Tuesday, December 8, 2020

I had decided I was too busy to write something for Susanna Leonard Hill's 10th Annual Holiday Contest.  Then, on Saturday morning my daughter said, "I want to get you a robot for Christmas so you have more time to play with me." Ding! There was my inspiration for a holiday helper. Here is what Maddie and I wrote together in less than 250 words. Afterwards we played Barbies -- of course!

 Momma’s Helper

By Elizabeth Muster and 5-year-old Maddie Muster

Word Count 240


On a Saturday morning in early December, Maddie ran into the kitchen and tugged on Momma’s shirt. “Will you play Barbies with me?”


“Not right now,” Momma replied. “I’m fixing breakfast.”


After the meal, Maddie asked if they could watch a holiday movie together. “Maybe later,” Momma said. “I need to clean up first.”


While Maddie watched her tablet instead, a video gave her an idea. “Momma, could we go visit Santa?”


“After I finish folding the laundry,” Momma said. 


That afternoon, Maddie anxiously stood in line to see St. Nick. “What are you going to ask for?” Momma asked. 


“It’s a surprise,” Maddie said.


When it was Maddie’s turn, Santa Claus asked what she wanted for Christmas. Wisps of Santa’s hair tickled Maddie’s nose as she whispered in his ear, “A robot that can do Momma’s chores.”


“Oh, ho, ho,” Santa retorted. “What a nice idea. I’ll see what my elves and I can do. But who will help your mom between now and Christmas morning?”


Maddie knew the answer. It wasn’t a robot. It wasn’t an elf. It wasn’t even Santa himself.


The next morning at breakfast, Maddie set the table. After they finished eating, Maddie put the plates and silverware in the dishwasher.


“Thank you, Maddie.” Momma smiled. “There must be something special you’re wanting. I bet it’s that secret you told Santa.”


Maddie nodded and gave Momma a big hug. “It’s time for us to play!”    


Thursday, October 29, 2020

When I went to post my Halloweensie story for Susanna Leonard Hill's 10th annual contest, I realized I hadn't posted anything since the Valentiny one. Which, unfortunately, is an accurate portrayal of my writing life. Since the start of the Covid pandmic, I haven't been able to focus on anything but reality. My creativity is next to nothing.  But I'm trying to put myself back out there.  

I've been reading Brene Brown's "Dare to Lead," and I'm finding it calling me to "Dare to Write" again.  In Part 1, the author quotes Amy Poehler and puts my whole writing conundrum into perspective.

"It's very hard to have ideas. It's very hard to put yourself out there, it's hard to be vulnerable, but those people who do that are the dreamers, the thinkers, and the creators. They are the magic people of the world." ~Amy Pohler, Smart Girls: Ask Amy   

So here is a story...albeit less than 100 words. I'm also looking for guidance in revising some of my works in progress.  I signed up for a picture book mentor through SCBWI-Midsouth, and I'm anxiously awaiting feedback. I'm staying hopeful for #Pitchwars, and last week I entered #PBcritique fest. 

Here's me being a dreamer, a thinker, and a creator. Here's me being vulnerable. Good luck to all the word wizards out there.  Keep being magical!   


Haunting at Home

By Elizabeth Muster

WC 99


No bones about it, Governor Goblin’s pandemic regulations were tough on every body.


Without ears or a nose, skeleton Kay Daver couldn’t wear a mask in public. 


Mummy Dearest desperately needed new dressings, but the mortals had bought out the toilet paper...again. 


Their ghoul-friend Ghostie was in quarantine with a temperature of 42.3.


This year the fiends would have to haunt their own houses instead of creeping along the streets. 


So Kay, Mummy, and Ghostie spent October 31st on Zoom telling human stories and scaring each other. 


It was definitely different, but Halloween 2020 was still spooktacular. 


Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Cupid’s Curious Conundrum

Cupid’s Curious Conundrum

For the 5th Annual Valentiny Writing Contest

By Elizabeth LaGrange Muster

Word Count 213





It was February 13th, and Cupid ached all over. He had a fever. He had the flu. 


Who could he find to save Valentine’s Day with speed and stealth on such short notice? 


Cupid dialed the North Pole. “Of course I can,” Santa said. “Red’s my favorite color.”


“Actually,” Cupid coughed. “You must wear a diaper and sash.”


“Oh, no, no,” Santa retorted. “I’ve cut back on the cookies, but that would look too...um, curious.”


“Well, then,” Cupid said. “I wonder about Easter Bunny.” 


The rabbit said he could skip a day painting eggs. He agreed to wear the costume over his fur. But how would his paws hold the bow and arrow? 


Next Cupid dialed Tooth Fairy. She was small. She was fast. She was perfect for the job. 


However, she refused to deliver candy. “Too much sugar equals too many cavities. I’d be overworked, and I’d go broke.”


Cupid sniffed. “Let’s make this a conference call.” 


With all his friends now on the line, Cupid explained. “I need Santa to deliver the candy. Easter Bunny can make valentines. And Tooth Fairy, you will fly around with the bow and arrow.”


They all agreed. In fact, from then on they helped each other. Working together made the holidays even more special.