Tiger eye and mandrake root! It’s finally time for
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| courtesy google images |
The Contest: write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (title not included in the 100 words), using the words pumpkin, broomstick, and creak. Your story can be poetry or prose, scary, funny or anything in between, but it will only count for the contest if it includes those 3 words and is 100 words (you can go under, but not over!) Get it? Halloweensie – because it’s not very long and it’s for little people 🙂 (And yes, I know 100 words is short but that’s part of the fun and the challenge! We got nearly 80 fantastic entries last year so I know you can do it!) Also, you may use the words in any form – e.g. creak, creaky, creaks, creaking, creaked. No illustration notes please!
Post your story on your blog between right now this very second and Friday October 31st by 11:59 PM EDT and add your post-specific link to the list below. There will be no Would You Read It Wednesday or Perfect Picture Book Friday this week, so this post and the list of links will stay up all week for everyone to enjoy. (I hope you will all visit each other! :)) If you don’t have a blog and would like to enter, you can simply copy and paste your entry in the comments section below. (Or, if you have difficulty with the comments, which unfortunately sometimes happens, you may email your entry to me and I’ll post it for you!)
The Judging: in a grueling, marathon weekend, my lovely assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to 3 top choices (hee hee hee – okay, who are we kidding? :)) which will be posted here and voted on for a winner on Monday November 3rd. The winner will be announced in a special Thursday post on November 6th. If we get more than 20 entries, I will post 6 finalists and give prizes for 1st through 3rd. If by some chance we get the kind of turn out we did last year, all bets are off. I may post as many as 10 finalists and I’ll probably end up giving everyone a prize 🙂 But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it 🙂
The Prizes: we’ve got some seriously amazing prizes! (words in color are links to more info)
– Julie Hedlund‘s fantastic new course How To Make Money As An Author, interesting, educational and suitable for writers at any stage of their career
– a 2015 membership to Children’s Book Insider, an absolutely fabulous resource for kid lit writers of all kinds, generously offered by Jon Bard and Laura Backes
– a picture book manuscript critique from the renowned Alayne Christian (prose only, 800 words or less)
Alayne Kay Christian is an award winning author of BUTTERFLY KISSES FOR GRANDMA AND GRANDPA. She is represented by Erzsi Deak of Hen&Ink Literary Studio. To read more about Alayne, her critique service, and her books visit her websites and blog.
– a picture book manuscript critique (rhyme or prose) from Penny Parker Klostermann who, after extensive experience critiquing for writing partners, members of various kid lit groups, and clients of Erin Murphy Literary Agency, is opening her own critique service!!!
Website: www.traceymcox.com
Blog: www.traceymcox.wordpress.com
– an e-pub or PDF copy (winner’s choice) of Linda Ashman‘s Nuts And Bolts Guide To Writing Picture Books
– a personalized signed copy of I WANNA GO HOME by Karen Kaufman Orloff, the latest in the brilliant PB series that began with I WANNA IGUANA. (Reviewed HERE for PPBF)
– a personalized signed copy of I AM COW HEAR ME MOO by Jill Esbaum (reviewed for Perfect Picture Books HERE and HERE – yep, it’s so popular it got reviewed for PPBF twice :))
– a personalized signed copy of NINJA RED RIDING HOOD by Corey Rosen Schwartz, the riveting follow-up to THE THREE NINJA PIGS. (Reviewed HERE for PPBF)
– a PDF copy of Ryan Sias’s A Spooky-Doodle E-Book, “doodle pages, drawing lessons and writing prompts inspire kids to invent their own stories, characters and artwork.”
Now then. Time for my sample entry which I provide because I would never ask you to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. Also, in case anyone is worried about the quality of their entry they have only to read my foolish attempts to be filled with confidence that their’s is MUCH better! I have to confess, I was really down to the wire this year (my schedule is a little bit nuts!), so, ahem, yeah.. I’ll be proofreading after I post since I’m out of time 🙂 (And I usually do one rhyme and one prose, but I don’t have a prose one this year… yet… if I have time maybe I’ll write one and add it during the week :))
So without further ado:
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| Haggie, as illustrated by the fabulously talented Julie Rowan-Zoch click for PORTFOLIO, DIGITAL, SKETCHBOOK |
you owe me a pumpkin pie!”
Pirate Ploy (100 words)
shouts, “Mrs. Johnson! Trick-or-treat!”
Everyone feeling better about their stories now? I should certainly HOPE so! 🙂
I can’t wait to read all of yours! I’m so looking forward to them! I hope there will be a lot – the more the merrier! And there are still 4 days to write, so you have time if you haven’t written yet. Feel free to spread the word to your writing friends as well.
Remember to put your post-specific link (not your general blog link or people will find the wrong page if you post again before the contest is over) in the list below!
Happy Writing and Happy Halloween!!! 🙂
There are already 57 entries in the comment section below that you won’t want to miss! (names are links):
Barbara – The Trick Or Treat Troll
Eric – Witch Poem
Lata – Halloween Colors
Nomie – Mabel’s Spooky Soiree
Tracie – The Misspelled Witch
Rachel K – A Home On Halloween
Suzy – Witch In My Hamper
Sarah C – The Moon Is Up!
Angela B – A Messy Halloween
Sue – Untitled
Kimberly C – First Flight Of Halloween
Ann – Off To See The Wizard
Susan – The Contest
Michelle V – The Halloween Sneer
Ashley – Pumpkin’s Plight
Abigail – Maddie’s First Broomstick
Jim – Jack
Melissa – Pumpkin’s Patch
Pia – The Green Witch’s Brew
Kathleen – The Littlest Pumpkin
Lori D – The Trick Or Treat Bag
Debbie – Halloween In A Box
Sharalyn – The Witch And The Pumpkin Contests
Jaymie – No Tricks, Just Treats
Jenifer – Broomstick Ball
Ellen – Emma’s Evening Ride
Beth – Halloween Night
Anne – What’s That?
Brandie – No Ordinary Witch
Marty – Winnie’s Spell
Michelle B – This Year’s Halloween Mascot
Jessica – Spooky Sharing
Alistair – The Raven And The Pumpkin
Kirsten – Family Re-BOO-nion
Jodi – Halloween Hide-And-Go-Seek
Anne B – The Pumpkin Patch Scarecrow
Carol – Halloween Night
Nicole – Black At Night
Hope – In The Wee Hours Of Halloween
Maggie – Arabella The Witch
Gina – Halloween Chase
Kelly – The Pumpkin King
Mandy – On This Night
Eric – The Scarecrow
Cat – Etty Bitty Belina
Julie A – Orinda Owl’s First Halloween
Donna R – The Witches’ Gathering
Kathy – Who Is It?
Robin – Kitchin-nastic Trick Or Treats
Sandy – Pete’s Pumpkins
Judy – Halloween Parade
Merry – Witch School
Victoria – Creaks
Amelia – Full Moon Rising
Colleen – Tell It To The Ghosts
Sydney – Midnight Critters
Stefanie – Monsters Rock
Susanna Leonard Hill 
What? No candy in the house?! Wendy, have I taught you nothing??? 🙂 I'm glad you're in the Halloween spirit, though, and can't wait to read your story 🙂
Aw, thanks, Joanna 🙂 I'll get over to your blog to read Hazel eventually… I'm a little backlogged today :)… and look forward to reading your entry!!!
I'm so glad you love the contests, Cheryl! I love them too! So much fun! So many talented, creative people, and so many fun stories! I can't wait to read yours! 🙂
Thank you, Vivian, you are exceptionally kind about my samples 🙂 The first one was a lot better at 134 words! 🙂 I can't wait to read yours! And I totally agree – I love reading all the stories, and I especially love getting to meet new writers! 🙂
This is adorable, Angela! I'm thrilled that you finally joined a contest! And your story is so cute, and the dance rhythms so lovely in the writing! Great job! Thanks so much for joining in the Halloweensie fun! 🙂
My stories are not prize-winning quality, but you're very nice to say so, T 🙂 Hope you enjoy the entries! And hope you can't resist the temptation to join the fun and write your own 100 words! 🙂
Clar! Do NOT feel terrible! Every story is worth writing! I haven't read yours yet, but I look forward to it! And yes, of course you can enter more than one. I probably should have put that in the rules… I know what you mean about comparing yourself – I do it all the time – but it's a bad habit. Just write your best and enjoy the rest 🙂
Hahaha! You're so funny, Lauri! I'm glad if you like it though 🙂 Can't wait to read yours!!!
Oh, how delightful, Sue!! I love the message – come to the old barn at midnight! – and what a lovely picture you paint of halloween festivities! Thanks so much for joining in the Halloweensie high jinx and shenanigans! 🙂
My pleasure, Susanna. I'm just glad that, for once, I get to be a part of the Halloweensie fun 🙂
You will love them, Joanne! So clever and fun and creative! Can't wait to read yours!!! 🙂
Love this, Kimberly! What wonderful details! And what perfect sibling sneakery 🙂 Nicely done! Thanks so much for joining in the Halloweensie fun! 🙂
You are too kind, Julie! Really! But I would love you to sketch anything you like! I'll add your picture to the story and credit you and link to your blog. It would be so fun! 🙂 I can't wait to read your story!!!!!!!
Hahaha! Nicely done, Ann! Love the mashup of The Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter – very clever! Love that Dorothy's cell phone caused Scarecrow to hit the dirt 🙂 And I'm chuckling that you and I both had “pumpkin moons” 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the Halloweensie high jinx! 🙂
Thanks, Nancy! I'm assuming you've posted and entry… so I can't wait to come read it! 🙂
Edit shmedit 🙂 I didn't even proofread mine! But then again, I'm not vying for any of those fabulous prizes, so yes, by all means, edit to your heart's content 🙂 Looking very much forward to reading yours, Erik!!!
I can't wait to read them all either! So much talent and creativity! I hope I will be reading one from you, dearest Rob 🙂
Woo hoo! Can't wait to read it, Janet!
Thanks, Iza 🙂
Thanks, Stacy! Can't wait to read yours, which I know is already up, but administrative details over here have prevented me from reading all the stories yet! Enjoy Disney!!! (And then let me know which Halloweensie entry is Enzo's favorite – him being the audience for whom these tales are written :))
What a fun story, Lata! I love that Little Pumpkin is scared of the witches, but the witches were scared of talking pumpkins! And love your Halloween-y rainbow! Thanks so much for joining in the Halloweensie fun! 🙂
Love that the sparkly little princess mistook the troll for another trick-or-treater AND shared her candy equally with him! 🙂 And I love how you've captured the magic of Halloween for children – that power to be someone/something else and open doors and get candy on that one night of the year! Thanks so much for joining in the fun! 🙂
Aw! Poor little pumpkin! Everyone wants to feel wanted! I'm glad someone finally chose him! I wonder if he knew what he was in for with the carving, though… 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the Halloweensie fun! 🙂
🙂
You know I was wondering the same exact thing! I think a feel a 100 word sequel coming on. 😉 You're so welcome. Thanks again for having me. This is terrific!
Yes, thanks, Susanna. I will do that. 🙂
Thanks!
🙂
I posted mine now! Yay! 😀
Awesome, Ashley. I didn't read the first line carefully, nor the title, obviously. (My hubby would say I need to clean my reading glasses) So as I read, I was like…hey, what's going on…this kid's family are all being kidnapped. Ha! Then I got to the end…and it was a total surprise. 🙂 I loved it!
Wow…Michelle…very chilling! Kind of Edgar Allan Poe-ish…great entry. 😉
I'll be over to read yours this evening, Carrie…so you bought 2 bags of Halloween candy…did you open them yet? 🙂 🙂
Oh, what a fun Halloween tale! Great job, Michelle!
Aw, this is sweet. Very cute story. Nice job, Ashley! 🙂
Love it, Susan. So simple, yet so much going on…and GREAT language!!! And a story and a lesson and a beginning, middle and end…how did you do that in 100 words? 🙂
Awesome phrases, Sarah, like 'prancing under the moon', noses chilled from autumn's cold'…you made Halloween come alive. 😉
Hahaha…LOVE the 'meet-and-greet'…and loved the 'monsters' hidden in different places…great rhyme, Suzy!!!
Very creative, Rachel…people actually do that (pinching off the other pumpkins on a vine) so that one can grow REALLY big. I'm happy that Joey got a porch to sit on. 🙂
What I want to know is…are you taking that talented, beautiful and wonderful wife of yours for a week in Cancun? She deserves it! You are such a good sport to play along with us, Eric…especially in rhyme. 😉 😉 I love your story!
Thanks, Cheryl! 🙂
What fun, Tracie! I think your little witch will be very happy with the product of her spell…great job!
Awww…Thanks so much, Vivian. 🙂 I'm with your hubby on this one, but I can see where that would freak you out. LoL!
Thank you for letting us be part of Little Witch's milestone. 🙂 Lovely images all the way through, Angela…I loved it!
We are our own worst critics, Clar. 😉 First of all, we would love your entry even if it was terrible. HOWEVER…it will not be because you are a very good writer!!!! And you said such an important thing in your comment that bears repeating…'EVERYONE IS A WINNER WHO DARES PUT A STORY UP ON THEIR BLOG OR HERE IN THE COMMENTS'…that is so true. 😉 😉 😉
Yup…can't wait to read yours, Nancy!
Ha, Great job, Ashley! Made me laough out loaud. Happy Halloween! 🙂
Thanks, Clarike.–Happy Halloween! 😀
Maddie’s First Broomstick
Maddie wriggled on the creaky porch step. She straightened her crisp, pointy witch hat.
“The wizard will be here soon,” Mom reminded her.
“Does he know about Otto?” Maddie asked.
“Not to worry, he has thought about your cackling crow,” Mom laughed.
Knock, Knock!
“Come try your broomstick,” Hugo said.
It floated and had a tiny seat for her pet.
“Would Otto like some pumpkin seeds?” Hugo asked.
“Yes!” Maddie replied. Otto gobbled them up.
She and Otto flew near fruit trees. They picked an apple midair, circled and landed.
“Ready for your first Halloween flight!” Mom said.
Maddie smiled.
THE END
Thanks, Vivian!
Thanks, Susanna! I loooooooove Halloweensie!