Larissa Elliott Books

Below is my entry for Susanna Leonard Hill's Valentiny Writing Contest , a contest where writers must write a children's story in 214 words or less. This year's theme is "curiosity" so I wrote a mystery!  A Paper Heart Mystery 214 words Cora woke up and discovered a red paper heart by her pillow. “What a special Valentine’s Day surprise!” When she got dressed, she found another heart in the closet. When she brushed her teeth, she found another on the bathmat.  Mama came into the room, little Neo panting at her feet. “Thank you, Cora, for the lovely paper hearts you left me in my room,” she said. “But I thought  you  were the one who put them in  my  room.” “That is very curious,” Mama said. Cora thought for a moment. “Do you think a leprechaun left them?” “Leprechauns are for St. Patrick’s Day,” said Mama. “What about the Easter Bunny?” Cora asked. “Easter is not for weeks.” “Santa?” Mama chuckled. “I d...

Aha! I think this is the site that I came across during my self-education in writing in rhyme...but then didn't bookmark and so couldn't find it when trying to assemble a list of good resources. But now I've found it again! This site lays out very simply all the bits and pieces of writing with good rhythm and rhyme and story! The best part--the gridded examples! http://www.dorichaconas.com/Icing%20the%20Cake%20page.htm

Some authors went to school for writing. Paid tuition and all. But you can be just as successful for basically no cost. You can be a better picture book writer for FREE. Photo by AbsolutVision from Pixabay One caveat--you really need internet access. For most people, that costs money, so I guess it wouldn't be completely free. But there are ways to get internet access without paying if you need it. I assume if you're reading this blog, you have internet access, so let's get on with it. And one more thing--full disclosure: I've spent money on SCBWI membership and 12x12 membership and Rate Your Story membership and they're great for those who can afford them. HOWEVER you don't NEED these organizations to be a better writer. For the first eight months of being a picture book writer, I did NOT use the help of these organizations and I feel confident that I could be successful without these. I'm actually surprised I've invested any sort of money in...

Below is my entry for Susanna Leonard Hill's Holiday Contest . The challenge is to write a children's holiday story about a holiday treat in 250 words or less. This story was inspired by my family's love for gingerbread cookies (super special delicious family recipe). Enjoy! Photo by annca from Pixabay Gingerbread Family 227 words The warm scent of ginger and cloves tickled Isabel’s nose. “Mami, the timer’s going off!” “Okay, stand back, Isa. It’s hot.” Mami pulled the pan out. “Oh no!”  “What’s wrong?” Isa climbed up on a stool to get a closer look. The cookie dough had spread! All the little gingerbread men were plump and lopsided. Mami put her hand on her hip. “They’re ruined. We can’t serve these.” “Why not?” Isa licked her lips. They still looked yummy. “Christmastime with family is special. I want everything to be perfect.” “Can we make new ones?” Isa asked. Mami shook her head. “We don’t have enough ingredients.” “Can we fix them?” ...

I came across a great new resource recently. Pam Calvert's blog features a "Picture Book University". It's a group of blog posts with wonderful info on writing picture books. I love how she gives examples using published books. And I really love her storyboard idea. Check it out: Pam Calvert's Picture Book University

Here's my submission for the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy. 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!  Did you see it? Wasn’t it beautiful? Wait. Don’t t...

The writing community is so supportive! I have only been in the picture book writing community for about six months, but there have been many opportunities to win critiques or mentorship. The latest chances for critique are super exciting! The first of these is #PBCritiqueFest. You really don't have to do anything to enter. You fill out the application form which asks for lots of different info to match you with the best person if you are randomly selected to receive a critique. If you want, you can boost your chances by sharing the news with your friends and supporting the participating critiquers. Narrowing down my favorite authors and agents to list as my ideal matches was the hardest part of the whole thing. I was excited to see several agents that I had already queried and others that are on my list to query. How cool would it be to receive feedback from a potential agent that might want to rep my story in the future? Find out more and enter here:  https://www...