Kids’ Choice KidLit Writing Contest

If there is one thing I’ve learned on my kidlit journey so far, it’s this: the community is kind, generous, and genuinely wants to help new authors succeed.

One of the ways this is done is through fun online writing contests, like Fall Writing Frenzy and StoryStorm. Today I am so excited to share that I’ve entered the Kids’ Choice KidLit Writing Contest. This is judged by actual, real life kids. You know the kind that will be actually reading or listening to these stories? I couldn’t love this more if I tried.

I am working through a potential series of stories about Dr. Oink, Sutton’s beloved stuffed pig who holds a PhD. in economics, enjoys crossword puzzles, and avoids mud at all costs. Today I submitted an excerpt of “Dr. Oink Gets Lost,” a tale of getting lost, found, and finding other things on the way. Enjoy and please share your thoughts!

Perceval S. Oink, Ph.D., is a thoroughly inside pig.

The pampered porker lives a life of leisure. He enjoys completing a daily crossword (in pen), afternoon tea and cookies, numerous naps, and the occasional bubble bath. 

A few days a week, Dr. Oink accompanies his beloved person, Lily, to school. As an honorary member of the class, he participates in storytime, assists with the feeding of the goldfish, and stays far away from the painting area. After busy mornings, he spends the rest of the day taking a well deserved doze in Lily’s backpack, snoring placidly until it is time to go home. 

Dr. Oink loves his life. He wouldn’t change a thing. 

Until one day at school when everything went wrong. Dr. Oink was being carried to the backpacks for a nice nap, when he was accidentally placed in Lila’s bag. 

“Excuse me,” he squealed, “This is not Lily’s backpack. Where is my blanket? Where are my snacks? Let me out at once!” But no one heard Dr. Oink; the class had already run out to the playground.

He tried kicking. He tried screaming. He tried everything he could think of to escape. Despite his best efforts, his hooves were just not equipped for zippers. 

“It’s alright,” said Oink, “There’s only a few minutes before school is done for the day. There is absolutely no way Lily will leave without me.”

But he was mistaken. 

Lily was excited to see her parents and tell them about her day so she didn’t think to check her backpack. Afterall, Dr. Oink had never gone missing before so there was no reason to worry. 

Dr. Oink heard Lila’s voice as he was carried unceremoniously away to her Dad’s car. “No, stop! I am NOT coming home with you!” he said. They didn’t stop. 

Now he was really starting to panic and began trying to unzip the bag again. He was able to get his snout out and took a deep breath.

A few minutes later, the car stopped. “Finally,” Dr. Oink said, “They have come to their senses. I must be home.” He pushed the zipper harder and realized to his horror that they were at Lila’s house, not Lily’s. 

Enough was enough. He used every ounce of piggy strength to slide himself out. SPLAT, he landed on the sidewalk, and saw Lila go inside and shut the door. 

Dr. Oink was frightened. He had never gotten lost before. He had never even gone for a walk by himself. The world seemed very big, loud, and a little scary, even for such a civilized swine. 

But then he began to look around. It was a big world, but it was also surprisingly beautiful. The sky was a shimmering blue, birds were chirping, squirrels were doing… whatever it is that squirrels do. “Ok, it’s time to be brave,” said Dr. Oink. “I may not know where I am going but I know I need to find Lily.” He began to walk.