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. Jana Mattern (@MatternJana) says:
    Reply

    HALLOWEENIE
    By Jana Mattern
    99 Words

    Last year I was a green crayon.
    I tried to bury that embarrassing pointy hat, but somehow my human found it.

    Let’s not even discuss the year I was a mermaid.
    With so much fur showing, I had goosebumps all night.
    At least I got beef-flavored goodies afterward.

    Then there was the year I accidentally became a mummy after getting into toilet paper.

    I’m crossing my paws for a good costume this year.
    I heard the Labrador next door gets to be a glow-in-the-dark skeleton. Lucky!

    Here comes my costume.

    It’s a…
    HOT DOG!

    It’s perfect!

    Happy HalloWEENIE!

  2. readmybook2002 says:
    Reply

    Word Count: 97 The Last House on Halloween
    Bru Benson

    “Have enough candy on your first Halloween?” Risha’s older sister asked.
    “I do. My school friends told me about this last house, it’s scary,” ten-year-old Risha said.
    While her sister waited, Risha followed glow-in-the-dark tape to the front porch.
    The door opened. It was true. Risha had goosebumps.
    “Pick one,” a voice said.
    So many goodies to choose from, “This one will do fine. Thank You.”
    Risha walked back to meet her sister.
    “What was so scary?” her sister asked.
    “No candy, just books,” Risha said,
    “You can have all this candy, I’ll just carry my book.”

  3. Janet Smart says:
    Reply

    Here is my entry:
    GHOSTLY, GHASTLY, GOOSEBUMPS
    98 words by Janet F. Smart

    Ghostly, ghastly, goosebumps,
    Big eared bats and spider filled stumps.
    Eek! What do I see?
    Over in the pumpkin patch,
    I just saw a goblin hatch
    On this spooooooky Halloween!
    It glows in the dark.
    It looks like an aardvark—
    And it’s running right towards me!
    I scream and grab my goody sack
    I fling it like a lumberjack.
    My candy soars through the air!
    When it hits him in the head,
    He scowls at me; his face turns red.
    He grunts, glares and growls!
    He snatches one and takes a bite
    Then to my shocked delight
    He shouts, “Mmm, chocolate!”

  4. Kaye Wright (@kidcancermom) says:
    Reply

    Astronaut Aidan
    By Kaye Wright
    Word Count: 100

    Spacesuit? Check.
    Stuffed bear co-pilot? Check.
    Rocketship? Almost.

    Goosebumps covered Aidan’s arms.
    This Halloween he was flying into space.

    No huge piles of goodies like last year, he thought.
    No parading through the streets with his brother either.

    Nervously he waited to take flight.

    “The nurses have a special surprise for you,” Mom encouraged.

    Do all astronauts feel this topsy-turvy before take off, he wondered.

    “Ready, Astronaut Aidan?” the nurse called.

    Slowly the lights dimmed.
    One by one, glow-in-the-dark stars shone from above.

    Reassured, Aidan smiled.

    From his seat aboard the radiation machine rocketship he bravely counted.

    “3, 2, 1 … blastoff!”

  5. Erin Cleary (ClearyWriter) says:
    Reply

    THE HALLOWEEN DARE
    by Erin Cleary
    100 words
    Blog: https://www.erincleary.com/post/happy-halloween

    The dark, decaying house towers above me. A shiver prickles my spine.

    I can do this!

    I start up the path. Leaves crunch under my feet.

    “It’s been nice knowing you!” My friends laugh.
    They make ghostly sounds that give me goosebumps.

    I can do this!

    I climb the rickety stairs and point one trembling finger. Cobwebs cover the doorbell.

    Bong-Bong-Bong…

    Slowly, the door creeeeeeaks open.

    I can do this!

    My voice cracks. “Trick or treat?”

    Glow-in-the-dark eyes pierce the darkness.

    A bony hand reaches out.

    A scratchy voice asks,

    “M&Ms or Snickers? Would your friends like some goodies too?”

  6. eleanorrcullen says:
    Reply

    ‘Dracula’s first Halloween’ by Eleanor Cullen (EleanorRCullen)
    Word Count: 100 Words

    Today’s the day, the day to scream,
    it’s my frightfully fabulous first Halloween!

    There are things to do and people to scare,
    but first I must find a costume to wear!
    I could dress as a bat, or a spider or shark,
    or one of those fish that glow-in-the-dark.
    I could give you goosebumps as a horrid old hag,
    and carry my goodies in a cauldron-shaped bag!

    Though my normal look might be spooky enough,
    with my fangs and my cape, and my vampire-y stuff.
    So this Halloween, you wait and see,
    the scariest costume will look just like me!

  7. Effigy Press says:
    Reply

    Title: Pumpkin Dawn
    By: TSW Sharman
    Word count: 100

    When Dad lit the candle inside our pumpkin my head was suddenly all goosebumps. Dad recoiled, and Mum screamed.

    We’d bought the pumpkin at ‘D’Veels Goodies’. The man who sold it to us had weird eyes above his mask, which frightened me. But we’d carved a fun, goofy smile onto it.

    But now, on our doorstep, it was flaming. But not burning up. The fire crackled, but it sounded like cackling. Dad said, “In the car. Now!” We drove away. Fast.

    All the houses we passed had the same burning pumpkins outside, and the horizon was like a glow-in-the-dark necklace.

  8. booksbytrista says:
    Reply

    A Southern Halloween
    by Trista Herring Baughman
    Word Count: 98

    “Oh nooo! Your goodies are all rurnt and junk. Did I do that?” Dulzebella, dressed as the Geico Pothole, cackled mischievously.
    Tater watched grumpily as goopy, green, glow-in-the-dark slime oozed over his trick-or-treat bag.
    AAAAHHHRRROOOO!
    “What’s that?” Dulzebella squeaked.
    “That was the werewolf of Creepy Holler. Look, I see its eyes in the bushes! RUN!”
    Dulzebella ran quicker’n a scalded dog. Tater laughed until he couldn’t see her anymore. “You can come out now, Hank. We got her good! That howl even gave me goosebumps. Hank?”
    A low growl came from the bushes. It didn’t sound like Hank.

  9. Judy Cooper says:
    Reply

    THE CANDY MONSTER (99 words)
    by Judy Cooper

    It was Halloween, a night when anything could knock on your door…
    witches, glow-in-the-dark ghosts, zombies or who knows what?
    Suddenly, a thump, thump, thump sounded.
    Goosebumps covered Quinn’s arms.
    Nervously, Raffi peeked out the window.
    “It’s a monster,” he yelled. “Quick. Hide!”
    The creature shrieked. “Trick or treat! Give me something good to eat!”
    Raffi peered from under the blanket.
    “Don’t worry,” said Quinn. “I have a plan.”
    She opened the door and tossed goodies into the creature’s bag.
    He scurried away.
    “You saved us,” cried Raff-Raff. “You’re my hero.”
    Quinn smiled. “I know how to handle monsters.”

  10. Andrew Hacket says:
    Reply

    THE HALLOWEEN POTTY
    By Andrew Hacket
    100 Words

    Halloween night.
    Goosebumps bristle
    as monsters arrive, goodies in hand.
    Time to party.

    “Too little,” they say. I’m ushered away.

    I stand in my lavatory, laboratory.
    My cauldron, shiny white.
    A trick up my sleeve.

    Time to mix.
    Time to make.
    Conjure.
    Create.

    But footsteps on stairs means hurry,
    move quick. Too rushed to measure, I toss it all in.

    With a flush of excitement, I give it a whirl.
    The cauldron strains,
    gurgles, groans,
    about to explode.

    My family bursts in
    as the toilet erupts.

    They’re now dripping in slime
    that glows-in-the-dark.

  11. Susan Reese Krevat says:
    Reply

    Happy Halloween! Here is my 69 word poem.

    It Absolutely Will Be A Fine Night
    By Susan Krevat

    Black cats whose eyes shine bright
    Will absolutely be a fine sight
    As they creep among all these treats
    Being stealthy and sly beasts.

    Goodies that glow-in-the-dark
    Will absolutely make their mark
    Upon my arms where I find in clumps
    A serious case of goosebumps.

    Masked goblins who travel down my street
    Will absolutely find something to eat
    While they happily run around
    Swishing through leaves upon the ground.

  12. Una Belle Townsend says:
    Reply

    HALLOWEEN GOODIES
    By
    Una Belle Townsend
    Word count: 100 wds.

    My Aunt Halley makes me weird Halloween goodies. Sometimes it’s banana bat wings, crunchy cattails, or peppermint pig’s ears.
    This year, I decided to surprise her with a treat. I made glow-in-the-dark pumpkin pudding with tiny black spiders on top.
    “It’s delicious,” she said. Soon she shivered and broke out with orange and black goosebumps all over her face, arms, and hands.
    What had I done?
    Aunt Halley burped a tiny burp and smiled. Then, she burped a huge, smelly burp and giggled. Finally, she belched out a humongous burp and cackled.
    “You got me,” she said. “Where’s that recipe?”

  13. suejeanko says:
    Reply

    Happy Halloween, Everyone!

    IT’S DARK IN HERE
    By Sue Ko
    Word Count: 97

    It’s the day after Halloween
    And it’s dark in here.
    Skittles went at 9am.
    Kiss at 10.
    Glow-In-the-Dark Jelly Fangs left at recess.
    And here I sit.
    I pointed out at the factory that we didn’t taste like anything. And why name us after a vegetable? I mean, where’s the kid appeal in that?
    I’m competing—whoa! Bright light! Here comes The Hand! Me, Cody! Pick me!
    Whopper.
    OK.
    I’m competing with these goodies: cutesie rolls, raspberry diamonds, rocks that pop and give kids goosebumps- seriously!
    I’m sweating in this plastic sleeve
    And it’s dark in here.

  14. suejeanko says:
    Reply

    EYELASHES
    By Sue Ko
    Word Count: 99

    I imagined this moment during the long weeks our shipping container sat at sea.

    We heard the people onboard saying what a rough year it was. And now this.
    I worried we wouldn’t make it in time for Halloween. My Child was counting on me. The thought gave me goosebumps.

    Finally, we were unloaded!

    We travelled to a place called Costco and were hung on a very long rack.

    Now the moment I imagined is here. The night is cool. Glow-in-the-dark Jack O’Lanterns smile. And My Child’s eyelashes brush against me as she peers into her bag of goodies.

  15. suejeanko says:
    Reply

    FALL
    By Sue Ko
    Word Count: 86

    Oh dearie me
    It’s that time of year
    When darkness descends
    And The Reaper appears
    My colorless brethren lie in piles down below
    While we desperately cling
    To our branch in the snow
    Reds flutter with fright
    Yellows flap in their panic
    Tans twirl on their twigs
    And me—I’m quite manic
    Out tumble the kiddies
    In sheets and with humps
    With glow-in-the-dark grins
    That give me goosebumps
    To them Halloween
    Brings a season of goodies
    But for me
    It’s the season I
    Fall.

    Bummer, right?

  16. Rae Harkness (@Rae_Hark) says:
    Reply

    TOO DARK
    by Rae Harkness
    Word count: 95 words

    Halloween called for a dark and spooky night, but it was too dark to go trick or treating.
    Gus Ghost was covered in goosebumps. “ We can’t go out like this” he moaned.
    Marsha Mummy cried “How will we get our goodies??”
    Vonn Vampire sat and pouted “Hmph, Halloween is Cancelled.”

    Sacha Skeleton had an idea! She cracked bones one by one.
    Then she wiggled and shook and her bones started to glow!
    Sacha was a glow-in-the-dark Skeleton!

    The little monsters followed Sacha through Monster Town.
    “Trick or Treat” they all yelled happily through the night.

  17. Mary Ann Miranda Napolitano says:
    Reply

    Boo
    By Mary Ann Napolitano
    Word Count: 97 words

    Black cat, furry rat, flying bat – Boo!
    It’s the night of fright with a goblin or two.

    Masked face, quick pace, fun race – Boo!
    Glow-in-the dark from house to house with my favorite crew.

    Candy corn, costumes worn, wrappers torn – Boo!
    Walking through the streets giving goosebumps to you.

    Scary sight, orange light, spooky night – Boo!
    Halloween is the scene to be someone new.

    Paint face, wear lace, slow pace – Boo!
    Once a year, dress up, no fear, and eat some goodies, too.

    Shout out, don’t pout, no doubt – Boo!
    Everyone you meet – say, “Happy Halloween to you!”

  18. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR SARAH

    Much Too Goody
    by Sarah Hawklyn
    WC 99

    Tonight, ghosts and goblins parade the streets.
    So, this quiet witch’s familiar can be a frightening monster too.
    Hiding,
    sliding,
    slinking by.
    With inky fur I disappear into smokey shadows.
    In the darkness my eyes shine like glow-in-the-dark jack-o-lanterns.
    Rattle,
    tattle,
    clink klonk.
    I prick my ears at skeletons in the night.
    Quickly up the stairs to Witch’s door to guard the goodies.
    None shall have them but me.
    I arch my back in all my glorious terribleness.
    My goosebump raising roar will make you tremble.

    rumbly,

    grumbly,

    gravely…

    RRR…PPP…PURRR!

    Oh drats, she left catnip for me!

    My nemesis.

  19. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR JULIANNA

    Julianna Kurtz 99 words
    Kurtzmom54@gmail.com

    Candy Surprise by Julianna Kurtz
    It’s Halloween Night!
    “Out of my way! I should be first! I am the best!””
    “I am the most popular. I am on the top of everyone’s list!”
    Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!
    Knock, knock,
    “Trick or treat!”
    “I am sure they are after me! Outta my way!
    “Squish! Ouch! Whew! Made it!”
    “See, I told you they would pick me!
    “I’m outta here! So long suckers!”
    Plop into a glow-in-the- dark pumpkin!
    “On top of all the goodies, where I belong!”
    “Wait a minute!”
    “What’s happening?”
    Where did my wrapper go?
    Brrr! I’ve got goosebumps!
    Are those teeth? Save me!!!!!
    Gulp!

  20. Judy Egan (@JudyEgan2) says:
    Reply

    Halloween Surprise
    Judy Egan (@JudyEgan2)
    91 Words

    “I’m not going trick or treating!” Sarah slammed her door.
    “You love trick or treating. Think of all the goodies you’ll get,” Mom said.
    “I loved it when I went with Haley. Everything is ruined since we moved!” Sarah sobbed.
    “I’ll go with you. We can be Goosebump garden gnomes,” Sarah’s brother said.
    Sarah wailed louder.
    Halloween night the doorbell rang.
    “Sarah, there’s someone here to see you.”
    “Haley!”
    Haley helped Sarah put on her glow-in-the-dark fairy wings from last year. Haley wore hers too. Twin fairies again.
    Halloween was saved.

  21. matthewlasley says:
    Reply

    Trick-or-Treat at 20 Below
    Matthew Lasley
    84 words

    Children laugh as they pile out of the car
    Costumes stretched over winter gear
    Covered in glow-in-the-dark reflective tape.
    Goosebumps pimple any exposed skin.
    Welcomed warm blasts of air from open doors
    As we collect our goodies.
    Snow boots in place of princess slippers
    A clown mask strapped over a ski mask
    As our candy freezes solid in the bag.
    Dad driving us up and down the street
    Warming up chattering teeth between stops.
    That is how we trick-or-treat
    When it is 20 below.

  22. Patricia Finnegan says:
    Reply

    GOTCHA!
    By Pat Finnegan (99 Words)

    Halloween was finally here,
    Witch’s special time of year.
    Sharing treats would make Witch scream,
    So she planned a wicked scheme.
    Blasting skyward on her broom,
    Witch roared out this spell of doom.
    “Monster clouds, glow in the dark!
    “Lightning bolts, light up the park!”
    Goodies flew into the air;
    Kids got goosebumps everywhere.
    Suddenly, the children cheered.
    “Hmmm,” thought Witch, “how very weird.
    “Are you scared?” she asked with doubt.
    “Terrified,” kids shouted out.
    “Haunt us! Spook us!” children dared.
    “This is fun to be so scared.”
    Then the tricksters shouted, “BOO!
    “GOTCHA, Witch! Now we scared you!”

  23. Aundra Tomlins says:
    Reply

    The House Next Door
    By Aundra Tomlins
    95 words

    Gabby stood outside the dark crumbling house.
    Goosebumps pricked her skin.
    Did a curtain move?
    The house had been empty for as long as she could remember.
    She grabbed goodies from her pillowcase, unwrapped chocolate, munching.
    “Are you afraid?!” the zombie teased from the lamp-lit sidewalk.
    “I’m not afraid,” she whispered.
    Her heart pounded, palms damp.
    She stepped up.
    Screech,
    Groan,
    Squeak.
    Her glow-in-the-dark bracelet lit up the tarnished door knocker.

    Knock – FLASH!

    The house became illuminated.
    The dingy walls- now glimmering.
    Petunias growing.
    She looked at the empty bright sidewalk.
    “Ah! Where am I?”

  24. Penelope McNally says:
    Reply

    No Grownups!
    By Penny McNally
    97 words

    Goody, no trick-or-treating with the grownups this year! After the millionth reminder to be careful, Max goes out alone into the dark Halloween night. He cracks open his glow-in-the-dark wand, crunching over the dead sidewalk leaves. Walking to meet his friends, Max suddenly stops short. Instant goosebumps!
    A dark, haunted house looms before him. Tombstones cover the lawn, bloody zombies and ghastly ghouls dance and spin. Witches, swaying to the sounds of ominous organ music and ghostly oohs, stir a smoky cauldron. A piercing scream fills the night air. And doesn’t stop until Max is safely home.

  25. claireschlinkert says:
    Reply

    The Halloween Party
    By Claire Schlinkert
    (99 words)

    “Oh goody!” Mom whooped. “At your Halloween party,
    we’ll show your friends REAL tricks and treats – nothing tame!”
    The thought gave me goosebumps. Despite my misgivings,
    the invites went out and the dreaded day came.

    Mom’s glow-in-the-dark cakes delighted my classmates.
    Her cauldron display showered stars through the air!
    Yet suddenly Mom, with her wand waving wildly,
    sent too many spells out with too little care …

    Magnolia’s Mom didn’t want a toad daughter,
    and parents whose kids became rats made a scene.
    But grown-ups who grumbled got turned into tadpoles.
    There’s NO CHANCE that Mom’s in charge next Halloween!

  26. writestuff99 says:
    Reply

    Can We Please Skip the Costumes?
    by JC Kelly
    99 words

    Rob threatened to boycott trick-or-treating.
    He always liked all the ghost and goblin stuff, and
    gobbling up the goodies he collected.

    It was the dressing up part, ugh.
    Costumes never fit quite right.
    But Dad promised he was making an amazing surprise in his workshop.

    On Halloween, Rob was rather puzzled by what Dad gave him.
    There was a cool sword and a shield,
    but the main piece looked like…A DRESS?

    Suddenly, Dad shouted, “Your chariot awaits.”
    And Rob got goosebumps when he saw that Dad had transformed his wheelchair into an awesome Gladiator’s chariot, complete with glow-in-the-dark wheels!

  27. Colleen Owen Murphy says:
    Reply

    I do hope my posting the word count of my story in the comments counts??

    I do not envy you the job of judging!! Happy Halloweensie!!

    • Susanna Leonard Hill says:
      Reply

      It’s fine, Colleen – no worries! I mostly want everyone to check their own word counts before they post so they don’t accidentally exclude themselves for something they could have fixed 😊 It doesn’t matter where you put it. I don’t envy me either! 😊😊😊

      • Colleen Owen Murphy says:

        LOL!! And you will do this again come Christmas! You are amazingly generous with your time. Thank you!!

  29. meredithadams03 says:
    Reply

    How Would She Know?
    By Meredith Adams
    91 words

    Jack worked on his costume for weeks and weeks
    Cut, sew, glitter, glue…all the crafty techniques

    Working late nights, without complaint
    Feathers, felt and glow-in-the-dark paint

    Halloween night finally arrived
    Jack was ready, all disguised.

    Plastic pumpkin for collecting goodies
    ‘Here’s your coat. It’s cold, you’ll freeze.”

    Mom just didn’t understand
    How hard Jack worked, how hard he planned.

    He can’t cover up his costume now
    Jack must lose his coat, but how?

    He left it hidden, near some tree stumps.
    Mom will never know, well, except for his goosebumps.

  30. Haven Blough says:
    Reply

    The Day After Halloween
    by Haven Blough
    WC- 78

    Sometimes I wish I would have been
    Something else for Halloween
    Like something pink and fluffy
    Instead of sickly green

    You see, goosebumps are nice for the evening
    And glow-in-the-dark’s just as good
    But on November 1st
    Your feel the worst
    When you’re the only ghoul left in the neighborhood

    Yes I should’ve been a princess or fairy
    Or some other goody-two-shoes
    Because now I’m stuck
    With hair colored like muck
    And fangs in my picture for school

  32. Desi Vee (@lasideasdedesi) says:
    Reply

    Brujita’s treat
    Word Count: 78

    Brujita Traviesa warned Gloria not to eat the glistening goodies before wearing her costume on Halloween night.

    “She did say goodies. If I eat one after dinner she won’t know. One will do the trick.” thought Gloria.

    Shivery, heebie-jeebies-goosebumps!
    A short stomachache later… Poof!

    Nada.

    “Bruja mentirosa. There was nothing wrong with these treats. Tonight, I get more!”

    Costume? On.
    Bag? Ready.
    Flashlights? Not needed.

    Brujita Traviesa’s treat did the trick.
    Into the dark, Glo-Worm lit the way.

  33. ejessmurray says:
    Reply

    Spooky Investigates
    by Jessica Murray
    WC 100

    Spooky had goosebumps. Unusual, because she LOVED scary sounds.
    Creaking floorboards.
    Tappity trees.
    She peeked out the window.
    EEK!
    Something in the tumbled-down garden glowed in the dark…
    and moany-groany wailed!
    Fido growled and nudged her hand.
    “You’re right. We have to investigate.”
    Spooky grabbed…a dog bone.
    From tree to tree, the moany-groan got louder. EEK!
    Spooky shivered.
    “It” flapped and slapped and swayed.
    “Moany-groan,” whispered Spooky. “Give a dog a…BONE!”
    She heaved, Fido bounded, the bone bounced, and ppppppffffftt.
    “HAA!” Behind the deflated ghoul
    was a speaker and note:
    Congrats, Spooky!
    Enjoy these ghoulish goodies.
    Love,
    Your big sis

  35. Becky Falkum Macumber (@B_Falkum) says:
    Reply

    THE BEST MEDICINE
    By Becky Falkum
    Word Count: 98

    Sam’s gown was nothing like the princess dresses dancing past her window. It barely covered the goosebumps on her skeletal legs. If only she could escape the beeping monitors, their glow-in-the-dark numbers, and the tubes tethering her to machines.

    “I’ve brought you goodies!” a sweet voice rang out.

    Sam couldn’t face Nurse Betty. Not tonight. “Can’t my pills wait until morning?”

    “Not those goodies,” Betty whispered. “The other ones.”

    Sam turned around. “You didn’t.”

    Nurse Betty, donning black hat and broom, cackled with glee as she handed over a bag full of sugary sin.

    “It’ll be our secret!”

  36. Joyce Schriebman says:
    Reply

    YOU AIN’T NOTHIN’ BUT A HOT DOG by Joyce Schriebman (W/C 83)

    When Halloween came ‘round last year, I had nothing to wear.
    They called me Goody Frank Furter. BALONEY! You beware!
    I could not splurge on glowing-in-the-dark. I had no cash.
    How could I conjure goosebumps and become a jumbo smash?
    I wrapped myself in paper towels—a mummy from the crypt!
    I relished using catsup for the blood, which oozed and dripped.
    I mustered all my spiciness to be the biggest meanie,
    but once outside a brat rolled by and greeted, “Hallo, Weenie!”

  37. nadianakib says:
    Reply

    Witches Holiday
    By: Nadia Nakib

    Gather ‘round witches it’s time to focus.
    Tonight is more than just some hocus-pocus!

    Grab your spell books and please don’t fear,
    The witching hour is finally here!

    Children wear masks, costumes and hoodies,
    We’ll lure them in with our potion of goodies!

    Brewing magic that will glow-in-the-dark,
    Riding our broomsticks over the park.

    Instead of candy when they say, “Trick-or-Treat”,
    We’ll send goosebumps down from their heads to their feet!

    It’s the spookiest night you’ve ever seen,
    So grab your fellow witch and have a Happy Halloween!

  38. shelleykinder says:
    Reply

    Halloween Hocus Potion
    by Shelley Kinder
    WC 100

    Too cold outside to trick-or-treat.
    But making potion sure sounds neat!

    I’ll gather goodies. Stir them up.
    Have no fear, my Fritzy pup!

    I’ll use this broth here as my base.
    Wipe that worry off your face!

    Finding goodies left and right –
    mousetrap, glitter, broken kite.

    Spider rings aglow in dark,
    clumps of lint, and gummy shark.

    Baby booties, sticks of glue.
    Getting goosebumps as I brew!

    What are words that witches use?
    Hocus pocus slimy ooze?!

    Garblewacky bubbly drip?!
    Okay, Fritzy, take a sip!

    Don’t be shy. Try it now …
    Oh no! OOPS! What have I …?

    MEEEEOW!

  39. brianajoyillustrations says:
    Reply

    Goats and Goblins
    by: Briana Joy McCormick
    100 Words

    Pumpkins.
    Farmer thought they’d be a goodie.
    But Halloween’s here and fields are still orange.
    The animals love tasty pumpkins, why is Farmer sad?

    At dusk, Farmer prepares for trick-or-treaters.
    Animals gather to plan.
    Poor Farmer wants pumpkins gone.
    If they eat them, there won’t be so many!

    Sneak over gate.
    Through dark fields.

    Scraaaape. Crunch. Thud!
    Animals stiffen.

    What’s out there?

    Raasssp. Bump. Thump.
    Goose’s goosebumps raise.

    Goblins near.

    Scraaatch. Whack. Grunt.
    Cow has milkshakes.

    Ghouls everywhere.

    Wide eyes glow-in-the-dark.
    Ghosts straight ahead!

    Pointy chins! Sharp, hooked fangs—
    Wait! Not fangs. Horns.

    Animals relax.

    Not ghosts; goats! Gobblin’ pumpkins!

  40. writestuff99 says:
    Reply

    Next Halloween
    JC Kelly
    100 words

    My costume is so spooky that I can actually feel
    goosebumps erupting through my skin.
    It’s THAT scary.

    Gee, those goosebumps keep coming.
    I haven’t told anyone about my costume.
    Can you keep a secret?

    They’re getting awfully itchy.
    My costume is so awesome,
    I hope I’m not allergic to it?

    Scratch, scratch.
    Now they’re on my face.
    I wonder if the glow-in-the-dark make-up will cover them?

    “Yikes,” screamed Mom.

    It wasn’t the costume that scared Mom.
    It was chicken pox.
    No trick-or-treating. No goodies for me.

    Good thing I didn’t tell you.
    I’m saving my costume for next Halloween.

  41. Marjorie-Ron Strid-David says:
    Reply

    PIRATES’ HALLOWEEN
    By Marjorie David
    “Ahoy, you maties! Raise your hooks! Let’s go plunder!”
    Three pirates charge into the night.
    “Steady as you go mates, thars bounty enough for all,” says one pirate.
    “Argh!” agree the other two.
    A caped figure with glow-in-the-dark jewelry and captain’s hat joins them.
    “Mind your steps, maties, we’ll stop wherever front lights shine.”
    “Your goodies or our tricks,” cry the pirates at every door.
    “Alas, our plundering is over. Retreat!”
    With heavy loot-bags, the pirates turn toward the caped figure, but….
    Only glow-in-the-darks, atop a folded cape and captain’s hat, remain.
    Goosebumps raise.
    The pirates yell, skedaddling.

  42. Teacher on Hiatus says:
    Reply

    Silly Goose
    by Sarah Marhevsky
    87 words

    I reached in for the goodies
    on this Halloween night,
    then paused, just for a moment,
    ’cause something wasn’t right.

    The moon’s reflection on the pond
    was marred by growing ripples.
    What had made the water move?
    My skin began to prickle.

    Luminescent algae, bright,
    there did glow-in-the-dark;
    around me, all was silent
    in the quiet little park.

    I dipped my head again for treats
    but something held me back;
    goosebumps rose like warnings,
    so I waited on my snack.

    A flash – I struck – success – a-ha!
    Why worry? No excuse!
    I caught a fish. The bumps went down.
    I’d been a silly goose!

  43. Patricia J. Weaver says:
    Reply

    All’s Fair in Spook and Scare
    “Come on Cliff, it’s your turn to go first,” Clayton said and pushed his brother toward the ancient gate.
    Cliff opened the gate engraved with snakes and spiders. Its eerie whine made goosebumps on his spine. One step on the path and the haunting began. Glow-in-the-dark eyes watched from every corner of the yard. Rows of Jack-o-latten ignited with blinding light. Zombies and werewolves reached for him. When he reached the house, the door creaked open and green vapers drifted out.
    “Enough!” Cliff shouted and everything stopped.
    “Good grief! Why can’t you hand out goodies like other grandmothers?”

    Word count 98 Patricia J Weaver

  44. steenahernandez says:
    Reply

    Smartie Treat WC100 By Steena Hernandez

    Clear wrapper, twisted sides, and always a sweet surprise.
    One bite brings on a sugary rush.

    But being a goody isn’t always easy this time of year.
    Tonight, kids will trick-or-treat ‘til buckets weigh heavy.
    A ghost with legs approaches—my flavorful goosebumps rise!

    “A giant Smartie! Can I have it, mom?” the ghost voice asks.
    “You’ll get lots of candy tonight!” mom says.
    “Not for eating!” ghost replies. “I’ll make a haunted house using glow-in-the-dark glue. It’ll bring smart energy—a glimmer of light.”

    Smartie smiles a grin of hope and cheers, “I’m one lucky treat this Halloween night!”

  45. Dea Brayden says:
    Reply

    HAUNTED HUNT
    by Dea Brayden and Lindsay Brayden Ellis
    84 words

    Whose got goosebumps? Me. Wish me luck.
    Time to start the quest.
    A map, 10 clues to outdoor decor.
    Haunted Hunt’s the best.

    10 plump pumpkins perch on a porch.
    9 suspended spiders.
    8 gross goblins glow-in-the-dark
    7 headless riders.

    6 wee witches whirl in the wind.
    5 gray ghosts go Booooo!
    4 scared scarecrows stand on some steps.
    3 old owls whoo-Whooooo!

    2 mad mummies moan in the mud.
    1 devilish display.
    Goody! Done. Oh no, where’d they go?
    My answers blew away!

  47. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    POSTED FOR CHRISTOPHER
    (ENTRY RECEIVED ON TIME, POSTED LATE BY ME)

    The Glow-In-The-Dark Goodies

    “Good evening kids…

    I mean… trick or treat!

    I have lots of Halloween goodies for you

    But these goodies, do not eat!

    For if you eat them

    They will make you glow-in-the-dark

    You’ll never ever be able to play

    hide and seek again,

    Especially at night in the park!

    Before you change

    You’ll get goosebumps from head to toe!

    Please…

    Don’t make me say I told you so!”

    CJ didn’t believe the old man.

    He unwrapped a forbidden goodie,

    And decided to give it a try

    His hands got bumpy, his body shivered.

    And now…

    CJ glows like a firefly

    Christopher E. Singleton Sr.

  48. Bevin Rolfs Spencer says:
    Reply

    Witch’s Woods
    Bevin Rolfs Spencer
    100 words

    To get through Witch’s Woods on Halloween night I brought:
    1. Glow-in-the-dark spiders to entertain the ogres.
    2. Goodies for the trolls under Grendel’s bridge: werewolf bones, metal parts and rocks.
    3. Goosebumps—my pet bat knew the way.
    4. A mirror–revealed him.
    5. Garlic–distracted him.
    6. An excuse: She found the book fair and square.
    7. My fighting cloak—he broke the deal.
    8. Scabbard. A sword fight ensued.
    9. My wits—never trust vampires.
    10. Witch’s Book of Spells–to trade for my sister. But we used a hex instead and escaped with the book.

  49. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR HOLLY
    (ENTRY RECEIVED ON TIME, POSTED LATE BY ME)

    INVITE A WITCH TO YOUR HALLOWEEN PARTY?!
    By Holly Vagley
    100 words

    Beware! Witches wear pointy, wide-brimmed hats – GREAT for serving goodies – like tea sandwiches…

    But not for guacamole.

    Those enormous pencil sharpeners in their purses?

    Sprinkle decorative hat-shavings all over the pita chips.

    Witches paint their faces glow-in-the-dark green.

    Green faces work best for roller coaster rides, sea cruises …

    And accidentally eating hat-shavings with guacamole and pita chips.

    Brooms?

    In the corner. So stand-offish.

    Unless you do the Limbo.

    Toads… Splash in your teapot.

    Like it’s a hot tub!

    And cats?

    Screech feline Cat-aoke.

    So…

    Invite a witch to your Halloween party?! Goosebumptious!

    Make sure she brings the whole gang!

  50. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply

    ENTRY POSTED FOR HOLLY
    (ENTRY RECEIVED ON TIME, POSTED LATE BY ME)

    PUMPKIN’S HALLOWEEN
    by Holly Vagley
    98 words

    Alone near the farm truck, Pumpkin sagged and straightened his white tag like a tie.

    Ryan zigzagged through the pumpkin patch. “Here’s the last one!”

    Grandpa shook his head, “Cracked.”

    Ryan touched Pumpkin’s white tag. “What’s it say?”

    “Sound it out.”

    Ryan traced the letters. “F-R-E-E. We’ll take Free home! Put two happy eyes and a great grin on his goose-bumply face!”

    Glowing-in-the-dark on Ryan’s stoop, Pumpkin enjoyed the costumes. The giggles. “Halloween is beautiful…”

    Ryan thanked her shining friend with goodies. “Your midnight snacks.”

    Soon, Pumpkin’s light faded. His eyes drooped. But his smile didn’t. “I’m Free.”

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