As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, I LOVE entering writing contests! The prizes, the writing community’s support, and the chance to write about a topic that might not work for a full book; all reasons they are so much fun. It’s also a welcome break from my current manuscript and all the editing/revising,
Most writing contests I find through Twitter, and that stays true of Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis‘ “Fall Writing Frenzy Contest” that is open between October 1-3. I was a critique winner in their 2019 KidLit Fall Frenzy Writing Contest and I’m really excited to enter again. For more information about the contest, you can visit the contest page here, but the short and sweet version is that you have to write a story no more than 200 words that is inspired from one of the 15 provided pictures. The picture I chose and my story are below. Enjoy, and I can’t wait to read everyone’s entries!

The Feelings Dress
by Abbi Lee
Wanda the Witch sat deep in the Whispering Woods. She could never tell how people were feeling and she always reacted the wrong way, so she was alone. Her heart was as empty as her cauldron pot.
A spider glided down next to her and spun a web for a morning snack. An idea began spinning in Wanda’s head too. She ran through the forest and collected yellow flower petals, red mushrooms, blue stream water, orange autumn leaves, and spider silk. Wanda’s cauldron bubbled and boiled, simmered and sighed. Then she sewed the threads into a beautiful dress.
Wanda trekked to town and as she walked past each person on Main Street, her dress transformed from one color to the next. She gave hugs to the ones who turned her dress blue, and spoke calmly to the few who made her dress red. She danced with new friends when it brightened to yellow, and held their hand if it converted to orange.
Wanda was happy to belong, to make each person’s day a little better. As she stood in the center of the square, surrounded by her new friends, her dress radiated the brightest and boldest yellow of all.
Wow! Love the idea of a dress that helps you understand another’s feelings. This is such a sweet story!
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Thank you!
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Love the beauty and creativity of your story. Really loved the hopeful ending. Congrats! Good luck 🙂
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Thank you!
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I absolutely cherish the beauty and creativity in your storytelling. You make it seem effortless. The ending pulled my heart strings in every direction imaginable. Best of luck!
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Thank you so much!
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It looks like you and I were both drawn to the same photo prompt for our story entries. 🙂 My heart was drawn to this little witch, alone with her cauldron in the woods. I love that the dress allows Wanda to know the true feelings of those around her.
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It’s such a great photo that could be taken in so many different directions. Can’t wait to read your story! I’ll be on the lookout for it.
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Absolutely fun and heartwarming! This is truly a fresh way to express feelings!!!
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Thanks Michelle!
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What a sweet story! Good luck in the contest 🙂
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Thank you!
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Love this creative concept! I enjoyed reading about Wanda’s special dress, Abi.
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Thank you!
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A brilliant, high-concept story with delightful imagery and layered description.”Her heart was as empty as her cauldron pot” hit me where it hurts. And Wanda won me over by proving herself such a brave and resourceful little witch. After all, it’s not always easy to deal with our own emotions, let alone other people’s feelings. It takes a special kind of magic.@AnneLipton
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Thank you!
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Abbi, I love the creativity that shines bright in this story. I’ve always had a penchant for mood rings, so a mood DRESS is absolutely AWESOME! Such a heartfelt, emotionally rich story. Good luck, friend!
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Thanks Laurie!
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Thank you for sharing this creative and beautiful story with us for the Fall Writing Frenzy!
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