The 11th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest aahhhrrrooooOOOOO!!!

***FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE***

Sorry for the delay in posting finalists, everyone! So many great entries – it’s really hard to narrow the field and it’s taking us longer than expected. I will do my best to post them no later than Monday afternoon, sooner if I can. Thank you all so much for your patience, and have a great weekend!

Witch’s wart and wing of bat! It’s time for. . .

The 11th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest!!!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is halloweensie-pumpkin.jpeg

~ 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 word count) using the words glow-in-the-dark, goosebumps, and goodies.

  • Your story can be poetry or prose, scary, funny, sweet, or anything in between, but it will only count for the contest if it includes those 3 words and is 100 words. Get it? Halloweensie – because it’s not very long and it’s for little people 😊
    
  • You can go under the word count but not over!
  • Title is not included in the word count.
  • Also, being super clear for this year, glow-in-the-dark counts as 1 word (even though it looks like 4 😊)
  • You may use the words in any form i.e. glowed-in-the-dark, goosebumpley, goody (“Oh, goody!”, goody-two-shoes etc.), whathaveyou 😊
  • You are welcome to enter more than one entry – just remember you’ll be competing against yourself 😊
  • No illustration notes please!

And yes, I know 100 words is short, but that’s part of the fun and the challenge! We got just shy of 300 fantastic entries last year, so I know you can do it!

POST: your story in the comment section below between right now this very second and Sunday October 31st at Midnight – the witching hour! Please include your title, word count, and byline with your entry so that if your posting handle is MomNeedsAVacation I’ll still be able to tell who wrote your entry 😊

  • For those of you who would also like to post on your blogs, please feel free to do so! You are welcome to include the link to your blog with your entry in the comment section below so that people can come visit your blog, but all entries must be posted in the comment section of This Post between now and Sunday October 31st at Midnight.
  • If you have difficulty posting your entry to the comments, which unfortunately sometimes happens, you may email your entry to me and I’ll post it for you! Contact button above or [susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com Please place your entry in the body of the email including your title and byline at the top – NO ATTACHMENTS! They will not be opened.
  • I know how hard you all work on your entries, and how anxious you are to get them posted, but please try to be a little patient if your entry doesn’t show up immediately. Many comments have to be manually approved, and it sometimes takes me a little while to post entries that come in by email. I promise I will get to everything as soon as I can. I try never to leave my desk during contests, but sometimes it’s unavoidable 😊
  • Side Note: WordPress will not properly format entries written in the shape of a pumpkin (or anything else!) or with fancy or colored fonts or unusual spacing. No matter how great it looks in whatever program you compose it in, be forewarned that when you post it in the comment section it is going to be basic and I am not able to change that for you, I’m afraid.

THE JUDGING: in a grueling marathon over the days following the contest close, my devoted assistants and I will read and re-read and narrow down the entries to a finalist field of about 12 which will be posted here for you to vote on I hope by Friday November 5th (though if the judging takes longer than expected it might be a little later – we will do our best!) The winner will be announced Monday November 8th (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. Use of all 3 required words and whether you came it at 100 words or less.
  • 4. 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.
  • 5. Quality of Writing: check your spelling, grammar, punctuation etc.  If you’re going to rhyme, give us your best 😊  Use and flow of language, correctness of mechanics, excellence of rhyme and meter if you use it, PROOFREADING!
  • 6. Originality and creativity – because that is often what sets one story above another.
  • 7. How well you followed the Submission Guidelines – agents and editors expect professionalism. This is a chance to practice making sure you read and follow specified guidelines. If you don’t follow agent and editor submission guidelines, they won’t even read your submission.

THE PRIZES: So amazing! What wonderful, generous people we have in our kidlit community! Just wait til you see what you can win!

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique by Dawn Young, author of THE NIGHT BAAFORE CHRISTMAS (WorthyKids, 2019), COUNTING ELEPHANTS (Running Press Kids, 2020), THE NIGHT BAAFORE EASTER (WorthyKids, 2021), THE NIGHT BAAFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (WorthyKids, 2021), and the brand new ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS (WorthyKids, October 19, 2021)!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is dawn-young-1.jpg

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (nonrhyming) by Janie Reinart, author of WHEN WATER MAKES MUD: A STORY OF REFUGEE CHILDREN (Blue Whale Press, 2021)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is janie-reinart.jpg

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (biography) by Lindsey McDivitt, author of NATURE’S FRIEND: THE GWEN FROSTIC STORY (Sleeping Bear Press, 2018), TRUTH AND HONOR: THE PRESIDENT FORD STORY (Sleeping Bear Press, 2020), and A PLAN FOR THE PEOPLE: NELSON MANDELA’S HOPE FOR HIS NATION (Eerdman’s Books For Young Readers, 2021)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is lindsey-mcdivitt.jpg

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (rhyming or any) or First 10 Pages of a longer MS (winner’s choice) by Kenda Henthorn, author of the forthcoming BAA, BAA TAP SHEEP (Sleeping Bear Press, April 15, 2022)

Kenda works in the aviation industry now so it’s no surprise that her writing inspirations and aspirations are sky-high, too.  She resides in Oklahoma and when the winds aren’t sweepin’ down the plains, Kenda enjoys acting, flying, kayaking and riding horses or her motorcycle.  (Vroom-vroom!)She has served as a Regional Coordinator for the Oklahoma SCBWI and a Best in Rhyme Award committee member and judge.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is kenda-henthorn.png

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (rhyming or lyrical) by Randi Sonenshine, author of THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT (Candlewick March 2020) and the forthcoming THE LODGE THAT BEAVER BUILT (Candlewick Fall 2022)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is randi-sonenshine.png

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique by Danielle Dufayet, author of YOU ARE YOUR STRONG (Magination Press, March 2019) and FANTASTIC YOU (Magination Press, September 2019)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is danielle-dufayet.png

⭐️ Storyboard Notebook – a great way to draft your picture books! PLUS a deck of What’s The Story Cards to inspire the drafts! PLUS the Making Picture Book Magic Self Study Course to help you craft your draft!

⭐️ Personalized signed copy of ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS by Dawn Young PLUS your choice of one of the writing craft books listed below!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is once-upon-a-christmas.jpg

⭐️ Personalized signed copy of BRANCHES OF HOPE: The 9/11 Survivor Tree by Ann Magee PLUS your choice of one of the writing craft books listed below!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is branches-of-hope.jpg

⭐️ Personalized signed copy of MIMIC MAKERS: Biomimicry Inventors Inspired by Nature by Kristen Nordstrom PLUS your choice of one of the writing craft books listed below!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is mimic-makers.jpg

⭐️ Personalized signed copy of A PLAN FOR THE PEOPLE: Nelson Mandela’s Hope for His Nation by Lindsey McDivitt PLUS your choice of one of the writing craft books listed below!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is a-plan-for-the-people.jpg

⭐️ Personalized signed copy of THE NEST THAT WREN BUILT by Randi Sonenshine PLUS your choice of one of the writing craft books listed below!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is the-nest-that-wren-built.jpg

⭐️ Personalized signed copy of 13 WAYS TO EAT A FLY by Sue Heavenrich PLUS your choice of one of the writing craft books listed below!

⭐️ Winners of the 6 signed picture books above may also receive their choice of any one of the following writing craft books to go along with their picture book:

Writing Picture Books Revised and Expanded Edition: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication by Ann Whitford Paul
Writing Irresistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers by Mary Kole
The Writer’s Guide to Crafting Stories For Children by Nancy Lamb
Yes! You Can Learn How to Write Children’s Books, Get Them Published, and Build a Successful Writing Career by Nancy I. Sanders
Yes! You Can Learn How to Write Beginning Readers and Chapter Books by Nancy I. Sanders
Making a Living Writing Books for Kids: Tips, Techniques, and Tales from a Working Children’s Author by Laura Purdie Salas

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 birthday, 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 and library visits, and supporting them in any other way you can dream up! 😊

Happy Writing! Happy Reading! And Happy Halloween!

Now, let the Halloweensie begin!

The 294 entries listed below are linked to where they appear in the comments so you can click on the titles and get right to them! (Assuming WordPress cooperates . . . fingers crossed!) Anyone who feels kind can start at the bottom of the list so those entries get some comments too! 🎃 😊

  1. Isolated For Halloween – S. J. Little
  2. A Halloween Time Machine – Sara Kruger
  3. Weather’s Trick, Witch’s Treat – Abby N. Wooldridge
  4. Halloween Is LIT! – Anne Lipton
  5. Kit’s Costume – Kari Ann Gonzalez
  6. Mean Halloween – Heather Ferranti Kinser
  7. A Witchy Switch – Katie Schwartz
  8. The Porchlight – Chris Garcia-Halenar
  9. Bruce Goose – Jessica Hinrichs
  10. Undersea Halloween – Vashti Verbowski
  11. Sweet Swap – Daniella Kaufman-Schloss
  12. The Halloween Witch – Trista Herring Baughman
  13. The Lonely Pumpkin Head – Elle Jaufret
  14. Hallows’ Eve – E. A. Peterson
  15. Whose Cat Is THAT? – Beth Stillborn
  16. This Pumpkin’s Not For Picking – Laura Howard
  17. The Jimjam – Carrie Karnes-Fannin
  18. Trick Likes Treats, But So Does Swoop – Melissa Valente
  19. The Haunted House High Up On The Hill – Sue Lancaster
  20. Tricked The Treats – Katie Fischer
  21. A Helpful Ghost – Emily Durant
  22. The Wraith On My Wrist or Ghostie Lost In City Mist – Sally Yorke-Viney
  23. Three Little Geese Do Halloween – Linda Williams Swanson
  24. A Glowing Solution – Nicole Loos Miller
  25. Warning: May Contain Sugar – Amy Leskowski
  26. How Hannah Saved Halloween – Colleen Murphy
  27. Double Meaning Halloween Knight – Debbie Meneses
  28. Untitled – Shariffa
  29. The Scavenger’s Feast Ball – Sarah Hetu-Radny
  30. ‘Tis The Season, Candy Eaters – Hannah Roy LaGrone
  31. Greta’s Glow-In-The-Dark Goosebumps – Susan E. Schipper
  32. Bobbing For Apples – Lyn Jekowsky
  33. The Perfect Pumpkin – Barbara Kimmel
  34. No More Sugar! – Sarah K. Rose
  35. Fairy-Fire – Vanessa Konoval
  36. Creepy Cook-Off – Sarah Meade
  37. Macy & Lucy’s Halloween – Sarah Meade
  38. Ghostly Linens – Stephanie Maksymiw
  39. Happy HOWL-oween – Lindsey Hobson
  40. Three Glowing Bats – Sherry Roberts
  41. Halloween Family Secret – Jennifer Mary Grolemund
  42. A Sick Day – Jany Campana
  43. The Pied Pumpkin Of Halloween – Marta Cutler
  44. Creatures From The Couch – Julie Hansen
  45. Alligator The Ghost – Marta Cutler
  46. Goose-Zilla – Linda Staszak
  47. Welcome To The Skeleton Dance – Sue Heavenrich
  48. Teal Halloween – Kathleen Lowry
  49. The Gloves – Stephanie Rondeau
  50. Ghoulie Rulies – Brenda Whitehead
  51. Tricky Treaters – P. J. Purtee
  52. Garth’s Game Changer – Darcee A. Freier
  53. Nabbed! – Abby Voss
  54. The Wart-Covered Tree – Danielle Arndt
  55. The Last Fall Firefly – Meagan T. Gentry
  56. Who Cares If It’s Cold? – Allison Strick
  57. Glenda’s Goosebumps – Susan Burd
  58. The Candy Thief – Meagan T. Gentry
  59. Halloween Hero – Rose Cappelli
  60. The Halloween Ball – Marta Cutler
  61. Scary-Go-Round – Catherine Catcho
  62. The Scariest Monster – Marty McCormick Bellis
  63. Fright Night – Marty Findley
  64. Halloween Eve – Barbara Renner
  65. Wilbur Werewolf – Deb Buschman
  66. Teeny Owl’s Spooky Halloween – Janet Parkinson Bryce
  67. No Room For Monsters – Jill Stuck
  68. Ghost House – HC Morris
  69. Boogie Man’s Bright Idea – Jenn Shetsen Wierda
  70. Swamp Beast Falls For Sweets – Jilanne Hoffman
  71. Have You Seen My Monster – Alan Elliott
  72. Halloween Hang-Ups – Russell Wolff
  73. Mark Lights The Way – Karyn Curtis
  74. Halloween Pie – Jill Stuck
  75. The Costume – C. E. King
  76. I’m Coming To Get You – Pat Holloway
  77. The Frightmare – Linda Staszak
  78. Frankie & Gigi: Trick Or Feet – Kira Barrett
  79. Home For Halloween – Melissa Miles
  80. Not The Costume I Wanted – Michelle S. Kennedy
  81. Goosey Glender’s Fall Feast – Bartybear
  82. Halloween Scavenger Hunt – Denise Seidman
  83. Stink Fairy’s Hallo-smelly-ween – Stacey Miller
  84. Hallowmas – Danielle S. Hammelef
  85. Goosebumps For Mother Goose – Lynne Marie
  86. How Do You Tickle A Ghost? – Kizzi Hutcheson
  87. Dragon Magic – Melissa Rotert
  88. Gretyl Hobbled Into Halloween History – Royal Baysinger
  89. Shiver And Sugar! – Abby Voss
  90. Monster Feast – Abby Voss
  91. Are You Ready To Trick-Or-Treat? – Corine Timmer
  92. Christmas In October – Vanessa Konoval
  93. Spooky ABCs – Alan Elliott
  94. Dragon And Pirate’s Halloween – Alan Elliott
  95. Tiny’s Halloween Flight – Carolyn C. Snelling
  96. Rainbow Bridge – Corine Timmer
  97. Great-Aunt Broomhilda – Josh Cohen
  98. Cirque Fantome – Kizzi Hutcheson
  99. A Knock On The Door – Pamela Swanson
  100. Trick-Or-Treat Nightmare – Cindy Sommer
  101. Worth The Climb – Armineh Manookian
  102. Thank You, Trick-Or-Treaters! For Protecting Your Mother – Sharon McCarthy
  103. Beware, Out There – Julie Lerczak
  104. The Haunted Bathroom – Jill Lambert
  105. Plan Bee – Jenny Morales
  106. “BOO!”K Spooky Halloween – Laura N. Clement
  107. The Witch’s Mistake – Jennifer Kaap
  108. Itsy B. Spider – Molly Ippolito
  109. Too Many Goodies – Rachel Krackeler
  110. Ghostmetics – Rozana Rajkumari
  111. Santa’s Halloween – Jen MacGregor
  112. My Scariest Halloween Night – Les Degnan
  113. Winnie Trick-Or-Treats – Dorothy Kohrherr
  114. Camping Surprise – Meredith Flory
  115. Halloween Hunt – Mary Ann Featherston
  116. The Glow-In-The-Dark Bowl – Kathy Scott
  118. The Haunted House – Carmen Castillo Gilbert
  119. Once Upon A Halloween – Colourbeam
  120. A Witchy Potion – Susan Summers
  121. A Giant Surprise – Susan Summers
  122. Hollow-Eeek! – Karen Keesling
  123. Once Upon A Halloween – Nadia Ali
  124. Halloween Battle: (Vampire) Squid vs. (Goblin) Shark – Laura Bower
  125. Happy, Happy Halloween – Claire Freeland
  126. Mr. O’Leary’s House – Nina Nolan
  127. Phantom Festival – Lynn Moore
  128. The Surprise Halloween Friend – Cindy Greene
  129. Goosebumps – Amy Flynn
  130. Ninja Goose And The Halloween Hi-Yah! – Deborah Foster
  131. Tricky Treat – Patricia Nozell
  132. A Halloween Snack – Debra Daugherty
  133. Escaping Planet Taradiddle – Colleen Daugherty
  134. First Halloween Treat – Natalie Cohn
  135. My Last Trick-Or-Treat – Reed Hilton-Eddy
  136. Glowing Ghost – Lauri C. Meyers
  137. hALLYween SPELL – Paul Roncone
  138. Halloween Love – Marla Yablon
  139. Cockroach’s Glowing Problem – Lori Himmel
  140. Scaredy-Cat Pat And The Haunted House – Sara Dean
  141. Let The Real Halloween Begin! – Lori Evans
  142. Ixchel’s Belizean Halloween – Blanca Manzanilla
  143. Emy Is Always Right – Katharyn R. Benessa
  144. Tricky Treat – Ann Grilli
  145. Jack’s Pumpkin Plan – Diana Murrell
  146. Lights In The Dark – Ivanka Dimitrova
  147. Fraidy Cat No More – Jennifer Cherry
  148. Galactic Trick-Or-Treat – Tiffany Hanson
  149. My Ghost Bubble Friend – Sheila R. Schmotzer
  150. R-R-R-Rattled – Gennie Gorback
  151. Glow-In-The-Dark Goodies – Leslie Collins
  152. Moonlit Love – Liz Kehrli
  153. Un-Spooky Halloween – Krista Legge
  154. Stella Shines – Laura Barens
  155. Tabby The Trouble Maker – Dawn Renee Young
  157. The Nameless Ghoul – Imelda Taylor
  158. How The Jack-O-Lantern Found His Real Smile – Sheri Palmer
  159. Halloween Chase – Connie Newbauer
  160. Spidey Sparkles – Angelique Lamour
  161. Never Trick A Witch – Tiffany Hanson
  162. Halloween Monster – Tiffany Hanson
  163. The Halloween Sleepover – Kelsey E. Gross
  164. Goose Bumped – Jen Subra
  165. The Rock – Trista Herring Baughman
  166. Halloween Pumpkin – Shariffa
  167. A Tricky Tattoo – Gregory E. Bray
  168. Brave, Adalaide – Katie Walsh
  169. March Of The Skeletons – Jill Richards Proctor
  170. Little Night Terrors – Obbverse
  171. The Mansion On Maple – Glenda Roberson
  172. The Graveyard Picnic – Gabrielle Cardwell
  173. Halloween Heebie-Jeebies – Karen Pickrell
  174. A Few Of The Scariest Things: A Parody To The Tune Of My Favorite Things – Ingrid Boydston
  175. The Witch Of Jekyll Island – Shampa Enayet
  176. FEELINGUNSEENONHALLOWEEN – Nicola Beach
  177. Hank’s Halloween Costume? (A Riddle In A Story) – Ken Major
  178. All Hallow’s Eve – Stacey Miller
  179. Molly’s Ghost – Hobbo
  180. The Witch’s House – Emma Wood
  181. My Word – It’s Halloween! – Jamie Donahoe
  182. Switched On And Off – Diana Webb
  183. A Night With Gran – Diana Webb
  184. Boys Will Be Boys – Matt Snyder
  185. Flicker Of A Cat’s Tail – Jacqui Boulter
  186. Pumpkin Train – Kathy Raggio
  187. The Alien – M. Waknitz
  188. Jellyfish George’s Halloween – Scott Kinder
  189. Skeleton’s Halloween – M. Waknitz
  190. Twyla Z. Witch – Lori Dubbin
  191. Witch’s Brew – K. Sibilia
  192. It’s Halloween – Elizabeth Muster
  193. Capture The Goodies On Halloween – Ames Jegen (age 11)
  194. (Not) A Very Scary Story – Linda Staszak
  195. Halloween Helpers – Ellen Seal
  196. Halloween Warning – Stephanie Henson
  197. Leaping Lizards! – Sharon Match
  198. Graveyard Bully – Jean James
  199. The Greatest Night Of The Year – Krista Harrington
  200. Halloween Hide And Seek – Melissa Wrex
  201. Trick Or Treat Night – Emily Keifer
  202. Oscar’s Irresistible Brew – Lucretia Schafroth
  203. All Hallow’s Eve At The Roller Rink – Bonnie Kelso
  204. My Halloween Crew – Alana DeVito
  205. Post Halloween Goals – Amy Reitz
  206. The Card Game – Cathy Lee
  207. Quiet Night – Thelia Hutchinson
  208. Trick-Or-Treat, Night Animals!: A Halloween Story – Mary Catherine Amadu
  209. A Halloween Tail – Janice Kay
  210. An Inch – Susan Leigh Needham
  211. Underwater Halloween – Judy Sobanski
  212. The Lonely Scarecrow – Sarah Atherton
  213. The Little Witch – Deborah Hunt
  214. Waking The Dead – Nancy Derey Riley
  215. A Not-So-Sweet Halloween – Erika Romero
  216. It’s Halloween In Toothytown – Kristen Littlefield
  217. Until It’s Safe – Brittany Saulnier
  218. First Halloween – Karen deWilde
  219. You Are What You Eat – Alexa Tuttle
  221. Once Upon A Halloween – Carrie O’Leary
  222. Goodie Ghost’s Halloween Screams – KJ Albright
  223. A Bunny Can Dream – Becky Walker
  224. Ogre’s Halloween – Barbara DiMarco
  225. Monster Lipstick – Kathi Morrison-Taylor
  226. Ghoulies Grand Soiree – MaryAnn Cortez
  227. Haunting Gnomes – Lindsay Moretti
  228. Goosebumped Ghoul And Scattered Skeleton – Sarah Kohls Roberts
  229. Not This Time – Sandhya Acharya
  230. How To Sneak A Halloween Treat – Alicia Meyers
  231. I Wish. . . – Amy Duchene
  232. Bram’s Hunt – Michaela Almeida
  233. Terrific Toothpaste! – Heather Gallagher
  234. The After Party – Samantha Sinclair
  235. The Final Hour – Ashlee MacCallum
  236. Halloween Gala – Tonnye Williams Fletcher
  237. Halloween Bites – Melissa-Jane Nguyen
  238. Double, Double Toilet Trouble – Stephanie Amargi
  239. Henley’s Haunted House – Jeannette Suhr
  240. Disguise Surprise – Nancy Derey Riley
  241. Enough – David McMullin
  242. Witches Aren’t Supposed To Be Afraid Of The Dark – Ally Piper
  243. Frankenpixie – Paul Kurtz
  244. Scaredy-Monster – Paul Kurtz
  245. Halloween’s The Worst! – Donna Kurtz
  246. Bunny’s Bored! – Donna Kurtz
  247. The Goblin Market – Aly Kenna
  248. Wilfred The Wizard – Nicola Thackrey
  249. Halloweenie – Jana Mattern
  250. The Last House On Halloween – Bru Benson
  251. Ghostly, Ghastly, Goosebumps – Janet F. Smart
  252. Astronaut Aidan – Kaye Wright
  253. The Halloween Dare – Erin Cleary
  254. Dracula’s First Halloween – Eleanor Cullen
  255. Pumpkin Dawn – TSW Sharman
  256. A Southern Halloween – Trista Herring Baughman
  257. The Candy Monster – Judy Cooper
  258. The Halloween Potty – Andrew Hacket
  259. It Absolutely Will Be A Fine Night – Susan Krevat
  260. Halloween Goodies – Una Belle Townsend
  261. It’s Dark In Here – Sue Ko
  262. Eyelashes – Sue Ko
  263. Fall – Sue Ko
  264. Too Dark – Rae Harkness
  265. Boo – Mary Ann Napolitano
  266. Much Too Goody – Sarah Hawklyn
  267. Candy Surprise – Julianna Kurtz
  268. Halloween Surprise – Judy Egan
  269. Trick-Or-Treat At 20 Below – Matthew Lasley
  270. Gotcha! – Pat Finnegan
  271. The House Next Door – Aundra Tomlins
  272. No Grownups! – Penny McNally
  273. The Halloween Party – Claire Schlinkert
  274. Can We Please Skip The Costumes? – JC Kelly
  275. How Would She Know? – Meredith Adams
  276. The Day After Halloween – Haven Blough
  277. Brujita’s Treat – Desi Vee
  278. Spooky Investigates – Jessica Murray
  279. The Best Medicine – Becky Falkum
  280. You Ain’t Nothin’ But A Hot Dog – Joyce Schriebman
  281. Witches Holiday – Nadia Nakib
  282. Halloween Hocus Potion – Shelley Kinder
  283. Goats And Goblins – Briana Joy McCormick
  284. Next Halloween – JC Kelly
  285. Pirate’s Halloween – Marjorie David
  286. Silly Goose – Sarah Marhevsky
  287. All’s Fair In Spook And Scare – Patricia J. Weaver
  288. Smartie Treat – Steena Hernandez
  289. Haunted Hunt – Dea Brayden and Linsday Brayden Ellis
  290. The Glow-In-The-Dark Goodies – Christopher Singleton, Sr
  291. Witches Woods – Bevin Rolfs Spencer
  292. Invite A Witch To Your Halloween Party?! – Holly Vagley
  293. Pumpkin’s Halloween – Holly Vagley
  294. Halloween Moon – Martha Holguin

2,962 thoughts on “The 11th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest aahhhrrrooooOOOOO!!!”

  1. Leslie Collins says:
    Reply

    Glow-in-the-Dark Goodies
    By Leslie Collins
    Word count 97

    Glow-in-the-dark Goodies

    “Put some glow-in-the-dark tape on before you go trick or treating.”
    “Okay,” said Kyle.
    Outside Isabelle said, “I dare you to go to the scary house at the end of Pumpkin Street.”
    “If you go too,” said Kyle.
    Knocking at the scary house, they said, “Trick or treat.”
    Suddenly Kyle said, “I forgot to put the tape on.”
    “Do you mean glow-in-the-dark tape?” asked a voice at the door.
    Kyle nodded.
    “I have just the right goodies for you. Eat them now.”
    As they left, Kyle said, “Isabelle you have goosebumps.”
    Isabelle answered, “That’s because you’re glowing-in the-dark.”

  2. Liz Kehrli says:
    Reply

    Moonlit Love
    By Liz Kehrli 99 words

    “I’ll never forget the first time we met,” he said, stroking the scar on her neck.
    Goosebumps bloomed across her pale flesh.
    “A Halloween night, like this,” she replied. “I was watching children trick-or-treating when a cool breeze beckoned. I turned and saw you glowing-in-the-dark, underneath the crescent moon.”
    “Wolves were howling a harmony of mischief,” he said, eyes closed. “I chased you past countless monsters and witches carrying goodie bags.”
    “Our first kiss took my breath away.” Her dark eyes smiled.
    “Yes, it was certainly love at first…”
    He leaned in, unable to resist any longer.
    “… bite!”

  3. Krista Legge says:
    Reply

    Un-Spooky Halloween
    By Krista Legge
    word count 93

    Are you a scaredy cat?
    A bone shaking skeleton?
    A worried witch?

    Do you get goosebumps by the slightest of breezes?

    Then come to my Un-spooky Halloween party where all nervous creatures are welcome.

    You will never find creepy, glow-in-th-dark eyes peering from the darkness.
    The lights will be bright, not a shadowy corner in sight.

    Grossed out by ooey, gooey goodies?
    Only bright and colorful sweets can be found at my party.

    So when you arrive, don’t worry about any tricks,
    Just come right in and enjoy tranquil treats.

    Happy Un-Spooky Halloween!

  4. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR LAURA BARENS

    Stella Shines
    word count: 97

    Day one of zoom school gave Stella goosebumps. She was a fledgling witch, and zoom school for witches was not held in front of a computer screen. Learning to fly a broom was required for young witches in order to ride in the annual Halloween parade. The fastest flyer would win a brand new glow-in-the-dark broom. After many scratches and scrapes, Stella had completed zoom school. The day of the final exam, Stella loaded up on goodies and soared successfully to a first place finish. On Halloween night, Stella shone as bright as her new glow-in-the-dark broom.

  5. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR DAWN

    TABBY THE TROUBLE MAKER
    Dawn Renee Young
    98 words
    https://mrsgoodchoice.net

    Trent was excited about the goodies he collected trick or treating. But he had an eerie feeling. Each step he took he sensed he was being watched.

    Rounding the corner, a pair of green glow-in-the-dark eyes stared at him. Goosebumps raced up and down his arms.

    Ignoring the eyes, he sprinted on to the next house. Suddenly, he felt something soft rub against his leg. A familiar MEOW sounded and KER-PLUNK!

    The set of glow-in the-dark eyes peered over the side of his candy bucket.

    It was Tabby his cat. Tabby had gotten into Trent’s glow-in-the-dark paint.

  6. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR IMELDA

    The Nameless Ghoul
    By Imelda Taylor
    Word Count: 100

    A nameless ghoul once searched for a name.
    While the rest got into mischief, dug graves, and feasted on bugs. He’d rather plant flowers and eat lettuce.

    Scab-eater, Pus-licker or Worm-slurper, were great ghoulish names, but such names gave him goosebumps.

    One Halloween night, he caught something moving and glowed-in-the-dark.
    “Please don’t eat me,” it said.
    “Don’t worry, I wasn’t going to,” said the ghoul.
    “Thank you, I’m Glowria, the firefly. What’s your name?”
    “I’m afraid I don’t have one.”
    “You’re good for not eating me, so how about Goodie?”

    And that’s how Goodie got his name and his friend.

  7. sketchybears says:
    Reply

    How Jack-o-lantern Found his Real Smile
    By Sheri Palmer
    Word Count: 99

    Jack-o-lantern smiled but was not happy. He sat at the edge of the boat party and watched all the little witches and ghouls having fun. Eating goodies and dancing. He wished he could dance.

    Bump!

    Splash!

    Jack-o-lantern had fallen into the sea. Cold, dark and covered in goosebumps he sank.

    Then he saw them, creatures having their own party under the sea. They danced, swirled and glowed-in-the-dark just like he had. They called him to join them. A current caught him and swirled him into the party. Under the sea he could dance too. He smiled and was happy.

  8. Connie Newbauer, Author (@ConnieNewbauer) says:
    Reply

    Halloween Chase
    Connie Newbauer
    99 Words

    I am being chased and I am alone.
    In the dark and rain, I hear him behind me.
    Running, running towards home, I can see my door: Just a few more doors to safety!
    Raindrops slide down my eyes.
    Cold Raindrops puddle inside my costume and give me goosebumps.
    My glow-in-the-dark bracelets are now dark.
    I’m terrified of what is following me. Faster, Faster I run.
    Each step makes my heart beat harder.
    I hear chains coming closer, closer!
    Throwing my goodies, I fall upon my door.
    He pounces!
    I laugh.
    It is my dog, Thor.

  9. Angelique Barker says:
    Reply

    SPIDEY SPARKLES
    By Angelique Lamour

    Spidey Sam awoke with goosebumps
    All 8 legs were covered
    Night was coming, ghosts arousing
    Much to be discovered

    Quick to work he spun his silk
    Into a web like art
    Lit up by the porch light, he was
    Glowing-in-the-dark

    Trick-or-treaters creeped up slowly
    Mouths dropped open wide
    “Gnarly cobweb!” “Freaky Spider!”
    Sam felt warm with pride

    Door flung open, witch stood cackling
    Goodies now in sight
    Sam for fun, then moved a bit
    Off they screamed with fright

    Smiling to himself,
    Sam just loved this night
    The one day of the year
    He stepped into the light!

  10. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR TIFFANY

    Never Trick a Witch
    By Tiffany Hanson
    100 Words

    This Halloween I was done with goodies. I was going to trick a witch.

    I crept to the witch’s house and waited until she put her cat outside. Then I jumped out at her.

    “Cauldrons and candy corn!” she shouted. She glared then beckoned me inside.

    She pulled out a book and flipped through the pages. “Goosebumps, ghosts. Here it is, glow-in-the-dark spells.”

    She pointed at me and said a spell. “There, now you’ll never sneak up on me again.”

    My eyes widened as I looked down at my glowing green hands. Next year I think I’ll stick with treats.

  11. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR TIFFANY

    Halloween Monster
    By Tiffany Hanson
    93 Words

    I have a Halloween monster,
    To protect my treats.
    All tricksters beware,
    When roaming the streets.

    My monster is sneaky and swift,
    He comes out at night.
    Dark like a shadow,
    To give you a fright.

    He has glow-in-the-dark green eyes,
    To give you a pause.
    Try not to get scratched,
    By one of his claws.

    He will defend all my goodies,
    He won’t even care,
    If you get goosebumps,
    From his smooth black hair.

    He’s real, so trespassers beware,
    And don’t have a cow,
    When he jumps and roars,
    His fiercest “Meow!”

  12. kgross2 says:
    Reply

    THE HALLOWEEN SLEEPOVER
    By Kelsey E. Gross
    WC 100

    Tony was enjoying every minute of Sam’s Halloween sleepover.

    The group carved jack-o-lanterns,

    went trick-or-treating,

    and gobbled goodies.

    Everything was great …

    … until bedtime.

    Sam flipped the light switch. “Ghost story time!”

    Tony got goosebumps.

    He darted into the hall.

    Sam peeked out. “You’re scared of ghost stories?”

    “No.” Tony gulped. “I … usually have a night light.”

    “Oh,” said Sam.

    “Maybe I’ll leave…”

    “No!” Sam passed him a glow-in-the-dark dinosaur. “Use this!”

    “Only LITTLE kids sleep with toys.”

    Sam shrugged.

    Tony paused … then smiled.

    “It’s perfect. Thanks!”

    He burst back in.

    “BOO-RAWRR! Hear this scary story about T-Rex’s ghost!”

  13. jensubra says:
    Reply

    GOOSE BUMPED
    (WC 97)
    By Jen Subra

    Gary fluffed his feathers as he waddled home, and his nearly glow-in-the-dark, orange beak snipped and snapped at goose-goodies in the grass.
    THWUMP! Another tumble, another bump. That makes six!
    “These feet!” thought Gary grumpily. “How will I ever trick-or-treat with these giant, clumsy feet?”
    Flustered and frustrated and feathers all askew, Gary thought about not trick-or- treating. But then, he had a brilliant idea. Excitedly, he tripped and tumbled all the way home.
    At twilight his goose gang gathered dressed to trick-or-treat.
    “Gary!” cried Ginger, “where’s your costume?”
    Gary grinned. “This is it! I’m goose bumps!”

  14. booksbytrista says:
    Reply

    The Rock
    by Trista Herring Baughman
    Word Count: 100

    “Mom said to stay on our block, remember, Oscar?”
    “You’re chicken.” I clucked at him.
    Jeb followed reluctantly into the dim-lit park. He lugged his Halloween goodies. “What’s that?”
    He pointed underneath the sliding board.
    “It’s just a rock, see?” I picked it up. “It has glow-in-the-dark eyes painted on.”
    The rock quivered; its eyes moved. I dropped it. “Let’s go.”
    We raced home.
    I gasped. Green eyes glared; gave me goosebumps. We tried to bury it, throw it into the lake…There was no escape.
    But inside, we’re safe.

    Oh no! The eyes! It can’t be! It’s here…Under my bed!

  15. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR SHARIFFA

    Halloween Pumpkin
    Off to carve pumpkins, I stealthily walked, knife in hand. Bag of goodies on my back Caught in the spidery web of the baobab. Ghastly shadows it cast sending goose bumps up my spine.
    A hand reached our furry, dark. Snatched my knife, I am unarmed. I froze.
    The Colobus monkey crept away. I sighed

  16. Gregory E Bray says:
    Reply

    A Tricky Tattoo
    By Gregory E Bray
    (100 words)

    Going through my Halloween goodies, there is a bag with a goosebumps glow-in-the-dark temporary tattoo and a piece of algae green candy that smells like sweaty socks. I know it’s from Mr. Wonkers. He gives the worst treats so he gets our best tricks. “The candy will stop the spread!” is written on the back of the tattoo. I toss the candy in the garbage and put the tattoo on. The glowing goosebumps spread all over my body! I dive into the garbage and retrieve the candy. It’s disgusting but the goosebumps go away. You won this year Mr. Wonkers!

  17. https://katiewalsh.blog/ says:
    Reply

    Brave, Adalaide
    By Katie Walsh
    100-words

    At the tippy-top of a mountain
    where the full moon glistens,
    lives a witch named Adalaide.

    All day, Adalaide whooshes around on her broom.
    But when night looms and witches take flight, Adalaide hides inside.
    “It’s dark and spooky.” Goosebumps dot her arms. “I wish I were brave.”

    Meow!

    Adalaide dashes to the window.
    “Oh no!” A kitten clings to a branch.

    Night’s dark! And spooky!

    MeOW!

    Adalaide mixes goodies into her cauldron.
    “Worries, worries, go away.
    I am feeling brave today.”
    Kaboom!
    “A glow-in-the-dark broom! Here I come, kitty!”

    Under the glistening moon,
    flies a brave witch named Adalaide

  18. Jill Richards Proctor says:
    Reply

    MARCH OF THE SKELETONS
    by Jill Richards Proctor
    73 Words

    The march of the skeletons
    clattered its way
    down my drive, to my room,
    by the bed where I lay.

    They cackled like witches
    and filled me with fright.
    “Go Home! You are spoiling
    my Halloween night.”

    Their bones clacked and rattled.
    They glowed in the dark.
    I trembled with goosebumps . . .
    then woke with a start.

    Torn wrappers from goodies
    lay heaped on the floor.
    I wriggled in pain.
    Trick or treat . . . nevermore!

  19. obbverse says:
    Reply

    Little Night Terrors. (One for the older youngsters.) Obbverse (100 words)

    ‘At last it’s Halloween!
    Now we’re gonna hit the streets,
    A scarier group you’ve never seen
    And we’re a’coming for your treats.’

    There’re twenty munchkins or more
    Gathered ‘neath the Town Hall light,
    They’ll soon be rapping at my door,
    ‘Ah, the children of the night!’

    See how my heart jumps
    When forty glow-in-the-dark hungry eyes
    Leave me with goosebumps,
    Hoping my goody bag is of a goodly size.

    All candies consumed, kiddies fade away
    Leaving this relieved look on my face,
    It’s my treat, pitching in my last Pay Day,
    A worthwhile trick; if they don’t egg my place.

  20. Glenda Roberson says:
    Reply

    The Mansion on Maple (100 words)
    by Glenda Roberson

    “No way!” said Chance, eying the crumbling mansion.
    “Come on!” said Harry and Hazel.
    “Nope!”
    “Scary is fun,” said Hazel.
    “You go. I’ll watch.”
    Twin glow-in-the-dark skeletons scurried toward the door. Chance got goosebumply and peeked between his fingers.
    Harry tugged the rope by the massive door, and organ music played a song fit for a funeral.
    A shadowy figure scuttled by a window. The door creaked open . . . something snatched their pillowcase!
    Chance screamed into his sweaty hand.
    “Chance! She filled our entire pillowcase.”
    “But, with what?” Chance whispered. “There’s something red dripping out . . . and it’s definitely NOT goodies! RUN!”

  21. gabriellecardwell says:
    Reply

    The Graveyard Picnic
    by Gabrielle Cardwell
    89 words

    Gertie the Ghost’s on her way to a date—
    a picnic by gravestone— but Gertie is late.

    It’s taken her ages to choose what to wear,
    and paint on her makeup and fix up her hair.

    Her eerie white gown seems to glow-in-the-dark.
    She hopes he’s still there as she floats through the park.

    And there on a rug amongst stones of the dead
    he’s laid out his goodies, the ghostliest spread.

    He smiles. She gets goosebumps. Her head’s feeling light.
    Love’s in the air on this Halloween night.

  22. Karen Pickrell says:
    Reply

    Halloween Heebie-Jeebies
    By Karen Pickrell
    (98 words)

    Mama thinks trick-or-treating is a bad idea.

    “Why bother teaching our kids safety tips?” she said. “Never talk to strangers. Never take candy from strangers. Never cross the street at night … except on Halloween.”

    But dad said, “Just think of it as dress up day.”

    So we donned our costumes.

    Mama covered us with glow-in-the-dark strips.

    “Oh, goody, goody,” my little sister said. “We get candy.”

    I knocked on the first door. Frankenstein answered.

    Gulp. I got goosebumps.

    Then he reached into a cauldron and handed me an eyeball.

    And now I’m totally convinced mama was right.

  23. ingridboydston says:
    Reply

    A Few of the Scariest Things: A Parody to the tune of My Favorite Things
    By Ingrid Boydston
    83 Words

    Witches on broomsticks and vampires flying,
    Frankenstein monsters and zombies not dying,
    Ogres and aliens, all ghastly green!
    I’m getting goosebumps ‘cause it’s Halloween!

    Halloween night doesn’t make me feel merry.
    Walking around in the dark is too scary.
    Glow in the dark, that’s what I need to be.
    Trick or treat goodies would all be for me!

    Hey I’ve got it!
    I could light up….
    I know what I’ll be!
    Bright lights and some tinsel, a glittering star!
    A Halloween Christmas Tree!

  24. 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚖𝚙𝚊 𝙴𝚗𝚊𝚢𝚎𝚝🐇 (@shampaenayet) says:
    Reply

    The Witch of Jekyll Island
    by Shampa Enayet
    100 words

    I run, lost in the Tweens-n-Tots Twisted Corn Maze. Towering stalks strangle the path behind me.

    “Mom? Dad?”

    “Go home, Kat” they holler stiffly.

    Scarecrow witches glow-in-the-dark, walking. Long fingers grab my cold-blooded, goosebumpy arm, dragging me across desolate cornfield.

    “To the coven,” a witch croaks.

    We fly into Spanish moss swaying through giant oaks in lazy southern wind. The hotel, a white mansion where the Rockefellers holidayed, where my parents once honeymooned, fades in waning moonlight. My skin greens like my real mother’s. She cackles, “Goodies for you!”

    I’m Kat Kraven, Witch of Jekyll Island. For Halloween. Forever. Missing.

  25. Expatorama says:
    Reply

    F E E L I N G U N S E E N O N H A L L O W E E N
    by Nicola Beach
    100 words

    Gogo is sad. “Invisible ghosts are not scary. I am a nobody!”

    “Ghosts do not have bodies. You ARE a no-body,” cackles Hexie the witch.

    “My wish this Halloween is to be seen.”

    “Sadly, my magic does not work on ghosts. Perhaps there is another way?” Hexie goes shopping and buys; a sheet, glow-in-the-dark paint and goodies.

    She pours the paint into her cauldron. Next, she stirs in the sheet.

    After dark, floating under his glowing sheet, Gogo terrifies every trick-or-treater. Boo!

    At midnight, Gogo and Hexie scoff the uncollected goodies. “I have happy goosebumps. Thanks, Hexie. Best Halloween… EVER!”

  26. kmajor2013 says:
    Reply

    Word Count: 100

    HANK’S HALLOWEEN COSTUME? (A Riddle in a Story)

    By Ken Major

    Hank’s costume was bright
    On Halloween night.
    It glowed in the dark
    And blinked with each bark.
    Equipped with two wings
    And hidden round things,
    He traveled with speed
    On sugary feed.
    His tail was unique
    And looked oh so sleek.
    The costume below
    Had places to stow
    More goodies for fuel
    And drinks to stay cool.
    When strangers came near
    Goosebumps would appear,
    All over their skin
    From shin to their chin.
    Hank ended his night
    With one unkind fright.
    He spooked a black cat
    Who’s name was Sedat.
    A WOOF and a YAP,
    Then Hank took a nap.

    My entry is posted on my blog at http://www.brianwoods.blogspot.com

  27. stacey miller says:
    Reply

    Title: All Hallow’s Eve
    Word count: 73
    Author: Stacey Miller

    It was All Hallow’s Eve and the creatures were stirring especially the mouse, it had nibbled on Witchy’s gunky gooey goodies, and had transformed into…
    Mutant Mouse.

    Now he could sniff out cheese two blocks away…

    Glow-in-the-dark better than a Jack-o-lantern…

    And give goosebumps to all the cats in the neighbourhood.

    There was only one downside…
    He would have to put his Mousehole up for sale… he couldn’t fit in it!

  28. Hobbo says:
    Reply

    Molly’s Ghost, by Hobbo from http://www.hobbospoems.com
    word count, 60

    Molly strolled through the park,
    in a glow-in-the-dark
    hoodie her daughter had bought her.
    Creeping behind,
    Halloween on his mind,
    a naughty ghost looking to haunt her.

    Wearing loose pumps,
    it gave Molly goosebumps,
    when spied from the edge of her hoodie,
    but it ran faraway
    when she screamed at it, hey
    go away mate, I’m one of the goodies.

  29. Emma Wood (@emmakayewood) says:
    Reply

    The Witch’s House
    (100 words)
    By Emma Wood

    Pointy hat. Stripy stockings. Midnight robes.
    Finally, Waverley was ready.
    Clutching her glow-in-the-dark cauldron, she joined the trick-or-treaters outside.
    Waverley stopped at spooky Madame Crone’s, a place no other kids dared visit.
    She pushed through the creaky gate. Lightning flashed.
    A black cat bolted past, screeching. The sound gave her goosebumps.
    Madame Crone appeared from thin air.
    “Oh goody,” she cackled. “We’ve been expecting you.”
    Waverley was suddenly surrounded by witches. Actual witches.
    Madame grinned. “Tonight, you’ll become one of us!”
    Waverley trembled, but she spoke bravely.
    “I’ve practiced, Grandma. I’m ready.”
    Then Waverley and the witches began to chant.

  30. Jamie Donahoe says:
    Reply

    My Word – It’s Halloween!
    Jamie Donahoe
    99 words

    “All this gabbing about goodies, ghosts, and glow-in-the-dark ghouls is great; it’s even giving me goosebumps. But,” bellowed Beatrice, “what about broomsticks, bogeymen, and bats in the belfry?”

    “Not to mention haunted houses, headless horsemen, and hobgoblins,” howled Haley.

    Instantly there arose a clatter of chatter the likes of which those walls had never heard. “We all want weird words,” wailed the class.

    “Now, now,” smiled Ms. Atoz. “I believe there’s something for all twenty-six of you today.”

    Sure enough, by the end of the day, everyone from Abigail (apparition) to Zelda (zombies) had found a special Halloween word.

  31. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR DIANA WEBB

    Switched On and Off

    ” My teacher says I glow-in-the-dark the best in my class.’ said Glowy the glowworm to his brother Glint.
    ‘Oh shush,’ said Glint. ‘ You’re such a goody goody glowworm.’
    ‘Look’, said.Glowy. ‘ In the window. It’s giving me goosebumps.’
    ‘Geese don’t bump .They fly,’ said Glint.
    Then Glowy and Glint began to glow like the biggest pumpkin you can buy with the biggest candle inside because they were both so scared of the dark with that great big shadowy..
    ‘ Boo! It’s only me,’ said their brother Glitterball dressed as a skellingbone ‘ Now let’s go out and light the town up orange. ‘

  32. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR DIANA WEBB

    A Night with Gran

    Eeeee!

    Oh grandma what good ees you do.

    There’s a great big glow-in-the-dark goose bumping beside my bed.

    It’s just your feather pillow grandma fallen in the moonlight.

    It’s that goose we ate at Christmas coming back to haunt us.

    Then let’s have something veggie this year. How about roast pumpkin?

    If I see one more pumpkin I’m going to

    Eeeeee!

    What good ees you do gran…

    I’m not your grandma I’m a squealy wealy come from the dark to scare you. But I’m getting quieter so it’s safe to go to sleep now.

    zzzzz

  33. mattsnyder1970 says:
    Reply

    BOYS WILL BE BOYS
    By Matt Snyder
    Word Count: 98

    Davey & Ritchie set out in the night with mischief intentions in mind. Hoping to egg the scariest house they could find. They happened upon a street with nary a light, using their glow-in-the-dark glowsticks, they discovered such a sight. Ritchie taunted Davey to throw his eggs, yet Davey froze in fear with goosebumps running up and down his spine. Oh Goody, declared Ritchie with egg in hand, who threw it at the house, but where did it land? In the hands of the Police Chief who said with a laugh, boys will be boys on Alls Hallow Eve.

  34. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR JACQUI

    FLICKER OF A CAT’S TAIL
    (98 words)
    By
    Jacqui Boulter

    I watched the artist carve pumpkins and layer them into a pirate ship worthy of sailing,
    with a band of pirates aboard.
    I sat alone and uncarved. I wanted to sail, too.
    The artist put me in the palm of his hand and studied my small frame again. This time,
    he carved. A tea light flickered in my pumpkin belly. I had goosebumps knowing that I
    glowed-in-the-dark.
    “Watch that tail flicker on the pirate’s cat,” said a trick-or-treater.
    I illuminated the treasure chest and the goodies inside. I was the smallest pumpkin with
    the biggest job on Halloween.

  35. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR KATHY

    PUMPKIN TRAIN
    by Kathy Raggio
    [97 words]

    Conductor Skully was ready.

    The passengers were set.

    Go, Pumpkin Train, go!

    Rumbly – tumbly,

    clickety – clack…

    down the glow-in-the-dark track.

    Rumbly – tumbly,

    clickety – clack.

    To the…

    STOP!

    A huge goody bag blocked the path.

    Scoop it up!

    Go, Pumpkin Train, go!

    Rumbly – tumbly,

    clickety – clack.

    To the…

    STOP!

    A grumpy monster obstructed the way.

    ROAR!

    ROAR!

    ROAR!

    Goosebumps prickled on Conductor Skully.

    What to do?

    Hmmm…

    The goody bag!

    Will it calm the monster?

    MUNCH!

    CRUNCH!

    YUM!

    Climb aboard, Mr. Monster!

    Go, Pumpkin Train, go!

    Rumbly – tumbly,

    clickety – clack…

    down the glow-in-the-dark track.

    To the…

    Halloween Party!

  36. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR MICHELLE

    The Alien
    by M. Waknitz
    WC 89

    Beneath my bedroom door,
    There was an eerie light.
    Goosebumps ran down my spine;
    I pulled the blankets tight.

    Slowly the door creaked open,
    Huge eyes on top of a head.
    Glowing green in the dark,
    A martian walked towards my bed.

    The alien leaned over,
    So we were cheek to cheek.
    He stuck his finger up my nose
    Which tickled and I sneezed.

    He thrust his bag towards me.
    “Trick or Treat” he squeaked.
    I threw some goodies in his bag,
    Then “POOF” he vanished in a blink.

  37. shelleykinder says:
    Reply

    JELLYFISH GEORGE’S HALLOWEEN
    by Scott Kinder
    [100 words]

    Jelly George’s glow-in-the-dark skeleton costume arrived today.

    He would FINALLY have bones!

    “Just wait until my friends see how good I look. How creepy. And SOOOOO boney!”

    George visited Susie Sponge’s house first. He rang her bell with excitement, full of goosebumps.

    The door opened.

    George could see envy seeping from Susie’s pores as she gave him candy.

    She wanted bones too. And he was FULL of them.

    George floated the night away, collecting goodies and passing his jelly buddies with their silly mediocre masks.

    He felt like a king.

    UNTIL he noticed …

    David Dogfish eyeing him.

    And DROOLING.

    UH-OH.

  38. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR MICHELLE

    Skeleton’s Halloween
    by M. Waknitz
    WC 82

    I heard click and clacking,
    Late this creepy night.
    I looked outside my window,
    And much to my surprise.

    There outside in my front yard
    Were skeletons all around.
    Wearing goofy hats and silly masks,
    While prancing up and down.

    They were out trick or treating,
    After we had gone to sleep.
    Stopping under tree branches,
    The bats dropped them sweets.

    I ran downstairs, opened the door
    And tossed some candy out.
    The skeletons froze in horror,
    Yelled “child” then scattered about.

  39. Lori Dubbin says:
    Reply

    Twyla Z. Witch
    By Lori Dubbin
    Word Count 100

    Twyla Z. Witch craves Halloween goodies.
    She hops on her broom and swoops into a neighborhood of trick-or-treaters.
    Twyla hides her broom behind a tree.
    “No one needs to know I have a magic broom.”
    She saunters up to the first house.
    “Trick-or-treat,” she cackles.
    “Almond Soy Bar? Sorry, almonds make my skin goosebumpley red.”
    Twyla races to the next house.
    “Thwicks Bars! Yesss!”
    Twyla stuffs them into her sleeves and races to retrieve her broom.
    “Uh-oh, which tree?”
    “Hmph! Next Halloween, I’m painting my broom glow-in-the-dark yellow.”
    “See, I still have a few Thwicks up my sleeves,” she snickers.

  40. karasibilia says:
    Reply

    Witches Brew
    By K. Sibilia
    WC: 100

    “Goody, goody gumdrops!” Gwendolyn Witchington giggles as she gathers ingredients for her Halloween brew.

    “Double, double toil and trouble; Gwennie’s brew will boil and bubble! Toe of frog and wool of bat; add them all, now stir and—“

    CRACK!!!

    “My cauldron! It’s crumbled!”

    So Gwennie scraps her potion, grabs a pot, and tries something new. She simmers and stirs until a luscious liquid glistens and glows-in-the-dark.

    “These gurgling glops of goo give me goosebumps!” Gwennie gushes as she grabs some gorgeous Granny Smith apples, skewers them, and plunges them into the new brew.

    “Ahh, perfectly poisonous candy apples! Trick-or-treat!”

  41. Elizabeth LaGrange Muster says:
    Reply

    It’s Halloween
    by Elizabeth Muster
    Word Count 95

    As autumn arrives
    Apparitions aren’t afraid
    Of the afterlife anymore.
    Aha!
    It’s Halloween.

    Cadavers cackle
    And corpses creep
    From cemetery crypts.
    Keep calm!
    It’s Halloween.

    Demons in the darkness
    And devils in disguise
    Dredge up dreadful deeds.
    Don’t despair!
    It’s Halloween.

    Glow-in-the-dark goblins
    And ghosts in ghastly gowns
    Give goosebumps, not goodies.
    Goodness gracious!
    It’s Halloween.

    Mummies masquerade
    In the mysterious moonlight
    Among a mausoleum.
    Oh my!
    It’s Halloween.

    Scary skulls
    And spine-chilling specters
    Startle superstitious spirits.
    So spooky!
    It’s Halloween.

    Terrible tricks
    And terrific treats
    Thrilling times on the thirty-first.
    That’s a wrap!
    It’s Halloween.

  42. cinzialverde says:
    Reply

    Capture the Goodies on Halloween
    By Ames Jegen (age 11)
    Word Count: 99

    I waited. Breathlessly. With goose-bumps on my shoulders and sweat dripping down my back, I watched for any sign of movement. This was it. The one and only Capture the Goodies.

    My comm crackled. “I got a visual. Three people, all armed with small water bottle-grenades. They also have glow-in-the dark helmets, so they’re no spies.” It was Amiir. Now was our chance, I would come in with the hose while Amiir flanked them with small water pistols. “On my mark, ” he said. 3 2 1 NOW!” I leaped out of the abandoned shack, spraying water in every direction.

    • Patricia Finnegan says:
      Reply

      Hahaha – Your characters are well-armed with those water bottle grenades, water pistols, and WOW!!! the hose. I liked where the story ended, leaving it up to me to envision how the water battle played out – Great job with a unique idea:-)
      P.S. I do wonder if you’ve been in a few water battles yourself recently.

  43. Linda Staszak says:
    Reply

    (NOT) A VERY SCARY STORY
    By Linda Staszak
    100 words

    The haunted forest loomed ahead.
    “I’ve got goosebumps,” whispered Buzzy.
    Cosmo shivered. “We’ve got glow-in-the-dark bread crumbs. We’ll get home.”
    “It’s worth it for full-sized candy bars,” Buzzy said as he dropped a trail of crumbs behind them.
    The eerie house appeared out of nowhere.
    Something banged.
    Creatures howled.
    Goodies mysteriously filled their bags.
    They turned to run, but the trail was gone–there was only darkness.
    Then a glowing creature bounded toward them.
    They giggled nervously. “Bad dog Jinx, you ate our crumbs.”
    And they raced after the luminous dog as it led them out of the haunted forest.

  44. ellen seal 🍄 (@ellenseal14) says:
    Reply

    HALLOWEEN HELPERS

    By: Ellen Seal

    Sun setting, Solana pleaded. “PLEASE can I go trick-or-treating?”
    
“Sorry, sweet pea. You’re not steady enough on your crutches yet,” said Dad.
    Solana frowned at the fresh leg cast under her firefighter costume and slumped into the couch. “Worst. Halloween. Ever.”
    DING DONG
    “Sol, look!” Dad shouted.
    Goosebumps.

    There stood Solana’s friends and a wagon with lights and glow-in-the-dark stripes.
    WEE-OO WEE-OO 

    “Firetruck coming through!” they shouted.
    Solana beamed and climbed in.
    Zooming through the neighborhood, they giggled and gathered goodies.

    Solana hugged her friends. “Thanks buddies. This is the best Halloween ever!”

  46. Stephanie (Lupo) Henson (@stepha_henson) says:
    Reply

    Halloween Warning
    Written by Stephanie Henson 2021
    @stepha_henson (Twitter)
    Word Count: 100
    _____________
    A spooky house sits on Halloween. Rumor is a witch and her cat, “Goosebumps”, live there.

    Our mothers warned, “Stay away!”

    But we didn’t listen.

    “Let’s play Trick or Treat/ Hide & Seek!”

    “Yay, glow-in-the-dark witch hunting!”

    Before we could hide, the lady appeared.

    “You think I’m a witch? I’m just an old woman with an overgrown lawn.”

    Guilt overwhelmed us, “We’re sorry. We can help you clear it tomorrow.”

    “I’ll pay you in goodies”, she replied.

    The lady went inside, approached the cauldron, pulled out her hat, and smiled. With the broom untouched, others will clean up the mess – under her spell.

  47. SharonM says:
    Reply

    LEAPING LIZARDS!
    By Sharon Match
    100 words

    Jake hurried to the classroom rug with his backpack.

    Halloween show and tell was his favorite!

    First went Sam. His superhero costume glowed-in-the-dark.

    Jake peeked in his backpack. “Where’s my costume?” Nothing but his brother’s bug catcher net. “Oh no – we switched backpacks!” Jake’s stomach somersaulted.

    “Eek!” said the teacher, pale with giant goosebumps.

    Out of nowhere, a lizard had appeared on the rug.

    Jake grabbed the net and scooped up the lizard. The class cheered.

    To the outside, they all dashed. Away scurried the lizard.

    “Oh goody!” clapped the teacher.

    Jake grinned. Class Hero was his new favorite costume!

  48. jeanjames926 says:
    Reply

    Graveyard Bully
    By Jean James (http://thenightingaletales.com/2021/10/30/halloweensie-2021-graveyard-bully/)
    Word Count: 100

    Graveyard Bully

    In the graveyard,
    two rows down,
    A bully,
    costumed, creepy clown,
    was haunting me,
    and wished to fight,
    behind old Murphy’s tomb
    tonight.

    My cold dead flesh
    prickled lumps
    of oversized, grotesque, goosebumps.
    ‘Cause I was scared to fight this clown,
    but I’m not one
    who just backs down.

    Glow-in-the-dark pumpkins lit the ring.
    Bells chimed thrice: ding, ding, ding!

    My heart began to skip a beat.
    I thought for sure I was dead meat,
    then clown tripped on his clumsy feet…
    ran off ashamed by his defeat.

    Spirits cheered, “Goody!”
    I won the fight!
    A most enchanting
    Halloween Night.

  49. Krista Harrington says:
    Reply

    THE GREATEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR
    By Krista Harrington
    96 words

    “Goody-goody gumdrops,” bubbled Hagadora, “it’s my favorite night!”
    With a pointy black hat atop wiry gray hair, she stepped out of the shack.
    “Ooh, what a chill! I’ve goosebumps, Albus,” she said to her cat, grabbing a black cape.
    She tromped down the road, with a giddy yet ravenous spirit.
    “The witch!” they all shrieked. “Hurry! Hide!”
    Hagadora paid no attention. Her mind was not on children tonight.
    “There’s the beautiful place! It magically glows-in-the-dark!”
    Pulling a bib from her bag, she sat down with Albus.
    HALF-PRICED STEAK NIGHT at the Grizzler, truly the greatest night of the year.

  50. wordwritermo says:
    Reply

    Halloween Hide and Seek
    By: Melisa Wrex
    95 words

    There’s a hole in my backyard.
    Does a creature live inside?
    Is it a goodie or a baddie?
    Will it make me run and hide?

    Sit a lid atop the tunnel end,
    slit a slot so air can flow.
    Fit a harmonica in the groove,
    if this mystery breathes, I’ll know!

    The tinny notes start to sail,
    first faint, then bright and shrill.
    Goosebumps…Eek! What will it be?
    Fear spikes as notes fall still.

    Glow-in-the-dark eyes look fierce!
    I lean in, squeamish to my roots.
    Burrowing owls? Oh, good grief!
    I skipped trick-or-treat for HOOTS?

    **********THE END**********
    And here is the link to it on my blog 🙂

    2021 Halloweensie

Leave a Reply

Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s