My sincere apologies that the finalists are not going to be listed for your votes until at least Wednesday! Editorial deadlines… enough said. I’m so sorry for the delay and will do my very best to get the finalists posted as soon as possible! Thank you for your patience and understanding ❤
Ear of bat and toe of worm! It’s finally time for. . .
The 7th Annual HALLOWEENSIE CONTEST!!!!!
~ for children’s writers ~
aahhhrrrooooOOOOO!!!!!
The Contest: write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (children here defined as 12 and under) (title not included in the 100 words), using the words candy corn, monster, and shadow. (Candy corn will be counted as 1 word.) Your story can be scary, funny, or anything in between, poetry or prose, 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 150 fantastic entries last year, so I know you can do it!) Also, you may use the words in any form – e.g. monsters, monstrous, shadowy, shadowed, whathaveyou 🙂 NO ILLUSTRATION NOTES PLEASE! (And yes, you may submit more than one entry if you’re so inclined 🙂 )
Post: your story on your blog between right now this very second and Tuesday October 31st by 11:59 PM EDT and add your post-specific link to the list below. There will be no Perfect Picture Book or Would You Read It posts for the duration of the contest so the links will stay up for everyone to visit and enjoy. 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 (please include your byline if your posting handle is something like AwesomeWriter92 so I can identify you.) If you have difficulty posting in the comments, which unfortunately sometimes happens, you may email your entry to me at susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com and I’ll post it for you. Please place your entry in the body of the email including your title and byline at the top – NO ATTACHMENTS!
Please Note: although you are welcome to submit more than one entry, please only post each entry ONCE! If you post it on your blog (preferred method) everyone will come visit you and you’ll make new friends! 🙂 If you don’t have a blog, post it in the comment section below. If you’re unable to post, please email me with your entry and byline in the body of the email. Please DO NOT post on your blog, and in the comments, and send me an email to post. It makes things confusing!
P.S. Although I try to stay glued to my computer 24/7 I am sometimes forced to leave my desk. If you haven’t commented on my blog before, your comment won’t show up until I approve it. It may take a little while if I’m away from my desk. Likewise, if you send me an entry to post, I promise I will do it as soon as I can!
The Judging: in a grueling marathon over the following days, my devoted assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to 3 top choices (hee hee hee – you know how much trouble I have with only 3, so we’ll see) which will be posted here and voted on for a winner on Monday November 6th (sooner if possible, although I’m warning you ahead of time I have a deadline for something else and if time gets dicey the finalists may get posted later.) The winner will be announced on Thursday November 9th, good lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise 🙂 If we get more than 25 entries, I will post 6 finalists and give prizes for 1st – 3rd. If by some chance we get the kind of turnout we’ve had the past couple years, I may post as many as 10-12 finalists and I’ll probably end up giving everyone a prize 🙂 But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it!
Judging criteria will be as follows:
- 1. Kid-appeal! – These stories are intended for a young audience (ages 12 and under), so we’re looking for stories that children will enjoy and relate to.
- 2. Halloweeniness – the rules state a Halloween story, so it must be crystal clear that the story is about Halloween, not just some random spooky night.
- 3. Quality of story – entries must tell a story, including a main character of some kind and a true story arc even if it’s tiny 🙂 Entries must not be merely descriptions or mood pieces.
- 4. Quality of Writing: check your spelling, grammar, punctuation etc. If you’re going to rhyme, give us your best 🙂 Overall writing quality and use of language are also important.
- 5. Originality and creativity – because that is often what sets one story above another.
The Prizes:
– a read and Skype critique of a picture book manuscript by the fabulous editor Callie Metler-Smith of Clear Fork/Spork Publishing!!!
– a spot in Renee LaTulippe’s fantastic INTENSIVE RHYME AND METER SELF-STUDY COURSE!!!
– a 30 minute Skype conversation/critique of a picture book manuscript with the amazingly wonderful and talented author Penny Klostermann!!! (THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT – Random House 2015, A COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE – Random House 2017)
– a webinar of your choice from among the selection offered by Julie Hedlund on her Teachable site (details of selection choice to be discussed with Julie)
Julie Hedlund
– a picture book manuscript critique from accomplished author/illustrator Cori Doerrfeld (PENNY LOVES PINK – Little Brown 2011, LITTLE BUNNY FOO FOO: THE REAL STORY – Dial 2012 and the forthcoming THE RABBIT LISTENED – Dial 2018 and THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF ESTHER THE WONDER PIG – Little Brown 2018, and many, many more!)
Cori Doerrfeld
– a picture book manuscript critique from talented author Lynne Marie (HEDGEHOG GOES TO KINDERGARTEN – Scholastic 2011)
Lynne Marie
– a query letter critique from SubIt Club Founder and fabulous author Heather Burnell (BEDTIME MONSTER – Raven Tree Press 2010, KICK! JUMP! CHOP!: The Adventures of the Ninjabread Man – Sterling 2017)
Heather Burnell
– an e-pub or PDF copy (winner’s choice) of Linda Ashman‘s Nuts And Bolts Guide To Writing Picture Books. OR a paperback copy of Ann Whitford Paul’s Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation To Publication (on the off chance you don’t already have it 🙂 )
– a Bundle Of Books from KidLit411 (must be selected by someone in the USA due to postage) which will include picture books and middle grade book, about 7 in total, details still to come. (Totally awesome for writers, readers, parents, teachers, or gift-givers!!!)
– a personalized signed copy of GRIMELDA AND THE SPOOKTACULAR PET SHOW by Diana Murray PLUS a personalized signed copy of BIG SISTER, LITTLE MONSTER by Andria Rosenbaum
– a personalized signed copy of MANJHI MOVES A MOUNTAIN by Nancy Churnin
– a copy of MEET WOOF & QUACK by Jamie Swenson and donated by the illustrator, Ryan Sias
Please join me again in thanking these very generous authors and other writing professionals for contributing their books and writing expertise as prizes by visiting their websites and blogs, considering their books and services for holiday or other gift purchases, rating and/or reviewing their books on GoodReads, Amazon, B&N or anywhere else if you like them, or supporting them in any other way you can dream up 🙂
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 truly horrific attempt 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 lot nuts!), I have some looming deadlines for various things… which is why I may be a little behind getting started reading entries and why the judging may be slightly delayed… just so you know… but I digress!
So, here goes nothing…!
Sneak Attack! (95 words)
Minnie Monster feels forlorn.
How she craves some candy corn!
Why do children have no clue
That monsters covet candy too?
Min peers out the closet door.
Plastic pumpkin on Jen’s floor
Brimming full of trick-or-treat
Surely more than Jen can eat!
What’s a monster girl to do
But help herself to just a few?
Min darts left, then tiptoes right.
Silent, stealthy, out of sight.
Candy corn within her reach,
Min emits a fearful screech!
Hurtles underneath Jen’s bed.
Hides her hairy monster head
From the THING that scared her so –
Nothing but her own shadow!
[And the two lines I had to cut from the end because they took the word count to 105:
Moral of this monster tale?
Don’t filch from another’s pail! 🙂 ]
Now then, darlings! Is everyone feeling better about their way-better-than-that! stories? I certainly HOPE so! 🙂
I can’t wait to read all of your entries! I’m so looking forward to them! I hope there will be a lot – the more the merrier! And there are still nearly 5 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. And your reading friends – parents, teachers, etc. The more people who read and enjoy your stories, the better!!!
Contest Entrants, remember to add your post-specific link to the google form below so we can all come read your awesome stories! (Post-specific means not your main blog url, but the actual url of the post that has your story in it – otherwise if you post again before the contest ends, your link will take readers… and judges!… to the wrong place!)
Eager Readers – just go along the list of links, click on them, and enjoy the stories!
Happy Writing and Happy Halloween!!! 🙂 🎃
Susanna Leonard Hill 
ENTRY POSTED FOR TERRI
Terri Ross
Witchy
(100 words)
Witchy sat in the shadow of a giant willow tree sipping warm moonlight from a teacup while Midnight, her fluffy pet bat, nibbled on spiders and candy corn. Jack-o-lantern giggled, tickled by the autumn breeze and little monsters sneaked and prowled, grunted and growled, playing hide and seek in the pumpkin patch.
Witchy wanted Halloween to last forever.
But when the breeze blew a lullaby darkening Jack-o-lantern’s eyes, Witchy knew it was time for the little monsters to go home. So they shuffled from the pumpkin patch and Witchy waved good-bye, sad to see them turning back into children again.
I love this atmospheric story. I like the contradiction between calm images and movement. Witchy waving goodbye means she and the children get along. A sweet little treasure!
Love it. Visually effective.
Thank you so much, Corine! I’m so glad that’s what you took from this story. That’s exactly what I was hoping to convey!
Thank you as well, Diane! I’m so glad you liked it!
Oh, I love this sweet bedtime story. It paints such a lovely nighttime picture. Well done! Good luck in the contest!
Thank you very much, Jilanne! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you very much for posting my story for me, Susanna! Apparently I have a lot to learn!
I love these contests you host! Thank you so much!
You’re most welcome, Terri! And I don’t know what you think you have to learn 🙂 It’s all good! 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoy the contests – I do too! It’s so much fun to see how creative and talented everyone is, and so entertaining to read all the wonderful stories!
Beautiful, lyrical language Terri. Good luck!
Oh how I love the imagery here … “Sipping warm moonlight from a teacup.” Please say that you’ll work on this and turn it into a picture book. Please!
I love the imagery as well. Nicely done. Best of luck in the contest!
Beautiful word pictures! Moody too!
This is lovely. You’ve captured the magic of the holiday.
Terri I really enjoyed reading your story. This would make such a sweet Halloween bedtime story.
What a lovely picture you paint of Halloween, Terri! And love the concept of the monsters turning back into children… like Cinderella 🙂 Nicely written, fun and original! Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie fun!
The Purple Monster and the Candy Corn
by Janet Parkinson Bryce
The trees shook as Purple Monster walked.
“Where are you going Purple Monster?”
“Shhhh, I’m going to where the people live.”
“Why?”
“I must have some candy corn. It’s Halloween, and It’s the only time I can get some candy corn.”
“Why do you want candy corn?”
“It is a very special treat. It’s a delicious, sweet, yellow and orange tiny morsel of sugary yumminess.”
“The people will see you.”
“I’ll wait in the shadows and when they’re asleep I’ll grab all the candy corn.”
“Good luck. I’ll wait here.”
“Growl, I’m back.”
“Did you get enough candy corn?”
“Yes, om nom nom, BURP!”
A cool Purple monster.
I’m glad there’s a purple monster out there who likes candy corn, because I don’t! Thanks for sharing a sweet (in more ways than one) story! Good luck!
Just goes to show you that even monsters big enough to shake trees get giddy over candy corn. I love Monster’s description of “Sugary yumminess.”
Nothing like a monster on a mission, Janet! Glad Purple Monster got his once-a-year treat 🙂 Thanks for joining in the contest fun!
The Purple Monster
By Janet Parkinson Bryce
In the dark forest, there was a dark cave.
And in that dark cave, there was a purple monster.
And that purple monster, loved yellow and orange candy corn.
On Halloween night that purple monster walked through the dark, dark shadows.
He peeked in all the windows of the dark houses in town, looking for some yummy candy corn.
In the dark, dark houses, everyone was asleep.
The purple monster, dashed through the dark town. Grabbing all the candy corn he could discover.
Sitting in his dark, dark cave, he gobbled up all that candy corn. Until the dark, dark night was gone.
Love the alternate dark, dark take on the search for candy corn. It’s interesting to see how an author can take a character and create a story with a completely different feel. Thanks for sharing!
Nicely written, Janet. I like the alternating “dark, dark” with the “purple monster” and the candy corn! And there’s something in the rhythm of the writing that reminds me of Good Night Moon 🙂 Thanks for another fun entry!
Vampire Has a Sweet Tooth
by Judy Sobanski
87 words
Young Victor Vampire moped because he’d lost his second fang.
“A toothless ghoul just isn’t cool!” he told his monster gang.
“I feel ya, dude, said Skelton. “Last year I broke a bone.”
“My throat was sore,” said Frankie Stein. “I couldn’t growl or moan.”
Vic huddled in the shadows while he sucked on candy corn.
“This is the ONLY Halloween I’ve missed since I was born!”
Then suddenly Vic smiled wide, as happy as could be.
The candy corn became his fangs,
“Hey monsters…wait for me!
Love, love, love this rhyming story! Great twist ending. Sweet rhyme. Well done!
Judy, what a fun story and in 87 words! Great characterisation.
What a great plot!
Great rhyming, very cute!
Fabulous! I love it!
Well done, Judy! Super story arc! Good luck 🎃
How I love your play on words here … Major Coolness.So much story in so few words. you gave detail helping us to learn and connect with each character. Oh this is well done.
Loved it! Best of luck!!!
This is adorable! I love it! 🙂 Best wishes to you in the contest!
So cute!
Impressive! A fantastic story with great rhyme!
Cute!
Judy…this is PERFECT in every way. I really love the story…a young vampire who loses a tooth….I see a picture book story in here.
Well done Judy, such a nice rhyming story, with a fun gang of monster friends.
Nice rhyme, fun story, Judy! Love how all the characters have suffered specifically appropriate problems 🙂 Glad it all worked out for clever Vic! Thanks so much for joining in the Halloweensie high jinx and shenanigans! 🙂
Candy Monster
by Jennifer Mary Grolemund
A polite monster lived under my bed. He didn’t eat my toys and he didn’t snore.
On Halloween night, things changed. He moaned. He groaned. He even knocked on the bedpost. My feet ached from trick-or-treating and I wanted quiet.
“Go to sleep, monster!” I yelled.
“Hungry,” he growled.
“It’s too late to eat,” I said.
“Hungry,” he growled again.
“Fine,” I huffed.
I tiptoed down the hall and got the bowl of candy corn.
I set it at the foot of the bed. Monster’s shadow crept closer.
“Goodnight,” I said.
“Goodnight,” my little brother giggled back.
Like the twist.
Ahhhhhahahahaha. Oh you little trickster, you. Love this ending!
Yes, there’s no difference between little brothers and monster is there? This is a sweet story. I love the idea of a polite monster, too. Now, I’m wondering if that little brother brushed his fangs after eating a bedtime candy corn snack. Good luck!
Nicely done, Jennifer 🙂 Love the set-up and the twist ending 🙂 Little brothers certainly can be monsters sometimes 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the contest!
Entry Posted For Jenifer
Nitro’s Halloween Surprise
by: Jenifer McNamara
Nitro, a monstrous orange butterfly, ate only candycorn. It made
him shine and able to fly in Darkville’s dark skies.
Darkville’s skies were so dark, people lived underground, and
hardly every enjoyed the fresh air and dark sky.
Nitro decided to give the people of Darkville a Halloween surprise.
On Halloween’s shadowy evening, Nitro took flight with his candycorn.
He put one candycorn by the root of every plant in Darkville.
The plant’s shone. Their brightness brought the people to them.
They gathered around the light, held hands, and sang.
Their song found Nitro’s ears, and he smiled.
Nice job. I love the happy ending
This is very clever.
Love the idea of candy corn bringing folks together. We need candy corn for everyone.
Nitro is a very generous and thoughtful butterfly. We need more gentle and generous spirits like his. Thank you!
Aw! How nice that Nitro went out of his way to make Halloween special for everyone! Thanks for a lovely entry, Jenifer!
Entry from Jennifer Broedel (facebook.com/JBroedelAuthor Twitter: @JBroedelAuthor)
97 words
BEWARE THE CANDYSNATCH
It’s Halloween night, and I’m snug in my bed,
as visions of candy corn dance in my head.
The night’s trick-or-treating brought in quite the haul
of candy bars, lollipops, bubble gum all
hidden, tucked carefully under my covers.
And yet, I feel certain a monster still hovers.
It’s not the dark shadows that trouble me most.
I fear no rogue werewolf, aged mummy, or ghost.
The sinister phantom I worry about
is lurking beside me now, snatching claws out.
A theft-proof alarm bell just might come in handy…
My sister wants ALL of my Halloween candy.
Excellent job.. great meter and rhyme… great twist.
Love this one. As Cindy says, great meter and rhyme.
what a fun read.
LOL, gotta watch those siblings! Sweet surprise and rhyme. Well done! Good luck!
Adorable! Yup, ya gotta watch out for those siblings!!! Good luck!
Oh, beware, it is the green-eyed monster! Great technique, Jennifer. Good luck.
Super rhyme, fun word play, great story!
He, he!
Nicely done!
Love your take off on the Night Before Christmas, Jennifer! So well done!!!
Thanks, Vivian! Always love hearing from you!
Nice set-up and nice version of the familiar “visions of sugar plums” from the holiday poem, Jennifer. And what a perfect portrayal of sisters 🙂 You really have got to guard your haul! 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the fun!
Another … just for fun.
Cindy Williams Schrauben
100 words
THE FIVE HOUSES ON HALLOWEEN
At the first house on Halloween,
a shadow gave to me
candy corn (the chocolate wannabe).
At the second house on Halloween,
a shadow gave to me
two monster peeps
and a candy corn (the chocolate wannabe).
At the third house on Halloween,
a shadow gave to me
Three Musketeers,
two monster peeps,
and a candy corn (the chocolate wannabe).
At the fourth house on Halloween,
a shadow gave to me
four M&M’s,
Three Musketeers,
two monster peeps,
and a candy corn (the chocolate wannabe).
At the fifth house on Halloween,
Susanna said to me
STOP!
Or disqualified
you’ll be.
TEE-HEE
Oh my! Love, love this. Great rhyme and excellent execution.
Thanks, Diane. Just a fun, silly one.
LOL! I love this! That poor chocolate wannabe…..
Thanks, Jilanne. 🙂
Fun! 😄
Oh Cindy you are a hoot! “The chocolate wannabe.” I love this. So I take it you’re not a fan? Well, I am a fan of this entry. Fun, fun read!
Thanks so much, Pamela. I really wasn’t serious about this submission.. just having some fun. 🙂 And… I do like the CHOCOLATE candy corn. HA
Hahaha! Fun! Love the take on the Christmas tune! 😀 Best wishes in the contest!
Thanks, Rene
Very cute!
Thanks, Hilda
Hahahahahahahah! Lol! 😂
Ha. Thanks, Ingrid
Hahaha 🙂
I love the take off on Five Gold Rings…well done, Cindy…and so funny!
Thanks, Vivian. Hugs
Ha ha very very.
Sorry that was supposed to read very funny.
Hahaha! Very fun, Cindy 🙂
At the fifth house on Halloween
Susanna said to thee
FIVE SNICKERS BARS!
Four (ty) M&Ms
Three Musketeers
Two (no there will be no monster peeps those are disgusting!) turtle clusters
and skip the candy corn and stick with chocolate! 🙂
Only Around Halloween
By Janie Riddle
Candy corn is made by the Solar Lights Candy Corn Monster.
The monster has lights shaped like candy corn that the sunlight fills with sugar candy.
The shadows of the day help the candy become sweet.
Your candy bag is full. It is time for bed.
The Solar Lights Candy Corn Monster comes to play.
It chases away the night shadows.
The children can see to laugh and play.
This special monster only comes out once a year when it is time to make candy corn candy.
Goodnight.
See you next Halloween.
I’m thinking there’s some marketing potential in solar candy corn lights….just sayin’ LOL. Nice story!
I love the idea of a monster making Candy Corn and chasing away the shadows!
What a lovely, imaginative story, Janie! Love your vision of how candy corn is made! Thanks for joining in the contest fun!
Broomstick Sale
By Nina Q. Haines
Halloween Broomstick Sale Tonight.
Monster asked,” Does it run?”
“Most nights” Witch fibbed.
Shadow asked, “How old is it?”
“200 years,” Witch lied.
“Why are you selling it?” Monster asked.
“Candy Corn got stuck in the handle,” Witch said. “The ride’s rough.”
Monster hopped on.
“I’ve always wanted a broom, “Monster confessed.
The broom shot off like a rocket.
“How do you stop it?”Monster cried.
“It only switches on,” Witch cackled.
Monster flew by the moon.
Children asked, “Where’s the Witch?”
Witch bought a new wide angle broom with a pen.
She’s skywriting.
FREE FLYING LESSONS BYOB
Happy Halloween!
That’s Hilarious. Well done.
Thank you.
Oh, Nina, this is too funny! Love the wide angle broom! Good luck!
Glad you liked it.
I love this story. It made me smile. Good luck
Glad you enjoyed it.
Oh what a tricky opportunist, that Witch was. Poor Monster. Love this poem. It is a real Laugh Out Loud read.
Thank you so much.
Nina this is such a fun story! Love it!
Hahaha! So funny, Nina! Witch as used broom saleswoman 🙂 I wonder if poor monster is still zooming around out of control! And love the free flying lessons BYOB! 🙂 Nicely done!
The Candy Corn Monster
The Candy corn Monster,
Lives alone.
They say he gobbles candy.
They say he doesn’t share.
They say his tummy’s big,
I say his yellow, orange and white eyes are bigger.
He lives alone amongst shadows,
But I’m not scared.
I’ll knock on his door with a rat, tat, tat.
He’ll growl, and growl,
So I’ll give him a kiss!
And shine a beam of light in his eyes!
He’ll drop all of his candy quick,
I’ll grab it fast!
See candy corn is for sharing,
No ifs, no buts, he will see,
We’re all little monsters, him and me!
By M J Mallon
Cute!
I believe you already posted this on your blog?
Yes I did. Wasn’t sure whether to post in comments too.
Cute story, Marje, with a determined and cheerful little MC who knows the importance of sharing! Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie fun!
Thank you Susanna I enjoyed writing it very much. 🙂
ENTRY POSTED FOR JUDY
The Rumor
The children hid their candy
after trick-or-treating
A rumor had gone out that night
A rumor worth repeating
“Hungry monster on the loose,
candy- he is eating”
The children were all nervous,
scared, and quite upset
They hid their luscious candy corn
so, the monster would not get.
Hidden under pillows,
in drawers with dirty socks,
hidden in their closets,
in cabinets with locks
No matter where they stashed it,
their candy disappeared
A monster gobbled all their treats.
A shadow dark and weird
A nasty little creature
hidden in the fog
not a monster shadow,
just the family dog.
© 2017 Judith Valko
Nice job.
You have described our dog to a T. Nice surprise ending! Good luck!
Adorable story. Nice job
Love the ending, Judith!
Hahaha! It’s pretty hard to hide anything from the nose of a dog, Judy! Nice job! 🙂
Tricks or Treats for Monster? (99 words)
Candy corn is evil.
Candy corn is vile.
A trick-or-treater’s nightmare:
So stale. So out of style.
So when I come a-knocking,
don’t slip me a surprise.
I don’t want any candy corn,
just candy BARS (full-size).
Should you ignore this message,
you’d better be prepared
to find the monstrous candy corn
glued to your underwear.
—Sincerely, A Candy Corn Hater
Candy corn is evil.
Candy corn is vile.
But-
its taste is overshadowed
by its modern, en pointe style!
So even though you tricked me,
I view it as a treat:
Your candy-coated underwear
give me a stylin’ seat!
—Sincerely, A Candy Corn-Coated Convert
Haha… Very clever!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this one! Good luck in the contest!
Oh my goodness. So clever. Nice job
Sandy, how clever! I love the VOICE. It´s different and it´s fun— a unique entry 🙂 I adore candy corn´s taste being overshadowed by its modern, en pointe style. Good luck!
I love these letter said! Very funny! Good luck! 🎃
Haha, very cute! good luck!
Too funny! Love it! 🙂
Thanks, all, for your support! This was a fun challenge.
Two?! You got 2 different p.o.v.s, in rhyme and a great unique twist all in less than 100 words! Wow!
This is lots of fun.
Sandy…this is so much fun…I smiled the whole way through…and your rhyme and meter are excellent. Great job!!!!
This is hilarious, Sandy. Good job!
Such a fun entry! Loved the rhyme and the letter writing style, and of course the humor.
Well written rhyme, clever original story, fun letter format, plenty of humor – all around fun Sandy! Nice job! Thanks for joining in on Halloweensie!
Witch Hiccups (96 words)
By B.L. Bachmann
“Eureka! A spell to transform my rickety old broom into a fancy flyer!”
As Lunora began her incantation, “Hickory-fixery-glittery-zoom,” she got the hiccups. “Treat this ancient–HICCUP–broom!”
“Drat! Where did it go?”
Lying in the shadows she found a tiny triangle of orange, yellow, and white.
“A candy corn?”
Lunora frantically flipped through her spell book.
“This is dreadful!”
HICCUP!
“I can’t fly on candy!”
HICCUP!
“Not on–HICCUP–Halloween!”
Then she heard her cat, Grumbles, munching on something.
“Why … YOU LITTLE MONSTER! YOU ATE MY BROOM!”
At least now her hiccups were gone.
Well done! So fun and creative! I wonder if Grumbles will start flying around with the “candy corn broom” in his stomach?
Thanks, Megan! Haha, I have a feeling Grumbles would definitely start flying and chaos would ensue 🙂 🙂
A witch with hiccups 🙂 A creative and fun story. Love the pace!
Thanks so much, Corine! 🙂
Such a cute story.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Hahaha, B! I never thought about how disastrous a case of the hiccups could be during spell casting! What a great idea!!! Thanks so much for your entertaining entry!
ENTRY POSTED FOR ANNE
MANNY’S PERFECT COSTUME by Anne Bromley
(100 words)
Manny still doesn’t have a costume.
He’s too tall for Yoda,
too hairy for Shrek,
too scary for Robin.
Late for his first Halloween parade,
he grabs a white sheet and shuffles into town
as a ghost.
Dodging his own shadow, Manny slips behind
pirates, princesses, and werewolves.
Inching closer to the Fairy Queen’s’ Court,
his huge webbed feet trip on the sheet.
“Oh no!” he whimpers. The Halloweeners cheer,
“Great hair!”
“Terrific teeth!”
“Awesome nails!”
“Bravo!” shouts the Fairy Queen,
giving Manny a bag of candy corn.
“That’s the best monster costume ever!”
He sighs. “No costume. It’s just me.”
Very cute. Nice job 🙂
Oh! He’s like a Halloween Quasimodo! Very sweet!
Cute story, Anne! Love that poor Manny tries every costume in the book only to have everyone think that his own self is a costume 🙂 Cleverly done! Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie fun!
Unique! I adore the beginning and the end. What fun! Good luck.
ENTRY POSTED FOR SARAH
SHADOWS OF THE CANDY CORN MONSTER by Sarah Hetu
Tonight, on Halloween,
The Candy Corn Monster
Grabs a light (as eyes gleam)
And some sweets-his best lure.
Goes to town in a cab,
Finds spooky place to park,
It’s kids he wants to nab,
As they walk in the dark.
Sets a candy corn trap,
Puts a light on – means he’s “home,”
Hides by a tree of sap,
Waits as kids start to come.
Screaming, jumping out,
He grabs one kid, then two.
See shadows and a snout?…
Trick-or-treat, I scared YOU!
I guess we need to watch out for the candy corn monster! This was lots of fun, Sarah.
Ooh! delightfully spooky and creepy, Sarah! That candy corn monster would make ME jump! 🙂 Thanks for joining in the contest fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR BROOK
A Real Witch by Brook Tayla
‘A real witch lives here,’ I said, ‘I’m not going in.’
The timber shutters clanged against the house.
The garden grew weeds.
Spiders dangled from branches.
A candle reflected eerie, monstery shadows in the window.
‘We made an ‘every house’ pact,’ Toby said, nudging me forward.
I opened the squeaky gate. Toby grabbed me. We snuck up the path.
I rang the bell.
The witch opened the door.
‘Trrrick or Trrreat,’ I stammered.
‘Happy Halloween boys, have some candy corn,’ she smiled.
Toby reached out his hand. The witch said, ‘BOO!’
He bolted away. The witch cackled. I laughed uncontrollably.
An ” every house pact”! That’s great! Nice voice.
Thanks Ingrid
Hahaha! You’ve got to love the witch’s sense of humor 🙂 Love the “every house pact” and the fact that Toby was so quick to reach out, after the MC was the one brave enough to go first, and get “Boo”-ed for his efforts 🙂 Thanks for an entertaining entry, Brook!
Fright Night
by Marty (81 words)
Monster lurks, among the shadows, waiting to grab a bag of treats.
Children scamper, unaware, gathering tons of tasty sweets.
Out of the dark comes a mighty growl, as monster snatches one large sack —
his Mars Bars-KitKat-candycorn snack!
Before he gobbles a single bite, a small voice asks, oh so polite,
“May I have one candy corn please?”
Big monster stares, turns white, and flees,
as mouse nibbles treats, perplexed and surprised,
that suddenly he’s the one holding the prize!
Marty, I enjoyed your story. A big monster afraid of a polite little mouse. Monster didn´t expect that 🙂 and neither did I. A captivating story and in so few words!
Thanks for your comment, Corine! Glad you enjoyed it!
Only a mouse would ask for one candy corn. Cute!
Cute story, Marty! Love that all it took to frighten the nasty monster was one polite little mouse 🙂 Made me think of Cindy Lou Who catching the Grinch in the act 🙂 Thanks so much for being part of the contest fun!
BEWARE THE GREAT CANDY CORN!
By Jenna Waldman
http://www.sarafinadesign.com
(100 Words)
Beware of the witches,
their cackles and scorn!
Beware of the ghosties,
eyes dark and forlorn!
But beware most of all…
of the Great Candy Corn!
She wears her fine silks
while she stalks her poor prey.
They’re stuck in her maize
and she’s heading their way.
Her great shadow looms
as they scurry away!
Oh Monster of Corn!
Great Bringer of Tears!
It’s Candy, the Corn, she’s
been haunting for years!
What’s that? A new plan?!
Go ahead, I’m all ears!
The terror’s now over,
all needed to stop her:
A kernel of courage…
and a giant corn popper.
Oh, so fun! And the rhyming just pulls you right through the story. Well done!
Thanks, Sandy ; )
Well done! Great story, great rhyme!
This was fun…love the ending!
Fun story, Jenna, and clever word play! Love the “I’m all ears” 🙂 and “kernel of courage”! And what an inspired solution! Thanks for taking part in the contest!
Very clever. Nice job 🙂
Glad you liked it, Cindy!
In the Ginger House of Licorice Flax
by Megan Hoyt
When the candy corn shines blue and gray
and soldiers glare through hollow eyes
All Hallow’s Eve has come to stay
In a land built upon lies.
Frozen children with barren feet
creep across a divide,
They wander in undeserved defeat
to the land where honor died.
A Monster inhabits his musty cave
His shadow shudders the walls
Yet a sturdy banner begins to wave
In a house with empty halls.
His icy fingers clutch the latch
Refusing to give up the key
To the ginger house of licorice flax
With an oven prepared for . . .
ME!
Yikes! That’s the spirit!
Oh, my! Very spooky and creepy, Megan! Love the line “frozen children with barren feet” – just kind of makes you feel cold all over! 🙂 Thanks for being part of the contest fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR ROBYN
Do You Know About… By Robyn Campbell
Velvet the spider
Who sat down beside her
to honor All Hallows Eve?
Making the lass believe,
feared shadow monsters,
seemed petty imposters,
and that candycorn,
was stuffed with scorn.
“They duped you, lass,”
her voice scratchy and crass.
“They munched curds and whey,
grabbed the tuft for soiree.”
Velvet twirled and whirled her web of deceit,
knitting the lass until complete.
“You fooled me,” the frightened girl screamed.
“Damsel, I’m not who I seemed.”
Velvet spread out huge jaws,
grabbed the lass with vast claws
And said, “trick or treat, trick or treat
I want something good to eat.”
Love your take off on Little Miss Muffet, Robyn. And now I want something good to eat…better go check the fridge.
Nicely done, Robyn! Love the twist on Little Miss Muffet that is somehow simultaneously reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland in its weird imaginativeness! Thanks for being part of the contest! We would have missed you so if you hadn’t joined in! 🙂
ENTRY POSTED FOR KRISTEN
I’m Not a Candy Corn
By: Kristen Donohue
I’m not a candy corn. Can’t you see?
I’m a hat for that miniature monster.
I’m not a candy corn. Can’t you see?
I’m the old fingernail of that cackling witch.
I’m not a candy corn. Can’t you see?
I’m the whistle for the Halloween Bat Race.
I’m not a candy corn. Can’t you see?
I’m the missing tooth of that shadowy vampire.
I’m not a candy corn. Can’t you see?
I’m a… I’m a…
Oh look!
A tasty fly just for you.
The perfect spidery treat.
I told you I’m not a candy corn.
But just to be safe,
Goodbye!
Very clever and original, Kristen! Love the candy corn thinking up everything else it could possibly be to escape being eaten by the spider! Thank goodness that fly showed up and gave the opportunity for a get-away! (although… not so good for the fly! 🙂 ) Thanks so much for joining in the fun!
I love having all of these fun Halloween stories to read this weekend! Thank you for hosting this contest!
Thank YOU for being part of it! I don’t know about where you are, but at my house it’s pouring rain – a perfect day for reading Halloweensie stories 🙂
Exactly! Cold and dreary and PERFECT for spooky stories.
I got to start reading a day earlier than expected and it’s gray and damp here too! It was 90 degrees a couple of days ago. I think your contest is the harbinger of autumn!
ENTRY POSTED FOR SUSAN
Halloween—Bah Humbug! – by Susan Roberts
I’m the Bah Humbugger of Halloween!
Those annoying rascalions pretending they are someone they are not.
Princesses and kings,
mummies and ghosts,
witches and werewolves
hiding in shadows, scaring kids,
begging for candy corn to fuel their all-night screams.
Tired and wired, they are loud, wild monsters.
Humph!
Halloween is not for me.
I’m turning off the lights.
I’m going to bed!
Susan: This is really funny. Enjoyed it lots.
Bah humbug is right, I felt it all the way through. Kids know to avoid the houses with the lights off.
Love this, Susan! Who would have thought of a Halloween bah-humbugger?! What a great idea! Thanks so much for taking part in the contest!
Shhh
The space beneath the sink
with the dish junk shoved to the other side,
my hands pulling tight on the hanging garbage can
and the hanging towel holder,
so not a breath of mine escapes
my box,
not a thought of mine that I exist
and occupy this space.
The monster followed me home.
He can smell my breath.
He can hear my thought,
and he is hungry,
so hungry
for my Halloween spoils.
I will be too, soon,
once the last candy corn is gone.
Then I’ll have to leave.
Shhh, I feel his shadow.
“Brother? That you?”
Nice suspense. Well done!
Ooh! Super creepy and fun, Michael! I feel like I’m crammed into that tiny hiding space too! Thanks so much for joining in the contest fun!
I couldn’t resist writing another!
MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY
by Jenna Waldman
(92 Words)
Have you heard that Halloween
is just a month away?
Every night I stay awake,
just planning for the day!
I make a list, and check it twice,
of all the things I need.
My costume has to look just right.
My monster must succeed!
A ball of foam, some poster board,
red feathers, and hot glue.
Some candy corn, an old shoehorn,
a duct tape roll or two…
A shadow stops my shopping cold.
It’s Santa on display!
My costume? Yeah, well that’s old news.
Christmas! It’s just two months away!
Ain’t this the truth?! Fun rhyme, Jenna!
Thanks again, Sandy!
Ha! Sad, but true. Nice job with meter and rhyme. Love the twist
Thanks for the compliment, Cindy! I know “Christmas” throws the meter off a tad, but had to have it 😉
This is funny! Glad you wrote another!
Thank you, Ingrid! 🙂
Hahaha! Very entertaining, Jenna! And so true! Always looking forward to the next holiday before this one is even over 🙂 Thanks so much for another great entry!
MONSTER’S SHADOW
By Marcia S. Nass (87 Words)
Monster always planned Halloween.
This made his Shadow angry.
So, this year, Shadow decided to go it alone.
He made his own superhero costume.
He said, “Trick or treat.”
He got his own candy corn.
Everything was fine
UNTIL . . .
Something dark and creepy started following him.
“EEEEEEKKKKKKKKK,” he screamed as he ran.
“Stop! It’s me,” said Monster. “I’m you this Halloween. A shadow.”
“Ha-ha,” said Shadow.
“I missed you,” said Monster.
“Me too,” said Shadow. “But look, we got double the candy corn!!!
Now that’s a fun twist! Nicely done!
Oh, how fun! Monster’s shadow dressed up like a monster…that is so clever…I love it, Marci!
Love that Shadow wanted a chance to be in charge and his own moment in the spotlight, Marcia 🙂 And how he got scared by his own Monster 🙂 Tons of fun! Thanks so much for joining in the contest!
A Terrible Monster
by Anne Lipton
100 words
Mona Monster sowed magic seeds and sweet-talked her plants.
“I want to be a farmer,” Mona said.
The other monsters roared. “Monsters can’t be farmers. Our job is monstering.”
So Mona hid in the shadows like a good little monster. Only she couldn’t scare a small child.
The other monsters roared. “You’re a terrible monster!”
“I know,” said Mona. “But I’m a fiendishly good farmer.”
She harvested her crop and brought it to market.
Creatures of every sort wormed out of the woodwork to see what a monster farmer could grow.
And every Halloween, they return—for Mona’s candy corn.
I am glad Mona persevered 🙂 Now she is quite famous for her candy corn.
Thanks, Corine!
Mona is a great name for a monster! Fun story.
Thanks, Ingrid!
I love this, Anne…very clever and I’m happy Mona was a mighty girl and stuck to what she loved to do.
Thanks, Vivian!
Clever idea and nice job, Anne! I bet it was the sweet-talking that turned the crop to candy corn 🙂 Thanks so much for an entertaining entry and for joining in the contest fun!
Thanks, Susanna, for your kind words and for hosting another awesome contest!
Candy Corn Meadow
by Megan Hoyt
http://www.meganhoyt.net
Little Boy Blue, stop blowing your horn
while I’m stuck in this meadow of candy corn!
It’s sticky and striped like an orange raccoon,
and this cow–the one who leaped over the moon–
is chomping and drooling in thick orange strands
while shadowy monsters in marching bands
climb candy corn hills and laugh and play
like it’s just an ordinary day.
Don’t mind me–I’m just one tiny sheep
stumbling around in this candy corn heap.
Hobgoblins and toads may find this a delight
But I’m swimming in chocolate on Halloween night!
A sticky story 🙂 I love the cow chomping and drooling in thick orange strands! Poor sheep! I can picture this story. Original and fun.
This is fun! Quite the mash up of nursery rhymes AND candy!
What a fun, original idea, Megan! Imaginative and nicely written! Love the ending especially though, being a chocolate girl myself! 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in on Halloweensie!
ENTRY POSTED FOR DEE
Monster’s Brave Halloween
By Dee English
Monster’s tooth hurt, and he shuddered as he looked over his shoulder. Oh, no! Shadow was still there and looked enormous.
“I’m brave.” Monster tripped. OH NO! He scrambled to pick up his candy. “I’m calm.” Monster shivered.
When he reached for another piece of candy, Shadow did, too. Was Shadow smaller?
Monster jumped up and ran. Then he crouched and dropped a candy corn. Instantly, Shadow grabbed it, and looked even smaller.
Monster sprinted up to his house, throwing out candy. He glanced back in the deep dark. Shadow was gone!
Candy really ISN’T good for you, thought Monster.
Great ending!
Clever and fun and great ending, Dee! Love how Monster encourages himself, and how he comes to the conclusion that candy isn’t good for you 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the contest fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR KATHY
Halloween – Best Day Ever! – Kathy Brown
Sam and Pam were picking out costumes for their first ‘trick or treating’ event.
They looked at monsterish and funny costumes.
Sam chose a cowboy costume and Pam chose a princess costume.
Halloween night finally arrived! Pam liked the to see the shadowed trees while they were ‘trick or treating’. Sam was excited to get his favorite treat, candy corn.
After lots of ‘trick or treating’ Sam and Pam went home with their parents. They were excited to eat some of their treats.
Sam and Pam told their parents that ‘trick or treating’ on Halloween was….The Best Day Ever!
It´s so exciting, the first trick or treating event 🙂
I was a grocery sack for my first Halloween (no seriously) and it still seemed like the best day ever! Nice story!
There’s nothing like that first time out trick-or-treating, is there, Kathy?! Nice job evoking Sam and Pam’s excitement on this happy day 🙂 Thanks for joining in on Halloweensie!
ENTRY POSTED FOR DINA
The Scariest Monster
by Dina M. Gold
Dorothy stuck her thumbs in her ears and wiggled her fingers. She would be the scariest monster during trick-or-treating! Dorothy turned on her flashlight and started down her street.
Halloween was a success. Dorothy’s bag was full of candy. The sun started to set. Dorothy suddenly noticed a spooky shadow!
Each step Dorothy took made the shadow bigger and scarier! She ran home. “What’s wrong, little monster?” Dorothy’s mother asked.
“Sc-scary shadow!” Dorothy panted. Her mother laughed. “Your costume was scary,” she said. “You even scared yourself!” Dorothy realized she had cast the scary shadow! She laughed while eating candy corn.
It´s easy to get spooked on Halloween! I am glad her mother made her feel better—and the candy corn helps, of course 😉
Something about Halloween predisposes us to get spooked, doesn’t it, Dina?! Poor Dorothy! Afraid of her own shadow! Thanks so much for taking part in Halloweensie!
MARVIN…THE MONSTER
Marvin tucked himself into the corner. He couldn’t risk anyone seeing him lurking…
watching…
waiting…
for the Trick-or-Treaters.
He’d prepared for months, laser-focused on tonight’s mission…
finding the perfect spot…
mastering a flawless special effect…
to thoroughly spook the costumed kids.
As children swarmed onto the porch, Marvin jumped in front of the light…
striking his ninja pose…
casting a huge, creepy shadow…
and screeched, “BOOO!”
“MONSTER! RUN!” shrieked the kids.
Dropping their Halloween loot, they careened off the porch.
Tasting a piece while carrying the bounty to his lair, …
Marvin, the chipmunk, thought…
‘OPERATION CANDY CORN’…
SUCCESS!
So cute. Love the MC.
A chipmunk with attitude! Love it 🙂
Marvin! Like Alvin! Cute!
This is fun. Nice job!
Love Marvin the chipmunk…so cute!
Masterfully done, Lucretia! Love Marvin’s plan and his mission… and that he turns out to be a chipmunk! Great ending! Nice job with the rising tension, too! Thanks for a fun, well written entry!
ENTRY POSTED FOR ELAINE
A HALLOWEEN FEAST
by
Elaine D’Alessandro
It’s Halloween in Pumpkinville,
Four brothers couldn’t wait,
After trick or treating
They devoured by their gate.
Some chocolate bars and candy corn,
Some licorice, red and black,
Some lollipops and bubblegum
Stuffed in each one’s sack.
The monster shared with everyone,
The scarecrow and the ghosts.
Then suddenly a shadow
Loomed and weaved very close.
It looked like a tall dinosaur
Stumbling in the night.
Then without haste Scarecrow groaned,
“That’s Mom by our street light!”
Scarecrow shrieked,” We’ll brush our teeth,”
While Monster stuffed his pocket.
Ghosts then whispered with a pause,
“Bet she wants our CHOCOLATE!”
I’m with that mom: chocolate all the way! Fun read, Elaine!
Lots of fun stuff in this one! I like the rhyme, the Halloween family…the end! Chocolate all the way!
Totally, Elaine. I used to encourage my kids to share their Halloween treats with me…to save their teeth, of course. 😉
Cute story, Elaine! I’m totally with those brothers who couldn’t wait!…and the mom who wants their chocolate! 🙂 Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie fun!
Very cute. Nice job
ENTRY POSTED FOR CHERYL
Monster Manners – 89 words
By Cheryl Johnson
“Monster want candy corn.”
“Monster want candy corn right now.”
“Monster want candy corn RIGHT NOW!”
“Did you not hear me?”
“Monster not happy.”
“Monster not happy right now.”
“Monster not happy RIGHT NOW!”
“Shadow stop following me.”
“Shadow stop following me right now.”
“Shadow stop following me RIGHT NOW!”
“Manners? Shadow, did you say manners?”
“I’d like candy corn.”
“Manners? Shadow, did you say manners again?”
“I’d like candy corn, please.”
“Thank you, Mother Monster.”
“I love Halloween.”
“I love Halloween right now.”
“I love Halloween RIGHT NOW!”
Manners? Manners are not for monsters 😉 or are they?
It’s hard to have manners and be patient when there’s candy involved! 🙂 I bet most kids could relate to this! Thanks for a fun entry, Cheryl!