2021 has been an exciting year of firsts for me as a writer (...author? I am not sure what to call myself. Do you need to be published in order to be considered an author?...). I have found my first critique groups, joined SCBWI, participated in #Storystorm, participated in my first #PBPitch, and am now sharing with you my first Valentiny Writing Contest entry! For this contest, we were challenged with writing a Valentine's Day story for children using no more than 214 words (get it, 2/14! :) ) that tells a story of bravery. My first thoughts went to holiday parties in elementary school, but I wasn't ready to write yet. What other childhood experiences require bravery? Valentine's Day is about giving tokens of affection to those we love. My mind wandered to visiting my great-grandmother, Bubbie, as a child. When I was really little, she lived in an apartment and would let me play with her things and smile and talk to me. As I got older, she required the assistance of a nursing home. As dementia set in, she was often caught in the past and thought I was my mother. I still loved and looked forward to our visits, but a nervous stomach would accompany me. Those memories are the inspiration for this short story. To view all of the amazing entries, head over to the contest page, hosted by Susanna Leonard Hill! A VALENTINE VISIT |