***CONTEST UPDATE***
I apologize for the fact that I am behind schedule posting the finalists. I know you are all waiting. I did not anticipate 324 entries or I would have given myself and the other judges more time. We will do our best to have the finalists posted by tomorrow or Saturday.
Lizard toes and dragon scales! It’s time for . . .
The 9TH Annual HALLOWEENSIE CONTEST!!!
~ for children’s writers ~
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 potion, cobweb, and trick. Your story can be scary, funny, sweet, 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 over 235 fantastic entries last year, so I know you can do it!) Also, you may use the words in any form – e.g. potions, cobwebbed, trickery, 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 Thursday October 31st by 11:59 PM EDT and add your post-specific link to the list below (not your blog’s main url because if you post again after your entry during the dates of the contest, the judges will find the wrong post!) There will be no Tuesday Debut, 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 MamaWritesByNightlight I can’t 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! And please do not submit entries before the start of the contest! Please submit your entry only ONCE! If you add it to the blog link list, and the comments, and email me to post it, things get very confusing! I try to stay as glued to my desk as possible, but sometimes I have to get up so if I don’t respond to your email or approve your post immediately, don’t panic! I’ll get to it as soon as I can!
The Judging: in a grueling marathon over the coming days, my devoted assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to 3 6 9 12? top choices (hee hee hee – you know how much trouble I have with winnowing, so we’ll see!) which will be posted here and voted on for a winner on Monday November 4th (if the judging takes longer than we expect if could be later…but we will do our best!) The winner will be announced on Thursday November 7th (good lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise 🙂 )
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.
- 6. PLEASE FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS! Large numbers of entries make it easy to cut entries that haven’t been entered as we asked.
The Prizes: SO AMAZING! What a generous community we have to donate so much awesomeness!!! 🙂
Go Directly To Go! Skip The Slushpile at Blue Whale Press and Get Your PB Manuscript Directly On The Editor’s Desk!!!
Submit your picture book manuscript directly to editor Alayne Christian for her consideration and critique. Helpful feedback is a certainty, publication could be a possibility!
Blue Whale Press is an SCBWI PAL publisher of children’s books that focuses on stories involving themes of friendship and/or personal challenge. Most often, stories are selected for publishing due to their inherent educational or moral value. But as a general rule, a good dose of humor or a tug at the heart doesn’t hurt their chances of being published either. While a few chapter books and a middle grade are on their list, their focus is picture books. As a boutique publisher who doesn’t mind taking risks, Blue Whale Press considers itself to be a launch pad for authors and illustrators hoping to establish themselves.
For more info: https://www.bluewhalepress.com/
Hone Your Skills with the Lyrical Language Lab Rhyme & Meter Self Study Crash Course (11 Lessons) from accomplished writer and poet Renee LaTulippe
INTENSIVE RHYME AND METER CRASH COURSE
This option contains all the same lessons as Module 1 of Renee’s fully guided course, including all supplemental materials, downloads, and audio/video components. This is the option to choose if you need to build a strong foundation in the mechanics of rhyming picture books and poetry. The major focus is on the four main types of meter and how to use mixed and varied meter. Other topics include rhythm, cadence, breath, scansion, rhyme, sound devices, figurative language, imagery, and diction.
.
You also have the opportunity to submit two of your assignments to Renee for feedback, and have email access to ask questions about the lessons as you complete them. Although lessons will arrive every other day, you are free to complete them at your own pace.
See the course description above for more information.
For more info: https://www.reneelatulippe.com/writing-courses/ (scroll down)
Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Rhyming, Non-Rhyming, Fiction, or Nonfiction – Vivian is open to any type of picture book critique) from Vivian Kirkfield author of SWEET DREAMS, SARAH (Creston Books, 2019), PIPPA’S PASSOVER PLATE (Holiday House, 2019), FOUR OTTERS TOBOGGAN (Pomegranate 2019), MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD (Little Bee, January 14, 2020), and more…
Nonfiction Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Christine Evans, author of EVELYN THE ADVENTUROUS ENTOMOLOGIST (Innovation Press, September 2019)
Rhyming Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Carrie Finison, author of DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS and DON’T HUG DOUG, forthcoming from Putnam in August 2020 and Spring 2021.
Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non-rhyming please) from Janet Johnson author of HELP WANTED, MUST LOVE BOOKS (Capstone, March 2020) as well as the MG novel THE LAST GREAT ADVENTURE OF THE PB & J SOCIETY (Capstone 2016)
Fiction OR Nonfiction Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non-rhyming please) from Darshana Khiani, author of HOW TO WEAR A SARI forthcoming from HMH/Versify, Spring 2021
Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non-rhyming please) from Gabi Snyder, author of TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE, forthcoming from Abrams Appleseed, May 2020 and LISTEN, forthcoming from S&S/Wiseman, Spring 2021
Query Letter Critique from Dee Romito, author of PIES FROM NOWHERE: HOW GEORGIA GILMORE SUSTAINED THE MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT (Little Bee Books, 2018) as well as several middle grade books.
Book Bundle #1 – Nonfiction
Signed Copies of WAITING FOR PUMPSIE (Charlesbridge, 2017) and THE BOO-BOOS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD (Charlesbridge, 2018) by Barry Wittenstein
and JURASSIC RAT (Spork, June 2019) by Eleanor Ann Peterson.
Book Bundle #2 – Board Books
Personalized Signed Copies of LITTLE TIGER and LITTLE PANDA (both Amicus Ink, 2019) by Julie Abery
Book Bundle #3 – Holiday Books
Personalized signed copy of NOT SO SCARY, JERRY (Spork, 2017) by Shelley Kinder
Personalized signed copy of THE QUEEN AND THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE (Albert Whitman, 2018) by Nancy Churnin
The Night Baafore Christmas (WorthyKids 2019) by Dawn Young
Please join me 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, recommending them for school visits, or supporting them in any other way you can dream up 🙂
Now then, my pretties! It’s past the witching hour in the dead of night – very appropriate for a Halloween story, don’t you think? – and the time has come for my sample entry (which I seriously almost did not get done!) I seem to have developed a bad habit of having editorial deadlines that land in the middle of these contests, so I freely own up to the fact that I way exceeded the word count because I simply didn’t have time to make it shorter. My apologies for totally cheating! It’s not even like it’s any good as a result… but it does come to a sort of an ending😊 If nothing else, it should fill you with confidence in your own MUCH MUCH better efforts!!!
Runaway Imagination
(so many words I’m not even writing it down!😊)
Costumes, make-up, pounding feet
Rushing out to trick-or-treat.
Almost at the farmyard gate
Witch Lucinda hollers, “Wait!
In this Halloween commotion
I forgot my poison potion!”
Sets her plastic pumpkin down.
“Go ahead! We’ll meet in town!”
Grabs her potion. Comes back quick.
But someone’s played an awful trick!
Her pumpkin pail, left on the ground,
Has disappeared and can’t be found!
Nevermind. A bag will do.
The witch zooms off to join her crew.
But halfway down the old farm road
She sees a sight that stops her cold.
In the shadows of the night
Glides a shape of ghostly white
Issuing an eerie moan
That makes Lucinda RUN for home!
Ghost flies past her fleeing faster
Surely this will be disaster!
Stops short at the barnyard fence.
Suddenly it all makes sense.
Head stuck in her pumpkin pail
Covered in a cobweb veil,
This is not a scary ghost!
Just a foolish baby goat!
Never say I’m not willing to embarrass myself for you! 😊😊😊 That is true love!😊
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 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. 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!!! 🙂 🎃
Witch’s Brew
Corine Timmer (100 words)
http://www.bicadeideias.com
Witch’s Brew
“What’s wrong?” Rat shrieked.
“I’m dying!” Witch groaned. “I added snakeroot instead of snail saliva.”
“Where’s your Potions Bible?” Rat sputtered.
Witch pointed at the bookcase.
Rat raced through the pages.
“Spider paste!” he shouted. “You need spider paste!”
Spider shrunk with fear. Her legs trembled.
They shook so hard her cobweb bounced up and down.
Without warning, she was catapulted into the air.
“Rat! Mortar and pestle!” Witch cheered, as she caught Spider.
While lowering the arachnid into the mortar a grin grew on Witch’s face.
“Trick!” Witch chuckled.
“Happy Halloween!” Rat roared.
“And now a treat,” Spider sneered.
Thanks for hosting such a fun contest, Susanna. You know I love Halloweensie 🙂 I can’t wait to read and enjoy the other stories. Good luck to all!
Good trick! I thought Spider was about to be paste! Good luck, Corine!
Thanks for stopping by, Nancy.
Fun story, Corinne!
Ohhhh, so did I. Spider paste. I’m so glad no spiders were harmed during the reading of this story…..LOL Good luck!
super job!!! 🙂 How fun!
Good trick, Corine! 🙂
Thanks 😊
What a sneaky sister! I enjoyed your story. Pacy, astute, and fun.
Love the surprise ending!
Yikes, I was terrified for poor spider. Very fun.
Thanks for reading and commenting, David.
So fun! I love this one.
Great story! I thought the spider was going to get tossed inside.
So did Spider. 😜 Thanks for reading and commenting, Natalie.
This is such a fun story with a great ending! I love how the Witch tricked the spider & how you showed the spider’s fear. Terrific story!
Thanks, Patricia. Glad you enjoyed it 😀
What a cute story, Corine! I love the image of Spider’s cobweb bouncing up and down.
Thanks, Sarah.
Whew! That was some trick. Good thing Spider has a strong heart. Good job!
Ah, but does she? Tee-hee. Spider can spit 😜Thanks for reading and commenting, Colleen.
I thought Spider was was a goner! Nice twist at the end. Good luck!
Thanks!
Haha! Poor spider. He certainly deserves a treat after that trick.
Yes, I think she does. Thanks for stopping by.
Poor Spider! I’m so glad she’s okay at the end. Wonderful job, Corrine.
Hi, Laura. Thanks!
Whew! I getting sad for the spider! Glad it had a happy ending! Very cute. 🙂
Thanks.
That was a great trick and a fun read!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for writing this one. I love spiders so definitely was worried. Fun ending!
I’m actually scared of spiders but I do love them and find them fascinating. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Great tension and build-up. I’m glad he made it out in the end. Good luck!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Ashley.
Great surprise ending, Corine! Fun story. Good luck!
A Webbed Witch
By Kelly Pope Adamson (100 words)
Webby was a little duck
who didn’t give a cluck.
She didn’t give a bawk or moo,
all she liked to say was “Boo!”
Born October 31st, the smallest of her clutch;
Webby’s egg cracked open to reveal she wasn’t much.
Her Mama looked upon her duckling so tiny and so teensie
and proudly pronounced Webby her “little Halloweensie!”
But while her siblings went from pond to pond saying “trick or tweet!”
Webby cared more for potions and for cobwebs than for sweets.
Her love for witchy brew probably explains how
Webby, that little duck, turned her family into cows!
**This is my first time entering this contest and I can’t wait to read all the entries! Thanks for hosting this!!
Welcome! This is fun, isn’t it? A witchy duckling. Unique! I enjoyed reading your story.
Thanks! It is super fun, I’m so glad I found it!
Fun, a witchy duck! This is my 3rd time entering. Good luck!
Thanks! Good luck to you too!
Nice job, Kelly! 🙂 I love ‘her little Halloweensie’ ahhh
Thanks! 🙂
Ha! “Didn’t give a cluck.” What a fun “trick or tweet” poem!
Thanks Deborah! 🙂
This was great! I loved the rhyming! This is also my first time. I have enjoyed it a lot.
Thanks! 🙂 Good luck!
Webby is an adorable character, Kelly! I like your fun surprise ending. I’m a first time participant, too.
Thank you! 🙂 Good luck!
very clever to also use Halloweensie as a word.
And I had to laugh at the last stanza. Nice ending.
Thanks Linda! 🙂
Welcome to the fun! I love your character Webby and her mischievous ways! Good luck!
Thanks Colleen! 🙂
Webby is a fun character! I hope she can turn her family back in to ducks!
Best of luck!
Thanks Judy! 🙂
So original!
Thanks! 🙂
How fresh, it also reminds me of the ugly duckling. Well done, good luck!
Thank you! 🙂
Cute idea and fun language!
Thanks Connie! 🙂
Welcome to you and Webby! Your start from an original premise and infuse it with such cheeky humor and clever wordplay (“Trick or Tweet!”). You also do a fantastic job of circling the story. That Webby doesn’t “give a cluck” or “moo” at the beginning perfectly foreshadows the end. @AnneLipton
Thank you Anne! 🙂 I love having it described as “cheeky humor”–that made my day! 🙂
I love the idea of a witchy duck!
Thanks! 🙂
This is unique with a duck on Halloween. The illustrations would be a lot of fun. Good luck!
Love how you incorporated “Halloweensie” in your story! It’s fun and sweet. Good luck!
Trick or Trick
By Krystal Snead
Word Count: 100
Rat-a-tat-tat!
“Who could that be?” grumbles Edwina the witch.
She pulls back the cobwebs and peeks outside, where three ghastly creatures lurk in the dark.
“Trick or treat?” they say in perfect unison.
“Not Halloween again,” the witch moans, quickly searching her hovel for the perfect potion to scare the visitors away. “Aha, that’s it!” she cackles.
“Come closer and collect your treats,” Edwina says with a grin.
Basket 1: what a devilish surprise – a jar of pickled eyes.
Basket 2: something hairy and scary – a TARANTULA (freshly toasted).
Basket 3: the foulest, most terrifying yet…
“AAARRGH, Brussel SPROUTS!”
Brussel Sprouts always get a bad rap! Fun story! Good luck!
I’d take basket #3, love Brussel sprouts! Good luck!
Fun!! Nice twist at the end!
Great story. My daughters would definitely relate to this one! Basket 3 would NOT be their choice!
Love the twist at the end! Good luck!
Terrific ending that I didn’t see coming! Great job!
Fab! Love that grumpy edwina!
Thankyou everyone for the lovely comments and good luck to you all. I do feel a bit bad about the sprout bashing – I don’t mind them really 🤫
Great funny ending, Krystal! I like your word choices, especially ghastly, cackles, and foulest.
Love a story with brussel sprouts in it!
Basket #3 – or just turn around and run!! Good job!
I’d take Brussel sprouts any day over toasted tarantulas or pickled eyes!! Fun story! Good luck!
Brussels sprouts would surely scare away many trick or treaters.
A perfect way to scare the visitors away! Good luck!
She needs to have some my my Brussel sprouts! I add honey and balsamic- YUM! Good luck!
That does sound nice x
This made me snort with laughter! Great story, well done :-D.
Thanks Helen, good luck.
What a delightful Trick-or-Treat story! You capture the witch’s point-of-view perfectly via word choice and thoughtful sensory details, such as her hearing the trick-or-treating knocks as “rat-a-tat-tat!” and seeing the kids as “ghastly creatures” who “lurk in the dark.” And you expertly wield the “rule of three” for an unexpected and hilarious ending. @AnneLipton
Thankyou so much for your lovely comments x
Nice trick with the Brussel sprouts. Good luck!
Great story with a funny ending–though I, too, would like to defend the poor, maligned Brussel sprouts! Good luck!
Good Luck to all!
The Halloween Spider
By Alice Caldwell http://www.alicecaldwell.com
Hello!
It’s me, spider, can we talk about this “spiders for Halloween thing.”
Every October, you pull out the pumpkins and cobwebs, maybe a cauldron for potions, and try to scare people, right?
I am grateful I get a holiday, but why does it have to be the creepy one?
Is it the web thing? Because think about how fast I could go down chimneys at Christmas?
The eight legs? Better to hide Easter eggs with!
Huh, Trick or Treating?
What’s that?
You dress up as whatever you want and GET CANDY!!!?!!!
Ok, I guess Halloween isnt too bad.
Poor Spider! I guess he’s learning to take the bitter with the sweet. Cute POV. Good luck!
Maybe Spider can come back for Valentiny! Good luck!
Poor spider…I feel a Christmas spider story coming… 😉
That poor spider. Great story! Good luck!
This is a fun point of view, Alice. I like the image of a spider hurrying down chimneys.
Now that is an interesting idea about the spider hiding Easter eggs. You may have another story in there!! Good job with this one though, and good luck!
Clever idea! Spiders shouldn’t be limited to Halloween! Best of luck!
This is fun AND creeped me out. I hope a giant spider climbing down my chimney on Christmas Eve doesn’t haunt my dreams.
I like this story from the spider’s point of view. Good luck.
Fun! Love the voice that shone here!
I like how you brought in the other holidays. So fun! Good luck!
Monster-Matopoeia: A Noisy Halloween Tale
by Deborah Bence Boerema (98 words)
Slurp, splurt. Wendy spat out the potion.
Tick tock. “It’s almost time for my Halloween party.”
Beep. Beep. Beep. She speed dialed. “Come early. Bring the Secret Ingredient!”
Thump, thump. Wendy answered the knock.
Clomp, scrape. “Frank, stop foot-dragging. Pour it in.”
Pop. Frank uncorked a cobwebbed vial. Dribble, drop.
Gulp, gag. “Is this a trick?”
Snarl, growl. “Wolfie, stop tongue-slobbering. Toss it in.”
Creak. Wolfie opened a rusty tin. Sprinkle, splash.
Swallow, spew. “Something’s still missing!”
Thwap, thwap. “Vlad, stop cape-flapping. Drop it in.”
Screech. Vlad opened a jar. Plonk, plop.
Sip, savor. “Aah! Perfect Party Punch!”
Many thanks to Susanna and her crew! I can’t tell you how much I look forward to these fun annual contests! Best wishes, everyone!
Love all these sound effects! What a fun read
Thanks, Alice! It was fun to write.
Sounds like a Spooktacular punch! Good luck!
Thank you, Nancy!
Great use of Monster-Matopoeia! Nice job, Deborah! 🙂
I appreciate the encouragement. Thanks!
I loved the sound effects! I could imagine everyone. This was great!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!
What fun! I can only imagine all of these ingredients!
Thanks! I was originally going for spiced cider, so I’m not sure what type of punch the final ingredients produced! 😉
Love the onomatopoeia! Nicely done!
Thank you, Jill!
Love all your fun word choices, Deborah– and your creative title! Onomatopoeia is my favorite!
Thanks! I’ve had this title in my head since last year’s contest. It took me a while to find the story that went with it. 😀
I agree with many of the others about your great use of sound effects!! Well done and good luck!
Thank you so much!
I’m a sucker for onomatopoeia. Fun sounds!
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!
What great sounds! Nice job!
Thanks, Michelle!
Original and fun. I love all the sounds.
Thank you, Corine!
An illustrator could do wonders with this. Fun story, good luck!
Thanks! I always wonder what my stories would turn into in the talented hands of an illustrator. I sure hope to find out someday!
You will, be patient.
Eleanor is right, Deborah! You write well! Consistently! I’ve seen several of your stories over the past couple years. Keep up the good work 🙂
Nice sound effects and visuals! Good luck!
Smack, smack! The author blows kisses of thanks to gracious readers who shared comments!
Great job on the Monster-matopeia! I can just hear the punch being made!
Thank you, Judy! I really appreciate the encouragement!
Such a fun story to read out loud.
Lovely use of onomatopoeia, Deborah. Great story! Good luck!
VAMPIRE STAINS
By: Jocelyn Watkinson
jocelynwatkinson@gmail.com
95 Words
Curses! No! It can’t be so!
I need to get to my chateau!
Zis cloak is now adorned with stains
From zees night’s many spurting veins.
Vhere’s my blood removal lotion?
Bleh! I vill just make a potion.
To rid ze blood, resume abductions,
Follow zees precise instructions:
Curls of cobwebs, vings of bats
Vort of toad and tails of cats.
Zen a scoop of Oxyclean
To look my best on Halloveen.
Ah-ha! That vorked! A vondrous trick!
Now back to hunting very quick.
Bleh! I’m shiny as a spark!
I’m much too clean; glow-in-ze-dark!
Love the accent! and Oxyclean on Halloveen! Good luck!
Thanks Nancy!! 🙂
Love this! So fun to read. Great entry. Good luck!
Oh my goodness! This is just perfect.
You had me absolutely cracking up at the Oxyclean/Halloveen rhyme! Love this!
This is super cute and creative!
Wow thank you so much!!
What fun, Jocelyn!
🙂
Hahaha! This cracked me up. I love the use of language and the fun ending!
Me too – but then I weirdly feel sorry for the vampire!! Lol!
Great rhymes–abductions and instructions, so and chateau–a bloody good entry!
Ah! Thank you so much!!
This is really fun to read out loud. I know kids would love it!
I’m getting pretty good at my Dracula impression now! 😉
I’m so impressed that you rhymed Halloveen with Oxyclean! Great job & thanks for the tip for post-Halloween clean-up;)
Haha thanks so much!!
Vonderful, Jocelyn!
I velcome all the positivity!
So much fun to read out loud, well done.
Thanks! I had fun writing it!
Well done! The voice here is vonderful.
I vant to zank you for ze support!!
You definitely have the vampire speak down!! I love your language, your cleaning instructions and your story. Good luck!
Zank you for all ze vell vishes! 🙂
I love that I had to read this as a vampire. You made me smile as I read.
Fun story, Jocelyn! “Zen a scoop of Oxyclean” made me smile.
This is a stand-out entry. Love it, Jocelyn.
Wow!! Thank you so much!!! 🙂
I can hear ze vampire speak each vord.
And zis predicament is quite absurd!
I vish you vell in zis contest!
Your vork is certainly among the best!
😉
Hahaha 🙂
Ingenious! Love the accent, kids will love this story.
Zees is vonderful!
❤
Vampire talk. How cool!
Great rhymes, Jocelyn. A really fun story!
Haha! I love the ending! Good luck
What an unique story. Vampires get stains too. Great ending! That would be a fun page turn with the vampire glowing. Good luck!
Well done!!!!!!!
Got me to lol! Great job!
Nice, unique approach! Love the vampire’s accent–really enhances his POV. Good luck!
Lots of fun to read. Thank goodness for Oxyclean! Good luck to you!
The Spider Steps In
By: Leah Stecher
100 words
“This Halloween potion gives me the power
To swap bodies with someone, just for an hour.”
Pleased with her trick, the witch cackled with glee.
She peered out her window:
“Which child should I be?”
Overhead in her cobweb, hidden from sight
A gentle-hearted spider shivered with fright
“Oh no!” she whispered. “What a horrible plot!
What can I do?”
Then she had a thought.
“Treat or treat!” said the boy, later that night
“Helloooooooo!” said the witch, smile full of delight
Complimenting his costume, the witch handed him sweets
While a scowling spider muttered,
“Next year I’ll do treats.”
I loved this story! Good Luck!
This is sweet! Good luck!
Such a smart spider & great story! Well done!
Yay spider!
Great title! I enjoyed your story, Leah.
Cute story and nice rhyme. Good luck!
Good for the spider. Fun story! Best of luck!
Cute story and nice rhyming!
Great story! Good luck!
Such a satisfying story. Clever spider. Sweet, poetic Halloween justice. @AnneLipton
One Magical Day
By Heather Kauffman-Peters
72 words
For 364 days, I am Henry,
Tiny Henry,
Smiling Henry,
Treat-my-kittens-kindly Henry.
Then, on Halloween, I mix a potion,
A gooey potion,
A glowing potion,
A pinch-your-nose-and-gulp potion.
And, I become a giant,
A head-in-the-attic-cobwebs giant,
A rumbling-tumbling-around-town giant,
A frightening-folks-indoors giant.
I spend the day doing giant things,
Tossing-boulders-in-streams things,
Collecting-kites-from-trees things,
Gorging-on-gourds-and-greens things.
Then, POOF, the potion wears off and I am Henry again,
Tiny Henry,
Smiling Henry,
Waiting-to-trick-you-again Henry.
Halloween truly is magical! Great job capturing the feeling of changing who you are, if only for one day.
Thank you!
I enjoyed reading this story.
And only 72 words. Good job, Heather.
And good luck!
Thanks!
I enjoyed reading this story. The vulnerability at the same time strength appeals to me. Dressing up and “thinking big” can boost confidence, especially for introverts (and little people). We all have a giant in us, even little Henry. Go Henry!
I appreciate your thoughtful comments, Corine! Thank you!
I love the structure of your story; it is very creative. And thank goodness all that havoc happens only once a year. Good luck!
Thank you!
The rhythm is delightful! I love tiny Henry too! Really fabulous entry.
I especially love feedback from teachers. Thank you!
I read your submission and love the idea of spelling spells. “Into the potion went B and A and T” so fun!
Love the story and the rhythm of it! Good luck!
Thank you!
Love the voice in this. Good luck!
Thanks! Voice is the hardest – I really appreciate your positive comment!
This is wonderful rhyming and imagery. You’ve developed a fun character. Good luck.
Thank you!
That’s some potion Henry takes! Great story!
Thanks!
Loved the line “pinch your nose and gulp potion”. Relatable to kids for sure
Thanks!
Such a relatable theme of wanting to be big. My son would enjoy it. Good luck!
Thank you! I’m happy to know your son would enjoy it!
Epistrophe? So well done, and imaginative! I really love this piece! Best of luck to you.
Yes! I started experimenting and this is what I ended on. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
The Lure of Chocolate (100 words)
by
Glenda Roberson
The sign reads FULL-SIZE CANDY BARS, scrawled in dripping red. Excellent! Drawn in blood or potion, I wonder?
Two glowing windows watch me as I struggle up the overgrown steps. Tripping on vines, I brush away cobwebs. Deep scratches scar the old door.
I knock.
The door slowly creaked open in protest. Before I can yell trick-or-treat, a hand slips two chocolate bars into my pumpkin. A bloody hand.
Terror churns my stomach. Vines curl around my ankles.
I can’t run!
“Fun size!” comes the screech, as the bloody hand drags me inside, the scream still stuck in my throat.
Oh… creepy. Cool! Good luck!
Thank you!
Oh goodness, this is a scary one. Good luck!
The lure of the full-sized candy bar. I love it!
Love this, yes, chocolate can be seductive! Great story, quite scary!
Nice way to build the suspense. Sounds like the Witch from Hansel and Gretel. Good luck!
Scare-a-licious! Such an irresistible, fun-size(!) tale, luring us in with both the dark and the sweat sides of Halloween. @AnneLipton
A Trick or A Treat? (100 words)
by
Glenda Roberson
I ditch my friends and climb the tangled, overgrown steps, compelled by some unseen force. I find a hidden door in the hillside, and open it.
Light from the full moon illuminates a stone slab. I brush away cobwebs covering a tarnished chalice, and an ominous voice directs me to drink the dark liquid.
I sip the potion, then gulp it down. Cherries and honeysuckle? Definitely a treat!
Lurching outside, I locate my friends, still trick-or-treating. “Hey, guys!”
They bolt, screaming hysterically.
Confused, I raise my hand to stop them.
A hairy hand.
With claws.
What a horrid, monstrous trick!
Creepy! Nicely done. 🙂
Thanks! That’s what I was going for.
great job, Glenda.
This is definitely Halloween creepy.
Thank you, Linda!
Ohhh. Monsterly.
Glad you like it!
Another monster-ous tale! Good luck!
Thanks so much!
Definitely the spirit of Halloween! Very fun. 🙂
Thanks so much! Definitely for the 10-12 year olds.
You can team up with R.L. Stine in the Goosebumps series. Well done!
Oooooh! I’ll take that compliment. Thank you!
You are a master at the creepy stories, Glenda!
Whoops! Guess She should have settled for a Capri Sun! Lovely writing friend! Very intriguing!!!!!
Really great descriptions. I felt like I was there.
What a frightfully hair-raising Halloween tale! @AnneLipton
Booty and a Beat
By: Chelsea Tornetto
It’s Halloween!
The party’s here,
So get up off your seat!
This potion needs some motion!
Shake your booty to the beat!
Try the Cobweb Conga,
Spooky Shake,
or Trick-or-Treat!
It’s time to get your groove on!
Move your booty to the beat!
Mummies, pirates,
Vampires too!
That coffin can’t compete.
Even Frankenstein
Can shake his booty to the beat!
But Gus the Ghost is feeling sad,
He can’t dance with no feet…
Don’t worry, Gus!
Cause all you need’s
A BOO-ty and a beat!
I loved this Booty and the Beat! It is very fun to read out loud.
Thanks so much! It was fun to write!
Fabulous!!! 🙂
Thank you!
Terrific images & beat. So fun to read!
Thank you! 🙂
Boo-ty-full work, Chelsea.
Ha! Why thank you!
Love it! Energetic and fun.
That last line is awesome! Such a fun entry.
I can just picture this fun story’s illustrations! Very cute!
This got my toes tapping! What fun! Good luck!
This one is definitely a fun Halloween song with lots of movement. Great job!
Love the rhythm…you definitely have the beat! Good luck!
Love a good pun! My kids would love dancing to this
Super fun read! Reminds of me of Halloween Hustle, which my daughter LOVES!
This is so much fun. Kids would love this. I could imagine the silly illustrations. Really fun. Good luck!
Totally pictured reading this with a little listener bumping up and down as I read this rhythmic entry. Loved it!
So fun! My kids were cracking up! You are so creative!
Fun pun ending! 🧡
Love the Booty and a Beat…what a fun tongue tapper! Great job!
The Last House On Halloween
By Bru Benson
“You go first.”
“No, you go.”
“We’ll both go.”
The house was the scariest they’ve seen. That’s why Sinqua, the eleven-year-old skeleton, and nine-year-old witch Maresli saved it for last.
Both walked to the front door where cobwebs with trick spiders hung and potion bottles stood on a table.
The door creaked opened by two costumed people.
“Here’s some turkey,” the pilgrim said. “Plop” into the candy bag.
“Swoop”, a white-bearded man in a red suit threw a wrapped box in also.
Strange customs they have in America Sinqua and Maresli thought.
Fun blend of holidays! Good luck!
Thank You
New places can be scary and strange. I’m skeleton and witch persevered.
I wasn’t expecting the pilgrim and Santa! Nice twist!
Thank You.
I always enjoy when holidays come together in a story. Good luck!
Thank You. Got the idea from the stores placing Christmas candy on the shelves 2 days before Halloween. They skipped right past the turkey pie time.
yay! What Fun…. and I can see at least a couple of us have spiders on the brain! Here’s to lizard scales and dragon toes !
Yay!
Little Brother
By Lindsey Hobson
100 words
This Halloween, my parents said I could go trick-or-treating with my friends, but I have to take my little brother. How embarrassing! So I did what any big sister would do…I bought a shrinking potion from my science teacher. (I think she’s a witch.) The problem is, now I can’t find him. If I was 6 inches tall, where would I hide? I know! I wipe the cobwebs off my old dollhouse and find him sitting on the couch. Whew! I put him in my pocket, grab my candy sack, and run out the door to meet my friends.
LOL. I think some siblings can relate to this.
Fun story, Lindsey.
Good luck!
Poor brother! I hope she doesn’t lose him again! Good luck!
Ha, ha, didn’t realize to take your title literally!! Very cute!
That’s one way of dealing with a younger sibling. Fun story!
He’s definitely the “little” brother now. Good luck!
Evie’s Halloween Cake
By Tracey Cash
@TraceyLCash
Word Count: 95
To celebrate Halloween
And because she loved to bake
Evie the Witch chose a treat not a trick
And decided to make a cake
Finding a to-die-for recipe
Similar to concocting a potion
Evie gathered supplies with a gleam in her eyes
And set her plan into motion
She sifted, measured and stirred
As gruesome creatures awaited a bite
Zombies, werewolves, vampires, and ghosts
Were all hungry this Halloween night
The cake was finally finished
What a magnificent sight to behold
Frosted cobwebs draped over the top
Adorned with spiders, bugs, and green mold… YUM!
I love the description and the story! I can totally imagine it. Good luck!
Thank you! I love hearing that you can imagine it!
Quite a cake & a fun story! YUM!
Thank you! I’m so glad you thought it was fun!
sounds like the perfect Halloween cake 😉
Thank you… I hope it is!
“Finding a to-die-for recipe” 😁👍🏼 I love Evie’s cake. Good luck!
Thank you so much! I was hoping someone would appreciate the “to-die-for recipe” wording!
Perfect witchy cake.
Thank you!
A recipe only monsters can love! Fun! Good luck!
Thank you! I had so much fun writing it!
This story is fun with a friendly witch and a green cake. Nice visuals.
Thank you so much!
Sounds like the perfect Halloween cake! Good luck!
Thank you!
Cute original story!
Thank you!
What an original Halloween story. I like the visual of the monsters waiting for the cake. Good luck!
So glad you liked it…. thank you!
You made frosted cobwebs sound delicious! Well done.
What a great compliment… thank you!
Woohoo! Let the Halloweensie fun begin! 🙂
The Halloween Night Bookstore
Sherry Peace
100 words
Halloween night, long after the tricks and treats ended, Harry kept his bookstore open late.
Ten minutes before midnight, he welcomed a special customer. She said not a word and kept her face hidden by a black hat. She headed straight for the shadowy corner of forgotten books, pushing back cobwebs on the volumes of spells and potions.
Moments later, she dropped a coin in Harry’s hand and glided out the door clutching a book.
Harry glanced through the window just in time to see her fly into the sky on her broom; a wide smile across her green face.
nice story.
Well done! Good luck!
I love the “shadowy corner of forgotten books!” Nice story!
This would be fun to expand into a story. I wonder what book she bought. Good luck!
The Halloween Heist by Deb Sullivan (98 words)
Now I’ve really done it.
Jimmy will want his Halloween stash when he gets home.
And who can blame him?
Crunchy cobwebs. Gooey ghosts. Malted mummies.
Irresistible!
I’ll just stay under the table. Until Thanksgiving.
What can I do?
Make a potion to bring the treats back?
That would be a great trick.
Replace his sweets with raisins and apples?
I think he’d notice.
Blame the cat?
Not fair. Or likely.
Good thing I have time to think about it before Jimmy gets…
“I’m home!”
Gulp.
“Hey Mom! Where’s my…err….What are you doing under the table?”
Too cute! Naughty Mom! 🙂
Thanks for reading it 🙂
Very clever, naughty mom! Good luck!
Many thanks!
Haha!
🙂
Mommy done it? Love it, I didn’t see it coming.
Yay! That was the goal 🙂 Thanks for reading it!
Nice. Most moms only sneak a few??
This mom had a bad day 😉 Thanks for reading it!
Uh-Oh! Mom’s busted! Funny story. Best of luck!
Thanks so much!
Fun ending!
Thanks so much for reading it 🙂
Haha. So relatable. I like the unique perspective. Good luck!
Thank you! Truly appreciate your support 🙂
Malted mummies is right. And perfectly foreshadows of your hilarious twist ending! @AnneLipton
Fun twist with the unique POV. Good luck!
Thanks for your kind words..much appreciated!
Thanks for reading it – so glad you enjoyed 🙂
Halloweensie Treats (78 words)
By Deborah Holt Williams
Halloween’s upon us,
And I really love to cook.
Welcome to my kitchen!
Here’s the steps I took.
I thought I’d treat my family
To my candy apple stew.
But it tasted kinda nasty
When I added cobwebs, too.
So then I thought I’d treat them
To a tasty pumpkin potion.
Pumpkin in the microwave—
Kabam! Orange explosion!
Yikes! The pumpkin’s flaming!
Here’s a handy treating trick:
Got fire? Go get marshmallows,
And roast them on a stick!
This sounds like my attempts at cooking. Fun story. Good luck.
Thanks, Krystal!
good work, Deborah.
Love the orange explosion and the marshmallow ending.
Good luck!
Thanks, Linda!
Fun story . . . but messy kitchen! Good luck!
Thanks, Nancy !
Love this Deb! Made me laugh out loud. 🙂
Thanks, Rachel!
haha! That’s an imaginative way to save the day!!! Good luck!
I love it! I’ve exploded food in the microwave too.
Thanks, what a mess, eh?
The illustrations would be so fun for this. The ending is the best! Great rhyming. Good luck!
I loved reading but would hate cleaning that orange explosion!
Yes! Halloween in the kitchen! Very fun!
This is such fun! Thanks!
SWEET SNOOKUMS 98 words
by Linda Staszak
Lucinda carefully measured each ingredient. Then she dipped her paddle into the potion.
“Three stirs to the right,” she read.
“Mrrowr,” said Snookums.
“Thirteen stirs left. Seven stirs right.”
Snookums raised an eyelid.
“That doesn’t sound right.” Lucinda read the directions again.
The pot began to bubble and boil, and the potion erupted.
“Someone tricked me,” she howled.
Snookums raised his other eyelid.
Lucinda clung to the center of a cobweb, her eight legs grasping for life.
The cat stood and arched his back. “You were an annoying human, but I really don’t like spiders,” he said.
Splat.
Uh oh, poor Lucinda! Good luck!
Oh whoops! Great title!
oh my. Sweet little Snookums is a bit devious, isn’t he? LOL.
Good luck, Linda.
Fun to read! Like the surprise ending!
The cat gets payback. Good luck!
Scaredy-Cat
Byline: by Natalie Cohn (100) words
I hid behind the branches cowering in the chilly Halloween night, brushing away the cobwebs between the limbs. Ahead of me, a wrinkly old hag with missing teeth stirring up a potion turns in my direction. She cackles into the moonlight. My skin crawls while I peek from a distance. All of a sudden…
“Owww! You didn’t have to do that, Stanely.”
“Stop being a scaredy-cat, go get your candy. She is not going to eat you.”
My brother’s words trailed in the back of my mind as I approach the daunting house to trick-or-treat.
Scary . . . a little bit. Good luck!
Nice build-up. I wonder what happens next. Good luck!
I had so much fun with this I wrote two stories.
My Surprise Punch by Natalie Cohn (100) words
I can’t wait for my wicked potion tonight to be tasted. I glanced up to see my little brother watching me from the other room. I drizzled green snot, a couple of frog guts, and dust of cobwebs for effect. I insanely stirred my potion. Randy’s eyes bulged in disgust, a hand over his mouth.
“Randy, come taste this for me.”
He approached cautiously. “Did you really put that stuff in it?”
“Of course not! Try it!” Holding his nose, he slurped it down.
“I TRICKED YOU!”
Randy jumped out of his skin, mad.
“Best Halloween Ever,” I snickered.
Now you need to write a third story, Randy’s Revenge! Good luck!
Good Idea! Thanks!
Oh no. I see some more stories from these siblings. Good luck!
Tricks for Treats
On a dark Halloween night, a witch concocts a potion.
She hands out vials to twelve witches who gather.
They fly through the sky, say the magic words and scatter their potions.
Cobwebs appear, casting sticky strings towards their next victims.
Cries of “Gross.” “It’s in my mouth.” “Hey, that’s my candy.” sound below.
The witches cackle with glee and give each other broom bumps.
They pull up their candy prize and pop it in their mouths,
then fly on to continue their fun.
For tonight is a night for webby tricks,
to bring them treats of delight.
Tricks for Treats
97 words
Love the broom bumps! Great idea!
Thank you! It was fun to write!
Good work, Megan.
Naughty witches!
My favorite line; The witches cackle with glee and give each other broom bumps.
Aww, thank you! I appreciate the compliment. The broom bumps are my favorite too! Yes, I agree, very naughty witches.
Those tricksy witches. Clever. Good luck!
Thank you! Great description of the witches! They are very tricksy.
Broom bumps is so fun fun. Good luck!
Thank you so much!
Gotta have a spider….
SHE’LL BE BACK
by Linda Staszak 93 words
The spider skittered from the crack and peeked about the room.
His tattered cobweb dangled from the rafters in the gloom.
The potion bubbled in the pot, the wind howled ‘round the door,
A nervous mouse picked up a crumb and dashed across the floor.
The witch was nowhere to be seen–must be a sneaky trick.
As soon as he got comfortable, she’d squash him with a stick.
No point in taking chances. He crawled back in the crack.
The witch had left her potion, so he knew that she’d be back.
Great rhyme! Good luck!
Thanks1
Love this, your meter is perfect, and the suspense builds with just a few lines! ! Love the language ’spider skittered’, and then ’peeked’, usually the spider is the menacing one, here he is the skittish one, different and creative! The first couplet paints a great picture, words used make the scene come alive. This would make a wonderful picture book, If you have any inclination to add to it, like what happens when the which returns.
Thanks! It’s fun to write rhyming stories, especially when it works!
Great rhyme and suspense. Good luck!
Fantastic rhyming story! Marvelous action and descriptions, especially “skittered,” “tattered cobweb,” and “nervous mouse.” @AnneLipton
Tacky Trick
by Jill Lambert
100 words
Itty-bitty corner,
teeny-tiny shed.
Eensie-weensie spider
hanging by a thread.
Spiderling is spinning.
Complicated! Tricky!
Can’t construct a cobweb.
Help! The strings aren’t sticky!
Searches for solutions,
while Halloween is new.
Awkwardly appears
arachnid has no glue.
Witchy whizzes in then,
(broom repair, you see),
catches Spider sobbing
among the web debris.
Witchy comforts Spider
with a shushing motion.
Utters muttered verses,
promptly pours a potion.
Golden drop is plopped
on Spider’s little backy.
Silken threads appear.
Some twirl and tie—they’re tacky!
Spider’s on the broom now,
trying to repay.
Sticky silk will mend it.
Witchy’s on her way!
Awe. Such a sweet story!
Thank you!
This is too cute, pace is perfect, excellent rhyming! And love that they both help each other, exceptional story!
And thank you so much, Katie (below)…for your kind comment and feedback throughout!
Nice work, I love how the witch and the spider both benefit from the little exchange.
Thank you!
Nicely done! Love the beautiful language in this.
Thank you!
A sweet story.
Thank you!
Love the backy-tacky rhyme. This is so fun with so few words!
Thank you!
Perfect Jill! And exactly 100 words. Very nicely done!
Thanks, Michelle!
Sweet! I’m glad the witch helped! Good luck!
Thank you, Nancy!
I love the story arc here! Unlikely friends and it works. Great job.
Thanks so much!
Wow, Jill! What a great little story with amazing rhyme! Just love it!
Aww, thank you, Doreen! I really appreciate it!
So cute! Love the empathy in the story. Good Luck!
Thank you, I appreciate it!
What a great theme-helping others. Good job and good luck.
Thank you!
A delightful rhyming story for children. I love how the characters leverage their resources to help one another. @AnneLipton
Thanks so much!
ENTRY POSTED FOR KAREN
TRUE BREW by Karen Morgan
99 words
The trick was…
Finding just the right concoction.
Rowena rummaged for ingredients.
She added a dollop if this,
a bloop of that.
She stood tippy-toed,
pulled a jar from up high – swiping at cobwebs.
Rowena screwed off the top –
took a pinch of the powder between her fingers –
then sprinkled it into the potion gurgling in front of her.
WHOOSH!!!
A flame flew up.
Rowena knew it was ready.
Ghosts and goblins,
spiders and spirits,
monsters and mummies –
arrived after dark..
The brew in the iron pot bubbled as Rowena ladled it out…
“Hot apple cider for everyone!”
good work, Karen.
Fun tale with a nice story arc.
Good luck!
Thanks, Linda
Nice ending! Love apple cider! Good luck!
Nice surprise. Good luck!
Uncanny Cantations
We whispered our Trick-or-Treat chants in slow motion.
The doorway was ringed with green smoke from a potion.
“You must have a taste of this brew,” said the wizard.
“And cobwebs taste nice, but then so does the lizard.”
He took a step forward and reached for my shoulder,
then uttered odd words and the air became colder.
But…
I also had taken a course in enchanting,
and spouted the charm to halt what he was canting.
POOF!
A cloud of black smoke circled ’round that old tricker.
And there in the center stood…
“MOTHER?”
Ha! Love the twist at the end! Good luck!
Great job! I need to know more. Good luck!
Great twist ending, layered with just enough mystery to keep us wondering. @AnneLipton
ENTRY POSTED FOR MARYLEE
SYLVESTER THE SPIDER by MaryLee Flannigan
Sylvester the spider slips down from his lair.
His cobweb is set. Time to plan, trick, and snare.
The Witch needs more sugar to sweeten her brew.
It’s Halloween night – Trick or Treaters, woo-hoo!
His ruse is prepared, now to frighten the youth.
He’ll gather their goods that will sooth his sweet tooth.
Along come the children, they’re caught unaware.
Sylvester the spider scares them with his glare.
The kids drop their candy by droves in his trap.
His plan is successful – grabs every last scrap.
The potion the Witch crafts is gooey and thick.
SLURP…
YUM…
LICK!
I can picture Sylvester’s eyes. Scary! I would drop my candy too. Great teamwork between the spider and the witch. A nice story. Good luck!
Teamwork and a nice rhyme. Good luck!
Great name for a spider. Good luck!
Tantalizing premise. Delicious rhyme. Sweet ending.@AnneLipton
ENTRY POSTED FOR TARA
A SILKEN SURPRISE by Tara Cerven
Halloween loomed and Louie STILL couldn’t spin a web.
“Hurry, Louie! Weaving isn’t tricky for us spiders,” Winston lectured his little brother.
“I’m trying,” Louie whimpered.
The saggy strands resembled an ancient cobweb. “Disgraceful!” Winston muttered, scurrying off to his web bed.
A teardrop splashed Winston’s head. Looking up, he saw Louie sobbing. That tear was like a powerful potion, for Winston suddenly regretted his impatience.
“Follow me,” he whispered. Under shimmery moonlight big brother patiently taught little brother.
Halloween dawned and Winston awoke to the gleaming words Louie had weaved into the intricate web while Winston slept.
“Happy Halloween!”
Gotta love brotherly love! Sweet story!
Nice story. I’m glad big brother helped show Louie the ropes. Good luck!
Sweet ending to help his little brother. Good luck!
Nice story with a sweet ending. Good luck!
ENTRY POSTED FOR JENNIFER
Halloween Fun with the Spider Family (100 words)
by Jenny Fee – children’s book write in Collex, Switzerland
There was a spider family
Mum, Dad, Crawly and Fright.
October’s end was drawing near –
Almost Halloween night!
This was their favourite time of year
For playing lots of tricks
On boys and girls in costumes
Wearing masks or with broomsticks.
The spider family liked to weave
Cobwebs, enormous ones,
Made of special bouncy silk
For trick or treating fun.
Children dressed up as ghosts or cats
Surprised by this web art
Would jump and flip ‘round happily
Bouncing in fits and starts!
The kids would giggle loudly
Upwards and down in motion
Only stopping to receive
Delicious spider potion.
Fun! Bouncy webs, I like it! Good luck!
The whole spider family got in on the fun. Great job and good luck!
ENTRY POSTED FOR VASHTI
CECIL THE BEETLE (AND THE WEB OF WISHES)
by Vashti Verbowski
Cecil was tired of trudging along the dark and decaying forest floor.
He wanted to balance between branches.
Feel the world rustle in the wind.
And create entrancing cobwebs.
Cecil dreamed of being a spider.
When Cecil told his beetle buds, they laughed until their exoskeletons shook.
Alone and miserable, a mysterious voice whispered down to Cecil,
“What you desire is up this tree. Find the web of wishes on All Hallows Eve.”
Bewitched, Cecil climbed shimmering strands of moonlight.
The web shivered.
Cecil froze.
A silky-smooth potion pulsed through his body.
“A trick and a treat,” cackled the spider.
(100 words)
What a clever twist at the end! Well done.
Great story, Vashti.
Clever ending.
Great twist. Good luck!
Entrancing cobwebs is right! I’m so drawn in to this beautifully written Halloween story with strong STEM elements, atmospheric description, and inventive twist ending. I love how Cecil climbs “shimmering strands of moonlight,” only to find they are something else altogether. @AnneLipton
Really great writing. Good luck!
Careful what you wish for–especially on Halloween! Clever twist. Good luck!
ENTRY #1 POSTED FOR MARY
THE HALLOWEEN SPELL TEST (90 words) by Mary Vander Plas
Young Cassie the witch clutched her potion with fear.
Ghoul School’s Halloween Spell Test was finally here!
Her classmates’ sweet tricks left the teacher impressed.
Spider’s licorice cobweb was surely the best.
Bright gumballs from Crow’s beak, in place of loud caws,
set off thunderous cheering and rowdy applause.
Swift bats who flung Pez from their wings as they flew…
Cassie knew that an amateur trick would not do.
So she sprinkled her mix on her black cat named Sox.
Then he dropped Baby Ruth in his big litter box!
Mary, I think this is hilarious. A particularly fun ending. Good luck.
Mary, This is quite a story. Love, Love, Love that ending.
Ha! Love the surprise at the end.
The illustrations would be fun for this one. Good luck!
ENTRY #2 POSTED FOR MARY
SOME ARACHNID (99 words) by Mary Vander Plas
“Spider, HELP!” Witch shouted. “Halloween is near, and I need the wings of fruit flies for my potion!”
“Sure! Watch this,” said Spider.
Spider spun.
‘TERRIFIC’
“That’s a nice trick,” said Witch. “But no flies.”
Spider spun.
‘RADIANT’
“Um, you’re talented, but still no flies,” said Witch.
“It’s not very good. I can do better!” said Spider.
Spider spun.
‘HUMBLE’
“Oh dear,” said Witch. “You’re an excellent speller, BUT I NEED WINGS!”
“Back to basics!” said Spider.
Spider spun.
Left, right, across, repeat.
A sturdy, silky, sticky cobweb!
“Five fruit flies!” said Witch. “Thank you.”
Spider spun.
‘SOME ARACHNID’
What unique spin on some pig. One talented spider. Good luck!
ENTRY POSTED FOR DIANNE
ONE HALLOWEEN NIGHT 92 words
By Dianne Moritz
One Halloween night, Witch had the notion
that it was time to brew up a potion.
So she rolled up her sleeves, tossed off her hat,
turned on the faucet, and filled up a vat.
She gathered spices and stuff stored in jugs,
brushed off the cobwebs, and tugged out the plugs.
After decanting, Witch began chanting:
“Eye of newt, leg of frog,
centipedes, bark of log,
chicken feet, stir till thick….
Magic! Magic! Do your trick.”
“ABRA CADABRA, HA, JIGGITTY JAT.”
Witch cast a spell. Now her bat is a cat!
Well done getting such a great story into so few words! And great voice in this, too.
TY Sandy. It was fun writing.
Nice work, Dianne.
This story is so fun to read.
TY, Linda….and fun to write.
Cute story and fun rhyme. Good luck!
TY, Nancy.
Your use of language reads like someone telling a spooky story. What a fun read. Good luck!
ENTRY POSTED FOR MARCIA
WEB MAGIC
By Marcia Dalphin Williams
Reginald Rabbit crouched under Sally Witch’s hat, as she crafted yet another potion to try and change her hair from shiny black to pearly white. She pointed her wand at the white, poisonous mushrooms and cobwebs stuffed in her flask. “Hocus Pocus, Dominocus, Poof.”
Reginald turned black, and grew spider legs. One of his eight eyes could just see his captor’s still black hair. Time to trick her he thought. Spinning a web, he shot it over her hair and covered her face. She choked. Off popped her hat. Free Reginald spun to the floor and escaped.
“Happy Halloween, Reginald.”
What a great name for a rabbit or should I say for spider too. Good luck!
Itsy Bitsy Halloweensie
By Jay Reece (99 words)
All around the Jones’s house, the spiders crept.
“It’s clean,” said Itsy.
“It’s dreary,” said Bitsy.
“We’ll soon settle in and make new cobwebs,” said Mum.
“Can we have a housewarming party?” chimed Itsy and Bitsy.
“We can do better than that,” said Mum, “we’ll join the Jones’s Halloween party.”
Mum concocted a special potion from pumpkin flesh.
“Yummeeeee,” squealed Itsy and Bitsy.
Cobweb time! Let’s Go!
They festooned the house with cobwebs.
“Kapow! A web in the face,” said Itsy.
“Next trick, webbed food!” said Mum.
“A spooky haunted house! Our new home isn’t dreary anymore,” chuckled Bitsy.
Busy little spiders. Fun story. Good luck!
Great idea. Spiders need to make their home, homey too. Good luck!
COBS IN CAHOOTS
by Linda Staszak. 97 words
Griselda swatted at the stringy webs.
“I’m creating a potion to get rid of cobs,” she growled.
Daphne frowned. “Ears of corn?”
“Cobs,” snarled Griselda. “The evil creatures who spin these cobwebs.”
“Spiders make the webs,” said Daphne.
Griselda snorted. “Sure, like jack-o-lanterns are really pumpkins named Jack? And candy corn is really a vegetable? You’re probably in cahoots with the cobs.”
“What’s a cahoot?” asked Daphne.
“You’re trying to trick me,” sputtered Griselda. “You want my recipe for caramel apples.”
“You can turn apples into caramel?” Daphne asked innocently.
Griselda cackled. “Take a taste, my pretty.”
Love the word play. I never thought about cobs spinning cobwebs, but it makes perfect sense!
This is so imaginative! Good luck!
Very imaginative, I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen!
Great job on all the word play. It is fun!
Hilarious story! You’re a real wizard with words, Linda. Turning cobwebs into caramel apples in less than 100 words? Now that’s a real trick (and treat!). Thank you and Good luck! @AnneLipton
Fun word play. Good luck!
HALLOWEEN LOVE
by Polly Owen (90 words)
@pollypoem
The spell book was open,
on ‘Potions of Love’.
A mixture so potent,
she wore a thick glove.
Her target – the postman,
who made her heart swoon.
As who’d love a witch,
with a wart and a broom?
The letterbox flapped…
she pounced: “Want some tea?!”
“Why, thank you” he said,
“but first… Marjorie…”
“I love you!” he spluttered
and gulped down his brew.
“Oh bother! That potion
reverses what’s true!”
This Halloween trick,
turned his love into hate.
He stormed past the cobwebs
“I’m off!”
“Don’t go! Wait!”
Thanks Susanna for this wonderful competition. Loving all the entries!
Oh no! Heartbreak on Halloween.
What an interesting take on a Halloweensie/Valentiny story! 🙂
Aww, so sad. Perhaps the potion will wear off. Good luck!
That’s great! And so fun that it can be a Valentine OR Halloween story. Good luck!
So sad! There must be more lines….. NIce writing with a twist.
A charming yet heartwrenching love story in only 90 words. Well done! @AnneLipton
A Halloween love story. Great rhyme. And poor witch. Good luck!
Lil Witch, MBA
By Annie Berke
Do you like potion? Step right up!
Only fifty cents a cup!
Each boggy brew is all my own:
I really am the proudest crone!
But here’s the thing — and I’ve been trying —
It’s Halloween, and no one’s buying!
Don’t you enjoy the smell of varnish?
Don’t you adore a cobweb garnish?
Would you decline a swampy drink
That turns you green and makes you stink?
You would?! Gee, what a clever trick —
“Don’t sell stuff that makes people sick.”
I see now. But, in my defense:
One glass is *only* fifty cents!
Ha! Love this clever spin.
Fun story! Good luck!
Ha! Love your little witchpreneur! Outstanding vocabulary and rhyme. Bonus points for own/crone, varnish/garnish, and defense/cents. @AnneLipton
Great ending. Good luck!
Thanks for another great Halloweensie!
Sneaky Sister
By Keatley Eastman
(98 words)
My sister swore her potion
Was succulently sweet.
She whispered if I’d drink it, I’d grow feathers on my feet.
My skin would glow magenta,
My ears would multiply,
The cobwebs sprouting from my nose would smell like mildew pie.
My sister said “Don’t worry,
There’s not a thing to fear!
Tomorrow all the side effects will (mostly) disappear…
You’ll be the perfect monster
For this year’s trick-or-treat!
Just guzzle my concoction, and you’ll terrify our street.”
But now she’s flabbergasted
Because I’m feeling fine.
I guess she doesn’t know:
I poured it in her cup
Not mine.
Great story. I love the twist at the end.
Well done.
nice twist at the end
Clever story and nice rhyme! Good luck!
What a clever trick! Really fantastic story
This sounds like my sister. It’s well crafted with a “twisted” ending. Good luck.
Nice twist!
I wondered who would be daft enough to drink that swill, but it sounds like Sister got a taste of her own medicine. LOL! @AnneLipton
What a well played trick. Great ending! Good luck!
Boo Quiet to Spook?
by Sandy Perlic
It’s Halloween, and Glenda Ghost
must face the thing she dreads the most:
to haunt tonight, each ghost and ghoul
must prove they’ve mastered Spooking School!
So Glenda waits to do her best
while witches pass their potions test.
Next up, the werewolves howl and growl,
and black cats hiss and monsters scowl.
As Glenda’s turn approaches fast,
she fears her timid “Boo” won’t pass.
Would trick-or-treaters shrink in fright,
or laugh if Glenda spooks tonight?
The spiders spin,
then Glenda’s next!
She LOOMS—nose twitching, fingers flexed.
With cobwebs clinging, quiet “Boo!”
becomes a spookier
“AhhhhhHHHHHhhhhhhhHHHHhhhhhhhhh-Choo!”
Nice work, Sandy.
Good rhythm to your rhyme and a nice story with a funny/happy ending.
Good luck!
Thank you, Linda! Good luck to you, too!
I love this delightful spooky Poem! It’s fun to read out loud!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Natalie!
Really nice rhyme and rhythm. Love that Glenda gets a bigger Boo! Good luck!
Thank you, Nancy! I’m glad you enjoyed the rhyme.
I love the sound effects in this. Good luck.
Thank you, Marcia! It was fun to write.
Brilliant premise and rhyme with LOL ending. You’ve written such a relatable story. We really feel for Glenda. And probably the only thing that’s scarier than an oral exam is a sneeze! @AnneLipton
Why, thank you, Anne! I’m so happy you enjoyed it (and even happier you called the premise “brilliant”)!
Spooking School is a great idea for a story. Good job and good luck!
Thank you, Ashley! Good luck to you, as well!
Excellent rhythm and rhyming, Sandy! I enjoyed your fun story and its funny, surprise ending. Good luck!
The Witch’s Dilemma
By Susan Summers
WC: 97
“I will not eat that.” Spat the cat.
“You love my potions!” Said Witchy.
“Not this one. Is that a toenail?”
“Only one.”
“And a cobweb?”
“I’ll take it out and attach it to my broom. It’ll help my grip.” She scooped it out of the bowl and flung it aside.
“Is this some sort of trick? Medicine?”
“Well…”
“I’m flying with you tonight. It’s Halloween!”
“Yes, but…”
“What?”
“Last time you were broomsick; it ruined the whole ride!”
Hiss! Spit!
“Don’t get mad. You can come….”
Purr.
“If you take the potion!”
“Fine.”
Gulp.
“Let’s fly!”
Love what you did with nothing but conversation, Susan…especially the broomstick! Terrific!
It auto-corrected! I meant broomsick.
Nice story with a happy ending. Glad the cat got to fly. Good luck!
Very cleverly written! Good luck Susan!
Very cute, you have captured the cat’s personality in just a few lines! Fun conversational exchange between these two, it is a fun read!
I like the line about the toenail. 😄. Good luck!
Cute premise for a story–you did a great job capturing the feline’s fickle personality! Good luck!
Halloween Hijinks
By Susan Summers
WC: 99
Walter wizard whisked the potion.
He reread the final ingredients.
One toenail. Splish!
One cobweb. Splosh!
One sugary soda. Splash!
These were added and mixed.
“Your guests are here,” shouted his mother.
“I’m coming.” He raced from the basement.
In walked his friends, dressed in costumes. They giggled when they saw him. A magician?
After playing games, Walter asked, “Are you ready for my trick?”
He held up the potion and drank it.
He then blew a bubble. It shrieked, sparkled, and burst.
“Anyone else want some?”
Soon sparkles erupted everywhere. Laughter and shrieking filled the basement.
“Happy Halloween!”
what a fun story.
That would be a really cool Halloween potion to have. (well, except for the toenail and cobweb parts.
Sounds like a wild recipe! The ending was great with sparkles erupting…great job!
Cute story! Good luck!
Fun! I can think of lots of little girls who would love a drink like that!
Yep, sounds like kids coming up with Halloween fun! Cute story!
A great time with friends on Halloween.
LOTTIE’S SPIN ON HALLOWEEN
By Marty Lapointe-Malchik
(100 words)
Lottie Potion had the notion
She would win a prize.
So Lottie Potion set in motion
More than fifty tries.
Every corner she adorned
Wore her wispy art.
Mummies, bats, and skeletons
Were tricky from the start.
She spun a ghost and liked that most.
Would judges feel the same?
Crisscrossing eight artistic legs
She waited ’til they came.
They hovered at her entry,
Buzzed about her ghost,
They seemed to ooze with compliments
Like honey drips on toast.
Her cobweb art was intricate.
It captured their attention.
She set them free and then, with glee,
Took honorable mention.
So fun, Marty! Very clever! Good luck!
Thank you, Nancy! Good luck to you, too.
I love it!
Great rhythm, fun story.
Good luck!
Thanks so much, Linda! I’m glad you liked the rhythm!
So clever and well-written! Good job!
Thanks so much, Sandy!
What a creative concept!
Your story scans beautifully, with fantastic rhythm, rhyme, and description, I especially enjoyed “crisscrossing her eight artistic legs and “like honey drips on toast.” If those judges were smart, they would have awarded Lottie first prize! @AnneLipton
The illustrations would be fun to see with this story. I liked how she did her best and got honorable mention. Good luck!
ENTRY POSTED FOR DEB
SMELLOWEEN
By Deb Buschman
“DIS-A-PEEAR!”
“I can still see you, Trick.” said Treat.
“Darn, the potion didn’t work.”
“Let’s wear our ghost costumes.” said Treat.
“Remember last year, they blew off, and everyone ran,” said Trick.
“Yeah, but if we’re invisible they won’t answer the door,” said Treat.
“You’re right.”
“Penguins?”
“Our tail gave us away.”
“Zebras?”
“The stripes won’t stick.”
“Cool skunk costumes,” said a princess passing by, “Come with us.”
Trick and Treat scrambled through cobwebs to join them, thinking non-smelly thoughts.
“Great costumes,” said the witch.
“Trick or Treat,” they shouted.
“Pee-yew,” said the princess.
“DIS-A-PEEAR!” yelled Trick.
Very cute story, I was guessing just what Trick and Treat were until you revealed it! Original too!
MONSTER SCHOOL
By. Erin Rew
(100 words)
Kids everywhere are taking caution when they leave for school today. Trick-or-treat night is upon us and a monster is on its way!
Quietly, creeping down the front porch stairs and past the cobwebs hung with dew, each kid is on the lookout for a monster or a ghost… BOO!
Standing at the bus stop their knees quack with fear. Rumors have been spreading of a monster who draws near.
Some say it drank a potion. Others say it’s always been that way, but a Monster School is on the loose!
Gobbling kids along its way!
ENTRY POSTED FOR NINA
The Neighborhood Penguin
by Nina Nolan
I don’t want to go trick-or-treating.
Not in this new neighborhood.
I want a magic potion, so I can fly back to my old one.
The girl across the street is new here, too. She’s, at least, trying to have fun.
Waddling up to our house in her penguin costume, her flipper gets tangled in the cobweb decorations. She spins around, topples over, and lands splayed out, beak up.
“Are you OK?” I ask.
“I want my old neighborhood back!” she says.
“Me too! But this one’s getting better.”
Then I help her stand up.
Sweet story of a new friendship! Good luck!
ENTRY POSTED FOR YOLANDA
SPIDER’S HALLOWEEN MAGIC
by Yolanda Danyi Szuch
(87 words)
I have no magic potion,
but I know what I can do.
I’ll weave a web of magic
to make this book for you.
My cobwebs trick the nightmares,
that haunt the Halloween night,
and tangle them in sticky webs
to take away their fright.
I’ll catch the witches’ cackles,
the zombies’ moans and groans,
the ghosts’ and monsters’ screams,
and skeletons’ rattling bones.
This book has all that magic
and now it’s in your hands
to tell a tale of trick-or-treat
and write your Halloween land.
What a fun story full of nice imagery. Good luck!
I loved your premise of the spider weaving a web/book of magic; your inventive descriptions of the magic powers of the web/s, especially “cobwebs trick the nightmares;’ and the generosity of your narrator in passing the web/book on to the next writer(?spider). Good luck! @AnneLipton
The Halloween Hop by Sue Lancaster
100 words
Twitter handle @WriteSue
It was time for the yearly Halloween Hop,
The frogs had all gathered, ready to bop.
When quite out of nowhere, a witch swept through,
Grabbed poor Burt, and off they flew.
She cackled with glee, as she parked her stick,
“This froggy’s eyeballs should just do the trick,
My potion is finally ready to brew,
I’ll gulp it straight down with my cobweb stew.”
“Wait!” croaked Burt, “I don’t think you should.”
“Give me ONE reason, it better be good…”
“If you drink my eyeballs, your face will EXPLODE!
‘Cause I’m not a frog, I’m a warty old TOAD!”
Sorry, Twitter handle is @WritesSue with an S!
This is VERY cute! Love the ending!
Don’t want to mix your toads with your frogs! Clever toad! Good luck!
Haha. Tough old toad. You manage to incorporate a terrific story arc in so few words with a hilarious ending. Good luck! @AnneLipton