My friend, Vivian Kirkfield is welcoming spring and celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a new contest, Fifty Precious Words: Write a story in 50 words or less for kids ages 12 or under. It can be prose, rhyme, free verse, silly or serious, and the title doesn’t count toward the word count (Whew!). You can find the contest details here at Vivian’s blog, as well as other entries listed in the comments.
“Quite the challenge,” thought I! So I decided to kick it up a notch. Vivian’s contest happens to coincide with ReFoReMo (Reading for Research Month, for those “not in the know”), where I discovered some all-dialogue mentor texts. Now, those who have read my scribblings know that I am not one to dispense with the setting, background, and anything else I can throw in to “set the stage.” But ReFoReMo is all about reading new types of stories and thinking about how we can adopt techniques to strengthen and grow as writers. So, what better time to try an all-dialogue story! Without further ado, my springy entry follows:
The Best Nest
A prize!
For the best nest!
I’ll try.
Me, too.
Perfect spot.
Twigs,
grass,
wad of wool.
Set!
Perfect spot.
Mud,
spit,
dab of grass.
Set!
Two judges.
Dashing duo.
Tweeting about my nest.
Singing about mine.
Ruby Robin chooses my nest.
Sheila Swallow picks mine.
TIE!
Best Nests!
Wander, Ponder, Write 
Oooh…I can totally see this as a picture book, Pat! Awesome entry into the #50PreciousWords Contest. I do thank you so much for blogging about it. I love your characters…and the dialogue approach is fresh and engaging. I’m doing ReFoReMo also…but not ‘doing’ as well as I should…it’s an amazing challenge!
Isn’t it! I’m behind on ReFoReMo, too, but just forcing myself to read & write outside my comfort zone is so worth it!
50 words is hard, especially when you’re not an illustrator. But, I can see this as a picture book. Really outside the box. Good for you!
Thank you!
I loved the way you visually bounced back and forth in the dialogue. I love ReFoReMo too!
Thank you Jen! So glad you liked it!