Sometimes I’ll rewrite a story so many times I’ll forget how much it’s changed.
That was certainly the case with my story Harold’s Hat. As I mentioned on this blog, Harold’s Hat was published in the July issue of Highlights for Children. And because the folks at Highlights are lovely, wonderful people, they gave me permission to reprint a PDF of the finished story! Here ya go:
I just adore Harold’s crazy eyes in that last illustration.
This isn’t the only version of Harold’s Hat floating around. An embryonic draft of HHappeared on this blog in June 2013, which I wrote for one of Susanna Leonard Hill’s awesome writing contests. Both versions share many of the same story beats, but otherwise they are two very different animals.
Here’s your chance to win an official Mike Allegra custom made doodle!
But first, a word from Giddy Happy Mike:
This is the cover of the July 2015 issue of Highlights for Children.
Isn’t it great? I especially like this part:
That’s my story!
“Harold’s Hat,” is in the latest issue of Highlights (which is awesome)! And the editors decided to promote it on the magazine’s cover (which is awesomer)!
The issue arrived in my mailbox on Saturday. My son took one look at it, turned to me and said, “You are so cool.”
Best Fathers’ Day Present Ever.
The entire magazine is fantastic, by the way (Highlights is always fantastic). So be sure to pick up a copy for the little ones in your life. OK?
Thank you for indulging me. Now where was I? Oh, yes…
THE WIN A DOODLE CONTEST!
IF YOU WIN, I WILL GIVE YOU A DRAWING OF WHATEVER YOU WANT!
Don’t believe me? Then just take a look at these recent doodle commissions!
Sarah wanted a Caffeine Gnome, so I gave her a Caffeine Gnome. (Click to enlarge.)Sue wanted a Great Dane protecting some puppehs. So I gave her a Great Dane protecting some puppehs. (Click to enlarge.)Jenion wanted a cyclist. So I gave her a cyclist. (Click to enlarge.)Pam wanted a writer in the sunshine in a yoga pose petting an angel dog. So I gave her a…well, you get the idea. (Click to enlarge.)And the less said about this salamander, the better. (But if you must know…)
So, yes, your doodling wish is my command.
There is one exception, however. I will not draw whatever you want if whatever you want is pervy. I am a children’s book author, bucko, so take your dirty, filthy business someplace else!
HOW TO WIN
The winning name will be drawn at random. The draw-er is this guy.
He is apparently a fan of gritty AMC dramas.
HOW TO ENTER
To get your name in the drawing, all you have to do is leave a comment below answering ONE of the following questions:
What was the best vacation you’ve ever had?
or
What was the worst vacation you ever had?
If you choose to describe your worst vacation (and I really hope you do!) please provide some detail to illustrate all the awfulness, OK?
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING
Want me to stuff the ballot box in your favor? OK. I’ll add two more ballots if you announce this contest on your blog and link back to this page. That’sthree chances to win!
Don’t have a blog? No problemo. Then you can get one extra ballot if you announce this contest on your Facebook page or Twitter feed.
PRIZES (PLURAL!)
As I mentioned, the Grand Prize-Winner will get a custom made, one-of-a-kind, Mike Allegra doodle (suitable for framing or lining birdcages).
But I have other prizes, too! Our esteemed judge is going to draw two more names from the hat!
Sometimes I’ll rewrite a story so many times I’ll forget how much it’s changed.
Hey, Look! A Writer Fellow! 