fields is a compelling person, and I really got a feeling for her in your story. One tough cookie, I'm impressed! I can't wait until your mag piece comes out.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. Your enthustic support does wonders to silence my cranky inner critic. It's greatly appreciated.
DeleteWow. I wish I had the words...Aweome. So happy. will be stoping in often.
ReplyDeleteThanks, dear friend. I wouldn't be here without your faithful support.
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