WinningWriters Announces New First-Ever Value: A FREE Copy of Grand Prize Winner--Limited Time

I am so glad to be able to share this first for the industry, share it with my visitors and subscribers here on my #SharingwithWriters blog. It’s a free copy of Theresa Tennyson’s “Five Years,” a super important book for our world in these days. But due to technical problems, you must click to get it NOW! Scroll for the review and the download icon.  https://sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com/2026/03/winningwriters-announces-new-first-ever.html

And all my author friends will want to make note of the other offer that expires July 1 online or by mail, and look at that grand prize! Put it on your calendar to submit before this deadline.

Happy writing in 2026 for sure.  Your SharingwithWriters blogger!

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Now through March 19, you can download the Amazon Kindle edition of our latest grand prize book for free. See below for details! Deadline: July 1 North Street Book Prize $23,500 in Prizes | Final Judge: Jendi Reiter Submit your self-published or hybrid-published book to this year's North Street contest from Winning Writers. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000. Choose from nine categories: • Mainstream/Literary Fiction • Genre Fiction • Creative Nonfiction & Memoir • Inspirational/Self-Help (new!) • Poetry • Children’s Picture Book • Middle Grade • Graphic Novel & Memoir • Art Book $23,500 in cash will be awarded in all, and the top ten winners will receive additional benefits to help market their books. Books published on all self-publishing and hybrid-publishing platforms are eligible. Any year of publication is eligible. Entry fee: $95 per book, with free gifts for everyone who enters. All entrants who submit online can choose to receive a brief commentary from one of the judges (5-10 sentences) at no extra charge. Winning Writers is one of the "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's Digest, 2025), and this contest is recommended by Reedsy. Click to read about past winners and learn more about our contest. SUBMIT HERE   Prefer to enter the North Street competition by mail? You may mail your entry and $95 fee to Winning Writers, Attn: North Street Book Prize, 351 Pleasant Street Suite B PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060-3998, USA. Please postmark your entry by July 1. Please note that feedback will only be provided for entries submitted online, and not those entries submitted by mail. If you would like us to return your book at the conclusion of the contest, please request this at the time of your entry and enclose an extra $10 for postage and handling. Download the Latest Grand Prize Winning Book for FREE! Now through March 19, last year's top winner Teresa Tennyson invites you to download the Amazon Kindle edition of Five Years at no charge (regularly $7.99).   Elise never asked to shepherd her small town through the apocalypse.   Yet here she is, the senior leader of a tiny New England town two years into humanity’s five-year death sentence. Amid dwindling rations and supplies, her job is to lead Middlewich through its last days in relative peace.   But she faces a new menace in the form of political challenger Grant Greene, an authoritarian whose radical new ration distribution proposal threatens to plunge half of Middlewich into early starvation. Adding pressure to the situation is the shocking reemergence of a critical resource.   Middlewich has successfully walled itself off from the outside world, but is it ready to battle the enemy within while saving the human race?   From the North Street critique by Jendi Reiter "I felt the scale of this story was exactly right, which elevated it over other speculative fiction in the contest. The worldwide catastrophe affects every aspect of the characters' lives, but the focus remains tightly on this small town that the reader has come to care about. We don't need to see the chaos and suffering outside Middlewich's walls because we feel it pushing in on their fragile boundaries at every turn. The characters are well aware that their choices are a microcosm of the human condition, a final verdict on whether humanity can and should survive. The story's central dilemma is also refreshingly different from most climate apocalypse fiction—not whether but how we choose to die."   Read an excerpt from Five Years (PDF)   Find this book on Amazon.

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER 

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Reaffirming Book Marketing’s Most Appreciated Gifts

I just had to share with my #SharingwithWriters blog visitors and subscribers because it reaffirms my persistence about shouting out the importance of using blurbs liberally in the our book promotion!  Adam Cohen, one of the gurus along with Jendi Reiter sent me a message sent by a winner of WinningWriters.com’s 2025 #North Street Book Prize: 

For the partnership consulting I did with WinningWriters.com’s team of experts who won an assortment of book marketing as part of their prize: “"Cannot say enough good things about North Street Book Prize! Thrilled, of course, to receive the cash award. But more important are the fabulous and talented people behind the award. So many of them, Adam, Jendi, Annie along with Carolyn and Laura have reached out to me and provided valuable critique, promotion support, or helpful guidance. I did not expect the personal warmth and human touch—an increasingly rare occurrence in our fraying, detached, and botified world. Won me over!"
—Ben Stubenberg, 2025 North Street first prize for Creative Nonfiction & Memoir Category

Of course it makes me proud to be part of that team, but it also keep me connected with new talent in our industry.  Ben’s “Jamaican Bobsled Captain” is a book made for everyone who loves sports and loves travel as well.  Here’s a big public thank you to Ben Stubenberg and WinningWriters, too. Oh, yeah, this also reaffirms my belief that a book review or a beautiful blurb is the most welcome gift anyone can give as a thank you that stays alive and remembered for a very long time. 

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

This badge was a gift from #GeneCartwright, 

award-winning author, author advocate, and 

expert in film acquisitions.

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. 

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

The Six Major Story Elements

 

 Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Ghostwriter, Rewriter/Editor

There are six major elements to a fiction story, and it’s the combination of these elements that makes the story complete, interesting, and considered good writing.  Too much of one or not enough of another can affect the reader’s ability to connect with the story. 

So, what are the major elements of a children’s story?

1.    Protagonist
2.    Setting
3.    Plot
4.    Conflict
5.    Point of view
6.    Theme

Here's a breakdown:

The Protagonist: Introduce the main character. Using your imagination make him unique. He can have particular mannerisms or quirks, or even distinct physical attributes. You can also make him likable or unsavory, but remember that you need the reader to be able to create a connection to him. It’s this connection that will prompt the reader to keep reading. Your protagonist needs to be real… believable.

The Setting: This will establish the time and place where the story takes place. The setting can create a feeling and mood. For example, if you’re writing about swashbuckling pirates, your reader will be in a certain mindset. The same holds for any other setting you choose. It will be intrinsic to the plot/conflict and will help establish vivid imagery for the reader.

The Plot: This is the meat of the story; it’s the forward movement, the conflict or struggle that drives the protagonist toward his goal. This involves any danger, suspense, romance, or other reader-grabbing occurrence. 

Conflict: This is the main problem or obstacle the main character must face and overcome to reach his goal. It can be an internal struggle or an external conflict from outside factors. Overcoming the conflict forces the character to have positive growth/change. 

Point of View: This establishes whose point of view the story is being told from. It’s important to make this clear. Even if you have two main characters, there needs to be one who is primary in order to keep clarity within the story. This applies through middle-grade. 

The Theme: This establishes what is important to the story. It usually evolves along with the story and the protagonist’s progression. If Jesus is your protagonist, establishing and promoting Christianity might be the theme. It might be the story’s view on life and the people/characters the protagonist encounters. It is the idea the author wants the reader to take away.

Utilizing each of these elements can create a unique, fascinating, and memorable story. Just as a cooking recipe has its own ingredients, writing has its own set that produce a remarkable end product.

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, ghostwriter, rewriter/editor with clients worldwide. For more tips on writing for children or if you need help with your children’s story, please visit Karen Cioffi Writing for Children. While there, you can check out Karen’s books.

And don't forget to CONNECT. 

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A feature in the right column of this blog lets you subscribe to #SharingwithWriters so you don’t miss any of Karen’s posts on writing for children.  

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MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

It’s Time! North Street Book Prize Welcomes New Category for Inspiration/Self-Help

WinningWriters.com is  introducing a new category for their this year's #NorthStreetBookPrize. I have always felt authors should seek out newish contests as well as highly respected ones. This will give those who write inspiration/self-help books a chance at both with one entry! Keep up with changes, value-added gifts for contestants, and guidelines at https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/north-street-book-prize.

 Jendi Reiter, poet and editor of WinningWriters newsletter is full of pre-vetted contests. Subscribe at WinningWriters.com.  And check out her newest poetry book from Word Works.  

Oh! If you will be at AWP in Baltimore in March, WinningWriters will be there for the first time in over ten years. Be sure to look for them to meet both of them and perhaps some of their past winners, too!  

PS: Be sure to check WW’s contest guidelines. Great books--some with release dates even decades old--are eligible.  It’s the most inclusive contest I know of.  

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER 

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. 

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). 

In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.