Wool of bat and toe of snake! It’s time for. . .
The 13th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest!!!
~ for children’s writers ~
THE CONTEST: write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (children here defined as 12 and under) (title not included in word count) using the words werewolf, superstition, and fright.
- 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.
- You may use the words in any form i.e. werewolves (werecub or werepuppy is acceptable as well should your story feature a young werewolf), frighten/frightening/frightful, superstitious etc, 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!
POST: your story in the comment section of This Post between right now this very second and 11:59PM Eastern Tuesday October 31st (So you have 3 full days to post – Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.)
- 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 of the Official Contest Post so that people can come visit your blog, but all entries must be posted in the comment section of the Official Contest Post between 12:01 AM Eastern Sunday October 29th and Tuesday October 31st at 11:59PM Eastern or they will not be read.
- 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! (Handy Contact button above or [susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com) Please place your entry in the body of the email including your title, byline (that means who the story is by – you! – so for example, By Jane Doe) and word count at the top – NO ATTACHMENTS! and please do not submit any entries before the official opening of the contest at 12:01 AM Eastern Sunday October 29th. They will not be accepted.
- 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 😊
- Every entry will be listed with a link to its comment so that entries are easy to find, but I cannot add links until 50 entries are up or they become incorrect when the comments move on to page 2, just so you’re aware!
THE JUDGING: over the following days, 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 Monday November 6th (though if the judging takes longer than expected it might be a little later – I have school visits that week and a far away book festival over the weekend.) The winners will be announced Thursday or Friday, November 9th or 10th (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!
⭐️ Ask Me Anything Zoom Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Sandra Foreman Sutter, owner and “top gnome” at Gnome Road Publishing, and author of STAN’S FRIGHTFUL HALLOWEEN (Spork, September 2020) and THE REAL FARMER IN THE DELL (Spork, March 2019)!!! Not only will Sandra read and critique your manuscript, you will get to talk to discuss it with her!
⭐️ Rhyme & Meter Self Study Course – Renee LaTulippe Renée M. LaTulippe is the author of The Crab Ballet (Cameron Kids/Abrams, 2022) and Limelight: Theater Poems to Perform (Charlesbridge, 2024) and has poems published in many anthologies including No World Too Big, Night Wishes, School People, National Geographic’s The Poetry of US, One Minute Till Bedtime, Poems Are Teachers, ThankU: Poems of Gratitude, and A World Full of Poems.
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique or Zoom Chat About A Project You’re Working On PLUS a Signed Copy of THE PIE THAT MOLLY GREW from Sue Heavenrich, author of THE PIE THAT MOLLY GREW (Sleeping Bear Press, August 2023), 13 WAYS TO EAT A FLY (Charlesbridge, 2021), DIET FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE (21st Century Books, August, 2018), FUNKY FUNGI (Chicago Review Press, July, 2022), the Super Science Series, and The Human Machine Series.
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non-rhyming, 700 words or less) PLUS a Query Letter Critique from author Steena Hernandez! Her debut picture book, LUPITA’S BROWN BALLET SLIPPERS, comes out with Beaming Books in Fall 2024. She’s an active member of SCBWI, Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, and Las Musas. Her poems and stories have appeared in Highlights High Five Magazine, and Little Thoughts Press Magazine. She’s represented by Lynnette Novak from the Seymour Agency. Visit her website at www.steenahernandez.com.
Author Steena Hernandez (photo credit Laura Squire)
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Hanh Bui, author of The Yellow Áo Dài (Feiwel & Friends, April 25, 2023) and the forthcoming Ánh’s New Word: A Story About Learning a New Language (Feiwel & Friends, May 14, 2024) PLUS a signed copy of The Yellow Áo Dài!
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non-rhyming, 750 words or less) from Dara Henry, author of HANUKKAH PAJAMAKKAHS, forthcoming from Sourcebooks, September 2024! Dara is a former teacher and has twice been named Honorable Mention in the Children’s Fiction Category of the 88th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, KIDLIT411, Writing for Children, 12×12, and PB_Soar 24. She is represented by Rena Rossner of The Deborah Harris Agency.
Author Dara Henry
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Rhyming) PLUS Zoom Chat from developmental editor Lou Piccolo! Lou studied English Literature, creative writing and teaching at university in South Africa. After working as an EFL teacher in France for twenty years, she studied proofreading and editing before becoming a developmental editor of children’s and young adult’s literature for independent authors. She is a graduate of Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab – Punching Up Prose With Poetry course and Making Picture Book Magic, the in-house writer for Editions Entrefilet’s language-learning magazine ‘Go English Kids’ for children of 8-12 in France, and a traditionally published author of MG and YA fiction with Burlington Books.
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non-rhyming) or Dummy Critique from Bonnie Kelso, author/illustrator of NUDI GILL: POISON POWERHOUSE OF THE SEA (Gnome Road, April 4, 2023), illustrator for IN A CAVE (written by Heather Ferranti Kinser, Gnome Road, October 3, 2023), and author-illustrator of a three-book series with GRP starting next spring!
⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (fiction) from Melissa Stoller, author of SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH (Spork 2018), READY, SET, GORILLA! (Spork 2018), THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION (chapter books) (Spork 2017), SADIE’S SHABAT STORIES (Spork, 2020) and PLANTING FRIENDSHIP: PEACE, SALAAM, SHALOM
⭐️ 30 Minute Ask Me Anything with Rebecca Gardyn Levington, author of BRAINSTORM! (Sleeping Bear Press, 2022), WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW (Barefoot Books, Mar 7, 2023), I WILL ALWAYS BE…(HarperCollins, Spring 2024), and AFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO? (Penguin/Rocky Pond, Spring 2024)
⭐️ Signed Copy of Roxanne Troup’s beautiful MY GRANDPA, MY TREE, AND ME (Yeehoo Press, April, 2023)
⭐️ Signed Copies of Kizzi Roberts‘s books THE ELVES GO MARCHING and THE EGGS GO ROLLING!
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, recommending their books for school and library purchases, and supporting them in any other way you can dream up! 😊
Now! Get those entries up! Have fun writing something new! Have fun reading the amazing work of your fellow writers! Have fun eating as many miniature chocolate bars as your little heart desires!
Happy Halloweensie!!!
I can’t wait to read your stories!!! 😊
For those of you having trouble commenting, I apologize for the fact that my site is apparently very temperamental! I can suggest the following: if you’re trying to post comments from a phone or tablet, try a computer – sometimes it works better that way. Chrome seems to work better with this site than some of the other browsers, although one dedicated individual, determined to be able to comment, has reported that she finally managed with Microsoft Edge. Thank you for trying – it’s so important for all of you to get to hear from each other!
The 228 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. The Most Frightening Halloween Of All! – Katie Schwartz
2. Trick Treat Or Treat. Smell My Feet – Sarah Hawklyn
3. Trick Or Treats – Mikki DeFever
4. The Werewolf – Michelle S. Kennedy
5. A Haunted Treasure Hunt – Ashlee MacCallum
6. The Zoo Super-Intendent – Joy Dickinson
7. Knock On Wood – Heather Kinser
8. The Silver Chain – Teresa Traver/Anne Rollins
9. One Last House – Tyler Ham
10. Above And Beyond – Corine Timmer
11. Hairy Wolf – Bridget Magee
12. Red Riding Hood Goes Trick Or Treating – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
13. Prank Or Prophecy? – Colleen Murphy
14. The Rule Of Three – Kathleen MacEachern
15. A Special Secret – Kelly Kates
16. Itchy Witch – Deborah Holt Williams
17. The Halloween Pet Parade – Kelly Clasen
18. Just A Superstition – Lyn Kekowsky
19. Werewolf’s Fright – Janel Caverly
20. What Monsters Wear On Halloween – Elissa Theiss Mazzeo
21. Wereboy – Paul Kurtz
22. Where’s Wolf? Werewolf! – Katie Walsh
23. Werewolf Yummies – Paul Kurtz
24. Cuddlesome Cubbies – Donna Kurtz
25. Beware: Were-cub In Disguise – Jodie Houghton
26. Happy Howl-o-ween! – Donna Kurtz
27. Howl-a-ween – Denise Seidman
28. The Frightfully Superstitious Werewolf – Susan Burdorf
29. Who Can Frighten Skeleton? – Jessie Raspbury
30. Untitled – Shariffa Keshavjee
31. Untitled – Shariffa Keshavjee
32. Untitled – Shariffa Keshavjee
33. Halloweensie Surprise – Elizabeth Thoms Charles
34. It’s Halloween – Janet Parkinson Bryce
35. Werewolf Bites! – Claudine Pullen
36. Sweet Superstition – Kristen Littlefield
37. Where Wolves? There Wolves – Marty Findley
38. Petrified – Mary-Catherine Amadu
39. Beware The Moon! – Jen Subra
40. Changes – Kailyn Dickason
41. My Family Secret – Sharon McCarthy
42. Don’t Get Eaten! – Sarah Hetu
43. The Full Moon Club – Patricia Finnegan
44. Halloween Jitters Revenge – Joyce Uglow
45. The Great Halloween Race – Marta Cutler
46. Scaring For Sugar – Sarah Hetu
47. Hush Little Werepup – Stephanie Maksymiw
48. Earth Is Tricky – Glenda Roberson
49. Werewolves Halloween Bash – Yolanda Danyi Szuch
50. A Human Superstition – Tiffany Hanson
51. Fifty-Eight Pieces Of Candy – Jacqueline Lindsey
52. Werewolf And The Frightening Superstition – Angel Gantnier
53. Attack Of The Werekitty – Linda Staszak
54. It Started With A Bite – Katie Lee Reinert
55. The Woefull Werewolf – Linda Staszak
56. Wilfy Werewolf’s Good Manners – Tracy Curran
57. The Halloween Parade – Lindsay Moretti
58. Werepup’s First Howl – Jessica Iwanski
59. How To Catch A Werewolf At Halloween – Susan E. Schipper
60. Half-Moon Halloween – P.J. Purtee
61. Oooo, It’s Halloween! – Paul Brassard
62. Verily Scarily Night – Marta Cutler
63. When Werewolves Take Baths – Jessica Russo
64. Werewolf, Monster and Witch – Maria Pope
65. A Whoosh, and a Swoosh and a Gurgly Goop – Maria Pope
66. A Superstitious Wish – Susannah Lee
67. The Boy Who Cried “Werewolf!” – Nicole Garnett
68. Moon Ballet – Katrenia Kiger
69. Luck Not Needed – Tracy T. Agnelli
70. Believe Or Not – Tracy T. Agnelli
71. Not Taking Any Chances – JIL
72. Witch And Werewolf – Julie Hauswirth
73. A Howling Halloween – Lynn Moore
74. A Creak and A Sneak -Bri Lawyer
75. Bit By A Werewolf – Bri Lawyer
76. Halloween Lookout – Lisa Billa
77. The Leaf Raking Olympics – Lindsay Moretti
78. Fright Night – Susan Eyerman
79. The Halloween Scoop – Jamie Siebrase
80. Luna, the Not So Scary Werewolf – Melissa Miles
81. Halloween At The Disco – Jamie Donahoe
82. What’s More Frightening? – Anne Lipton
83. Was Wilbur A Were-Squirrel? – Deb Buschman
84. McDoodle’s Pup – Yonglee Deborah Kim
85. What To Wearwolf – Jill Lambert
86. Stories Of Monsters – Laura Polasek
87. The Strangest Halloween – Jenn Kim
88. The Origin Of The Werewolf: the Bronze Age Koryos (NF) – Lauren N. Simmons
89. Drew’s Debate – Marty Bellis
90. Bite Fight – Ryann Jones
91. Kitten’s Halloween – Jaclyn Crawford
92. To Eat Or Not To Eat, That Is The Question! – Charlie Griffin
93. Green Does Not Mean Mean – Linda Glazebrook
94. Mom Gave Me A Werewolf! – Sarah J. Williams
95. Halloween Is Here, Ready or Not – Elisa Teichert
96. Halloween Advice – Paul Roncone
97. Spooky Storytime – Sarah Meade
98. Hilly’s Not-So-Superstitious Halloween – Sarah Meade
99. Hair-Raising Halloween – Sheri Bentley
100. Grizelda Pumkinhead’s Smashing Halloween – MaryAnn Cortez
101. Halloween Howl – Russell Wolff
102. Halloween Night – Mia Geiger
103. The Best Halloween Ever – Armineh Manookian
104. Expected Visitors – Jenna Grace
105. Rougarou’s Bugaboo: A Louisiana Cautionary Tale (Almost) – Sally Yorke-Viney
106. It’s Beginning To Look A Little Creepy – Diana Lynn Gibson
107. Why Werewolves Howl – Laura Badami
108. I’m Not A Superstition – Patti Ranson
109. The Rougarou’s Curse – Trista Herring Baughman
110. Laughing And Giggling On Halloween – Isabel Cruz Rodriguez
111. A Werewolf In School – Susan Lynn-Rivera
112. A Frightful Howl’oween – Lucretia Schafroth
113. Which Wolf? – Melissa Chupp
114. The Haunted House – Shawn Kirby
115. Larkspur Werewolf’s Halloween CompBOOsition – Kandi Zeller
116. Chocolate For Halloween – Marcia Dalphin Williams
117. The Great Halloween Scare – Eleanor Ann Peterson
118. Mr. Skeleton And His Werewolf Bones – Kathleen Jacobs
119. Seven Years Of Bad Howls – Laura Wippell
120. Villa Number Thirteen – Kiran Nair
121. Werewolf VS. Dentist – Abigail Mumford
122. Spell Check – Tara Flake
123. Thirteen Werewolves – Patricia Nozell
124. I’ll Be What?! – Stephanie K. Mena
125. Tick-Tock – Sarah Elynn
126. Werewolf Wants To Share – Lori Bonati
127. Dare To Be Were – Dana Lee Ryals
128. Gordon Goblin’s Halloweensie Stew – Judy Caldwell Hughes
129. Isaac’s Frightful Night – Anna Eklund-Cheong
130. The Coolest Halloween Story Ever! – Carmen Castillo Gilbert, PhD
131. The Backwards Werewolf – Linda Fischetti
132. A Halloween Trick And Treat – Stephanie Flom
133. Rudy, The Werewolf – Lori Himmel
134. The Superstition – Allison Gray
135. Friends With A Werewolf – Lauri C. Meyers
136. Untitled – Martha Holguin
137. A First Halloween – Claudia Sloan
138. A Sight, A Fright, and A Delight – Jean Martin
139. The Hairy Neighbor – Anjali Morard
140. Raven And The Werewolf – Elizabeth Muster
141, Trick IN a Treat – Reed Hilton-Eddy
142. Halloween Spell – Nina Nolan
143. Fright Night Birthright – Helen Addyman
144. Black Cat Saves The Night – Lori Sheroan
145. Rowl The Smiling Werewolf Pup – Tarja Helena Nevala
146. Ivy Hates Halloween – Cindy Sommer
147. Where Wolf? There Wolf! – Bru Benson
148. Trick-or-Treating Time! – Jenna Grace
149. Halloween Howl – Angela Martinelli
150. No Good Tricks Or Treat – Thelia Hutchinson
151. Scared – Sue Ko
152. Fright On Calm – Sue Ko
153. Wee Willie Werewolf – Colleen Fogarty
154. The Who, What and Where Wolf – Julianna Kurtz
155. Flora Won’t Get Scared – Ashley Sierra
156. Dotty Didn’t Listen – Jane Helliwell
157. Heart’s Halloween – Ashley Sierra
158. Proffering The Offering – Ms. Joy
159. Witch Ride – Rhonda T. Spear
160. Haunted Hayride – Rhonda T. Spear
161. Halloween Trick – Mary Beth Rice
162. The Kittens Halloween Party – Dianne Borowski
163. Need A Snack – Yessenia Holm
164. Werewolf Baby – Vashti Verbowski
165. Pockets Out – Lynsey Folkman
166. Halloween Haiku – Corine Timmer
167. Wendy Werewolf’s Biggest Fright! – Amy LaMae Brewer
168. The Ballad Of Wolfgang A. Werewolf – Melissa Miles
169. The Witching Hour – S. J. Barratt
170. Werewolves Of Halloween – Karen LaSalvia
171. Little Dead Riding Hood – Marlee Fuller-Morris
172. Treat Or Be Tricked – Dianna Sussman
173. Werewolf On Halloween – Valerie McPherson
174. The Monster Under The Bed – Diana Sussman
175. Fur Moon – Christina Shawn
176. Right Where They Belong – Mona Pease
177. Unless – Gail Hartman
178. Pink Underwear – Melissa Lasher
179. A Grave Mistake – Keatley Eastman
180. Grounded – Becky Danks
181. The Scariest Thing Of All – Jeanette Fazzari Jones
182. Weirdwolf – Searra Simpson
183. Aunt Howla’s Big Book Of Recipes: Spooky Halloween – Sarah Stauffer
184. Lazy Eddie – Jen Keenan
185. Strange Encounters – Jen Keenan
186. Stingy Jack – Kellie Tune
187. Untitled – Lyudmila Danova
188. Dachsie And Beagle’s Halloween Plan – Dorothy Kohrherr
189. I’ll Be Brave – Dawn Renee Young
190. The Scariest Halloween Night – Carol Jones
191. A Werewolfington Trick-or-Treat – Jan Schwaid
192. Lucky Penny – Daniella Kaufman
193. Scream Of A Dream – Diana Webb
194. Pup – Judy Valko
195. Reversal? – Marla Yablon
196. Halloween Disguise – Colleen Fogarty
197. Werepuppies’ Delight – Katherine Rea
198. Dulces For Mami Nieves – Chicanana
199. The Moonlit Secret – CE King
200. Halloween Snack – Jessica Phillips
201. An Immigrant Werewolf – Danna Zeiger
202. What Happened To Harry? – Judy Sobanski
203. Sally’s Last Minute Costume – Imelda Taylor
204. Spoofed By Foop! – Robert L. Saminsky
205. My Mom Is A Monster. . . A Real One – Royal Baysinger
206. Mr. Werewolf’s Trick – Marie Tang
207. Stanley, The Fluffy Werewolf – Hannah Roy LaGrone
208. Woody The Good Werewolf – Robin Donovan
209. Bright White Moonlight – Helen Addyman
210. Wendy’s Wise Words – Una Belle Townsend
211. Can Howloweensie Stay Away? – Becky Goodman
212. Werewolf Gets A Halloween Makeover – Annette Bethers
213. Fantasmita – Adriana Gutierrez Loza
214. How To Conjure A Cat – Andi Chitty
215. A Skeleton In Wolf’s Clothing – Amy Martinez
216. Kansas City’s Moonlight Star – Amy Martinez
217. A Little Halloween Magic – Patricia Corcoran
218. Truth Be Told – Diana Lynn Gibson
219. Halloween Dinner For Werewolf – Nedra Chandler
220. Wolfgang – Nancy Riley
221. What To Wear – Breanna Henry
222. Howl Knows What The Moon Reveals – Jennifer Schmitz
223. A Halloween Full Moon – Anne Weaver
224. Dear Halloween – Lori Dubbin
225. Ghost Bells – Jennifer Taylor
226. It’s Halloween Night! – Susan R. Waide
227. My Older Brother – Lucia Flevares
228. Black Cat Camp – Amy Duchene
Susanna Leonard Hill 
LUCKY PENNY
by Daniella Kaufman
WC: 100
On Halloween, a full moon’s glow
makes children wary if they know
the superstition that this light
lets inner werewolves out tonight.
But Penny is a girl with pluck.
“I’ll block the curse with lots of luck!”
She lights the pumpkins. Hugs a cat.
Hooks horseshoes round her pointy hat.
Then knocks on gravestones. Makes a wish—
by tossing treats into a dish.
Her plan complete, despite her fright,
she steps into the full moonlight.
No fur. No fangs. No canine feet.
“Success! It’s time to trick-or-treat!”
Away she goes. No wolf in sight.
Just howling laughter fills the night.
I love this! Well done. It’s fun, it’s pacy and it’s clever, just like Penny. Good luck!
This is my favorite part:
She lights the pumpkins. Hugs a cat.
Hooks horseshoes round her pointy hat.
Then knocks on gravestones. Makes a wish—
TITLE: Black Cat Camp
Sleepaway camp falls during Halloween week this year. Boo!
Fortunately I packed all l need: sleeping bag, pillow, horseshoe, rabbit’s foot, shaker of salt…all my superstitious talismans.
“You’re over there,” says the counselor.
A black cat scurries along the cabin’s path.
“Any other options?”
“That’s Fright. She’s not scary like the local werewolf.” She winks. “How’s there?”
A ladder rests outside the next cabin’s door.
“Ummm…”
“Let’s have you bunk with Danie.”
I smile. My best friend! My luck’s turned!
I enter. No broken mirrors, no clocks stuck on 11:11…
“Good?”
I nod before I notice the cabin’s number:
13.
Hi Amy! It looks like your entry is posted in the comments section of mine (instead of the main comment thread). I don’t see Black Cat Camp listed on the main blog post so Susanna may not have seen it. I sent her an email, but you may want to reach out as well.
So clever, Daniella! Your rhyme/meter is great! Good luck!
Howling laughter, best part of halloween! Great fun, well done!
Such a nice bouncing rhythm, and I love Penny’s luck-making actions!
Strong character! Good luck!
Great character development, and LUCKY PENNY is a perfect superstitiously-themed title for your story:-)
Nicely told! I kept reading to see what was going to happen, and love your ending, especially ‘howling laughter’!
ENTRY POSTED FOR DIANA
Scream of a Dream by Diana Webb 91 words
Full moon night. Halloween. Jake wakes and quakes with fright. He goes for a pee, sees furry footprints on the floor and shudders. Gran told him the superstition that people turn to werewolves at this hour. He’s too scared to see the mirror. He pads to Gran’s door, opens it…No! She peeps out of bed with long long ears like the Gran in the fairytale. ‘Sorry dear. I screamed with cold so I found that woolly hat you wore as a toddler and my thick shaggy socks. Sorry I scared you.
Oh, those Halloween nerves. I’m glad it was just Gran.
furry footprints . . . now that’s a scary sight
I guess we have to believe Gran … or do we? Your story did leave a little speck of doubt in my mind that Gran might just have some werewolf in her:-)
ENTRY POSTED FOR JUDY
Pup
by
Judy Valko
(WC 90)
I heard a teensy whimpering cry
right outside my door.
Two red eyes were burning bright
with tears I couldn’t ignore.
I crept into that Halloween night
and bent to pick him up.
He backed away so filled with fright…
a gentle werewolf pup.
“Are you lost?”, I asked the wolf.
He nodded his small head.
I shuddered as a vicious howling
filled my heart with dread.
I’m not a superstitious girl,
yet I was really glad,
to see that long-lost werewolf pup
had found his werewolf dad.
A sweet story. I’m glad werewolf pup found his dad.
Sweet ending.
Who would thing a werewolf would be cute!
Cute story! You should submit to a magazine.
“A teensy whimpering cry” … “tears I couldn’t ignore” … “backed away so filled with fright,” etc. — So many of your phrases created an sweet emotional tone for your story
Great suspense using so few words!
Reversal?
By Marla Yablon
WC: 83
When I was a young wolf, full of pride,
I was sure my elders lied.
A werewolf roamed the hills they said,
and ate the deer on which we fed.
I thought it was superstition then.
But I won’t doubt their word again.
Now I must believe it all,
because I’ve heard its frightful call.
I’ve seen it launching an attack
and tried to fight to help my pack.
I bit the beast to save my clan,
And turned into a hairy man!
So funny: I was sure my elders lied.
Thanks, Jill! 🎃
Love the “reversal” of the situation!
Thanks, Jill! 🎃
And thank you, Melissa!
I didn’t see that ending coming at all – What a surprise!
Glad you liked it, Patricia! Thanks
A great surprise ending!
Thanks, Elise!
Hahaha . . . yes . . . the vacuum . . . a monster to dogs. So funny.
Halloween Disguise
By Colleen Fogarty
WC=92
One Halloween night, when the moon was dark, Red Robinhood donned his sheep costume and set out to trick or treat. The noises of the night were frightening. Owls hooted, bats flitted, dogs howled. And just ahead, a young girl sobbed.
“Why are you crying? It’s Halloween.” Red Robinhood said.
“I have no costume. How can I trick or treat?”
“Here, take mine,” Red Robinhood offered.
“Thank you,” she said and put the sheepskin on.
“Yikes!” Red screamed. “You’re a werewolf!”
“Oh no. That’s a superstition. I’m just a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
I didn’t see that coming. Well done.
The dialogue leading up to your surprise ending was such a great setup:-)
Thank you! I have to admit, I chuckled myself! Happy Fall!
Nice setup for the ending! Great pop to a great story.
Werepuppies’ Delight
By Katherine Rea
98 words
Tonight, young werewolves howl their hearts’ desire
For Butterfingers, candy corn, and more
They skip up driveways, knock on every door
Disguised from head to paw in “kid” attire.
Their faces shaved, and tails all hidden prior,
They’re wearing clothes bought from the “human” store
To frighten grownup werewolves to their core,
“Hey, trick or treat?” the costumed pups inquire.
Dear reader, stay alert this Halloween!
I’d never tell you superstitious tales
Werepuppies camouflage, they’re near unseen
With toothy grins and freshly sharpened nails
This evening, candy’s what they hope to glean
But taste for people usually prevails.
toothy grins . . . nice image
I love how the tone of your story changed so quickly with those two lines, “Dear reader, stay alert this Halloween!
I’d never tell you superstitious tales”
Dulces for Mami Nieves
by Chicanana
WC:100
Mama sewed fake fur on mittens.
Miguel wanted to be Chewbacca. His home-made costume looked more like a werewolf than a wookie.
“So cold outside!” Mama shivered. “Snow on El Dia de los Muertos would please Mami Nieves.”
“Day of the Dead?” asked Miguel.
“Si, to celebrate the lives of people we loved,” Mama explained the Mexican tradition with pictures.
What a fright! A skeleton wearing a sombrero danced in the graveyard covered with marigolds.
One superstition is that bright flowers guide the soul’s journey.
That night, Miguel put his Halloween candy next to a photograph of his abuela.
What a lovely story incorporating elements of some of the “Day of the Dead” traditions of Mexico and Mexican Americans! The main character learns how the fun of Halloween and the memory of our departed loved ones are connected and celebrated on the same day. (And, I love how Chewbacca sort of looks like a werewolf! That was clever.)
What a sweet tribute to Miguel’s abuela. I never knew this: One superstition is that bright flowers guide the soul’s journey (I like it). Thanks.
Thank you! Actually starts at midnight on Halloween and continues for two days at least!
My nephew really was Chewie in a home-made costume.
Thank you. There are so many more but 100 words or less….
Simply and beautifully told
Great story! I like how you were able to weave the traditions of the holiday into the story!🎃
Thank you!
THE MOONLIT SECRET
by CE King
WC=100
In the eerie town of Midnight Hollow, young Emily discovered a hidden journal revealing a werewolf tale. That Halloween, she set out to unveil the truth.
Under the full Halloween moon, she inched closer to the beast’s secret. It wasn’t long before she heard howling from the terrifying creature deep in the dark woods.
As the moonlight reflected the werewolf’s eyes, Emily noticed sadness, not evil. She recognized the black magic from her journal. Emily’s compassion broke the curse, and the werewolf served as protector from superstitious fears.
Midnight Hollow embraced the creature, dispelling the fright that once haunted them.
Emily is one brave girl!
I couldn’t agree more 🙂 and very curious!
Emily and the Werewolf remind me a lot of Beauty and the Beast – Great job telling that story in 100 words:-)
Halloween Snack
By Jessica Phillips
WC: 97
Under the full moon, my werewolf family howls to start the hunt.
A buck leaps in a grove.
I corner it and pierce its flesh before dragging it away.
I drop my prize on the pile and raise my head with pride.
But, I only see frightened faces.
“What’s wrong?” I say.
“There’s thirteen!” my superstitious cousin shouts.
“Put yours back, or you’ll get us killed!”
At twilight, I run. But, it’s not what you think.
I do not put mine back.
I nab a fourteenth for good luck.
Just in time for my morning Halloween snack.
Quick thinking on the part of the werewolf.
Lucky fourteen! I’ll know the rules the next time I roll with the werewolves. 🙂 Fun spooky story!
Quite the surprise to discover what the “Halloween snack” really was!
An Immigrant Werewolf
By Danna Zeiger
100 words
Click.
Lights go out
after Olga’s first American Halloween.
Her belly rumbles with candy-filled joy
but
her heart
sinks
with fright.
Is she still Ukrainian?
Rustling by the window.
Creaking floorboards.
Flickers of light.
Olga freezes.
Shadows shift.
Hairy spikes sprout
into
a
wolf’s face.
Olga’s heart hammers
like a pounding door,
as the wolf
whistles.
“Sha!”
She yells,
running
towards
the
wolf,
crashing…
into…
her mirrored self.
Brushing down
staticky hair
with sweets-sticky hands,
she stomps.
It stomps.
“Whistling indoors brings bad luck.
My Ukrainian superstitions
followed me here.”
A wolf-turned-girl blinks.
A Ukrainian-turned-American blinks back.
Two transforming werewolves.
Nice description: Olga’s heart hammers
like a pounding door,
Your first paragraph did such a great job of showing how conflicting emotions can exist side by side.
WHAT HAPPENED TO HARRY?
By Judy Sobanski – 99 words
I’m off trick or treating
with my cousin Harry.
The full moon is bright,
and our shadows look scary.
Suddenly, Harry resembles
his name.
His green eyes are wild,
he’s no longer tame.
He howls at the moon
and runs off in the night.
I hustle back home
my heart’s pounding with fright!
What happened to Harry,
my sweet little cuz?
He’s growling and howling
and covered in fuzz!
Werewolves aren’t real—
they’re pure superstition!
But I know what I saw,
that was no apparition!
My poor little cousin—
the heartache, the sorrow.
He’s Harry today,
and gone tomorrow!
Poor Harry! Honestly, little kids on their first night of gorging on candy can often turn completely wild!
Great lines:
Suddenly, Harry resembles his name.
He’s growling and howling and covered in fuzz!
He’s Harry today,
and gone tomorrow! . . . Hahaha.
My emotions turned on a dime with your final four lines – First, I was feeling sadness over the loss of Harry and the next thing I knew I was laughing at your Harry word play:-)
Great job, Judy. I especially like the line, “He’s Harry, and gone tomorrow! Wishing you the best!
Sally’s Last Minute Costume
By Imelda Taylor
100 words
Children as vampires, witches and werewolves joined The Scariest Halloween Costume contest.
Who would give the judge a fright? Who would win Mr Lucky’s Lollipop Land ticket?
Sally wanted the prize badly. With no time left to buy or make, Sally had an idea.
On the night of the competition, Sally made an entrance!
Wearing a black cat onesie, a cape with a number 13, an umbrella hat and a mask that looked like pieces of broken mirror she announced,
“I am SUPERstition!”
Mr Lucky, terrified of bad luck, jumped out of his chair and ran.
The winner was Sally.
Sally’s costume is fantastic!
Way to go, Sally!
Thank you 😊.
Quite the entrance!
Thanks so much 😁
An illustrator would have a lot of fun withSally in a her SUPERstition costume:-)
Haha thank you
Spoofed by Foop!
By Robert L. Saminsky
100 words
“Here, Igor, a brand new wand
for you to use tonight on Halloween.”
“Thanks mom, I named it FOOP,” said Igor.
“Now my dear, be careful where you wave FOOP
or who you turn into a ghoul,
vampire or werewolf.”
“Oh, mom, I do not believe in that superstition.
I bet I cannot even scare myself
with this frightening stuff.
Knock, knock, knock. Igor’s friends appeared at the door.
“Kazam!”
Igor waved his wand at his friends
and then FOOP turned on Igor.
POOF! Igor was spoofed by FOOP!
Be careful or you may be spoofed by FOOP on Halloween!
I especially like this line:
I bet I cannot even scare myself
I liked the – be careful who you turn into a ghoul, vampire, or werewolf. The idea of your mom telling you not to do that is quite funny. 🙂
What a great name for a magic wand that turns on somebody: FOOP turned on Igor in a POOF
Fun language! Made me giggle!
MY MOM IS A MONSTER…A REAL ONE
By Royal Baysinger
100 words
I’m not superstitious! My mom really IS a monster. Like, a Reverse-Werewolf…
Don’t know what I mean?
Every morning she’s terrifying! Long nails. Crazy hair. Snarling!
“Grrrr! Get dressed! Eat! Faster!”
But somehow, she turns sweet at the door…
“Bye, Sweetie!”
Not enough?
When I break stuff, she’s downright dangerous! Stomping. Roaring. Ready to attack! But then, her phone rings…
“Hellooooo!”
Still not convinced?
Sometimes, she transforms completely! Painted nails. Combed hair. Even perfume!
It’s frightening!
But that’s when she’s nicest…she brings me babysitters to terrorize!
They say I’m a monster. And, having a Reverse-Werewolf mom, I believe them.
A reverse-werewolf – Brilliant!
I giggled several times. Well done.
Hahaha – I love how this child justified being a monster with his babysitters by trying to prove that his mom is a monster, too:-)
Delightful! The “Monster Mom} concept is very creative and well executed.
This story made me chuckle! 🙂
Mr. Werewolf’s Trick
by Marie Tang
WC: 96
The sign on the door reads:
Knock once for the man of the house.
Knock twice for a trick.
Knock three times for a treat.
You’re not superstitious.
No black cat or ladder or broken mirror has ever scared you.
There’s nothing to be frightened of.
Rap
Rap
Rap
When the Werewolf answers the door, you’re not scared.
It’s just a man with a… tail.
And… some very, very pointy ears.
“You fell for the trick,” he howls.
“Are-are-are… you going to eat me?” I ask.
“Should I?”
“No?”
“Then you get a treat! Happy Halloween!”
Good thing they followed the directions . . . knocked 3 times (Rap Rap Rap).
The sign on the door was such a great opening hook:-)
Fun! Love the premise, tension, and upbeat ending.
Stanley, the Fluffy Werewolf
To be sung to the tune of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
By Hannah Roy LaGrone
Word Count 100
You know goblins and witches and ogres so hairy,
Zombies and mummies and vampires so scary,
But do you recall
the most frightening creature of all?
Stanley the fluffy werewolf
always wore his lucky socks.
Timidly superstitious;
charming with his curly locks.
All of the other monsters
Made a scary haunted house.
Stanley was cute and cuddly—
couldn’t even scare a mouse.
Then one moonlit Halloween,
Stanley was transformed.
Stanley howled so high and loud,
Terrifying, truly proud!
Then all the monsters teamed up
at the haunted house that night.
Stanley, the fluffy werewolf,
gave the guests a mighty fright!
Haha, love this! I also enjoy using songs and rhymes like this – it’s such fun 🙂
Thank you! Last year I did Jingle Bells and the previous year I did Deck the Halls 🙂 eventually I will have a whole collection! I’ll have to find your entry.
It’s stuck in my head now
Wonderful! Can’t stop singing!
Haha, this was so fun to “sing”!! Well done!
Thank you! Thanks for singing! ❤️
Brilliant!
Thank you!
This was a lot of fun to read! Wishing you good luck with this!
Thanks so much!
Love, love, love the 2nd stanza!
Haha thank you!
Nice combination of Christmas tune and Halloween verse. So cute and catchy, Hannah!
Wonderful! Can’t stop singing!
Thank you! I just read yours!! Seems we should collaborate on an album!
Thx! That was the first one I wrote using the required words for the 10th contest. I have no idea why i was directed to that site but it was fun writing the poem!
One of my favorite parts in this brand new take on Rudolph was:
Stanley was cute and cuddly—
couldn’t even scare a mouse
So much fun to sing in my head:-)
Yay, thank you!!
I LOVE IT! Hannah, you always have such creative stories. They are always so much fun to read/sing aloud. I belted this one out for my daughter. She enjoyed it too! 🙂
Thanks so much Sarah!! 😀 Can I get a Thursday read through singalong? hahaha!!
🙂 🙂
Hannah, this is amazing and so much fun to “sing” to! Well done!
Thanks so much for singing along!!!
Woody, the Good Werewolf
By Robin Donovan
100 words
On Halloween night, Woody the werewolf, said to himself,
“I am different.”
He blew out candles in jack-o-lanterns
before the wicks ran out,
calmed ghosts,
and asked black cats not to cross in front of children.
Instead of growling, Woody would chirp or whistle.
“I do not want to scare or hurt anyone.”
“He is a good werewolf.”
“Yes, I like him a lot.”
“I was superstitious, not now.”
Woody catered a spooky table full of crispy coffins,
caramel apples, a huge donut tower
and cauldron full of aromatic apple cider.
“Happy Halloween!”
Woody was delightful, not one bit frightful.
Awww, what a nice change!
Thank you!
I think I could be friends with Woody . . . such a sweetie.
Woody would like to be friends with you, too.😁
I like the idea that Woody, all by himself, was causing people to reconsider their thoughts about werewolves. (“He is a good werewolf.” and “I was superstitious, not now.”) … Even the strongest blizzards start with a single snowflake
Thank you so much for your kind words. 😍
Thank you so much for your kind words.😍
Nice arc with this story. I love the character you created.
BRIGHT WHITE MOONLIGHT
Helen Addyman
86 words
Max wasn’t at all superstitious.
(Bright White Moonlight.)
But Max loved Halloween.
(Fright Night! Eyes Bright!)
Every year, he went to a different competition.
(Searchlight! Stage Fright?)
And every year, he won “best costume”.
(Quite Right. Delight!)
People would pat his head and call him cute.
(Sit Tight. Polite.)
But when it came to Trick or Treat, Max definitely preferred…
TRICK!
(Fright, Fight, Big Bite!)
Oh yes, Max loved Halloween.
(Bright White Moonlight.)
When else can a werewolf hide in plain sight?
(Night, Night. Sleep Tight?)
Very clever! The reveal moment gave me a chuckle. Really love reading the words in () and how they sound and roll off the tongue!
Thanks so much 🙂
Love that provocative question in the last line: “Night, Night. Sleep Tight?”
Wendy’s Wise Words
By
Una Belle Townsend
100 words
As Halloween approached, Wendy Werewolf worried about her sons, Willy and Wally. They might be frightened by all the superstitions they’d heard at school. It would be hard to distinguish fact from fiction.
Wendy said, “Boys, remember, thirteen is a superstitious number. Reverse it and thirty-one is a great Halloween number.
“Mirrors might shatter and black cats might appear. That’s okay. Don’t worry about them.
“Please don’t walk under ladders. It’s dangerous.
“It’s okay to step on cracks. You won’t break my back.
“Enjoy trick or treating.
“Remember, you’re human. You can’t help it if your last name is Werewolf.”
Very clever!!!
Thank you.
This is a cute way to assure kids about things that aren’t really dangerous. I like how you included the werewolf word too!
Thank you, Karen.
Never saw that last line coming – What a surprise!!!
Thank you! I love to write surprise endings. It’s so much fun.
Ha, ha, great twist ending! Fun to read, good job!
Can Howloweensie Stay Anyway?
By Becky Goodman
Word Count: 100
Halloween night, the vampire family flew to the pound.
Grandpa frowned. “Bad luck picking a werepup without a full moon…”
“—Superstition,” said Dad.
“Can’t sleep in my coffin without one!” said Jep.
Dad sighed. “Let’s see who’s lair-trained. And doesn’t shed.”
“I’ve only been a vampire for 500 years,” huffed Grandpa. “What do I know…?”
Caged werepups hollered when they appeared.
Grandpa flinched. “Frightening. So human…”
Jep petted the smallest. “Oh, Howloweensie, your fur and fangs will come next full moon.”
“Hope so. Children are disgusting.”
Weeks later, moonlight revealed…
“HA!” said Grandpa. “Human!”
“Maybe next month…?” begged Jep.
Oh no, haha!! This is so clever, well done!
Such a good idea: Bad luck picking a werepup without a full moon…”
One of my favorite lines: “I’ve only been a vampire for 500 years,” huffed Grandpa. “What do I know…?” — So funny:-)
Aww! This is such a sweet premise, and I love the name Howloweensie– it’s perfect!
WEREWOLF GETS A HALLOWEEN MAKEOVER
By Annette Bethers
100 words
A young werewolf named Larry
felt too hairy and scary.
At the local beauty salon,
he asked a beautician named Dawn,
“Can you make me look outside
more like the way I feel inside?”
Dawn said, “I’ve a frightful hunch,
you will munch me for your lunch.”
Larry said, “That’s just superstition.
I’d never eat a nice beautician.”
So Dawn put pink polish on his claws,
curled his whiskers, brushed his paws,
then made him a pair of pinstriped pants,
clipped his toenails and taught him to dance.
Larry taught Dawn something too —
how to howl at the moon! AHHRROOO!
I enjoyed the visual of how Dawn fixed up Larry. Reminds me of The Cowardly Lion being spiffed up prior to meeting the wizard.
An illustrator would probably that whole sequence of Larry getting his claws polished, his whiskers curled, and everything else Dawn did as part of Larry’s makeover.
Thanks much for the feedback, Patricia. I’m glad you could visualize it!
Original and funny – great story Annette! My favorite lines ‘Larry said, “That’s just superstition. I’d never eat a nice beautician’. Love that she cleaned him up so he could look more on the outside like he felt on the inside, good job!
Thank you, Katie! You input is much appreciated.
I love everything about your story. So cute!
Fantasmita
By: Adriana Gutierrez Loza
100 words
“I hate frightening people!” yelled Fantasmita.
Werewolf and Vampiro snickered.
He wished he could get away from his scary friends
for just one noche.
Superstition set aside, Fantasmita floated to el mar.
Blue lights twinkled like estrellas in the water inviting him inside.
He submerged into a new underwater mundo.
He bounced with the ocean fantasmitas as their tentacles swayed.
He chased color changing spiders across the ocean floor. Squirt!
Swish! A school of trick or treaters invited him for a swim.
Baby dragons played peek-a-boo through the kelp forest.
No sustos.
No frights.
It was a feliz Halloween night.
I like the idea of escaping into the sea on Halloween. You’ve made el mar a friendly retreat for Fantasmita. Twinkling lights and peek-a-boo through the kelp forest. I like the way you’ve woven Spanish words into the story. An unusual entry.
Thank you so much Corine!
I loved this vision: Baby dragons played peek-a-boo through the kelp forest.
Thank you Jill!
The underwater imagery in your story is enchanting:-)
Thank you Patricia!
Super verbs and imagery! Really enjoyed the colorful undersea world you painted. And happy the Fantasmita had a feliz Halloween night!
Thank you Katie!
How to Conjure a Cat
By Andi Chitty
100 words
*Eye of newt, wing of gnat.
A tablespoon of dragon fat.
Swirl clockwise, just like that,
Transform this broom into a cat!*
POOF! *squeak-squeak*
“That’s the eleventh rat tonight!” Wilma groaned. Superstition said it was unlucky to cast a spell thirteen times on Halloween.
“Last try.” She glanced at the closet. “Plus, I’m almost out of brooms.”
*Wizard’s beard, werewolf scat,
A frightened trick-or-treater’s hat,
Swirl clockwise, just like that.
Transform this broom into a cat!*
POOF! *squeak-squeak*
“ACK! Curse this holid-”
*meow!*
“Sweet spirits, come inside! There’s milk, a cozy fire…
… and all the rats you can eat.”
THE END
This is a funny! I like the voice and the last spell. Werewolf scat and a frightened trick-or-treaters hat. Delightful. I think cat knew about all those rats 😉
I sooooo enjoyed this. Fun and a fun read aloud.
Love this! A small witch trying and failing to conjure a cat. I especially like how it adds tension and fun that she can’t cast 13 times on Halloween.
Hahaha – Perfect ending;-)
This is delightful, Andi! What a perfect ending for the conjured cat. So much fun!
ENTRY POSTED FOR AMY
A Skeleton in Wolf’s Clothing
By Amy Martinez
Word Count 100
Colton unwrapped his candy. “Isn’t Halloween delicious?”
Matt pulled off his werewolf mask. “Yes! But Thanksgiving is better.”
The skeleton decoration rattled. “What?! Why?!?”
In a closet, next to a discarded werewolf costume, the skeleton hatched a plan. Frightened and dressed in a wolf onesie, he crawled out on Thanksgiving Day.
“Howl.”
Nobody suspected a thing. From under the table, his skeletal arm snatched the turkey.
Piece by piece, it dropped into his bag.
Superstitious, he took the wishbone too.
Sampling his stash, he understood.
No candy wrappers to open.
No toothbrush alternatives.
Trick or Treating was better…
At Thanksgiving!
Great twist to the story. Love it!
Thanks! My 7 year old son was super excited to brainstorm ideas with me. All the best ideas were his!
Great opening line . . . Halloween IS delicious.
One of my favorite lines was, “Superstitious, he took the wishbone too.” I was already smiling and that line made my smile even bigger:-)
Trick-or-treating at Thanksgiving, very cute idea! Love ‘skeleton in wolf clothing’, so funny! Great job!
ENTRY POSTED FOR AMY
Kansas City’s Moonlight Star
By Amy Martinez
Word Count: 100
K.C. Wolf peered out the window. Thick clouds darkened the sky. There was no need to be frightened. K.C. was not superstitious. He put on his Chiefs jersey and snuck out to Trick or Treat with friends.
Together they moved down the street. Their bags overflowed. K.C. threw a candy bar to Travis a few yards away. The catch should have ended in celebration, but K.C. dropped to his knees. Encircled by moonlight, he howled. His body twisted. He was no longer a werewolf, but human.
Not K.C. wolf, but Taylor Swift.
Best Night Ever!
Hahaha . . . K.C. Wolf . . . great idea.
Loved idea of KC throwing a candy bar, not a football, to Travis:-)
ENTRY POSTED FOR PATRICIA
A Little Halloween Magic 100 words
by Patricia Corcoran
At Superstition Dance Studio, Witch Gwendolyn was in a tither.
The Halloween Show was almost here. But her students were frightful!
Willy Werewolf wouldn’t stop howling.
Frankie Stein had two flat feet.
Countess Dracula wanted everyone to wear capes.
Sally Spider didn’t know which leg to use.
And Gilbert Ghost kept scaring everyone.
What can I do? Gwendolyn cackled.
“Try a little magic!” said Muffie Magician. She waved her wand.
Suddenly Frank was tapping, Willy was rapping.
Gilbert settled down and Countess wore a gown.
Sally twirled and swirled all over the place.
“No more frightful, only delightful!” beamed Gwendolyn.
This made me laugh. Fun!! That magic worked out well. I can picture them all on the dance floor. Delightful!
You had me at Superstition Dance Studio . . . This was fun.
I love the name Frankie Stein! Clever!
So many clever word plays. One of my favorite lines was, “Sally Spider didn’t know which leg to use.”
ENTRY POSTED FOR DIANA
Truth Be Told
By Diana Lynn Gibson
99 Words
The folks are superstitious,
Each woman, man and child.
Since werewolves will be prowling,
And turn their town half wild.
When Halloween approaches,
The people shake with fright.
The werewolves will be howling
Throughout the long, dark night.
To meet a werewolve’s awful.
Your luck will go away,
And last ‘til next All Hallows
To everyone’s dismay.
You’ll lose at every contest.
You’ll fall each time you walk.
The rain will always pelt you.
You’ll jabber when you talk.
.
When werewolves tread this evening,
There’s something you must do.
Race fast and far away, since
This superstition’s true!
Nice build to a delightful ending.
Thanks, Jill. I appreciate you reading and your comment!
The laundry list of things that happen if you meet a werewolf was so clever:
“You’ll lose at every contest.
You’ll fall each time you walk.
The rain will always pelt you.
You’ll jabber when you talk.”
Definitely wouldn’t want a curse like that hanging over me:-0
Well done! Love the rhyme, so fun the read!
ENTRY POSTED FOR NEDRA
Halloween Dinner for Werewolf
By Nedra Chandler
Kids know deep in their own bones that it’s not superstition: many sculptures all over the world come to life on Halloween.
People like to visit the sculpture under a trestle bridge. The werewolf made of clay has one paw on a real Volkswagen car and a fierce visage.
Werewolves don’t eat often, opined our son Oscar, but when they do, they need 3 or 4 small children, or lots of backyard chickens.
We let our dog out after Halloween and spotted red blood on the snow. The tracks were huge. Then, what a fright to see piles of bones.
Very scary. I’m not wandering near any statues on Halloween! Good luck!
Kids know deep in their own bones . . . great opening.
I got a real chuckle out of they eat 3 or 4 small children or lots of backyard chickens! I can imagine the gasps of children listening. 🙂
Oh! That line “many sculptures all over the world come to life on Halloween” created an image that I think needs to be integrated into a movie.
Wolfgang
100 words by Nancy Riley
“Hurry up, Lupine!” Wolfgang barked, joining a group of trick-or-treaters. “It’s my first Howl-o-ween!”
“You haven’t turned yet,” Lupine snipped. “You’re not frightening anyone. But me–Arh-a-rooo!” she howled, turning into a golden werewolf.
A pirate shrieked, “AWESOME costume!”
Wolfgang turned and yowled.
“What are you?” giggled a robot. “You’re so—fluffy!”
“I’m a werewolf,” he yipped. “Like my sister.”
“A were-poodle, maybe,” snickered a zombie.
Wolfgang trembled. Tears slid down his muzzle.
Lupine nuzzled him. “I thought our doodle blood was a superstition.”
“Wait!” She twisted his fluff into red-tipped spikes. “Voila! You’re the Wicked Were-doodle.”
“Arh-a-rooo!” Wolfgang howled.
Cute story Nancy! Golden—werewolf-doodles sound adorable! Nice of Lupine to come to the aid of her brother to up his scariness!
Thanks, Katie! I just returned from a Viking river cruise on Sunday. I took my laptop and never opened it! So I didn’t have time for rhyme this time!
I like the way Lupine helps Wolfgang turn into a wicked were-doodle. Red-tip spikes sound frightful. Nasty zombie.
Thanks, Corine!
Great job getting this in just under the deadline! I love the sibling support and the solution to the not-so-spooky appearance. Well done Nancy!
Thanks, Colleen! And thanks for all your encouragement and support to git ‘er done! Lol!
My pleasure!!
So sweet! And I love the idea of a were-doodle!
Thanks for reading!
Loved that scene where the sister sprang to the rescue of her brother:-)
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Adorable story! I love “Howl-o-ween” and Lupine coming to Wolfgang’s aide! What a good sister!
Thanks so much for reading! Glad you liked it!
I adore this choice of words: Tears slid down his muzzle.
Thanks, Jill!
Fabulous! I love the “were-poodle,” the wonderful sister, and the “wicked” twist!
Thanks, Anne!
WHAT TO WEAR
By Breanna Henry
WC: 98
It was nearly sunset, and Jane had nothing to wear. Her butterfly wings had been trampled to a fright at recess. Her brother’s werewolf costume had holes in the knees. And Mom declared the witch costume too superstitious, whatever that meant. She posed in the mirror with the tail, sparkly antennae, and cape, and decided that the mishmash would have to do.
Trick-or-treat!” she yelled with the others at the first house.
“Hello! What do we have here? A ninja turtle, a dragon, and … I wonder, dear, what are you?”
Jane smirked, “Ma’am, I am Wonder Woman!”
Very fun. Love the ending. Good luck!
Ha, ha, Jane has a Wonder-ful attitude! Even trampled wings couldn’t stop her from going out there and having fun!
Love the can-do spirit! Just like Wonder Woman!
Jane made lemonade out of lemons with all those costume pieces – You created a strong female character with attitude in under 100 words!
Howl Knows What the Moon Reveals
by Jennifer Schmitz
100 words
Superstitions of Halloween creep Lupe out.
As she and friend Vespi go trick-or-treating,
the moon reveals itself, Lupe trips.
“What happened?” Vespi asks.
“Who knows,” Lupe snorts, “but my feet are bursting and itchy.
“What!?!” Vespi shouts.
“Actually, so are my hands and chest. Is that hair I see?”
The clouds stay scattered. Another step. Lupe falls.
“Ow! my lip,” Lupe says licking it, “mmmm, gruesomely good.”
“Good? Yuk! I know,” Vespi jokes, “you’re a werewolf!”
Lupe glares at Vespi, howls and licks her lips again.
Then responds in a deep voice, “maybe you’re right!”
“Stop Lupe! You’re frightening m…..!”
Delightfully creepy. I hope Vespi gets away. Good luck!
Yikes! Hope Vespi is as quick as a Vespa!
Run, Vespi, run!
Love the mood in this entry!
Lupe is such a perfect name for a werewolf!
Very spooky, great Halloween story! Love how Lupe licks her lip and finds it ‘gruesomely good’! And well Vespi…these things happen on Halloween! Hopefully she will be seen again, in some shape or form!
A HALLOWEEN FULL MOON
By Anne Weaver
Legend tells of chilling foe
Seen beneath the full moon glow
When Halloweening coincides,
Terror has no place to hide.
Be mindful who you’re walking past,
Their transformation happens fast!
Snarls and sneers will bring a fright,
These stealthy creatures prey all night.
It’s said they howl when time to feast,
Keep distanced if you hear the beast.
I must confirm the grim suspicion:
These monsters are no superstition.
We meager werewolves are no match,
For horrors only they dispatch…
Beware the crazy candy-eaters,
Over-sugared trick-or-treaters!!!
Love this! Such a fun twist at the end. Good luck!
Wonderful rhyming & surprise ending! I know many a parent who dreads those over-sugared kids!
This was so fun and clever! Love the surprise ending!
Hahaha . . . Over-sugared trick-or-treaters!!! . . . perfect way to sum things up.
Hahaha – I didn’t see that last stanza coming, and it was great!!!
Dear Halloween
By Lori Dubbin
WC: 92
Dear Halloween,
Too many ghosts, witches, and vampires wander around on your night.
I’m not superstitious about seeing them.
I just don’t like crowds.
I’d rather curl up in my bed and avoid those frightful creatures.
Yeeoow! A werewolf mouse scampers up the walkway!
Spooky things sure do happen on your night.
I dart outside.
Werewolf mouse and I howl at the moon.
We race to see who’s faster. He hides, I seek.
Do you know what a werewolf mouse turns into after dark?
A treat!!
Just kidding.
Trickily yours,
Black Cat
Great ending! A nice idea to have Black Cat write a letter to Halloween. Creative.
Very creative format & love that ending!
What a nice idea . . . a letter to Halloween.
So cute, creative, funny, and surprising–a real trick-and-treat!
“I’d rather curl up in my bed” … Such a perfect comment from a cat. I can just picture Black Cat curled up on a pillow relaxing the day away.
Haha! Love the format as a letter to Halloween. Nicely done!
So cute! Love your werewolf mouse, and his ‘new friend’ black cat! Very original story!
GHOST BELLS
By Jennifer Taylor
100 words
There are bats in the dilapidated belfry, but no bells.
Whether out of superstition or practicality, they’d been removed after that Halloween night.
After the schoolboy “prank” that had gone horribly wrong.
“You can’t go home until you ring the bells,” the bully had growled through his werewolf mask.
He’s regretted it ever since.
He has a child of his own now and never lets him trick-or-treat alone.
“What’s that sound?” his son asks.
“It’s bells,” the man answers, a catch in his throat.
I don’t mean to frighten him.
I just want him to know I’m finally going home.
Love the voice and tone. So spooky!
Oh boy! That was one spooky story in just 100 words:-0
Whoa, great atmosphere! So many questions and emotions are raised in those last lines.
Very spooky! Good job!
Very spooky Jennifer! Your last line is haunting me, I guess the bully got what he deserved!
ENTRY POSTED FOR SUSAN
It’s Halloween Night!
By Susan R. Waide
97 words
It’s Halloween night!
Oh, What a fright!
Wicked winds whisper haunting songs.
Werewolves prowl in deep dark shadows.
It’s Halloween night!
Oh, What a fright!
Superstition fills the cold night air.
Ghosts dance around castle stair.
It’s Halloween night!
Oh, What a fright!
The werewolves howl and weave their spell.
Trick or treaters have stories to tell.
It’s Halloween night!
Oh, What a fright!
Moonbeams guide them through tangled webs.
A familiar door cracks opens ahead.
It’s Halloween night!
Oh, What a fright!
A not so scary party waits inside.
Trick or treaters don’t have to hide.
Your story the spooky spirit and fun of Halloween!
Love “Moonbeams guide them through tangled webs.”
Good job creating a spooky, but not too scary atmosphere!
It was spooky at first, then there was a twist at the end, thank goodness.I loved the repetition.
I love your imagery!
ENTRY POSTED FOR LUCIA FLEVARES
My Older Brother
99 words
“You’re seven now and can be told”
Said my brother, 10 years old
“Of werewolves on our family tree
You must be one cuz it’s not me”
Days pass, I start to worry
Am I turning very furry?
Is it just superstition
Or full-moon condition?
Are my teeth growing long?
Will I be super strong?
Are my eyebrows too bushy?
Do hairs sprout on my tushie?
Mom notices my tears and fright.
I wail, “I turn werewolf tonight!”
My brother sweats “All in jest!”
Our parents stand unimpressed
He tricked me into that belief
I feel nothing but relief!
Is it just superstition
Or full-moon condition?
It’s just superstition. What a relief. I enjoyed reading this. Anyone with siblings can relate to your story.
Excellent use of rhyme. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Good luck!
Didn’t see that ending come at all!!!
This sounds like something my older sister would have tried on me! Great job!
so cute! That sneaky brother!
So cute! Very like a brother, too.
Nothing beats a big for for teasing. Fun poem
Hahaha – So funny for a vacuum to be what eventually scared Tilly, and the repetitive use of “She was, after all, part dog” was a perfect set up for your final line:-)
Great line, “Shapeshift fictions”! 🎃
Sorry, I was responding to a different entry, Yikes!
I meant to respond to My Older Brother, by saying This was a “fun” poem ! Great ending! 🎃
nice
Thank you, Nancy. I feel more comfortable around werewolves, than vampires ; )
It has been so much fun reading these stories!
The Long Walk Home
by Jenna Renqvist
WC: 100
Heading home on Halloween,
I suppress a chill.
Step by step, I trek,
Moved by force of will.
I hope to remain unnoticed
by ghouls and goblins that I see.
Best not to draw attention,
Luckily, they look right through me.
I tiptoe through the graveyard
And drift into my home.
Next time I’ll be more careful
About the dates on which I roam.
You’d think I wouldn’t mind a scare,
I might even join in.
Others might appreciate
My frightful, scary grin.
I gaze at the mirror,
But no matter how I stare.
Just like always,
No one’s there.