Highlights Magazine | Cathy C. Hall Writes

As you may recall when I wrote about my mission to acquire Cheryl Klein’s SECOND SIGHT, I am not one to give up easily. And so once again, I shall be rolling up my sleeves, flexing the brain, and looking for an unusual newspaper headline for my Highlights Fiction Contest story.

Yep, it’s that time of year again when hope springs eternal and visions of dollars dance in my head as I write up a scathingly brilliant kiddie story of 750 words or less (475 words if I think up something brilliant for the younger readers of Highlights). Although, I’m a little flummoxed at the moment by this part:

CATEGORY:

A funny story inspired by an unusual newspaper headline.

I mean, I can do funny, and I read all kinds of newspapers. But I may have to do some digging to come up with an unusual newspaper headline to write this story and send by January 31.

Not that I’m deterred. On the contrary. ‘Cause you know what? I finally won SECOND SIGHT. And Highlights Fiction Contest? You’re next.

So, I did not win the Highlights Fiction Contest. Again.

I’m heartened by the fact that I know TONS of fabulous writers. But I do not know anyone on this winners list. So I think that means that there are TONS of fabulous writers who are authors, and editors, and publishers even, who are not Highlights winners. When I look at the situation through that lens, I feel downright perky.

In fact, I feel excited enough to try the Pockets Annual Fiction Contest. Entries are due by August 15th if you want to try. You can win $500 and a publishing credit if you win. And you know what else? Past winners are ineligible. I’m feeling positively thrilled about that. And best of all, you can send multiple submissions (though they must be unpublished).

It just so happens I have a wonderful story (or two) lying about.