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!!!

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~ 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)!

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

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⭐️ 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)

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⭐️ 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.

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⭐️ 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)

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

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⭐️ 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!

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⭐️ 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!

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⭐️ 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!

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⭐️ 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!

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

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⭐️ 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. thedayswehold says:
    Reply

    Trick or Treat Night
    By: Emily Keifer
    Word Count: 85

    A spooky and ooky breeze
    Gallops through autumn trees

    Prickles grow on my arms;
    Goosebumps are worn like charms

    Glow in the dark bones prowl
    Ghouls, ghosts, and werewolves howl

    “Trick or treat, smell my feet;
    Give me some sweets to eat!”

    Goodies fill up my sack;
    Sidewalks all cloaked in black

    Pumpkins grin, filled with light
    Children shriek, filled with fright

    Knock, knock, there’s one last door
    “Please, can we have some more?”

    Fun-sized squares crowd my dreams
    Can’t wait ‘til next year‘s screams!

  2. Lucretia Schafroth says:
    Reply

    Oscar’s Irresistible Brew
    by Lucretia Schafroth

    KABOOM!
    “Ugh!” Slime slid down his cheek.

    “Oscaaar!” she shrieked.

    “Sorry!“

    Try again! She’d insisted— their Halloween goodies and decorations had to be irresistible.

    Oscar resumed crafting his special concoction. As he mixed and measured, he wondered if she’d adopted him out of kindness— or something else.

    Soon, the pot bubbled with an enticing smell.
    Mmm! This will attract trick-or-treaters!

    Grabbing a paintbrush and his multi-purpose, pumpkin-spice brew, Oscar rushed outside to finish decorating.

    “…glow-in-the-dark house!” squealed a kid, racing up their stairs.

    “Trick-or…”

    “Cahhh-min,” invited Oscar.

    “…TREAT!” she cackled gleefully behind the door.

    “Ahhh–wiiitch!”

    Oscar sprouted goosebumps instantly.

    SLAM!

    Word count: 100

  3. Bonnie Kelso says:
    Reply

    All Hallow’s Eve at the Roller Rink
    By Bonnie Kelso
    98 words

    Halloweensie Writing Contest

    Glow-in-the-dark ghosts dangle from dingy drop ceilings.
    THRILLER thrums through skull-shaped speakers.
    A Vincent Price voice commands the session.
    “Creatures of the night, take to your wheels and GLIDE!”

    Tiny Fairy Princess runs on her skates.
    CLICKETY CLUNK-CLUNK CLACK!
    Colliding with a wall-hugging werewolf.
    BUMPITY BUMP-BUMP BANG!

    Speed-demon Grim Reaper’s tattered black robe flutters.
    Pumpkin-headed gargoyle grapevines backwards.
    Skeletons scissor and spin sporadically inspiring goosebumps.
    Zealous Zombies dip and moan to the monstrous music.

    Goblins gobble down goodies.
    CRUNCHITY CHOMP-CHOMP CRUNCH!
    Bone-brittle cotton candy and paprika-peppered popcorn.
    HOPPITY HOOT-HOOT HOWL!

    It’s All Hallow’s Eve at the roller rink!

  4. Alana DeVito (@alanamayd) says:
    Reply

    MY HALLOWEEN CREW

    by Alana DeVito
    Word Count: 99

    Glow-in-the-dark necklace? Check.

    Pillowcase for goodies? Check.

    Friends? Nowhere in sight.

    My family’s in costume, but they aren’t superheroes like me…

    “Where’re my friends?” I ask Mom.

    “Not sure…” she says, “but we’ll have our own fun.”

    Would Batman really have fun with a witch, a farmer, and… a pirate?

    I trudge down the street, kicking leaves. Suddenly —

    “I need BATMAN!” the farmer screeches. “That witch stole my—“

    “Seeds,” cackles the witch, “for my Halloween brew!”

    “Walk da plank!” the tiny pirate shouts.

    We speed after the seed theif.

    With goosebumps, shreiks, and smiles, my Halloween crew heads out.

    https://alanadevito.wixsite.com/kidlitartclass/post/happy-halloweensie-from-my-crew-to-yours

  5. Amy Reitz (@AmyLynnwrites) says:
    Reply

    Post Halloween Goals, by Amy Reitz
    (100 words)

    On Halloween,
    all the best things
    glow-in-the-dark,
    or lurk in the shadows

    waiting to surprise
    normal, nice, people
    who want goodies
    not goosebumps.

    But my dream is to
    glow-in-the-light
    without my costume to protect me

    To stand right out in the open
    and give goosebumps with my words
    (the good kind)

    Normally, it feels impossible
    because normal, nice, people
    look like ghostly goblins
    when I’m standing up in front of them.

    So tonight will be my practice,
    all dressed up as someone else
    reciting my poems to anyone who will listen.

    And maybe tomorrow,
    I will try again,
    as me.

  6. writeaway48 says:
    Reply

    The Card Game
    By Cathy Lee
    100 Words

    The skeletons played a game of cards.
    Halloween just wasn’t fun anymore.
    They remembered a time when they chased kids, played tricks on them,
    had real tummies and could eat tons of goodies.
    Now they were old bones, and everything fell to the ground.
    Pandemonium! Shouted the littlest skeleton.
    Their glowing in the dark and headed this way!
    If skeletons could get goosebumps, they surely would.
    They formed a circle and came up with the perfect plan.
    A knock at the door; Trick or Treat!
    A trick, of course.
    Little, slowly opened the door.
    Who’s ready for some card tricks?

  7. Thelia Hutchinson (@TheliaHutchins1) says:
    Reply

    QUIET NIGHT
    By Thelia Hutchinson
    (98 words)

    The night before Halloween felt chilling.
    The fog was thick, and the full moon glowed.
    The wind rustled the branches against the window, giving me goosebumps.
    I held teddy tight.
    There was a loud thump.
    I jumped.
    My door creaked open.
    “Mom?” I shrieked.
    Something scurried out.
    “Teddy?” I whispered.
    “Give me all your goodies” a voice boomed.
    “I don’t have any, tomorrow we go trick or treating” I said shakily. “Who’s there?”.
    Standing at the door is teddy, his eyes glowed-in-the-dark.
    “Oh, my bad” he cackled “I got my days mixed up. Same time tomorrow? Sweet dreams”.

  8. Mary-Catherine Amadu says:
    Reply

    Trick-or-Treat, Night Animals!: A Holloween Story
    By: Mary Catherine Amadu
    Word Count: 98 Words

    Coyote was first to spot the stampede.
    “Trick-or-Treaters! Hide!” he yelped with alarm,
    hurrying into the big tree’s hollow.

    Goose heard Coyote.
    If Trick-or-Treaters scared fierce Coyote,
    they must be goosebump worthy.
    She honked and joined Coyote inside the tree.

    Racoon heard Goose.
    If Goose and Coyote feared Trick-or-Treaters,
    Racoon couldn’t mask his nerves.
    He chattered, then crammed into the hollow.

    Cat heard Racoon.
    She didn’t fancy herself a fraidy-cat,
    but Trick-or-Treaters sounded ferocious.
    She hissed, then jammed into the tree with the others.

    Deep in the hollow, Coyote’s sharp teeth glowed-in-the-dark.

    “Goody,” he drooled.

    “Trick AND treats.”

  9. Janice Kay Alexander (@JaniceKayAlexa1) says:
    Reply

    A Halloween Tail
    By Janice Kay
    (WC 99)

    Tonight is Halloween. Dressed as witch sisters, we need a black cat.

    Bribing Sammy, our fluffy schipperke into dressing like a cat will require lots of goodies.
    Sammy does NOT like cats!

    “Stay still, Sammy”.
    Yellow glasses, glow-in-the-dark collar, long tail and whiskers complete his costume.
    Mortified is too small a word for Sammy’s feelings.

    “Come Sammy, we have an important mission.”

    The hospital lobby is full of tiny wheelchairs. Spidermen, ghosts, princesses, and Avengers all squeal with delight as we enter.

    Goosebumps raise over Sammy’s spine as he cuddles up to each child.
    Maybe cats aren’t so bad.

  10. Spook-i-ly Needham (@susanlneedham) says:
    Reply

    AN INCH
    By: Susan Leigh Needham
    Word Count: 99

    I’m stuck inside once again, sprawled on this cold, hard floor.
    Waiting for my favorite humans to return with their “don’t let the dog eat any” goodies.

    But how can a disguise and a bucket protect them out there at night?
    All the glow-in-the-dark accessories in the world won’t scare off the spookies.
    No one on our block growls louder than I.

    What’s that? Footsteps on the porch?
    Goosebumps prickle and hair rises. It’s time.
    I’m stealthy and invisible to my human’s eye.

    Ding dong!
    The door cracks.
    I need only an inch and — I’m free!

    Happy Howlloween!

  11. Judy Sobanski says:
    Reply

    UNDERWATER HALLOWEEN
    by Judy Sobanski
    [95 words]

    It’s an underwater Halloween,
    for whales to snails and in-between.
    Coral to cave they trick-or-treat
    for salty goodies, fun to eat.
    Orcas dress like panda bears,
    Clownfish wearing underwear!
    Electric eels glow-in-the-dark,
    and seals dress up like cats that…bark?
    Blowfish is a porcupine,
    Walrus now is Frankenstein.
    A costume isn’t necessary—
    for Shark’s already way too scary,
    giving goosebumps to the seals
    while he scouts for his next meal!
    Wolf fish howls up at the moon.
    The party will be over soon.
    Then back to waters calm, care-free,
    but now it’s one big spooky sea!

  12. catlady45 says:
    Reply

    The Lonely Scarecrow
    By Sarah Atherton (@Sarah_A_Author)
    Word Count: 99

    “Trick or treat?”
    Sammy sighed miserably.
    No one could hear his timid voice or see him in the dark.

    “Woohoo!”
    Delighted children followed the Halloween trail, their path lit by lanterns.
    “This way!”
    CREAK, CLANG, BOO!
    “Aaahh! That skeleton gave me goosebumps!”

    “Come and see me next,” pleaded Sammy.

    Chirp! Flutter!
    Little robin was back. Sammy’s friend at night-time – a stranger during the day.
    The farmer made sure of that.
    “Any luck?”
    “Tweet. They’re on their way.”

    A swarm of fireflies surrounded Sammy, who instantly glowed-in-the-dark.
    “Hey! Look!”
    “Goody! A scarecrow!”
    The trick-or-treaters surrounded Sammy, who instantly glowed inside.

  13. montaukdeb says:
    Reply

    The Little Witch
    by Deborah Hunt
    97 words

    The little witch rubbed her goosebumps.
    She grabbed her glow-in-the-dark pumpkin.
    She flew out the door.
    Being a witch, she could conjure up all kinds of treats.
    But trick or treating was much more fun.
    “Trick or treat,” she cackled.
    Mrs. Wolf smiled. “Hello little witch. I have some goodies.”
    “Thank you! I have a trick for you.” The little witch waved her magic wand.
    A puff of purple smoke surrounded them.
    “Meow, meow.” The black cat purred.
    Mrs. Wolf gasped. “How did you do that?”
    “I’m a witch.” She hopped on her broom and flew away.

  15. Nancy Riley says:
    Reply

    WAKING THE DEAD
    By Nancy Derey Riley – 100 words

    On Halloween night when the moon’s on the rise,
    the bugs throw a wild jamboree.
    There’s music and dancing—goodies galore
    and a Luna moth party emcee.

    The rasp of the crickets and whine of the flies
    raise goosebumps so ghoulishly fine.
    While high in the trees there’s a glow-in-the-dark
    from the glow-worms that’s simply divine.

    At midnight the symphony reaches its peak;
    the ground starts to rumble and sway.
    Up from the earth with a rattle of bones—
    skeletons come out to play.
    They leap and they whirl to the bugs’ serenade
    ‘til the dawn ends their ghostly ballet.

  16. Erika Romero, PhD (@evereducating) says:
    Reply

    A Not-So-Sweet Halloween
    By: Erika Romero (98 words)

    “Which snack is better?” Charlotte asked. “Glow-in-the-dark cupcakes or goosebumps-and-screams ice cream sundaes?”

    Frankie sneezed.

    “What’s with the cinnamon? It’s hard to make a choice without smelling them.”

    “Drake got a fang cavity at last year’s Halloween party. He hates garlic and cinnamon, so I made cinnamon frosting and syrup to stop his snacking.”

    Frankie laughed.

    “I’m glad I don’t have any blood in my veins.”

    Charlotte smiled.

    “Cinnamon is Plan B. Pick the snack so I can start spinning Drake’s timeout web.”

    Frankie laughed. “Glowy cupcakes. We’ll get enough screams from the children running away from our party.”

  17. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR KRISTEN

    It’s Halloween in Toothytown
    By Kristen Littlefield
    Word Count: 100

    It’s Halloween in Toothytown,
    The ghouls and goblins gather ‘round.

    Their trays arranged with cakes and pies,
    In hopes of grabbing this year’s prize.

    Miss Dragon’s Breath, the crusty judge,
    Turns up her snout at Franky’s fudge.

    She sneers at Ogre’s goosebump blintz,
    And gags on Troll’s toejam with lint.

    But Gremlin’s spicy pepper bread,
    Makes Dragon hold her scaly head.

    Her nostrils flare. She starts to wheeze,
    And lets out a gigantic…

    SNEEZE!

    The goodies sizzle, snap, and spark,
    Like pumpkins glowing in the dark.

    Miss Dragon’s eyes begin to brim,
    “Now that’s a treat! Let’s all dig in!”

  18. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR BRITTANY

    Until It’s Safe
    By Brittany Saulnier
    https://brittanysaulnier.weebly.com/
    97 Words

    Most blew away with the first strong gale; their bags of carefully collected seashells lay shattered along the boardwalk. To a few off-season tourists, the unpredictable water, the moody temperatures and the once beautiful, now gloomy, cliffs were bearable, at least until after the Halloween parade. Afterwards, when the last candy wrapped goodie falls to lay crumpled by the broken shells, an old clam, sheltered by the cliff, hard goosebumps covering its shell, will cast a light strong enough to glow in the dark water through to the darkest depths. A message. It’s safe to come out.

  19. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR KAREN

    First Halloween
    by Karen deWilde
    100 words

    It was dinner time.
    I jumped onto the porch.
    Wait. This wasn’t my house!
    Cobwebs spanned the columns.
    A jack-o’-lantern grinned near a bowl of goodies.

    The front door creaked.
    Out stepped a witch with a hideous green face.
    Next came a vampire with pointy glow-in-the-dark teeth.
    “Don’t eat me!” I meowed.

    “Look! He has goosebumps!” cried the Witch.
    The Vampire bent to pick me up.
    “Stop!” I hissed.

    The Vampire took out his pointy teeth.
    “Don’t be afraid,” he said.
    “It’s Halloween,” explained the Witch, peeling off her green skin.
    “Silly me!” I purred.

    We went inside for dinner.

  20. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR ALEXA

    You Are What You Eat
    by Alexa Tuttle
    Word Count: 91

    Mom said don’t eat too much candy,
    but with all these goodies handy…

    I’ll start with tasting just one bite.
    Yum! That flavor’s quite alright!

    I’m sure it’s fine to have one more…
    or two, or three. Hey, why not four?

    I feast on taffy, cookies, blow-pops,
    even glow-in-the-dark gumdrops!

    At breakneck speed, I eat my fill.
    Uh oh… my stomach feels quite ill.

    A glass of water would be nice,
    but I can’t move! I’m stiff as ice!

    Goosebumps break out. I feel bizarre…
    I’ve turned into a candy bar!

  21. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR CARRIE O’LEARY

    Once Upon a Halloween

    Once upon a halloween,
    Kids in costumes could be seen.
    Witches and wizards, ghosts and ghouls,
    Fairies dressed up in glow-in-the-dark jewels.
    Tonight is the night when they go out to play,
    Those things that can never go out in the day.
    Goosebumps rise in the chilly night air,
    As zombies chomp and moan and stare.
    Werewolves in packs and gargoyles in gangs,
    Vampires bare their super-sharp fangs.
    This is the night that they all have some fun,
    Trick or treat, shall they wait or run?
    Skipping down pavement, knocking on door,
    Filling their buckets with goodies galore.

  22. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR KJ

    Goodie Ghost’s Halloween Screams
    By KJ Albright
    (99 word acrostic poem)

    Goodie the Ghost
    Let
    Out a
    Wickedly scary scream.

    It’s Halloween
    Night!

    Thieving treats,
    Hatching tricks, Goodie’s
    Eager to begin.

    Dressed
    As a
    Regular
    Kid in a sheet,

    Goodie heads
    Out to scare trick-or-treaters. He leaps
    Out of shadows
    Screaming “BOO!”
    “Eek!” they shriek, leaving their
    Bags of candy.
    Under his
    Mask he
    Partakes of Skittles.
    “Scrumptious!” He cackles.

    Goodie screams “BOO!” One last time when …
    One small glow-in-the-dark
    Octopus child
    Declares, with tentacles on hips and candy bag held tight,
    “I’m not scared of you!”
    “Eek!!” Goodie
    Shrieks, floating right out of his sheet, ghostly goosebumps aplenty.

  23. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR BECKY

    A BUNNY CAN DREAM
    by
    Becky Walker @bwalkerbooks
    100 words

    “May I speak to the Spooky Committee?” demanded Bunny.

    “What for, kiddo?” asked the chairman.

    “I want to be an official Halloween spooky animal…

    wolves, black cats, bats have all the fun!”

    “Hahaha! Cute, kid.”

    Bunny’s ears drooped.

    “But, it’s my dream.”

    “We’ll vote tonight.”

    Bunny’s ears perked up.

    First, glow-in-the-dark paint.

    Next, a prop. Wand? Taken. Broom? Taken.

    A-HA! Toilet plunger! Humans seem pretty scared of those.

    Goody…a cherry! CHOMP! BLOODY TEETH!

    Bunny hid and waited.

    He had one shot.

    BAM! Out jumped Bunny.

    “AAAAAHHHH!” screamed the chairman.

    “Goosebumps?” asked Bunny.

    “Approved. Now get that plunger outa here!”

  24. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR BARBARA
    Ogre’s Halloween
    Barbara DiMarco
    100 words

    No one came to Ogre’s house on Halloween anymore.
    Ogre had pumpkins, a corn maze, ghost face painting…his house even glowed-in-the-dark!
    Still, after the first Halloween, no one came back.
    “We’re moving.” Ogre said, packing his suitcase and cat.
    “Again?” said the cat.
    The new neighbors were excited for a fun Halloween at Ogre’s house!
    He had pumpkins, a sunflower maze, witch face painting…
    Ogre’s goosebumps had goosebumps.
    The whole neighborhood lined up for the treats.
    “One toe nail for you…and two for you.” Ogre said, dropping his goodies into bags and pillowcases.
    “Time to move,” said the cat.

  25. Kathi Morrison-Taylor says:
    Reply

    Monster Lipstick
    By Kathi Morrison-Taylor
    99 words

    I live in Howling Heights so every Halloween
    little monsters trick-or-treat, accursed cacophony.

    They reject my caramel liver, poo-poo my candied feets.
    Squealing, growling, boo-ing while I long to rest-in-peace.

    This year will be different. I formulate a plan.
    The goody that I’ll offer isn’t edible — it’s glam.

    Presenting Monster Lipstick in a plethora of hues:
    For Dracula, Glow-in-the-Dark. Vampira? Black-Eye Blue.

    Here comes Chupacabra. I offer Goosebump Gold.
    The Wolfman wants a classic shade as pink as babies’ toes.

    Eagerly they smear their mouths. Then silence. It’s quite funny!
    Monsters muted! Lips glued tight. (I used Gorilla-honey.)

  26. M.A. Cortez says:
    Reply

    GHOULIES GRAND SOIREE
    by MaryAnn Cortez (word count 100)

    Halloween. Time to play.
    Ghoulie throws a grand soiree!

    Monsters drink the witch’s brew.
    Guaranteed to make them BOO.

    Zombies slurp eyeball soup.
    Mummies gather round in groups.

    Wicked fun all around.
    Until
    Ding-Dong
    a dreadful sound.

    Monsters gasp. Hurry hide!
    It’s Children! Ghoulie’s terrified!

    Goblin Goosebumps! Where to run?
    Fiendish trouble has begun.

    Ghoulie peeks through a shroud;
    sizing up the kiddie crowd.

    Goodie bags, kids galore
    wearing masks, capes, and more.

    Glow-in-the-dark costumed clad
    horrifying little lad
    beckon’s Ghoulie,
    “Be my friend?
    After all it’s just pretend.”

    Ghoulie bends with a grin.
    “Trick or treat? Do come in.”

  27. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR LINDSAY

    HAUNTING GNOMES
    100 words
    By Lindsay Moretti

    Gunter’s a gnome with a mischievous mind and he loved to haunt.
    Every year on Halloween, he and his friends devised a spooky jaunt.
    The scares they prepared to go bump in the night would finally be revealed!
    Gunter and friends manned their stations for they were to stay concealed.

    Whispers sounded, trick-or-treaters abounded. Operation Goosebump commenced!
    Suddenly, woods rustled, shadows flitted and shrieked. Everyone grew tense!
    For the finale, Gunter gave the signal and trees glowed-in-the-dark!
    The children screeched, dropped all their goodies and sprinted out of the park.

    Gunter and friends hurrahed and cheered! T’was another successful haunt!

  28. Sarah Roberts says:
    Reply

    GOOSEBUMPED GHOUL AND SCATTERED SKELETON
    100 words
    Sarah Kohls Roberts

    Under the moonless sky, Skeleton’s glow-in-the-dark bones gleamed.
    “Halloween’s your time to shine,” Ghoul said.
    “And time for goodies—for kids and monsters.”
    “Children give me goosebumps.” Ghoul shivered as they joined the trick-or-treaters.
    “Cool costumes!” squeaked a pirate.
    Suddenly, a costumed zombie grabbed Ghoul’s bag, then knocked into Skeleton, scattering both his bones and Ghoul’s candy.
    “Aaahh!” The zombie fled.
    The pirate gathered Ghoul’s candy and held out the bag.
    “Goosebumps!” Ghoul shouted but stretched timidly to accept it.
    Skeleton gathered his bones.
    “Do you want to trick-or-treat with me?” the pirate asked.
    Ghoul nodded shyly and Skeleton rattled.

  29. sacharya78 says:
    Reply

    NOT THIS TIME
    100 words
    by Sandhya Acharya @authorsandhya

    Last year, I lost the candy contest by one piece to Jai. Not this time.

    I clasp my glow-in-the-dark saber and enter the must-avoid scariest house..
    alone!

    Suddenly – a shadow!
    A shadow with a scythe.
    A scythe dripping with something wet,
    something fresh,
    something red,
    blood?

    Goosebumps rise –
    I scream,
    I run!

    But which way is out?

    The shadow comes closer
    and closer
    Until –

    “Veer?”
    “Jai?”

    I look at Jai’s plastic scythe. It’s dripping with..
    “Ketchup, obviously!” says Jay.

    “Sorry, I came without you,” I say.
    “I am sorry too,” replies Jai as we fill our bag of goodies together.

  30. Alicia Meyers (@heyaliciamae) says:
    Reply

    HOW TO SNEAK A HALLOWEEN TREAT
    By: Alicia Meyers
    WC: 97

    Let’s creep it real this Halloween.
    There’s only one thing standing between me and my bucket of goodies…

    MOM.
    Apparently, she’s the “hallow-queen” of the candy.
    So, how does one sneak a Halloween treat?

    First, don’t jump the gum.
    Be prepared to stay up late and wait.
    When it’s time, put on a glow-in-the-dark costume to help light the way.
    Bump!
    “Ouch!”

    Next, give yourself a pep talk.
    Any noise could give you goosebumps.
    RUFF!!
    “AHHHH!”

    Last, when you’ve finally finished your mission to the kitchen,
    Quickly turn on the lights and…

    “MOM!!!!!!
    That’s MY candy!!!”

    “…Oops?”

  31. amyduchene says:
    Reply

    I WISH…
    By Amy Duchene, @amydishes
    Word count: 100!

    Wish my birthday was a different day.
    Can Halloween please go away?

    This year I have a secret plan:
    Throw a scary party. Make everyone understand.

    I’ll create an atmosphere that’s moody;
    Give away spooky goodies.

    No ice cream nor cake to eat. Want some candy? Do a trick for a treat.

    No blowing candles nor twinkling lights; instead get goosebumps from glow-in-the-dark frights.

    No balloons nor streamers please; instead enjoy spiderwebs and ghosts in trees.

    But, wait.

    This decoration
    Deserves celebration.

    Perhaps October 31 is a good day to party…
    Want to come to my birthday? It’s just starting!

  32. Michaela Almeida (@booksbymichaela) says:
    Reply

    BRAM’S HUNT
    100 words
    by Michaela Almeida

    https://www.michaelaalmeida.com/post/halloweensie-2021

    Bram despises Halloween.
    Trick-or-treaters with plastic fangs, fake blood, and cheap capes, mocking him.
    A true vampire would never reveal his identity for some goodies.
    Only for…
    Blood.
    The anticipation sends goosebumps down his spine.
    The time has come.
    POOF!
    In bat form, Bram soars over the treetops, looking for his next victim.
    He spies a trick-or-treater, cape flowing, glow-in-the-dark necklace illuminating his face.
    Bram swoops, cutting through the dark sky like a knife.
    He unfurls his wings, transforming before the child’s eyes.
    Fangs gleaming in the moonlight.
    “Finally, something I can sink my teeth into.”
    “NOOOO!”
    And then,
    silence.

  33. Heather Gallagher says:
    Reply

    Terrific Toothpaste!
    By Heather Gallagher
    99 words

    “Glow in the dark toothpaste!” Jacob whooped. “Cool!”
    “Yes,” said Mom. “It’s my attempt to beat the goodies!”
    It was Halloween eve. We were finishing our costumes and looking forward to trading sweets. Mum was having a nervy about decay.
    Halloween night, she made us brush our teeth before we left.
    “Make sure you look after Jacob,” she warned. “I’m counting on you, Hannah.”
    But of course, one street in, Jacob disappeared.
    Goosebumps sprang up along my arms. Where was he? Mum would flip.
    Then, across the road, someone flashed me a grin. A giant, toothy glow-in-the-dark grin.
    Phew!

  35. sammieqsinclair says:
    Reply

    THE AFTER PARTY
    by Samantha Sinclair
    WC: 97

    Rudolph’s red nose that glows-in-the-dark makes “Ruddo” a radiant clown.

    “The Fang Fairy” drapes a black, hooded cape over her tutu and crown.

    Cupid is “Boo!-pid” while under his sheet. Turkey claims he is a-“Gobblin‘”.

    Frightfully bound and knockin’ things down, poor “Easter Mummy” is wobblin’!

    Dear “Mrs. Claws” brings goodies and treats. “Mother Goosebump” makes a sign.

    They hang it with care and seconds to spare. “He’s home!” yells “Leprechaun-stein”.

    Ol’ Jack O’Lantern rolls through the door, enchanted to see what’s within.

    The whole party screams “Happy Halloween!” Jack’s grimace is finally a grin!

  36. Ashlee MacCallum (@_ashleedani) says:
    Reply

    THE FINAL HOUR
    Ashlee MacCallum
    Word Count: 95

    You’re walking down a dark street as your glow-in-the-dark shoes light the way.

    You take in the scene ahead of you.

    It’s the final hour of Halloween night.

    You see wrappers on the floor from goodies long gone and a package on a porch that reads “Amazon”.

    There’s pumpkins smashed along the side of the road,

    You peek inside your candy bag- you hit the motherload.

    A breeze blows by and goosebumps spread across your back,

    You walk until you reach your quiet cul-de-sac.

    It’s 11:59, the hour is gone.

    Next Halloween won’t be long.

    Blog- http://ashleemaccallum.weebly.com/blog/halloweensie-entry
    Twitter- _ashleedani

  37. Tonnye (rhymes with Connie) Fletcher (@tonnyef) says:
    Reply

    HALLOWEEN GALA
    By Tonnye Williams Fletcher
    100 words

    Green and gold glimmers grow
    from glow-in-the-dark gourds.
    Guests with goosebumps gather —
    Gaggles of giggly girls and gangly guys,
    Gussied up in grisly or glittery garb.

    Glamorous ghosts and garish ghouls
    glide among games,
    Vying for gallons of goodies.

    Then. . .
    Glimmering lights go out!!
    The sudden dark hides thievery.
    When the glow resumes,
    Goodies have disappeared!

    “Whodunnit?”

    Gumshoes on the job!
    A clue:
    Grunts and groans grow,
    from Angel Gabriel and Gladys Gladiator,
    from gobbling
    goodies galore!

    Looking green,
    grasping their bellies,
    Gabriel and Gladys go.

    Later. . .
    Goodies eaten,
    Games won.
    Glimmers ungleam.
    Gourds unlit.
    Guests ungather
    Until next Halloween.

  38. Melissa-Jane Nguyen says:
    Reply

    HALLOWEEN BITES
    By Melissa-Jane Nguyen
    89 words
    Blog link: https://melissajane.substack.com/p/halloweensie-entry-2021

    Two witches were mixing up potions
    All on a halloween night,
    Unaware that somebody was watching,
    A creature well-known for its bite.

    Goodies were thrown in a cauldron,
    A glow-in-the-dark delight.
    The beastie was lurking around,
    But buzzing about out of sight.

    ‘I’ve got tiny goosebumps,’ said Sybil,
    ‘It must be this blustery night.’
    The beastie was ready to strike,
    About to relish a bite.

    THWACK! ‘You hit me?!’ said Agnes.
    It almost started a fight.
    ‘Sorry! There was a mosquito on you,
    ‘And no time to be polite.’

  39. stephamargi says:
    Reply

    Double, Double Toilet Trouble
    by Stephanie Amargi
    77 words

    Double, double toilet trouble,
    Up at night with tummy grumble.
    Potty too far down the hall,
    Creeping shadows on the wall.
    What has caused this tummy fright?
    (Many goodies Hallows’ night.)
    Cry for Mama, Papa Witch?
    Cast a spell to flip a switch?
    Sweat and goosebumps on my skin,
    Must be brave, can’t hold it in.
    Double, double toilet trouble,
    Up at night with tummy grumble…
    Out of my bed without a spark:
    Glad my pj’s glow-in-the-dark.

  40. Jeannette Suhr says:
    Reply

    Henley’s Haunted House w/c 99
    Jeannette Suhr

    Henley visited his first Haunted House.
    Eerie music and moans filled the air.
    “Glow-in-the-dark” bugs shined a path.

    A vampire, drooling blood, sat up in his coffin.
    A witch CACKLED and shook her broom.
    Henley got goosebumps.

    His flashlight reflected zombies in a mirror.
    He found a hidden prop room filled with body parts and makeup.
    “So this is how the magic is made,” said Henley.

    He created a monster costume.
    “No one will recognize me.”
    He frightened the mummy following behind him.

    At the exit were cauldrons filled with goodies.
    Henley stuffed his pillowcase and left feeling brave.

  41. Nancy Riley says:
    Reply

    Disguise Surprise
    By Nancy Derey Riley, 98 words

    “I have a plan,” said Don. “This year, we’re sneaking out. We’ll get a barn full of goodies. Got your disguises, ur—costumes, right?”
    The gang nodded. Minutes later, they tiptoed from their home. Goosebumps prickled their backs. They dashed around, mingling with all the Halloween trick-or-treaters.
    “We better get back,” whispered Don.
    “But we’re having fun,” whined the others.
    “Okay, just one more house.”
    They trotted up, smelling gingerbread and peppermint.
    A plump, bearded man, dressed in a glow-in-the-dark Hawaiian shirt, opened the door.
    “Trick-or—.” The gang stared.
    “Donner?”
    “Santa?”
    The man chuckled.
    “Ho-ho-ho, Happy Halloween.”

  42. David McMullin says:
    Reply

    Enough
    By David McMullin
    96 words

    Axton was a bundle of goosebumpy skin, wobbly knees, and chattery teeth.
    Would his costume be enough?
    He only wondered because he never felt like enough—not good enough, cool enough, popular enough.
    To make up for his not-enoughness, he found ways to stand out. His daily outfits were a flamboyant collage of shimmery-shinies, and color-bursts, and other show-offy goodies.
    But these daily “costumes” were exhausting!
    So today for Halloween—
    simply jeans and a t-shirt.
    During the costume parade Axton stood out like he was glowing-in-the-dark.
    “What are you?” everyone asked.
    “I am,” he answered, “…enough.”

  43. Ally Piper says:
    Reply

    Witches Aren’t Supposed to be Afraid of the Dark
    By Ally Piper
    Word Count: 99

    Beatrice gulped; the telltale tingle of goosebumps was hard to ignore.

    She was determined not to miss another Halloween. While her friends were collecting goodies, she was always home — with the lights on — well before sunset. Witches aren’t supposed to be afraid of the dark they teased.

    This year was going to be different. Beatrice had a plan. While others wore sensible black shoes, she had ordered a special pair.

    Beatrice cringed, closing her eyes before she stepped into the dark. She opened one eye slightly…and sighed. The dark wasn’t so scary anymore thanks to her new glow-in-the-dark shoes.

  44. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR PAUL

    Frankenpixie
    by Paul Kurtz
    100 words

    Itsy-bitsy Petey Pixie sighs. “No one notices me—I’m lonesome. Maybe my awesome new costume will help me make friends at the Halloween party.”

    Glow-in-the-dark Frankenpixie-Petey clomps into the party on towering stilts.
    “Wow!” Fayette Fairy drops her plate of goodies.Petey teeters side-to-side.
    Goosebumps spike across Larry Leprechaun’s green skin. “He’ll fall and CRUSH us!”
    Everyone stampedes—
    “HELP!”
    “EEYAHH!”
    Petey tilts, and—
    KA-SPLASSH
    —belly-flops into the punch bowl.

    In the emergency-room, Pixie-Doctor Penelope wraps Petey’s sprained nose.
    “Super-awesome costume, Petey. Come to our hospital Halloween party?”
    “Sure!”

    Petey dances all night with Penelope and new friends—
    “HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!”

  45. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR PAUL

    Scaredy-Monster
    by Paul Kurtz
    100 words

    “My job is frightening everyone on Halloween.” Goody Monster trembles. “I’m too scared!”
    A fluffy bunny hops by.
    “EEEKKK!” Goody shrieks.
    Goody zooms into the woods.
    “It’s scary here!”
    Branches rustle.
    “HELP!” Another monster struggles in a glowing-in-the-dark humongous spiderweb.
    “I’ll save you!” Goody yanks the monster out, but—
    AAGGHH!”
    —tumbles into the web.
    The other monster tugs Goody free.
    “Thanks!” Goody says.
    “Thank-you too. I’m Goosebumps.”
    “I’m Goody.”
    A mouse dozes nearby.
    Grinning, Goody and Goosebumps sneak up.
    “Boo!” the mouse squeaks.
    “EEYOWW!” yell both monsters, hiding together.
    Goody laughs. “Being scared is lots more fun with a friend!”

  46. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR DONNA

    Halloween’s the Worst!
    by Donna Kurtz
    92 words

    “Halloween—it’s the worst!” I groan, trying to hide.
    “Don’t be scared,” calls a witch from her broom. “Come and ride!”

    Skimming treetops and clouds, we zoom into the night,
    Where the chilly fall breeze gives me goosebumps that bite!

    We play tag with two werewolves and hide-and-ghost-seek,
    Then I’m tickled by zombies and laugh till I’m weak!

    We find candy-corn fields fenced by chocolate bars,
    And catch caramel glow-in-the-dark shooting stars.

    Munching lots of great goodies, we share all the rest—
    “Like I said at the start, Halloween—it’s the BEST!”

  47. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR DONNA

    Bunny’s Bored!
    by Donna Kurtz
    98 words

    “Won’t Easter ever come?” sighs Bunny. “I’m bored.”
    He checks his calendar.
    “Yay! Tonight’s Halloween—I’ll hide yummy glow-in-the-dark goodies.”

    Hopping through creepy woods, Bunny hears branches shake.
    “What’s that?” Goosebumps spike up his back.
    “ROARR!” Out jumps Monster.
    “Eee-yoww!” Bunny dashes.
    “Wait!” Laughing, Monster removes his mask.
    “Santa?”
    “I got bored waiting for Christmas.”
    The ground trembles—
    Killer-Robot clanks from the dark.
    “Great costume!” cheer Bunny and Santa.
    Red beams shoot from Killer-Robot’s eyes—
    ZAAPPP!
    Bushes explode into flames.
    “Eee-yahh—he’s real!” Bunny and Santa skedaddle.
    Killer-Robot’s head slides off.
    “Tee-hee-hee!” Ms. Claus grins—
    “HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!”

  48. Aly Kenna says:
    Reply

    The Goblin Market
    99 words
    By Aly Kenna

    Open one night a year on All Hallows Eve
    the glow-in-the-dark market takes shape.
    Once you’re inside, it’s too late to leave.
    So, for Stanley there was no escape.

    All out of tricks and a bag full of candy,
    Stanley bartered his goodies away –
    Got some eyes from a zombie who had a pair handy
    and a bone from a werewolf at play.

    Then he got a goosebump when the clock struck midnight,
    for the market would soon disappear.
    By the first ray of light, Stanley was all out of fight
    tucked in bed – goblins sleep for a year.

  49. Nicola Thackrey (@NicolaT071) says:
    Reply

    WILFRED THE WIZARD
    93 words

    Wilfred the wizard was greedy and mean,
    He once cast a spell that would wreck Halloween.

    “When children go tricking and treating,” he said,
    “Their goodies will land in my cauldron instead!”

    The potion turned purple, it fizzled and popped,
    It glowed-in-the-dark and it bubbled then…
    STOPPED!

    A shadowy vision appeared in the air,
    Of children who CARE and who GIGGLE and SHARE.

    Wilfred got goosebumps, “Oh, horrible sight!”
    His magic was broken by kindness and light.

    So every October, you know what to do,
    Have lots of fun, but be generous too!

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