Viper fangs and dragon claws. It’s time for. . .
The 10TH 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 skeleton, creep, and mask. 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 325 fantastic entries last year, so I know you can do it!) Also, you may use the words in any form – e.g. skeletons, creepy/crept, masked/unmasked, 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 Saturday October 31st by 11:59 PM Eastern Time and add your post-specific link to the list below. 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 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! And please do not submit entries in more than one place because it becomes confusing.
The Judging: in a grueling marathon over the following days, my devoted assistants and I will narrow down the entrants to 3 6 9 12? top choices (give or take… you know how hard it is to choose!) which will be posted here and voted on for a winner on Wednesday November 4th or Thursday November 5th (if the judging takes longer than we expect if could be later…but we will do our best!) The winner will be announced on Monday November 9th (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!!! 😊
1 – Get Your MS in Tip Top Shape With Vivian Kirkfield!
Vivian is offering a PB MS Critique (fiction or nonfiction/rhyming or prose), along with a 30 minute Skype or FB video chat to discuss, along with a read-through of the revision. And top it all off she will also help you with a query/cover letter edit to go with your polished up ms! WOW!
Vivian Kirkfield is the 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…
2 – Penny’s Two Cents – an incredible opportunity for any picture book writer!
Sometimes it’s helpful to chat with a published author about your writing journey. Penny Parker Klostermann is offering her two cents. The prize includes General/Big-Picture Feedback on one picture book manuscript + One 30-Minute Chat (Rhyming or prose-750 words or under) Penny doesn’t claim to have it all figured out, (by any means) but she’s happy to share her two cents based on what she’s learned and continues to learn on her journey as an author.
Penny is the author of THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT (Random House 2015) (now available in board book and with matching pajamas! 🙂 ) and A COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE (Random House 2017)
3 – Picture Book Manuscript Critique (rhyme or prose) from Carrie Finison, author of DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS (Putnam, July 2020) and DON’T HUG DOUG (forthcoming from Putnam in January 2021.)
4 – Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Lydia Lukidis, author of NO BEARS ALLOWED (Blue Whale Press 2019) and many educational titles.
5 – Picture Book Manuscript Critique (fiction or nonfiction) from Teresa Robeson, author of Queen of Physics (Sterling, 2019) and Two Bicycles In Beijing (Albert Whitman, 2020)
6
6 – Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Kirsti Call author of The Raindrop Who Couldn’t Fall (Mazo Publishing, January 2019), Mootilda’s Bad Mood (Little Bee, September 2020), as well as COW SAYS MEOW (HMH) and COLD TURKEY (Little Brown) which will release in 2021.
7 – Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Ellen Leventhal, author of DON’T EAT THE BLUEBONNETS (Spork 2017), LOLA CAN’T LEAP (Spork 2018), and HAYFEST A HOLIDAY QUEST (ABCs Press 2010)
8 – Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Heather Gale, author of Ho’onani Hula Warrior (Tundra Books, October 2019)
9 – a personalized signed copy of The King Cake Baby and 15 Minute “Ask Me Anything” Video Chat with Keila Dawson, author of The King Cake Baby (Pelican 2015), No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History (Charlesbridge 2020), and Opening The Road: Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book (forthcoming from Beaming Books, January 2021)
10 – Making Picture Book Magic Self Study – an online picture book writing class – any month of winner’s choice!
11 – a personalized signed copy of EITHER ROCK AND ROLL WOODS (PB) or an ARC of SPIRITS AMONG US (MG) from author Sherry Howard
AND a personalized signed copy of TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE (Abrams Appleseed, May 2020) by Gabi Snyder
12 – a personalized signed copy of NOT SO SCARY, JERRY (Spork, 2017) by Shelley Kinder
AND a personalized signed copy of MARS’ FIRST FRIENDS: COME ON OVER ROVERS! (Sourcebooks 2020) by Susanna Leonard Hill
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 me to embarrass myself my sample entry which should fill you with confidence in your own MUCH MUCH better efforts!!!
Halloween
A pumpkin moon
A ghostly ship
A still lagoon
Tattered sails
Like swirling mist
Ancient rigging
Creaks and twists
Skull and crossbones
Striking fear
Warning sailors
Far and near
Captain Jack
Comes thump-a-peg
Limping on
His broomstick leg
“Steady now,”
breathes Captain Jack,
“Mustn’t blow
our sneak attack!”
Silently
The ghost ship glides
Closer . . .
Closer . . .
On the tides
Guided through
The murky blue
By the ghastly
Skeleton crew
Stealthily
it comes abreast
creeping
uninvited guest
nearing windows
warm with light
no idea
of their plight
Captain Jack
Deceit complete
Unmasks and shouts out, “Trick-or-treat!”
It’s truly spooky how willing I am to embarrass myself for you! 😊😊😊
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 3 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!!! 😊 🎃
- Midnight Rescue – Laura Bost
- You Don’t Scare Me – Brenda B. Covert
- Rattle, Rattle Skeleton – Vashti Verbowski
- Corona’s Evil Plan – Marty Findley
- Littlest Witch’s Wild Ride – Marty Findley
- Shy Skeleton’s Dance – Marty Findley
- A Night Out. . . – Deb Sullivan
- See Billy Bony – Helen Addyman
- Scare School – Laura Howard
- Is It Time? – Sue Lancaster
- The Skeletons’ Masked Ball – Sue Lancaster
- Halloween Masquerade – Jamie Donahoe
- The Curse of Halloween – Bru Benson
- Halloween Hesitation – Beth Volkmann
- The Phantom Of The Library – Natalie Cohn
- Trick Or Treat – Alli Straus
- No Bones About It – Judy Sobanski
- Family Business – Natalie Cohn
- Tattered Treats – Marilyn Garcia
- Halloween Surprise – Anna Ouchchy
- A Spider’s Tale – Darcee A. Freier
- Grandfather’s Clock – Sarah Heaton
- Halloween Peeps – Jamie Donahoe
- Mystery Guest – Dawn Young
- Nelly O’Skelly – Danielle Sharkan
- First Halloween – Carol Jones
- One Noisy Halloween – Rebecca Thill
- Polly’s Not-So-Perfect Potion – Susan Summers
- Masquerade – Kathiann Weatherbee
- Howl-o-weenie – Ashlee Hashman
- Trick Or Treat – Stephanie Mena
- Skelly The Skeleton – Michelle S. Kennedy
- Trudy’s Toothy Halloween – Kelsey Gross
- Class Pet Trickery! – Mary Bleckwehl
- Hola Halloween! – ‘Boo Darkling’ (Roo Parkin)
- BOO! – Rebecca Woodall
- Haunted – Anne Lipton
- Creepy D’s – Martha Holguin
- Trick Or Treat – Marla Yablon
- Skellie’s Closet – KeelyWrites
- Skelly B. Skeleton – Cathy Chester
- When Skally Nearly Didn’t Show His Face – Diana Webb
- Sammy Goes Home – Courtney Rubo
- GRRRRRRRRRR! – Donna Kurtz
- Teeth Love HalloweenToo! – Donna Kurtz
- The Halloween Fair – Donna Kurtz
- Skeleton And Ghostina – Gail Hartman
- Little Bonesy Loves Halloween! – Paul Kurtz
- Mousey’s Batty For Halloween! – Paul Kurtz
- Spider-Claws Is Comin’ To Town – Paul Kurtz
- A Bone-afide Friend – Kristen Reinsel
- Wendy’s Sugar Spell – Caitlin Eslinger
- A Very Scary Halloween – Kerrie Elizabeth Godding
- Haunted Hallo-weave – Cathrene Valente Youngquist
- Spider’s Can’t Dance! – Cathrene Valente Youngquist
- The Beady Eye – Libby Hartwell
- Stitch – Amy Duchene
- Halloween Surprise – Sarah Hawklyn
- Four Dancing Skeletons – Isabel Rodriguez
- First Trick-or-Treat – Carol Samuelson-Woodson
- BIG Boney Story – Yolanda Danyi Szuch
- Skeleton Knights – Islancy Guada
- Halloween, This Year – Nina Nolan
- The Arnold Rock – Polly Sheldon
- Skeleton’s Scare – Erin K. McCabe
- Skeleton’s In The Closet – Karen Keesling
- Vampire And Skeleton Go Shopping – Jay Reece
- Haiku – Corine Timmer
- Opportunity Wanders – Florbela Nienaber
- The Skele-Mummy – Linda Staszak
- All On A Halloween Night – Linda Staszak
- Creep A Little Closer – Yvonne McCutchen
- Moonlight Party – Yvonne McCutchen
- Stella Decorates – Melissa Warren
- Candy Heist – Sarah Hawklyn
- Pillows In Pants – Christine Menke
- The Masked Skeleton – Deborah Dolan Hunt
- Mask Required – Lucretia Schafroth
- Psyched Out – Karen Pickrell
- The Case Of The Missing Skeleton – Karen Pickrell
- All Hallows’ Eve – Liz Kehrli
- My Worst Thirty-first – Obbverse
- Scary Mary – Geraldine Jones
- Sweet Escape – Allison Strick
- Bones: A Love Story – Keatley Eastman
- Phoebe’s Magic Stew – Linda Hofke
- Paco And The Skeletons – Katie Schwartz
- Lester Skeleton’s Halloween Hunt – Ford Waight
- Little Frankie Patches Things Up – Rozana Rajkumari
- Witch’s Fiery Broth – Corine Timmer
- Jack’s Halloween – Kara Sibilia
- The Jolly Skeleton – Linda Staszak
- Sammy Skeleton’s Warm Halloween – Lily Erlic
- Slinky Skeleton – Penelope McNally
- Annabelle’s Halloween – Penelope McNally
- The Hungry Corpse – Robert Schechter
- Little Goblin’s Halloween – Kathleen Mazurowski
- The Curse – Glenda Roberson
- Moving Day – Laura Bower
- Halloweenie – Lauren Harris
- Letter On The Door – Jessica Reed
- Sebastian’s Halloween – Polly Owen
- Skeleton’s Halloween Party – Polly Owen
- Halloween High Jinx – Stacey Miller
- Weensie’s Potion – Lisa Lee Furness
- The Nightmarish Place – Suzie Olsen
- I’m Not Scared – Desirae Moten
- What A Haul! – Diane Hanington
- The Halloween Trick – Aimee Larke
- A Skeleton’s Fright – Nadia Ali
- The Maple Tree Fright – Rebecca Allain
- Creepy Cookie Night – Annette LaFortune Murray
- The Night Stacey Saved Halloween – Autumn Haley (age 8)
- The Skeleton Ball – Jenny Caddy
- The Halloween Car Parade – Laura Bower
- The Halloween Ball – Crystal Lamb
- A Halloween Scare – Sarah Hetu-Radny
- Skeleton And Jack – Jennifer Bochonowicz
- Halloween – Marjorie David
- Ben’s Biggest Fear – Maria Pichler
- Skeletons – Patty Wright
- GHOST On The COAST – Becky Loescher
- The Scare Dare – Nancy Derey Riley
- Lonely Spider’s Dance – Danielle Sharkan
- Things That Go Cronk – Carla Bourne
- Grrrr! Brothers! – Susan Drew
- Midnight Mortal Ball – Nicola Thackrey
- The Monsters Of Halloween – Ryan Roberts
- The Perfect Halloween Present – Jenny Buchet
- Hopeless Heist – Karyn Curtis
- A 2020 Halloween Bash – Kristen Foote
- Boneyard Ballet – Jennifer Broedel
- Halloween Night – Di Litwer
- Tom Bones Goes Rogue – Marty Bellis
- A Bone-Fide Halloween Tale – Marty Bellis
- Dad’s Halloween – Lisa Lipsey
- Final Moments – E. Elle Bea
- How To Hug A Ghost – Cathy Lee Patterson
- Not This Year! – Carmen Castillo Gilbert, PhD
- Shh! Party In My Room! – MeiLin Chan
- Little Witch – Tracy Detz
- A Pumpkins Story – Christine Graham
- Beware Of Humans – Janelle Springer-Willms
- Beware Of Skeletons – Lea Boyd (age 8)
- Little Badger’s Great Big Scare – Bridget Grey
- Lightning And A Mask Of Stars – Rhett Trull
- Creature Of The Night – Lindsey Aduskevich
- Thorny Lane’s Treasure – Rhonda Gatlin
- Argleby’s New School Adventure – Echo Roben
- A Cat-astrophic Halloween – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
- Two Can Play – JC Kelly
- Mia’s Halloween Celebration – Lily Erlic
- Seven Jack-O-Lanterns – Mary Arkiszewski
- A-Z: Who’s Behind Me? – Ashley Congdon
- The Attic Mask – Barbara DiMarco
- Not-So-Happy Halloween – Claire Schlinkert
- The Skeleton Creep – Tracy Curran
- The Brown, Brown Boots On The Cold, Cold Floor – Crystal Lamb
- Hedgehogs In The Garden – Nicola Holden
- Home Sweet Home – Mona Pease
- All Bones – Desi Valle
- Hallowcake Cravings – Katie Pals
- Foggy Halloween – Denise Seidman
- Halloween Is Scary – Valerie McPherson
- The Sweetest Halloween Treat On Earth – Jill Burns
Susanna Leonard Hill 
THE JOLLY SKELETON
By Linda Staszak 99 words
“I don’t want to be a spider anymore,” said Zelda.
“It’s not a choice, you are a spider,” said Mom.
“Nobody likes spiders,” whined Zelda. “I’m going to be a bat. No, a skeleton. Skeletons are jolly.”
“Skeletons aren’t jolly. They’re creepy, scary piles of bones.”
But Zelda was busy painting bones on her legs.
“That’s pink paint,” said Mom.
“I like pink,” said Zelda.
Mom frowned. “Bones aren’t pink.”
Zelda twirled and admired herself in the mirror.
“It needs something else.” She pulled on a smiley-face mask.
“That’s ridiculous,” said Mom.
“It’s make-believe, Mom” said Zelda. “Happy Halloween!”
I like Zelda! She’s confident, determined and original. Love her pink smiley-face skeleton costume.
Thanks for reading it!
This is a story about sharing and caring with friends.
Sammy Skeleton’s Warm Halloween
Sammy Skeleton rattled his bones down the cold castle hallway. Creep, creep, creep.
“It’s cold in here! I’m chilled to the bone,” said Sammy.
“How can we get ready for Halloween?” asked Skelton Mouse shivering.
“Well, rattle my bones, I need to think of something!”
Sammy Skeleton turned up the heat but it was too hot.
He turned on the fireplace but the heat was too low.
He found a mask but it only kept his face warm.
“It’s still c-c-cold,” said Skelton Mouse.
Sammy’s invisible brain whirled. COATROOM!
Sammy Skeleton gave his coats to Skelton Mouse and his friends.
The End.
SLINKY SKELETON
By Penelope McNally
Slinky Skeleton loves trick or treating. Bones a-jumpin’, he bops outside as soon as darkness falls. Boom! His empty eye sockets spy them straight away. Mini me skeletons, skipping through the streets, bags a-bulgin’ with delicious treats.
Chocolate, caramels, chewy candy corn…his toothless mouth waters. Gurglin’ growls groan from his tummy-less hole.
Bones a-creakin’, he creep creeps up and tap taps the shoulder of a mini me skeleton. “BOO!” he shrieks, clankin’ and janglin’ his bones.
Jumpin’, screamin’ and masks a-flyin’, candy flutters down every which way. He grins and gulps a gooey gummy bear. Trick or treat, Slinky style.
Slinky’s bad, but I like him. I enjoyed reading your story. I like the bags a-bulgin’, clankin’ and janglin’ and jumpin’, screamin’ and masks a-flyin’.
This is a lot of fun! Great voice and perfect ending line.
ANNABELLE’S HALLOWEEN
By Penelope McNally
Hurry get your costume, don’t be so pokey slow
Everybody’s waiting; it’s time for us to go!
Skeletons and witches roaming up and down our street,
Pushing every doorbell, yelling out, “trick or treat!”
Up the street we run, and go skipping down another
“Faster Annabelle,” yells out my older brother.
My bag is getting heavy, my arms are feeling weak.
“Are we almost finished?” I can barely speak.
Finally up the stairs I creep, Dad opens up our door
Masks off, bags dumped, candy on the floor.
Mix, trade, take a bite…drooping eyes…well, maybe just one more.
Terrific build up …I felt Annabelle excitement, exhaustion and elation at the end! Well done!
You’ve captured Halloween and trick or treating in your piece, I really enjoyed reading it. Good luck!
THE HUNGRY CORPSE
My skin is crumbling, so I mask it,
creeping from the moldy grave.
A hundred years inside a casket
might explain why I now crave
a decent meal. I think I’m liable
to snarf your every body part,
beginning maybe with an eyeball,
ending with your beating heart.
And for my Halloween dessert,
I think I’ll grind your skeleton.
You’ll be dead, so it won’t hurt,
and bones make such great gelatin.
Creepy but fun! A great entry.
Love it! So creepy!
Deliciously creepy!
Little Goblin’s Halloween
by Kathleen Mazurowski
Tickety-dee, Tickety-boo,
What’s a little goblin do?
It’s Halloween eve,
pumpkins are perfect, but…
I’m afraid of all the BOO!
Tickety-dee, Tickety-boo,
What’s a little goblin to do?
It’s Halloween day,
cobwebs are creepy, but…
I’ll wear a mask and walk with you.
Tickety-dee, Tickety-boo,
What’s a little goblin to do?
It’s Halloween night,
skeletons are scary, but…
I feel safe when I’m with you.
Tickety-dee, Tickety-boo,
This brave little goblin says
Happy Halloween to you!
Love the refrain here!
A sweet entry yet we definitely know it’s Halloween. Well done!
The Curse (99 words)
by
Glenda Roberson
It’s All Hallows’ Eve and now’s the time
for ghosts to seek the forgiving.
A thin veil of mist divides the worlds,
so we can visit the living.
I caused the crash that took her child,
and now I need my redemption.
She cursed me in my mask of death,
requiring a curse exemption.
I creep within the world she’s in.
Her skeleton’s all I can find.
The portal slams. I can’t go back.
Her permanent curse, now assigned.
I hide the keys—make engines fail,
performing my restitution.
Each helpful haunting I complete,
is a cry for absolution.
What a spooky story! I think fans of the book SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK would love this. Nice work, Glenda!
Thank so much Maryna!
You’ve written such a splendid and haunting poem, Glenda. I love your notions of the “thin veil of mist” dividing worlds, the portal slamming shut, and the means by which the tormented narrator seeks redemption. Fantastic and phantasmagoric! @AnneLipton
Thanks so much, Anne! I appreciate your praise and always take it to heart. I’ve learned so much from you.
Moving Day
By Laura Bower
A werewolf and a skeleton –
the very best of friends.
Until a moving sign went up!
Now, would their friendship end?
Wolfie cried and Skelly tried
out ways that he could stay.
He grabbed his mask for Halloween
but much to his dismay,
his parents knew that it was him
and made him start to pack.
He tried to creep to Wolfie’s house
but they just brought him back.
“Aha, I’ve got it!” Skelly said.
“I’ll borrow Witchy’s broom,
so we can see each other
when we get sick of Zoom!
Yeah, a story with Zoom! Very cute! 🙂
Haha! Love the humorous ending! This was such a cute piece! Great job, Laura!
A unique entry. What a great ending! Love the strong friendship aspect.
Zoom has a whole new meaning now, doesn’t it? I love how you have incoporated it into your story. Skelly and Wolfie are adorable friends.
Halloweenie
Puppy wants to dress up for Halloween.
Should he be a pirate?
No, he doesn’t want treasure. He just wants snacks.
Should he be a vampire?
No, he’s afraid of the dark, and doesn’t like bats.
Should he be a skeleton?
No, he prefers to bury his bones down deep.
Should he be a spider?
No, his legs are too short to properly creep.
Puppy thinks and thinks and thinks some more.
Should he wear a suit? A cape? A mask for all to see?
He thinks of all the foods he likes…
He’ll be a Halloweenie!
So glad you entered this!! I love this little pup, I think this would make a great picture book.
Thanks, Jessica!
This is really cute.
Thank you!
Letter on The Door
by Jessica Reed
Dear Trick-Or-Treaters,
I don’t wear a mask, yet I send people running
every Halloween night.
I don’t CREEP, I just CREAK, as my skeleton’s weak
from years of termites that bite.
I whistle and moan when I feel a breeze
Though really, I am quite nice.
To some I am old, and I’ve been told
My insides are colder than ice.
Please come inside, don’t run and hide.
I’m not haunted, I want you to stay.
When I rattle my doors, window, or floors
It’s my way of trying to play.
Signed,
Old House
P.S. Please Wipe Your Feet!
Very creative writing it in letter form and usings a different POV.
Nice work.
Such an imaginative epistolary Halloween story! Your letter-writer has an engaging and humorous voice. Love your perfect postscript, too! @AnneLipton
This is so clever! I can imagine the art!
Creative POV! Best of luck with this!
Thanks for running such a great, fun competition, Susanna! Here’s my entry…
Sebastian’s Halloween
by Polly Owen (99 words)
Halloween was a time that Sebastian knew,
he could just relax, be himself and be true.
No creeping, no masking… he’d swagger with pride,
With worms in his sockets and dead haggard bride.
In fact he could win any contest around,
His costume perfected – 10 years in the ground.
Tonight was no different, as mouths dropped in awe…
(But only a skeleton’s could hit the floor).
Yet something was different. The screaming, quite new.
The fainting and sickness, was more than a clue.
As Sebastian sauntered around, “Trick or treat?”
The people retorted – “It’s Tuesday next week!”
A great entry! Good luck.
Haha brilliant, well done Polly – a truly creepy and funny entry!
haha! Poor Sebastian! Good luck with your entry!
Skeleton’s Halloween Party
by Polly Owen (98 words)
Little Skeleton could hardly sleep. In a few hours she’d party up top with the humans.
But what was that noise getting louder?
Creep…. scratch… Bang!
“We’ve found them, boys!”
“Oh no! The masked tomb raiders.”
The skeletons were packed up and driven away, as the full moon shone.
Suddenly they screeched to a halt!
“Hooowwwl!”
“It’s a werewolf! Leg it, boys!”
The skeletons climbed up front. “Can you drive?”
“Nope. But here goes!”
“Hang on!” said Little Skeleton, opening the door….
“Come on Fluffy! Who’s a good girl?!”
Today was going to be the best Halloween ever!
Hehe this made me giggle – well done, Polly! 😀
Halloween High Jinx
By Stacey Miller (100 words)
Skeleton and Creep loved conjuring chaos!
They Pinched Witchy-Poo’s potion,
Thieved Prank-enstien’s fart powder,
And even stole Vamps false fangs.
They gobbled the goodies and spat out.
Ghost-tastic glittery glue!
“Our Monster mates are in for a sticky situation!” gushed the gleeful ghosties.
But as glue glooped and glopped,
Witchy-Poo’s broom batted it back.
And…
Splat!
Skeleton and Creep became…
Sparkly, sticky spectres!
“You didn’t have a ghost of a chance,” cackled Witchy-Poo.
“We saw straight through you!” cried Vamps.
“You can never Prank, The Prank-enstein!”
“We’ll be good ghosties,” mumbled Creep.
“Until next Halloween,” whispered Skeleton masking a smile.
)
This oozes with fun and energy – I really enjoyed reading it! Great characters and use of language!
So much fun to read and I love your wordplay and alliterations!
So much fun packed in exactly 100 words! Good luck with your entry!
This is so much fun! Love the characters, word choices, and creepy mischief.
WEENSIE’S POTION
By Lisa Lee Furness
100-words
Trick or treaters loved to prank Weensie Witch by knocking on the door then
running away.
Fed up to her brim with their trickery, she prepared the perfect potion.
As dusk crept up on the night, Weensie waited.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
“Who’s there?” she shouted.
“Hallo.” A masked monster mumbled.
“Hallo who?”
“Hallo, Weensie.” A skeleton suit snickered.
When Weensie opened the door they scattered but not before she had sprayed them with her
potion.
POOF!
They disappeared into thin air.
“You can’t trick me, anymore!” she said pleased her potion had worked until…
KNOCK! KNOCK!
“Who’s there?” Weensie wondered.
oooooooooOOOOOOOOOooooooooo!
Thank you for re-posting Susannah! Happy Halloween!
The Nightmarish Place
The little skeleton creeped around the corner. The toilet paper isle was hauntingly empty. But she continued. She was determined to finish her quest. The meat isle was also creepily eerie. There was not a single pork chop in sight. But what she saw next scared her to her bones: an adult without a mask! All I wanted was just some gelatin, she thought, but this place is too scary for me! And so, the little skeleton ran as fast as she could, never looking back on the nightmarish place that is called the grocery store.
ENTRY POSTED FOR DESIRAE
I’m Not Scared by Desirae Moten
“Mom, where’re my grizzly shoes?”
“In here, Marigold.”
Her mom creeps up behind her.
BOO!
“Such an old trick.”
“Danny, are you hiding in my room again?” Marigold asks. “Not on my bed!”
“Skeleton bones? That’s not scary.” Marigold’s unfazed.
Then, something bumps her feet.
“Hahaha, come on Danny. My mask is scarier.”
“Th-That’s because y-y-you’re a bear!” Danny screams.
“Alright, I got my trick-or-treat bag. I’m ready to go.
Mom?
Danny?
This isn’t funny.”
“Y-Y-You were out h-h-here the whole time?”
“Yeah, we gave up trying to scare you.”
“I thought you left without me.”
“You were scared? YES!”
ENTRY POSTED FOR DIANE
WHAT A HAUL!
By Diane Hanington (91 words)
Skeleton, Skeleton, Shiver and Shake
Now Halloween’s here
It’s time you awake
Skeleton, Skeleton, Rattle and Rise
Already with mask
Void sockets for eyes
Skeleton, Skeleton, Teeter and Trip
You head into town
At a zealous clip
Skeleton, Skeleton, Screaming and Squeals
Frightening the children
They take to their heels
Skeleton, Skeleton, Ranting and Roars
“The candy’s all mine!
Throw open the doors!”
Skeleton, Skeleton, Torment and Tease
Grabs handfuls of treats
You’ll do as you please
Skeleton, Skeleton, Success and Scored
Creep back to your grave
With your scrumptious hoard
The Halloween Trick
By Aimee Larke (99 words)
Skeleton shuffled down the stairs feeling sad and out of sorts as he cradled his arm.
His dog was always playing tricks on him, but this Halloween trick had gone too far.
He could hear Mr. Bone Jangles’ laughter coming from outside.
Skeleton put on a mask to disguise himself and started creeping across the yard.
The laughter grew louder as he neared the doghouse.
Creep…creep… “Boo!” yelled Skeleton
The laughter stopped and Mr. Bone Jangles leapt back in fear, dropping the bone from his mouth.
“AhHa! Scared you!” said Skeleton. “Now give me back my funny bone.”
So cute, love this! Especially Mr. Bone Jangles!
ENTRY POSTED FOR NADIA
A Skeleton’s Fight
by Nadia Ali
The skeleton watched Halloween from his window.
He wanted to go. He had to go.
Wearing a mask he ventured out.
Bones rattling, clickety-clack.
Children behind a mask scurry along the streets.
Monsters behind a mask creep in the shadows.
Skeleton behind his mask excited to be out.
Bones rattling, clickety-clack.
Frightful, fearsome, a sight to behold.
Skeleton’s mask fell from his skull.
He wanted to go. He had to go!
Running faster like he was being chased.
Bones rattling, clickety-clack.
The skeleton once more watched Halloween from his window.
Happy to watch safely from a far.
The End
ENTRY POSTED FOR REBECCA
Author: Rebecca Allain
Title: The Maple Tree Fright
The maple tree is masked with leaves,
A mane of red and gold.
A place for feathered friends to sing,
Whose shades are just as bold.
The colors start to fade though,
As the days creep on and on,
The birds begin to wonder
Where the gentle beast has gone.
Soon the tree stands barren,
With its skeleton uncloaked.
The birds sing songs of sorrow,
Hearts swollen and provoked.
The moon now teased the tree,
With his fierce and shining light.
But tree is swarmed with birds,
Of red and gold so bright!
And it gives the moon a fright!
ENTRY POSTED FOR ANNETTE
CREEPY COOKIE NIGHT
Word Count: 92
By Annette LaFortune Murray
The Mummy family wrap up their cookie baking for Halloween night.
Skeletons, pumpkins, witches, and cat cookies fill the kitchen.
When the doorbell rings, something creepy happens.
The cookies fill the house as the Mummy family pass them out.
Over…and over…and over.
Cookies flow into the living room, sun porch, bedrooms, and backyard.
But cookie monsters come to the door…and they come…and they come.
The doorbell rings over…and over…and over.
Until the cookies are gone.
And the kids in masks are gone.
Were those monsters or kids in costumes?
We don’t know.
ENTRY POSTED FOR AUTUMN
The Night Stacey Saved Halloween
Author: Autumn Haley Age 8
Stacey’s dog Creep dug something up. WOAH – a spellbook!
Her house shook…
Stacey looked down the path and saw claw marks.
Kim, Stacey’s friend spoke, “I heard legends that if you find this spellbook a pumpkin will ruin Halloween. We must find the magical mask to defeat it!”
…
“I’ve been expecting you…” said Pumpkin.
Kim laughed, “you fell for my trap”.
She continued, “He promised me a lifetime of treats if I planted the spellbook.”
Creep grabbed the mask from Kim, and placed it on Pumpkin.
“I’m sorry Stacey, I’ve never had a happy Halloween”.
“Kim, It’s not too late”
The End
ENTRY POSTED FOR JENNY
The Skeleton Ball
by Jenny Caddy @CwritesJen
On Halloween night at the skeleton ball,
the zombies and witches all danced in the hall.
Old scarecrow stood watching, he thought it looked fun,
and wanted to join them before it was done.
Disguised in a mask, he sneaked up to the door,
ready to creep in and dance on the floor.
But skeletons saw him and took off his mask.
“Oh scarecrow, you’re welcome, you just had to ask!”
So in he went laughing and danced with them all.
The new friends he made at the skeleton ball.
I love this, such a lovely rhythm. Good luck with it!
Adorable story. Great use of the three words.
Love this. So glad scarecrow was welcome at the skeleton ball. I feel a happy dance coming on.
Yay! Glad Scarecrow was welcomed to join in the Halloween fun! Good luck with your entry!
ENTRY POSTED FOR LAURA
The Halloween Car Parade
By Laura Bower
Welcome to the car parade!
It’s time to show us what you’ve made.
I’ll give out prizes (as your host)
to the car that scares the most!
Here comes Spider. On the scene!
A creeping, crawling bug machine.
Next is Zelda’s – Ugg, P-U!
A toxic blast of witch’s brew.
Masked mummy’s car is wrapped up tight,
screeching, screaming through the night.
You all did great. Impressed this year.
But the winner is quite clear.
The first prize goes to Skeleton
Who made his car of gelatin!
Hear it SQUISH! And see it WIGGLE!
Nothing’s scarier than that JIGGLE!
Haha! Great poem!
ENTRY POSTED FOR CRYSTAL
The Halloween Ball
By Crystal Lamb
A tale told in a cadence of four….or…..
Told to the beat of “The Worms Crawl In, The Worms Crawl Out”
The skeletons crept along the wall
To join their friends at the Halloween Ball
The dance is held most every year
To spread to all some ghostly cheer.
Their way was blocked by an Ogre tall
“Masks are required at our Halloween Ball!”
They turned to leave; their heads hung low
“STOP! WAIT! You don’t have to go!”
“I have 3 masks which you can use!”
“Hooray!” they squealed at this wonderful news
They danced all night with spooky friends
Until the fun must sadly end
The skeletons crept along the wall
They had a blast at the Halloween Ball.
ENTRY POSTED FOR SARAH
A HALLOWEEN SCARE by Sarah Hetu-Radny
A HALLOWEEN SCARE
With Mark sanitizing, Renee counting masks,
and the newbie schlop-mopping the floor,
the skeleton crew at Saint Joe’s hospital
was devoid of all Hallow’s Eve gore.
Suddenly Newbie collapsed in surprise.
“Don’t look! It’s a goblin! Unreal!”
A shadow was creeping its way towards the bend!
The others took off in full keel.
Renee sh-sh-shuddering; Mark hunkered down.
The newbie made barely a sound.
The ghoul-shadow bellowed and raised something high,
lights eerily flickered around.
“BOO!” Little Jefferson rounded the bend,
dragging his pole and IV.
“Creepers!” The newbie upended his pail.
“What a Halloween kid-fright for me!”
Halloween in a hospital during Covid! Very timely!!! good luck with your entry!
ENTRY POSTED FOR JENNIFER
SKELETON AND JACK
By Jennifer Bochonowicz
100 Words
“I CAN’T TRICK OR TREAT! MY BODY LEFT WITHOUT ME!” shrieks Jack, the jack o lantern.
“I see it!” Running with Jack, Skeleton’s mask falls over his eyes.
“Sorry, Jack. We lost him.”
“No, I see footprints.”
They lead them to a Halloween Parade.
They follow the parade through a cornfield maze.
“Body?! No, a scarecrow,” says Jack.
They stop at the top of a hill.
“Look Jack! A Headless Halloween Party!”
“Body!” cries Jack.
Jack’s body waves hello and points to a sign.
“Headless Dance Off! Free broomstick rides for Trick or Treating heads!”
“I CAN TRICK OR TREAT!”
ENTRY POSTED FOR MARJORIE
Halloween
By
Marjorie David
Into the dark three costumes crept,
In search of scary tricks or treats.
Bats, cats, and ghosts might rattle
round and by their stumbling feet.
“Something brushed me!” pirate bellowed.
“Spooky green eyes!” pumpkin whimpered,
“Have only black cat’s eyes glowed?”
“A ghost!” Skeleton’s bones clattered.
Moving together, they shrieked
before daring a backward peek.
A light flicked on.
The basement lit up.
The cat streaked for the door.
A curtain puffed,
a bed sheet billowed,
they dashed across the floor.
With masks off,
children cheered at the frightful sight,
ready now for Halloween scares, but….
not until tomorrow night.
ENTRY POSTED FOR MARIA
BEN’S BIGGEST FEAR
by Maria Pichler
“What’s the creepiest thing you can think of?” Ben asked his friend, Lucas. It was Halloween afternoon, and the boys were hot-gluing their masks.
“A bunch of slimy-eyed skeletons chasing me in a graveyard. How about you?”
“Mom always asks me to shut the back door at night, and every night, I’m afraid somebody or something might push back.”
“Yikes!” Lucas said.
That night, Ben’s big brother, Jordan, left for his Wizard Party. Halfway down the driveway, he realized he had forgotten his wand. He went straight for the backdoor, since it was closer. Jordan pushed hard. Inside, somebody screamed.
ENTRY POSTED FOR PATTY
SKELETONS by Patty Wright
I learned a new word at preschool today!
The word is… SKELETON!
Skeleton is my favorite word. Skeleton has three beats. We clapped them out like this: Skel – e – ton. See? Three beats.
I want a skeleton Halloween costume. I’m gluing and painting a skeleton mask. We even made skeleton cookies.
Wait! What did you say? Skeletons are bones?
That’s kind of creepy.
Whoa! Are you kidding me? There’s a skeleton inside me? And one in you? And one in my dog?
That’s really scary!
Hmmm.
Maybe I could just eat the cookies and skip the rest.
GHOST on the COAST 98 words
(ghost crab)
by Becky Loescher
I creep from my burrow
in moon’s eerie light,
masked by dark shadows …
it’s Halloween night.
I’m scare-the-beach spooky
with skeletal shell,
a ghost with ten legs …
ghoulish stories to tell.
Movement approaches,
disturbing the sand.
My pincers are poised,
my next move is well-planned.
My eyes scan the beach,
stretching periscope-high.
It’s coming! It’s closer!
I dare not be shy.
I skid to a stop.
I could end up as prey!
My only escape …
secret sand hideaway.
I’m ghostly. It’s GHASTLY!
My cue to skidoo!
This ghost on the coast
is a scaredy-crab. BOO!
Love it! Well done!
Thanks so much, Ryan!
What a unique take on this year’s prompts! I love the way you combined Halloweeniness with NF elements. And perfect rhyme and meter, too! Fabulous, Becky!
Thanks so much, Jill! Since I love writing about nature, I had fun combining those two elements!
Very cute! A different kind of Halloween story, a crab on the beach! And great descriptions, I can picture him skittering around! Rhyming and meter are great, good luck!
Thanks, Katie! I love hearing that you can picture the scene! ;-D
Unique. Love the pace and imagery. Good luck!
So kind of you Corine! Thanks for your comments!
THE SCARE DARE
by Nancy Derey Riley 100 words
This Halloween I took a dare—
give my older sis a scare.
Every year she finds a way
to make my hauntings go astray.
I creep along the darkened hall—
back pressed hard against the wall.
Her room’s the next one on the right,
dimly lit by candlelight.
Behind my mask my glasses fog
I didn’t see our family dog.
I trip just as I leap and yell,
“Behold the skeleton from hell!”
Then I fall flat on my face,
my scaring such a huge disgrace.
My sister smiles and hugs me tight,
“You really gave me such a fright!”
This is such a realistic portrait of the way siblings antagonize each other. Love the ending! Great job, Nancy!
Thanks, Jill! Halloweensie is such fun.
Oh,no! Glad her older sister is a good sport. My glasses are fogging up a lot too these days. I enjoyed your story. Good luck!
Thanks, Corine!
I love the way you built up the tension as your character creeps along the darkened hall, and such a fun and heartwarming ending! Good luck!
Thanks for reading! I had fun writing it.
Great job with your story Nancy. I agree with Jill that this sounds like something that would actually happen!! Good luck!
Thanks, Colleen. Pretty much how it was with my older sister!
Write what you know, so they say!
This is great, Nancy…love it!
Thanks so much for giving it a read!
Nancy I loved the sisters element. The rhythm was great and it was such a fun read! Good luck!! Rosanna
Thanks so Glad you enjoyed it!.
Loved the rhyming and the plot! This is so true for how siblings act!
Thanks for reading! They say write what you know–well, I have an older sister and I’m a klutz!
Love this! Perfect rhyming, suspenseful, and funny. And I really like the play on what can be scary. Nice sisters relationship too!
Thanks for your kind words!
Thanks, Kath, so glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Nancy. I enjoyed your Halloweensie story.
Thanks so much, Janet.
Oh my goodness! This is such a cute story! I started smiling as soon as I read “glasses fog” and “didn’t see out family dog.” Love your pacing and the sweet ending ❤
Thanks, Heather. Glad you liked it.
Lonely Spider’s Dance
97 words
Danielle Sharkan
Creeping through the night,
a lonely spider cries,
until he sees a skeleton
with big black blinking eyes
Spider takes a chance.
He gives it all he’s got.
He asks her for a dance,
and then they start to trot.
Halloween, Halloween!
Time for spooks and fright.
Oh what fun it is to tend
to a lonely spider’s plight.
She steps on his feet,
and he twirls on her toes.
They can’t keep a beat,
but their laughter grows.
Halloween, Halloween!
Masks and trick or treat.
Oh what fun it is dance
on a lonely spider’s feet.
Sweet story, love it! Good luck!
Things That Go Cronk
by Carla Bourne
99 words
Crackle! Rattle! Cronk, Cronk!
Abana’s eyes popped open.
“What’s that under my bed?”
“I know I put away my mask, costume and toys.
Nothing should be under there.”
“Should I get Mummy? Should I peep?”
Her heart beat louder than the creepy noise below her.
She gulped and took a long deep breath and leaned over the edge of the bed.
What in the World! Her puppy Skele was cuddled around her skeleton doll.
The skeleton’s bones jiggled and rattled with each loud doggie snore.
She giggled and snuggled back down.
Tonight’s Trick-O-Treating had worn little Skele completely out!
Grrrr! Brothers!
by Susan Drew
Abby Skeleton gulped down her breakfast and raced to the library. A new Scaryville book always came out on Halloween and she wanted it first!
That new book smell.
Smooth, crease free pages.
Crisp black words with no smudges.
But on the door was a sign: “Boo! You must wear a mask to enter the Library!”
Abby crept home, cheek bones burning red.
She’d grab her mask and get back as fast as she could.
“Hey Angela!” called her brother Trevor. “Look what I got!”
Trevor was sitting in HER favorite spot waving HER Scarevyville book.
“I got it first!”
Midnight Mortal Ball
by Nicola Thackrey
(100 words)
The dusty bell chimed grimly at the Creeps for Creatures school,
Which was built from broken gravestones – the headmaster was a ghoul.
Greta Ghost stood watching as excitement filled the hall,
For every Halloween they held the Midnight Mortal Ball.
Three skeletons in cowboy hats crept by in leather boots,
The pack of Year 5 werewolves prowled the stairs in puppy suits.
A colony of bats flapped past, dressed up as butterflies,
And Frankenstein strolled stiffly in his scientist disguise.
Pulling on her human mask, the prettiest she’d seen,
Greta glanced towards the mirror and shrieked out a chilling scream!
Rhyming and beautiful cadence in 100 words. Wow! Its a super story.
Thanks so much!
The Monsters of Halloween
by Ryan Roberts
Halloween Night.
Halloween Night!
Will I see monsters?
Perhaps I just might!
One monster feasted.
Hooted and moaned.
Coughed up a pellet
of skeleton bones!
…but it was just an owl.
The next monster wore
a spooky black mask,
crept like a bandit,
dined on our trash!
… but it was just a raccoon.
The last monster swooped,
like a shadow through air.
Famished and frenzied—
a living nightmare!
… but it was just a bat.
Halloween Night.
Halloween Night.
There were some monsters,
… but it was alright.
So clever!
I enjoyed your story. I like the idea of taking the fright out of Halloween night. Good luck!
There was no way I was going to miss the 10th Annual Halloweensie! Presenting 100w of fun….
The Perfect Halloween Present
by Jenny Buchet
Gobblewolly searched the pumpkin patch for Esme’s Halloween present.
“Nothing but the best for me skeleton princess,” he sang.
But his song switched to a moan.
Then a groan.
No more perfect pumpkins!
Just
Lumpy
Bumpy
Squishy squashes!
“Fairy godmothers,” he muttered.
Gobblewolly paced.
Gobblewolly pondered.
Gobblewolly planned.
Cutting.
Gutting
Carving just so.
He crept behind Esme ….“Hallo”
“AHHH!! Gobblewolly, you gave me such fright!”
“Tis all you really need on Halloween night.”
“And my pumpkin?”
He handed her a ghoulish, gourdy mask.
“Nothing but the best for me skeleton princess!”
Then they enjoyed a most frightful, delightful night.
~~~
Gobblewolly is the ultimate Halloween character name. Loved the little wry Cinderella reference you slipped in there–very clever.
Hopeless Heist
Karyn Curtis
89 words
A skeleton began to creep
Through dark and spooky streets.
He’d spotted several kids ahead
And wanted all their treats!
But when he jumped out of the dark
To send them off in terror
He understood, to his chagrin,
He’d made an awful error!
These kids were not your normal tykes,
Small and scared and charming.
They were most unspeakable,
Horrendous and alarming!
“Oh wow,” said one, “Why did he run?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
Said his best friend, triumphantly,
“I’m wearing my best mask!”
I like the way you flipped normally scared children into abnormal tykes that kept the creepy skeleton off balance. Clever ending, too! Well done, Karyn! Best of luck in the contest.
A 2020 HALLOWEEN BASH
97 words
By Kristen Foote
I’ve waited for this day ALL YEAR.
My “Monster Bash” invite is here!
THE TIME: At dusk on Halloween
THE THEME: A COVID Quarantine
BUT DON’T FORGET ONE SIMPLE TASK:
You’re not allowed without a mask!
So what’s a skeleton to do
to block my germ-filled snotty spew?
Without a fleshy, flappy ear,
elastic loops CANNOT adhere.
Some Mummy gauze should do the trick
to keep ghoul-friends from getting sick!
A dozen times wrapped ‘round my face
with gopher guts to hold in place.
And when they ask, “What costume’s THAT?”
I’ll say, “A creepy BOOGER trap!”
Funny ending!
haha! What a fun story and very timely! Good luck with your entry!
Thank you so much Susannah (and to all the talented entrants)! Happy 10th birthday to the Halloweensie contest–and may it never die! I look forward to it every year. There aren’t many Halloween festivities for an expat in France (especially during lockdown)…so Halloweensie has become a precious little tradition to get me in the fall spirit. Thanks again, Susannah, and to everyone for all these spooky mini-tales! Having such fun reading :).
Halloweensie was just what I need to get my butt in the chair. Thanks Susanna, for this fun and festive challenge, in what has been a crazy year for us all!
BONEYARD BALLET
99 words
by Jennifer Broedel
Creeping through swamp fog, in search of a scare,
we hear a shrill trill in the chill of the air.
It leads to a clearing where flames flicker green,
and phantom-like voices ring in Halloween.
Masked by a curtain as black as the night,
skeleton crews are assembled, stage-right.
Swirling and twirling, they dally and dance,
quivering, quaking, they clatter and prance,
leaping and loping, in jumbled jetes,
a raucous of rattles and pas-de-bourrées.
Skulking and spectral, they beckon us in,
the boneyard ballet is about to begin!
Stopped dead, enraptured, we’ll never be free,
frozen in place, supernaturally!
Nice rhymes, and story! Kept me reading to see what would happen. Great job, good luck!
What a fun story! Best of luck 🙂
I love this – great rhyming & such a spooky scene!
I love this! All the sights and sounds and choice of words. They all transport me into your story. Well done and good luck!
Halloween Night
Di Litwer (dlitwer@earthlink.net)
(100 words; mask, skeleton, creep)
Black cat sky,
Masked moon shines bright.
Tiny shrieks tear through the night.
Small ones dressed to give a fright.
Halloween is here!
Witches scurry through the leaves.
Skirt the graveyard, past the trees,
Spooky mansion, glowing, waits,
Ringed with ghostly children’s shapes
Chanting, “Trick or treat.”
Magic apple on a stick.
Maze of corn to trap and trick.
Zombie ear. Goblin toe.
Mummy finger wrapped in dough?
Closer, closer, creatures creep.
Princess roused from endless sleep.
Vampires. Dragons. Pirates. Elves.
Wizards casting ancient spells
On tired little feet.
Skeleton hand,
Ghostly moan,
Pumpkin glowing,
All alone.
Halloween was here.
You captured Halloween! Love the rhymes, good job!
Thank you, Katie.
Super rhyme & story!
Thank you!
This is full of atmosphere – love the rhyme and rhythm! Good luck!
Thank you very much! I appreciate you stopping by to read it. Best of luck to you also.
Love the rhyme! Great job!
Thank you!
Awww, so sweet! I love it, Rozana!
TOM BONES GOES ROGUE
by Marty Bellis (martymi6@aol.com)
93 WC
Tom Bones clink clank clattered everywhere he went.
For one night, he’d transform himself into someone tall, dark and totally awesome.
No more CREEPY SKELETON!
No more jokes or sidelong glances.
He’d get admiring looks and envious stares instead.
Pulling on his costume and MASK, he looked in the mirror.
Super Dude stared back.
Tall. Dark. Totally awesome.
Grabbing his treat bag, he headed out.
Clink, clank, clatter — his bones ruined the image.
Or did they?
Oddly enough, tonight it was just the right touch.
A spine tingling bone-us for Super Dude!
Great story, love ‘Tom Bones’! Good luck!
Thanks, Katie.
Love the plays on words & your story! Great job!
Thanks for reading and taking time to comment!
Love the alliteration, and the new twist on Monster Mash.
Hooray for the 10th annual Halloweensie!
It’s always a treat, Susanna, and gets the writing juices flowing in such inventive ways.
Never satisfied with just one. Here’s entry #2.
Happy Halloween!
A BONE-FIDE HALLOWEEN TALE
Marty Bellis (martymi6@aol.com)
100 WC
Bonaparte had no body, which made it hard to fit in.
He longed to be a real Boy.
Halloween was his chance.
His MASK and disguise were ready.
“Hey, kid, you forgot your costume,” said a voice.
Bonaparte grinned.
He’d actually fooled a human!
“What if I make CREEPY noises like this?” he asked, rattling his bones.
“Better, but you still need a disguise.”
Bonaparte sighed.
Only one thing to do.
Pulling off his costume,
he became himself again – a bone-fide SKELETON.
“Awesome!” said the real Boy. “Let’s go!”
Bonaparte loved Halloween.
He fit in perfectly, without even trying!
I love the name Bonaparte! Glad he was able to fit in at Halloween! Good luck with your entry!
Thanks so much, Michelle!
ENTRY POSTED FOR LISA
Dad’s Halloween
By Lisa Lipsey
Dad? Please take my shield.
Dad? Can you hold the wand I wield?
Dad? This is an itchy wig.
Dad? My cape is too big.
Dad? This flashlight weighs a lot!
Dad? My skeleton sweater’s hot.
Dad? Can I take off my mask and wings?
Look Dad! I found something!
Dad? I don’t have pockets, see?
Dad? My feet. Carry me.
Dad was sure a sight to see!
Mom asked, “Who’s that, creeping toward me?”
“Happy Halloween” came a muffled greeting.
“Please don’t ask about trick-or-treating!”
Dad dropped everything in a heaping pile.
And Mom just giggled for a while.
Sweet story. I like your word choices – crackle, rattle, cronk, cronk.
Title: Final Moments
By E. Elle Bea (e.elle.bea@gmail.com or @EElleBea on Twitter)
Words: 94
—
“I said, ‘No!’”
The witch’s words spew like bubbles from a cauldron. Instantly I feel the effects of her spell. My mask dangles from limp fingers. My knees fall to the ground. I try to creep toward her, to fight back, but I’m too weak. I’m just a skeleton in a heap on the floor. With the last of my breath, I wail in agony.
“Fine,” she growls. “One more piece of candy, then bedtime!”
Instantly I’m cured, leaping from the ground and toward my discarded pillowcase full of tonight’s treats.
I love Halloween.
Lovely twist!
haha! Very cite! Love the 2nd to the last line! Good luck with your entry!
Fun! Love the dramatic language and the twist.
ENTRY POSTED FOR CATHY
HOW TO HUG A GHOST
by
Cathy Lee Patterson
It’s Halloween and I have been waiting a billion years for tonight! “I am going to hug a Ghost!” I have the plans, ten gigantic marshmallows and sugar. While everyone is out trick-or-treating, I put on my mask and creep outside to the back porch. I place each sweet marshmallow on the ground in a luring path. Everything in place, I hide behind the hanging skeleton decorations. One by one each marshmallow disappears, until in a flash, I throw the sugar in the air! “Bazinga!” That’s how you hug a ghost!
This is so fun. I can see it as a how-to story. How clever with throwing sugar. Kids would love that. Good luck!