Lara D. Elliott - Inspirations

This is my first time entering the Halloweensie Contest and I am so excited! The Halloweensie Contest is a writing contest run by Susanna Leonard Hil. The challenge is to write a children's Halloween story in 100 words or less using the words potion, cobweb, and trick. Enjoy! Maggie Mermaid’s Halloween Bash by Lara Elliott Photo by Mysticartdesign on Pixabay For Maggie Mermaid’s turn to host The Halloween Big Monster Bash,  She didn’t know just how to make  Her underwater bash a smash.  Jack-o-lanterns wouldn’t light, Candy melted in a lump, Her costume of a spooky ghost Became a saggy, soggy frump. “Instead of pumpkins, happy clams Will surely work much better here. Seaweed, just like cobwebs, draped To make a spooky atmosphere. “Ocean potion ‘stead of punch; A pirate’s patch for me to wear; Instead of candy, pearls and shells Become the trick-or-treaters’ fare.” The friends swam in and had a blast At Maggie’s...

Here's my submission for the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy. It's a short story inspired by the photo below. Don't know what I'm talking about? Find out more  here ! UNICORN CANDY  This is the bestest time of the year when the unicorns come out to play! If we’re lucky, we might get to see one. The best way to do it? Unicorn candy! Unicorns love unicorn candy. You mean you’ve never heard of unicorn candy? Unicorns only love the sparkliest, most purpliest candies. Look at these that I got. See how the sugar sparkles! And so many different shades of purple. I’m sure to attract a unicorn this year. I just know it! Once we have our unicorn candy, we have to put it outside so they can see it. There has to be sun so the candy really glitters. And there has to be white puffy clouds that look like cotton candy. Unicorns love cotton candy too. And now we sit and wait.  Shh. Don’t scare them away. Be patient. Keep an eye out. Wooooow!  ...

I'm so excited to share with you that I have a new picture book blog! The past several months, I have been focusing on my picture book writing and have learned a lot and written a lot. I even started querying! On my new blog, I hope to help writers and readers of picture books with bringing a wonderful experience to children. Check it out here:  https://larissaelliottbooks.blogspot.com After a long break from noveling, I have also returned to a big rewrite of my "Uncrushed" idea (see my WIPs page for more info). Cross your fingers that this is the version that finally sticks. I've worked really hard on the outline and I really want this story to come to life! And lastly, a mental health check in. How are you? Are you surviving? I've had many ups and downs lately. More recently because of my busy work schedule, sleepless nights with my 1 year old daughter, general stress of everything at once, and the attempt to "make it" with my picture books...