IT FELT GREAT TO CREATE!

There is no doubt, SPRING IS HERE and I look forward to the writing contests that come with the change of seasons. 

There are so many ideas and books brewing in my brain and I found recently that with prompts and contests, they are one of the only ways I feel like I can sit down and actually create. 

My inspiration for this story came from reading at bedtime with my youngest daughter last night. We read THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES and I knew I needed to write something funny for this contest. Funny, silly, and, as usual, tie it to an ocean theme somehow. I had wavered for a week over whether or not I would enter, and I'm glad that I did. I don't think it's my best writing ever, but I had fun with it, and it was really fun to get this idea out of my brain and on to paper! I could see this being a fun book on a shelf one day!?

So, the contest is SpringFlingKidLit and I’d like to thank to Kaitlyn and Ciara for hosting it again. And a BIG thanks to all the prize donors, too! The rules for this contest were to find a GIF and write a 150-word spring-inspired story. 

MONKEY SAVES THE SARDINE SNACK RUN is a very silly story that I wrote- it will hopefully ignite some curiosity about the Great Sardine Run that happens off the coast of South Africa between the months of May and July while making you laugh, smile, and enjoy a spunky, and unexpected hero of the story, Monkey.

And I promise to update you all more on future book launch events. Its really busy behind the scenes!

Big hugs, Blair

MONKEY SAVES THE SARDINE SNACK RUN

150 words

Every Spring, the Sardine Snack Run returns, and it’s a big celebration.
Millions of sardines migrate in bait balls,
and hungry friends gather to fill their bellies.
But this Spring… the sardines went missing!
Seals searched.
Pelicans dove.
Shark circled.
Not a single sardine in sight.
So, the Sardine Snack Run was canceled.
“Best day ever turned into the WORST day ever,” Monkey sighed.
He swung back to the highland trees,
found a cozy branch,
and curled up for a nap.
Just as he was drifting off… GASP!
From up high, Monkey saw a shimmer shining far beyond the reef!
“The sardines!” he shouted. “They’re back!”
Monkey sounded the conch shell--BWAAAH!
SPLASH! PADDLE! FLIP!
He weaved through whirling fish,
surfed a dolphin’s wave,
and belly-flopped into the school of sardines--
SCOOP! SCOOP! SCOOP! 
Buckets filled. 
The celebration was saved!
“Best snack ever!” Monkey grinned.
​“Who’s up for a banana-sardine smoothie?"

EDITORS:
If you are interested in acquiring this story or the potential series, please contact my agent Karen Kilpatrick 
[email protected]