The 14th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest aahhhrrrooooOOOO!!!

Hair of bat and witch’s ear! It’s time for. . .

The 14th 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 tiptoe, goblin, and chill.

  • 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. tiptoe, tiptoeing, tiptoed, chills, chilling, etc. 😊
  • 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 below between right now this very second and 11:59PM Eastern Thursday October 31st (So you have 3 full days to post – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.)

  • 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 Tuesday October 29th and Thursday October 31st at 11:59PM Eastern.
  • 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! [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!
  • 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. In addition, I can’t add the links until 51 entries are posted or they get messed up and have to be redone. 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 😊

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 as soon as I can get them up! The winners will be announced a couple days after the voting to give everyone time to vote.

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!

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ FABULOUS PRIZES FROM GENEROUS PEOPLE!!! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

⭐️ Signed Copy of LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN PLUS A 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, 4/15/25 – Available for Pre-Order Now),  AFIKOMAN, WHERE’D YOU GO? A Passover Hide-And-Seek Adventure (Penguin/Rocky Pond, Spring 2024), LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN (Scholastic, 9/3/24), WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW! (Capstone, 1/1/25 – Available for Pre-Order Now), FINDING FORGIVENESS (Macmillan/FSG, 8/5/25), SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND (Barefoot Books, Fall 2025), and LOOKING FOR LIGHT: A Shabbat Story (Macmillan/FSG, Fall 2026)

Sign up for Rebecca’s NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/h2sK8X

⭐️ Zoom Ask Me Anything about Indie Publishing or Writing Chapter Books with author Kizzie Hutcheson Roberts, indie author of THE ELVES GO MARCHING (Elemental Ink, December 1, 2022), THE EGGS GO ROLLING (Learning Spark, February 16, 2023), and HARPER AND THE RAPTOR RESCUE (chapter book) (Learning Spark Educational Publishing, June 27, 2023)

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique OR First Chapter MG Critique with Beth Stillborn, writer of middle-grade fiction, occasional picture books, fiction for grownups, and poetry, and qualified editor of anything you put in front of her!

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique (non-rhyming) OR 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Zoom Session (winner’s choice) from Kari Ann Gonzalez, author of HOW TO HATCH A READER (Gnome Road Publishing, August 15, 2023)

⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique OR First Chapter CB, MG, or YA Critique from Candice Marley Conner, author of M IS FOR MOON PIE: ABCs IN THE BIRTHPLACE OF MARDI GRAS (Derby Press, January 6, 2023), SASSAFRAS AND HER TEENY TINY TAIL (MacLaren-Cochrane Publishing, June 8th, 2021), THE EXISTENCE OF BEA PEARL (Owl Hollow Press, June 15th, 2021), and CHOMPSEY CHOMPS BOOKS (MacLaren-Cochrane Publishing, October 12th, 2021)

⭐️ Picture Book Manuscript Critique OR 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Call – winner’s choice – with Ellen Leventhal! Ellen is the author of DON’T EAT THE BLUEBONNETS (Spork, 2017), LOLA CAN’T LEAP (Spork, 2018), HAYFEST: A HOLIDAY QUEST (ABCs Press, 2010), A FLOOD OF KINDNESS (WorthyKids, 2021), and DEBBIE’S SONG (Kar-Ben Publishing, April 4, 2023)

⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (rhyming) from Gayle C. Krause, author of ZADIE AND THE WITCH’S TEA (Trowbridge Books, LLC, July 1, 2023), ROCK STAR SANTA (Scholastic, January 1, 2008), DADDY, CAN YOU SEE THE MOON? (Spork, April 9, 2019), ONCE UPON A TWISTED TALE (Spork, June 18, 2019), as well as two YAs and a MG!

⭐️ A Picture Book Manuscript Critique (rhyming or non-rhyming) from Nancy Derey Riley, author/illustrator of CURIOSITY’S DISCOVERY (Rolling Prairie Publishing LLC, November 10, 2020), BUTTERFLY INN (Rolling Prairie Publishing LLC, May 25, 2022), YETI IN THE SERENGETI (Rolling Prairie Publishing LLC, May 30, 2023), and a new book due out next spring that is still hush-hush 😊

⭐️ A 30 Minute Ask Infowoman: A Library Consult Zoom session for an author visit presentation slide deck review from Kathy Halsey! Please visit her website to see her many, many qualifications!

⭐️ A 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Zoom Chat with Carrie Finison, author of DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers; Illustrated edition, July 21, 2020), DON’T HUG DOUG (He Doesn’t Like It) (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, January 26, 2021), LULU AND ZOEY: A Sister Story (Running Press Kids, June 7, 2022), HURRY LITTLE TORTOISE, TIME FOR SCHOOL (Random House Studio, July 19, 2022), and PIGS DIG A ROAD (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, September 10, 2024)

⭐️ 30 Minute Ask Me Anything Zoom Chat (anything relating to writing/publishing) OR a signed copy of winner’s choice of any of her picture books from Becky Scharnhorst, author of MY SCHOOL STINKS! (Flamingo Books, July 2021),  THIS FIELD TRIP STINKS! (Flamingo Books, August 2022), and HOW TO GET YOUR OCTOPUS TO SCHOOL (Flamingo Books, May 16, 2023)

⭐️ A Signed Copy of THE PIE THAT MOLLY GREW (Sleeping Bear Press, August 2023) OR 13 WAYS TO EAT A FLY (Charlesbridge, 2021) – winner’s choice – 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.

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! 😊

With so many great prizes up for grabs I hope there will be a lot of entries – the more the merrier! And you’ve still got a couple days to write, so you can squeeze in under the wire if you haven’t written yet. Feel free to spread the word to your writing friends as well. And your reading friends – parents, teachers, etc. The more people who read and enjoy your stories, the better!!!

Contest Entrants, remember you MUST post your entry in the comment section below and include title, byline, and word count.

Eager Readers – just go along the list of links below, click on them (they’ll take you directly to whichever story you click on), and enjoy the stories!

So, let the Halloweensie begin!

Happy Reading! Happy Writing! Happy Halloween! 🎃 🎃 🎃

I can’t wait to read your entries!

The 274 entries listed below are linked to where they appear in the comments so you can click on the titles and get right to them! (I promise I will get to this as soon as I can!) Anyone who feels kind can start at the bottom of the list so those entries get some comments too! 🎃 😊

2024 Halloweensie Contest Entries!

  1. Skeleton’s Halloween – Lucretia Schafroth
  2. Ninja Goblins – Mike Flowers
  3. Goblin Sundaes – Jocelyn Watkinson
  4. Loblin Goblin’s Pile of Toes – Liz Stitt
  5. The Peanut Butter Cup Caper – Mikki DeFever
  6. Goblin Hunt – Margaret Robison
  7. ‘Tis The Season – Tamara Hecht
  8. Five Grumbling Goblins One Halloween Night – Susan Elizabeth Schipper
  9. We Are All Monsters Here – Jamie Donahoe
  10. Goblin-Fun! – Paul Kurtz
  11. Gobblin’ Goblin! – Paul Kurtz
  12. Happiest Halloween Ever! – Donna Kurtz
  13. Scree-eechh! – Donna Kurtz
  14. Goblin Mess – Jeanette O’Toole
  15. Trick or Treat? – Corine Timmer
  16. Halloween Fright – Corine Timmer
  17. Helicopter Parent Halloween – Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf
  18. Prankster, Pranked! – Sofia Pileggi
  19. Goblin, Cat, And The Halloween Night Ball – Susan Burdorf
  20. Evie’s Perfect Halloween – Sydnie Suskind
  21. Halloween Hunt For A Midnight Munch – Jodie Houghton
  22. The Halloween Candy Caper – Lindsay Moretti
  23. Witch One? – Stephanie Ward
  24. Can Goblins Learn To Chill? – Maggie Rowland
  25. A Boo-itful Night – Jany Campana
  26. A Goblin Halloween – Maggie Rowland
  27. The Goblin’s Stare – Russell Wolff
  28. The Goblin’s Secret – Mona Voelkel
  29. What’s That Creepy Sound? – Russell Wolff
  30. Drella’s Halloween Treat – Elizabeth Volkmann
  31. Five Days To Halloween – Isabel Rodriguez
  32. It’s Time! – Jean Leotta
  33. Halloweensie Story From Nairobi – Shariffa Keshavjee
  34. Untitled – Shariffa Keshavjee
  35. A Halloween Night Invite – Emily Roberts
  36. Night of Hallows – Shariffa Keshavjee
  37. Trick-or-Treat At The New Neighbors – Nicole Loos Miller
  38. Grandma Goblin’s Ghastly Goulash – Emily Roberts
  39. Gabby and Garrett’s Halloween – Sarah Meade
  40. Halloween With Autumn and Summer – Sarah Meade
  41. Halloween In Creepytown – Sarah Meade
  42. Creating Black Cats In A Cauldron – P.J. Purtee
  43. Tonight’s Performance – Robin Currie
  44. Tricky Treats – Charlie Griffin
  45. The ABC’S of Halloween – Stephanie Mena
  46. Hairy Princess – Dana Dillaman
  47. The Scarf and the Scarecrow – Kelly Clasen
  48. Gobblin’ Goblin – Lori Bonati
  49. What Will I Be This Year? – Eric Sondergeld
  50. Skeleton Shivers – Angel Gantnier
  51. The Goblin King – RJ Clarken
  52. Sustenance – Elizabeth Thoms Charles
  53. Spooky ABCs – Alan Elliott
  54. A Real Halloween Horror – Keatley Eastman
  55. Goblins! – Marla Yablon
  56. The Glamorous Little Goblin – Melissa Miles
  57. A Terrifying Sight – Sarah Musolino
  58. Don’t Wake The Werewolf! – Laura Wippell
  59. Goblin’s Trick – Kelly Kates
  60. The Haunted House Dare – Melissa Miles
  61. You Can Have Our Candy! – Carmen Castillo Gilbert, PhD
  62. Goblin’s Rule – Linda Staszak
  63. Ghoul’s Trick and Treat at School – Nancy Ferguson
  64. Trick-or-Treat, Smell My Feet – Jacinta Patterson
  65. The Craving – Julie Lerczak
  66. Goblin Snacks – Bonnie Hall
  67. Beach Halloween – Christine Bassham
  68. Two B’s Or ot Two B’s – Linda Staszak
  69. It Happened On Halloween – Denise Seidman
  70. Tricked Out of Treats – Lorraine McCown
  71. The Goblin’s Hallowe’en – Colleen Fogarty
  72. A Sweaty Halloween. – Karen LaSalvia
  73. The Basement – Katia M. Jesson
  74. No Tricks, Just Treats – Patti Richards
  75. Party Manners – Lauri C. Meyers
  76. The Wallydraigle – Kristen Littlefield
  77. Halloween Sticks and Tricks – Becki J. Kidd
  78. S’More Hunting – Jennifer Della’Zanna
  79. The Tale of Ricky and Pete – Marye Elmlinger
  80. Bob The Goblin’s Lullaby – Tracie Renee
  81. Little Goblin’s Halloween – Kathleen Mazurowski
  82. Scary Costume Question – Leanne Pankuch
  83. Essence of Halloween – Rhonda T. Spear
  84. The Alley – Glenda Roberson
  85. Pumpkin Pickers – Glenda Roberson
  86. Out of the Shadows – Glenda Roberson
  87. Mummies vs. Vampires – Katie Lee Reinert
  88. Baba Yaga Stew – From “Forest Witches’ Favorite Halloween Recipes” – Sue Ko
  89. Witchyella – Brigid Finucane
  90. Baby Goblin At The Halloween Ball – Meg Winikates
  91. Goblin Brom Bones: Legend of the North Pole – Kathleen Jacobs
  92. A Chili-Filled Night (in Haiku) – Lyn Jekowsky
  93. Salesman For The Goblin Show – Shaunessy Sinnett
  94. How The Hobgoblin Got Its Hob – Anne Lipton
  95. In The Cave Of The Goblin King – Kendra Lusty
  96. Trick-or-Treat Nightmare – Cindy Sommer
  97. Goblena’s Halloween Soup – Sarah Tobias
  98. Gobleyn And Gnome – Vashti Verbowski
  99. Whimsey’s Halloween Surprise – Tara Seahorn
  100. Even Goblin Superman Needs His Underwear – Shuba Mohan
  101. The Haunted. . . – Ruthie Nicklaus
  102. What Will I Be? – Lucia Lemieux
  103. Halloween At The House Up On The Hill – Beth Gallagher
  104. Body Talk – Lorraine McCown
  105. Twink – Rose Cappelli
  106. Trick or Treat Pie – Pam Adams
  107. Matching Goblins – Margaret Lea
  108. Goblin Trouble – Jen Subra
  109. Wanted: Cat – Jessica Iwanski
  110. Goblin Twins – Marty Findley
  111. Halloween Sneak – Mimi Hersh
  112. Taking Inventory – Suzy Zemel
  113. The Goblin Ballet – Nicole Loy
  114. Halloween Chess – Betsy Bennett
  115. Tricky Treat – Reed Hilton-Eddy
  116. Friendship, The Sweetest Candy – Teresa Speranza Vargas
  117. Halloween Heist – Barb Edwards
  118. A Post-Halloween Party – Jessica Jenson
  119. Trick and Treat – Vita Luna
  120. Goblin Cake – Amanda Blaylock
  121. Paxton Maxton Mumpledread – Tracey Kiff-Judson
  122. It’s NOT St. Nick (A Halloween Story) – Dawn Hauptner
  123. This Way Comes Halloween – Jo Baldwin
  124. Advice For Mice – Sharon McCarthy
  125. The Goblin Problem – Jessie Raspbury
  126. Puny Pete – Seth Standley
  127. Just Desserts – Amanda Fletcher
  128. Halloween On The Farm, Cowgirl and the Inflatable Dinosaurs – Laura N. Clement
  129. A Spectrum of Costumes – Laura N. Clement
  130. Brave Little Witch – Cynthia Elomaa
  131. Bubble, Bubble, Good-bye Trouble! – Susan Jakubowski
  132. Spookyville’s Surprising Skills – Judy Caldwell Hughes
  133. Hallowscream – Ashley Sierra
  134. Grabby Gabby – Ashley Sierra
  135. The Real Halloween Heroes – Ashley Sierra
  136. Halloween 365 – Abigail Mumford
  137. Goons Beware! – Gary Stultz
  138. Untitled – Lori Stultz
  139. A Night On The Town – Marty Bellis
  140. Halloween Mischief – Rebecca W. Chester
  141. Counting On Halloween – Mary Rudzinski
  142. Beach Trick or Treat – Amy Duchene
  143. The Full-Size Candy Bar Challenge – Sara Kruger
  144. Without A Costume – Laura Oliphant
  145. It Is Time – Michelle Kenner
  146. Trick and Treat – Linda Balgley-Shore
  147. Zelda Zombie’s Tea – Amy LaRae Brewer
  148. Goblin Groove – Katie Brandyberry
  149. Goblin Sneaks A Treat – Lauren Racela
  150. Grumpy Goblin – T Milton
  151. Greedy Goblins – Adriana Gutierrez
  152. Cornelius, The Misfit Candy Corn – Deborah Kim
  153. Maybe A Snu – Greg Beatty
  154. Dad’s Nap – SHAWKLYN
  155. Three Witches and Their Beloved – Imelda Taylor
  156. A Scary Halloween – Janet Parkinson Bryce
  157. Goblin Trouble – Bonnie Kloster
  158. A Fright On Friday Night – Brett A. Starr
  159. Beware – Lynn Moore
  160. The Hairy, Scary Goblin – Lori Dubbin
  161. Frankenbones – Carol MacPherson
  162. Aurelia’s Cat Is A Bat – Eleanor A. Peterson
  163. Corky’s Halloween Scare – Carol MacPherson
  164. Johnny’s Brain – Diana Blau
  165. Halloween Parade – Dianne Wright
  166. Goblin and Cowboy – Vicky Pao
  167. My Second Halloween – Kim L. Young
  168. Thief In The Night – Marta Cutler
  169. Goblins Never Tiptoe – Laura Rice Martinez
  170. Skye’s Chilling Costume – Sarah Atherton
  171. Frightening Reflection – Jennifer Kaap
  172. Goblin’s Feet – Marie Tang
  173. Stopping By Stephen King’s on Hallowed Evening – Sherry Dubis
  174. All Hallow’s Eve – Darlene Pagán
  175. The Spooky Cave – Ghost Writer (R.I.P.M.)
  176. One More House – Dana Dillaman
  177. Who’s There? – Marilyn Wolpin
  178. How The Greedy Goblins Gobbled Halloween – S.J. Barratt
  179. Black Cat’s Trick For Treat – Nicole Terry
  180. Sister’s Sacrifice – Amanda Blaylock
  181. The Skeleton March – Maria Piñero Pope
  182. Jane-O-Lantern – Melissa Rafson Friedman
  183. It’s Not Easy Being A Goblin – Lynn Burton
  184. A Halloween Tale of the Deep Dark Sea – Amy LaMae Brewer
  185. Candy Corn Goblin – Leslie Ross-Degnan
  186. When I Am Jack – Tarja Helena Nevala
  187. Hello, Dessie – Jessica Russo
  188. The Long Walk Home – Jenna Renqvist
  189. The Halloween Hobgoblin – Sherry Moon
  190. It’s Halloween! – Maritere Bellas
  191. Catching Candy – Susan Schade
  192. Skeleton’s Surprise – Laurie Smith Murphy
  193. The Quickest Way To A Gargoyle’s Heart – MORNAGERSHO
  194. Beware The Screams On Halloween! – Griffin Taylor
  195. Georgie’s Halloween Hijinks – Jessie Anna Bornemann
  196. The Apple Bob Goblin – Marcia Dalphin Williams
  197. Tiptoes First Halloween – Barbara DiMarco
  198. Halloweenie, The Goblin And The Tender Hearted Schoolboy – Elizabeth Etheridge
  199. Goblin’s Halloween Trick – Jennifer Tarr
  200. Danny’s Goblin Dare – Islancy Guada
  201. Danny’s Goblin Dare Poem – Islancy Guada
  202. A Chilling Treat – Islancy Guada
  203. Chocozilla – Jessica D. Phillips
  204. A Goblin’s Trick or Treat – Thelia Hutchinson
  205. Goblins and Goodies – Carol Porter-Peszko
  206. Goblin’s Wish – Teresa MI Schaefer
  207. Naughty Goblin – Bri Lawyer
  208. A Goblin’s Haunted House – Bri Lawyer
  209. Goblin Goo – Ryann Jones
  210. The Candywrapper – Chris Scribbles
  211. Goblin Games – Katherine Rea
  212. Teddy Saved The Goblin’s Mind – Kimberly Zhuo
  213. Goody Goblin – Michelle S. Kennedy
  214. Lavender Luna Latte – Blythe Williams
  215. The Halloween Scare Contest – Diana Louise Vancura
  216. The Halloween Beast – Kristen Littlefield
  217. Little Goblin – Liz Shine
  218. The Goblins’ Halloween Ball – Lisa Lowe Stauffer
  219. The Door In The Hall – Kate Chabarek
  220. The Goblin Princess – Patricia Brown
  221. Shriek! It’s A Freak! – Jean Martin
  222. A Hallow’s Eve Surprise – J. Edwin Trindade
  223. The Scariest Costume – Helen Ishmurzin
  224. A Halloween Scare – Emily Roberts
  225. Goblin On A Break – Susanne Connolly
  226. Troll’s Greatest of All Time Jack-o-Lantern – Nadia Ali
  227. Feast of the Goblin King – Leah Tilki
  228. Mischievous Tricksters – Jenna Daucunas
  229. Ryan’s Sleepy Hollow-een – Jen Keenan
  230. Becky The Kind, Clever Goblin – Robin Brett Wechsler
  231. The Goblin – Angela Martinelli
  232. Where The Wind Blows – Daniella Kaufman
  233. Halloween Magic – Cindy Greene
  234. Goblin’s Gripe – Jill Lambert
  235. Where Are You, Pete? – Webb Smith
  236. The Gobblin’ Goblin – Carla Gullett
  237. The Halloween Parade – Alyssa Londoño
  238. A Busy October 31st – Emily Roberts
  239. Artists Interests – Lorraine McCown
  240. The Costume Contest – Amanda Littlefield
  241. Goblin Juice – Claudine Pullen
  242. That’s Just Me – Amanda Littlefield
  243. The History of the Goblin King and the Jellied Bean – Elizabeth Etheridge
  244. Toe-tips – Lucas Field
  245. Jack-O’-Sorta Lantern – Julie Hauswirth
  246. Far Worse Creatures – Nicole Garnett
  247. The Old Graveyard – Sharon Goldstein Jackson
  248. A Goblin Steals My Socks – Elizabeth Bryer
  249. Fibonacci Goblin – TERRIMICHELS
  250. The Halloween Caper – Brianna Brown
  251. A Good Night – Maripat Metcalf
  252. Goblin Party – Kassie Lamro
  253. ‘Winning’ Treats – Sarah (Sezza) Hetu
  254. The Goblin Kitten Guard – Jill Littig
  255. Curly Toes – Susan Eyerman
  256. Halloween Rules – Elenore Byrne
  257. Rub-A-Dub-Dub – Pat Finnegan
  258. Abby’s Halloween Adventure – Dianne Borowski
  259. IYKYK – M. Metcalf
  260. Stepping In By Stepping Out – Colleen Owens Murphy
  261. The Eager Halloweeners – Elise Teichert
  262. Goblin’s Halloween Surprise – Diana Sussman
  263. Aunt Violet’s Halloween Treats – Una Belle Townsend
  264. The Family Who Tricks Together. . . – Sharon Korzelius
  265. Sumpin’ Scary – Lisa Y? Wilson
  266. Twix-Or-Treat – Shaunessy Sinnett
  267. Boo Who? – Cathy Bendix
  268. Boo – Briana McCormick
  269. The Tale of the Terrible Treat Snatchers – Derek Quick
  270. A Halloween Riddle – Jennifer Schmitz
  271. Flight of Fright – Samantha Cora
  272. Tiptoe, Goblin and Chill – Barb Seregi
  273. Goblin Trick or Treat – Susan Summers
  274. Home Alone – Marina Wright

1,335 thoughts on “The 14th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest aahhhrrrooooOOOO!!!”

  1. loristory says:
    Reply
    loristory's avatar

    Gobblin’ Goblin

    by Lori Bonati (100 words)

    Vinnie was a vampire,

    Barb had hat and broom,

    Zelda was a zombie,

    risen from her tomb.

    I revolved on tiptoes

    while my tutu twirled.

    Ghostly ballerina,

    best one in the world.

    Down the block we scampered,

    ringing neighbors’ bells,

    but we turned around when

    we reached Mr. Spell’s.

    “Wait!” he cried. “Don’t panic!

    Chill! Come see your prize!”

    Instantly, he vanished,

    right before our eyes.

    In his place, a goblin

    stood there looking mean.

    Screaming, we all scattered.

    Our worst Halloween!

    Safely home, we noticed

    we’d dropped all our treats.

    Goblin found our bags and

    gobbled up our sweets!

  2. Eric Sondergeld says:
    Reply
    Eric Sondergeld's avatar

    What Will I Be This Year?

    By Eric Sondergeld (100 words)

    Darkness falls on Halloween,
    Brewing Metamorphozine!
    Each dose has diff’rent effects,
    Who – no what –  will I be next?

    Cow ear wax and doggy snot,
    Broccoli, but not a lot.
    Fly eyeballs and pigeon poop,
    Dad’s toe cheese, some unknown goop.

    Add one drop of rancid oil,
    Blend it up and make it boil.
    Careful not to let it spill,
    Put it in the fridge to chill.

    Gulp it down, let no time pass,
    Gaze into the looking glass.
    What, too short? Up on tip-toes,
    Shabby clothes and runny nose.
    Goblin stares back with my eyes.
    Time to go and terrorize!

      • Eric Sondergeld says:
        Eric Sondergeld's avatar

        I admit to getting some ingredient inpsiration from some real live children, though I modified dad’s toenails in favor of dad’s toe cheese for it’s grossness and meter.

      • Eric Sondergeld says:
        Eric Sondergeld's avatar

        Thanks Horsewriterlady! I write picture books, but never in rhyme (yet!). But for these types of contests I always turn to rhyme. I guess it’s a safe place to practice as I’ve heard rhyming PBs have to have perfect rhyme and meter. That and I think writing poetry is fun.

    • Anne Lipton says:
      Reply
      Anne Lipton's avatar

      Perfect rhyme and recipe for a goblin potion! Love the tension you create with sharply contrasting elements, like the precise preparation of icky ingredients as well as the adorable goblin with a propensity to terrorize.

      • Eric Sondergeld says:
        Eric Sondergeld's avatar

        Maybe they taste great when combined. If you try it, please let me know what you think…and what you become. Tomorrow’s the perfect day to test it out.

    • Lucretia Schafroth says:
      Reply
      Lucretia Schafroth's avatar

      Lovely imagery and rhyme. I can almost imagine the ad for the new pharmaceutical product, Metamorphozine, and all the attendant disclaimers about its possible side effects, including the potential for goblin-inducing effects. Very fun!

      • Eric Sondergeld says:
        Eric Sondergeld's avatar

        Thanks Lucretia. I suppose one advantage of the home brew is it doesn’t require FDA approval. The best part is the random side effects are the intent.

  3. Angel Gantnier says:
    Reply
    Angel Gantnier's avatar

    SKELETON SHIVERS

    By Angel Gantnier

    100 words

    Skeleton shivered under the Halloween moon.

    His voice shook. “I’m chilled to the bone!”

    Skeleton tiptoed around town.

    He wrapped his arms around himself.

    A trick-or-treater tore off their mask. “This costume is hot!”

    Skeleton continued to tiptoe around town searching for…

    “There it is!”

    Skeleton tiptoed through the door.

    He browsed through the costumes.

    Skeleton grabbed the goblin.

    Skeleton wandered around town. “Ahh, I feel warm and cozy!”

    He noticed a goblin coming closer.

    “Uh oh, real goblin,” Skeleton shrieked.

    The goblin stopped and stared at Skeleton. Then he ran off.

    “Phew! I’m glad I chose the goblin costume!”

  4. RJ Clarken says:
    Reply
    RJ Clarken's avatar

    The Goblin King

    By RJ Clarken (98 words)

    On All Hallows’ Eve,
    by the light of the moon,
    on tiptoe, he’ll make his night’s jaunt.

    In muddy-brown boots
    and tattered top hat
    the Goblin King heads out to haunt.

    With a whiiishhh, and a whoooshhhh,
    he will dart here and there,
    whilst making the most awful faces.

    And then he’ll just vanish,
    in a great puff of smoke,
    leaving only the faintest of traces.

    But here is the point: as
    you go trick-or-treating,
    his ruse will have proved quite handy.

    A most chill deception,
    since the goblin’s now gone…
    and so is all of your candy!

    ###

  5. bethsbiblio says:
    Reply
    bethsbiblio's avatar

    Sustenance

    by Elizabeth Thoms Charles

    Word count: 79

    We tiptoe past the mortuary.            

    Our bones chill.

    We tremble in the dark.

    Bats flit about our heads.

    The mom and pop hamburger shack gives out sliders on Halloween.

    This is the fastest route.

    Crack. “What was that?”

    “You stepped on a twig.”

    “Who’s there?”

    “It’s a shadow.”

    Round the corner, strands of lights dance in the wind, casting spooky shadows.

    A red and black goblin hands out delicious mini burgers with all the toppings.

    Munch. Munch.  

    Happy Halloween.

  6. Alan Elliott says:
    Reply
    Alan Elliott's avatar

    Spooky ABCs
    by Alan Elliott (97 words)

    Haunted Mansion’s open door,

    Tiptoe in for treats galore.

    First, a foggy Apparition,

    Bats and Cats heighten tension.

    Dragons flying, fires burning,

    Eyeballs weeping, ever yearning,

    Devilish Fangs, Goblin Ghosts,

    Ghoulish Headstones, Impish hosts,

    Jack O’Lantern, headless Knight,

    Sorcerer’s Lair, Monster fright.

    Nematodes oozing slime,

    Ogres leeching gunk and grime.

    Phantoms fly in morbid dread,

    Queen of darkness rules the dead.

    Rats and Spiders crawl unseen,

    Tombstones shudder; ghosts convene,

    Undead Vampires, Werewolf bite,

    X-eyed scarecrows – what a fright.

    Yowling Yahoo’s evil eye,

    Zowling Zombies petrify.

    Fill my bucket, if you please.

    And keep your spooky ABCs.

  7. Keatley Eastman says:
    Reply
    Keatley Eastman's avatar

    A Real Halloween Horror (91 words)

    Keatley Eastman

    Sinister sniveling buckles your knees.

    Rattling raises your hair.

    Goosebumps appear on your neck when you hear

    ominous shrieks of despair!

    Wheezes and crackles cut through the black night,

    Sharp as a bone-scraping knife.

    Trembling, you tiptoe on kittenish feet,

    Holding your breath for dear life.

    Frankenstein’s groaning and Dracula’s nips,

    Strokes from a mummified hand,

    Zombies who chill you with menacing moans,

    All are a breeze to withstand.

    Halloween trickery seems like a treat

    Next to the hullabaloo

    Of a cantankerous, cranky, and cross

    Goblin who’s sick with the flu.

  8. mlyablonaolcom says:
    Reply
    mlyablonaolcom's avatar

    Goblins!

    by Marla Yablon

    83 words

    We’re sneaking through your neighborhood as quiet as can be.

    We don’t want anyone to hear or turn around to see,

    a gang of goblins tiptoeing down Halloween-dark streets,

    so we can follow children who are gathering their treats.

    But if you get a creepy vibe that gives your spine a chill,

    please don’t turn to look behind. Stand absolutely still.

    Because, despite our scary rep, we’re really rather shy.

    If you yell Boo! or scream aloud, you might just make us cry.

  9. melissajmiles1 says:
    Reply
    melissajmiles1's avatar

    The Glamorous Little Goblin (99 words)

    by Melissa Miles

    It’s time for the big Halloween Bash!

    Gloria Goblin dances before the mirror.

    She twirls on tiptoe,

    She boogies, jives, jitter-bugs, and waltzes.

    Gloria gazes at her reflection.

    I’m glamorous.

    I’m marvelous.

    My costume rocks.

    She sets out into the night chill.

    Some kids shout “Grotesque!”  

    “Look at those pointy ears.”

    “Monstrous!”

    “You’ve got fangs instead of teeth.”

    Gloria skips by, thinking, Imagine mixing up glamorous with grotesque! How silly.

    At the festival, Gloria wins the prize for Best Mask.

    She clutches her trophy with pride.

    I won for best mask without even needing one!

    I’m glamorous AND marvelous.

  10. classyunabashedly37d6e89ca2 says:
    Reply
    classyunabashedly37d6e89ca2's avatar

    Word Count: 98

    A Terrifying Sight

    By Sarah Musolino

    The night was quiet until…

    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

    A cold chill ran up my back as I heard a noise coming from the front door.

    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

    I tiptoed quietly down the stairs as the noise grew louder.

    BOOM! BOOM! BOOOOM!

    My hands were shaking as I reached for the door knob. 

    CREAK…

    “TRICK OR TREAT SMELL MY FEET, GIVE ME SOMETHING GOOD TO E…AHHHH!”

    I quickly slammed the door and hid behind the curtain, watching those terrible beasts run down the street. 

    That was terrifying!

    Goblins are only afraid of one thing… children.

  11. Laura Wippell says:
    Reply
    Laura Wippell's avatar

    Don’t Wake the Werewolf!

    By Laura Wippell

    99 words

    Shhhhhhh!

    Do you hear that?

    It’s the snuffles and snores of all the monsters getting their beauty sleep for the big day tomorrow – 

    Halloween!

    It’s hard work sending chills down kiddies’ spines.

    Monsters need to be well-rested.

    Especially one…

    Whatever you do, don’t wake the werewolf!

    He’s fur-ious if he doesn’t get enough shut-eye.

    Tiptoe next to trolls.

    Glide past goblins.

    Flit by Frankenstein.

    But, whatever you do, don’t wake the werewolf!

    He fur-bids it!

    Dance around Dracula.

    Murmur to the mummies.

    Skulk over skeleton.

    I said, SKULK, not SMASH!

    Quiet! You’ll wake the werewolf!

    AHHHHHRRRROOOOOOOOOOO!

    Oh no…

  12. kelly909b5a1f02 says:
    Reply
    kelly909b5a1f02's avatar

    Goblin’s Trick

    Kelly Kates

    WC: 100

    A raven cawed loudly. A chill filled the air.

    Goblin groaned. Once again. His secret nightmare.

    He loathed sneaking around, causing terror and fright.

    Walking on tiptoe makes legs cramp up tight!

    He searched for his friend, a spunky tooth fairy

    who cursed all sweet things, and longed to be scary.

    Last Hallowe’en, they’d switched clothes for the night;

    trading treats for dead teeth had been his delight.

    He played under pillows and danced in fall flowers.

    While she terrorized children through night’s darkest hours.

    They sleepily toasted  their tricks smartly done,

    deciding that next year, they’d repeat their fun.

  13. melissajmiles1 says:
    Reply
    melissajmiles1's avatar

    The Haunted House Dare (95 words)

    by Melissa Miles

    On Halloween night, we brace for the chill,

    our black capes trailing as we climb the hill.

    The house up on top is known for its scares,

    but my brother Jack accepts ALL the dares.

    Up the front staircase, we tiptoe and creep,

    knowing we cannot risk making a peep.

    Jack raises a hand, he’s ready to knock—

    “Oh no, what’s that?” It’s the click of a lock!”

    The door swings open, we’re caught unaware!

    There’s a huge green goblin hovering there.

    He dances a jig, and flashes a grin,

    “Hooray, I have trick-or-treaters again!”

  14. carmen2750 says:
    Reply
    carmen2750's avatar

    YOU CAN HAVE OUR CANDY!
    By Carmen Castillo Gilbert, PhD
    Word Count: 97 words

    “Go, Andrés, knock already,” says José.
    Knock! Knock!
    Silence.

    We look through a window.
    Three figures on a couch,
    scorpions, snakes, spiders, everywhere.
    My knees shake.

    The figures tiptoe to the door.
    Something oozes behind them.

    Creeeaaak!
    “Yeeessssss,” they all say.
    “Triick or treat,” I mumble.
    José pales.

    Sweaty hands!
    Thumping hearts!
    Chilly backs!

    Missing-hand shoves apples into our bags.
    Plunk!

    Bandaged-head pulls chocolates out of a skull.
    Plunk!

    Bruised-face grabs candy out of a spiderweb.
    Plunk!

    THUD go our Halloween bags!

    We run screaming: “YOU CAN HAVE OUR CANDY!”
    The three goblins laugh a loooong time…

  15. Linda Staszak says:
    Reply
    Linda Staszak's avatar

    Thanks Susanna. This is always so much fun!

    GOBLINS RULE!

    By Linda Staszak 100 words                  

    Aaooooooooooo!

    Goblin Grrk shuddered as he marched through the haunted forest.

    His sister Zuki trudged behind. “I’m cold,” she whined. “Any gingerbread would work.”

    “The scavenger hunt instructions say ‘witch’s gingerbread’,” said Grrk. “Shhh—there’s her cottage. Tiptoe.”

    They were quiet as spiderwebs, but…

    The witch was waiting.

    “Goblins, how tasty—err, nice,” she cackled. “I’m baking Halloween gingerbread.”

    The goblins dashed to the oven.

    The evil witch pushed them inside and slammed the door, but…

    CR-R-R-RAAAAASH! ZAP! KA-BOOMEY!

    Zuki raised her chin and grabbed the gingerbread. “Don’t mess with chilly goblins.”

    Grrk grinned. “Goblins rule! Let’s get our prize.”

  16. Nancy Ferguson says:
    Reply
    Nancy Ferguson's avatar

    GHOUL’S TRICK AND TREAT AT SCHOOL

    97 words

    by Nancy Schleihauf Ferguson

    Principal Goblin pointed, “Trick or Treat’s down that hall, little ghosts- BEWARE…”

    Witches and monsters offered treats.

    Bags filled, the ghosts noticed some trick or treaters rushing silently back toward the Goblin.

    At the sign: “Come if you dare!” they tiptoed through the dark hallway.

    The hunched one-eyed Ghoul’s eye GLOWED RED! .

    Ghoul growled, “Go back! SILENTLY.”

    Chills up their spine. They raced. Silently.

    Shouts from the cafeteria:

    “You got tricked, too!”

    “Look how scared kids are on that screen!”

    “That Ghoul’s eye-phone recorded us. It’s live-streaming. She TRICKED us all and made a video TREAT!”

  17. Jacinta Patterson says:
    Reply
    Jacinta Patterson's avatar

    Trick-or-Treat, Smell My Feet!

    By Jacinta Patterson

    [WC: 97]

    Double, double, toil and trouble;

    Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

    Fill that bubble bath with scum;

    Something spotless this way comes!

    “Greta Goblin! Muck-up time!

    You’re in need of grease and grime!

    Toadstool soap and slime shampoo!”

    Greta raises BALLYHOO.

    “Come on, Mummy!” Greta keens.

    “Stink-or-treat’s for LITTLE fiends!

    I’m a brave and fearless wench;

    I don’t need to mask my stench!”

    So…

    Off a-haunting Greta goes,

    Spreading horror, nose by nose.

    Tiptoe, tiptoe, stealthy stride,

    Leaving victims teary-eyed.

    Fiendish faces all turn green.

    Oh, how horrid…Greta’s CLEAN!

    Monsters race to rank latrines

    On this chilling Halloween.

  18. littleseedsread says:
    Reply
    littleseedsread's avatar

    The Craving
    by Julie Lerczak 96 words

    One Halloween, no stars shined.
    Branches creaked. Black cats whined.
    Roaming witches zoomed up high.
    Trick-or-treaters tiptoed by.

    Creeping, sneaking, looking out,
    freaky things lurked about.
    Moaning zombies, toothy rats,
    goblins wearing spikey hats.

    Creatures gathered in the street,
    growling loud, stomping feet.
    Each had cravings. Each went wild,
    stalking, chasing every child!

    Children ran. They shrieked and screamed.
    All around, monsters teamed.
    “Please, don’t eat us,” wee ones cried,
    chilly, shaking, terrified.

    The monsters stopped in their tracks.
    “Hold on there! Please relax!
    Eat You? Why, we never would!
    We want candy! Oh, so good!”

  19. Bonnie Hall says:
    Reply
    Bonnie Hall's avatar

    Goblin Snacks

    by Bonnie Hall

    99 words

    Halloween wooshes in with a chill in the wind that stirs the goblin from sleep.

    He tiptoes and scurries, in a terrible hurry, to hunt for a midnight treat. 

    Werewolf … too hairy

    Zombie … too scary.

    Mummy needs unwrapping.

    Bat does too much flapping.

    What’s a hungry goblin to eat?

    Goblin explores, as monsters knock on doors and call “Trick-or-Treat!”     

    Bags fill with candy and surprises that tempt the sneaky goblin to peek.

    Goblin tiptoes to a door.

    Knock knock.

    “Trick-or-Treat?”

    Gummy pumpkins, chocolate witches, it all tastes so delicious.

    This is what a hungry goblin should eat!

  20. Christine Tamer Bassham says:
    Reply
    Christine Tamer Bassham's avatar

    Beach Halloween

    By Christine Bassham (97 words)

    I know it’s 99 degrees

    But we can’t go to the beach

    It’s October 31st

    Witch, take those flip flops off your feet!

    Wait, do you feel that?

    I think there’s a chill in the air

    Put away those sand toys!

    Witch, no I won’t carry your beach chair!

    Mummys bobbing for apples in the ocean?

    Black cats tiptoeing in the sand?

    Golbins trick-or-treating with seashells?

    Witch, perhaps I underestimated your plan.

    Halloween at the beach.

    Witch, that was actually quite fun.

    But next year let’s hope it’s cold.

    Because all the vampires melted in the sun!

  21. Linda Staszak says:
    Reply
    Linda Staszak's avatar

    TWO B’s OR NOT TWO B’s

    By Linda Staszak                  99 words

    Woooohooooooooooo!

    Zelda shivered. “This place is spooky. Where’s the turkey party?”

    “We’re here—’Goblin Halloween Party’.” Lulu fluffed her feathers and giggled. “We’re good gobblers.”

    “They misspelled ‘gobblin’,” said Zelda. “Umm, everybody’s wearing goblin costumes.”

    Gasp!

    Chills ran down their spines.

    “It’s a GOBLIN party, not gobblin’!”

    “Let’s get out of here,” Zelda squeaked.

    They tiptoed toward the door, but…

    Goblins blocked their way. “Leaving already? It’s snack time—vegetarian—at the moment.”

    “Hii-yaaa!” Fur flew.

    “Eee-yai!” Feathers floated.

    “Woohoo,” squealed Lulu. “Good thing we watch karate movies.”

    Zelda nodded. “Next time make sure gobblin’ has two B’s. RUN!”

  22. Denise Seidman says:
    Reply
    Denise Seidman's avatar

    It Happened on Halloween
    by Denise Seidman 97 words

    On Halloween, the children stopped at the farm to pick up pumpkins for the Jack-o-lantern Contest. Then they would trick-or-treat.

    Once there, the sight before them chilled their blood. A giant goblin with sharp teeth sat. Around him, the pumpkins rotted and turned black.

    The children tiptoed backward, hoping they were not seen. Their efforts were in vain when the goblin saw and salivated, “Dinner!”

    Slime oozed towards and encased them. Stuck, what were they going to do?

    Suddenly, a flashlight came on. Its light frightened the goblin. He bolted away. The slime disappeared, freeing the children.

  23. mnlfam says:
    Reply
    Lorraine McCown's avatar

    Tricked Out of Treats By Lorraine McCown (WC: 96)

    Giggling through the wooded lot, the brothers looked back at the pillowcase toting goblin, crunching across the leaves to join them. “Hurry up, Emma!”

    Witches, werewolves, skeletons, and superheroes energized the streets with laughter, as the quest for candy ensued.

    The boys left no house unvisited, emptying their bounty into Emma’s pillowcase whenever their plastic pumpkins overflowed. Time to go home for the big candy sort.

    They rang their own bell and Emma answered the door.

    Chills swept through the confused brothers as they looked back to see a goblin, tiptoeing their loot into the darkness.

  24. Colleen says:
    Reply
    Colleen's avatar

    The Goblin’s Hallowe’en by Colleen Fogarty    WC 93

    T’was a dreary, dank night one Hallowe’en

    When a gaggle of goblins tiptoed on the scene.

     Ghastly grey ghosts floated down from a hill.

    Their wailing and whining made the goblins stand still.  

    Then cackling grackles flew through the air.

    While bats on bare branches sent a spine-chilling scare.

    The good-natured goblins tried to escape.

    A wall of wicked witches trapped them with capes.

    Blacker than black, scarier than scary.

    Imprisoned goblins called their Halloween Fairy.

    She fluttered and flashed a touch of her wand.

    The capes disappeared and the goblins tiptoed on.

  25. Karen says:
    Reply
    Karen's avatar

    My favorite writing contest of the year! Excited to read the entries. Thanks, Susanna!

    A SWEATY HALLOWEEN

    By Karen LaSalvia (98 words)

    Witches delight!

    It’s a warm Halloween night.

    A goblin pants in heavy robes,

    and a werewolf sweats in furry shoes–

    a stench perfect for a magic brew!

    But witches take fright!

    A princess doused with perfume 

    is sweet enough to spoil any spooky stew!

    Perhaps a spike of fear

    will foul this princess’s pits?

    Witches incite!

    Tiptoe, jump, and “Boo!” 

    Now a creeping, chill sweat ensues.

    Ah, sweet stink.

    Then a bump, a jostle–

    Witches swipe!

    Snatch a werewolf shoe.

    Dash away with princess’s cardigan and goblin’s robes too!

    At last, a powerful, stinky witches brew.

    Witches delight!

  26. katiajesson says:
    Reply
    katiajesson's avatar

    THE BASEMENT

    by Katia M Jesson

    The dreaded basement.

    Why does Mom keep the box of Halloween costumes THERE?

    Flicking on the light,

    I tiptoe down the stairs

    Don’t wake those goblins and ghosts that haunt my nightmares!

    CREEEAAAK

    Check that monsters aren’t grabbing my feet through open stairs.

    I feel that damp musty chill.

    Faint light struggles through tiny dirty windows.

    SQUEEEAK

    I freeze.

    Just Mom in the kitchen above.

    Boxes under a single dim lightbulb.

    Christmas, Easter,

    HALLOWEEN!

    I grab the box and turn,

    A figure is standing there.

    EEEECK!

    My heart leaps into my throat.

    “Honey, I came down to help you.”

    (99 words)

  27. Patti Richards, Children's Author says:
    Reply
    Patti Richards, Children's Author's avatar

    No Tricks, Just Treats! (97 words)

    By

    Patti Richards

    Tiptoe, tiptoe,

    porches creaking.

    Tiptoe, tiptoe,

    goblins sneaking.

    Winds a-chill

    with ghoulish giggles.

    Trick-or-treaters

    get the wiggles,

    waiting patiently

    for treats

    on jack-o’-lantern-

    lighted streets.

    Tiptoe, tiptoe,

    with their sacks,

    tricksters dream

    of tasty snacks.

    Back at home

    their “Mummy” waits

    to haunt them all

    with healthy plates.

    Tiptoe, tiptoe,

    porch is creaking.

    Goblin, Ghost and

    Witchy seeking. . .

    Not the veggies!

    Not the chicken!

    Not the stuff that’s in

    in the kitchen!

    Pour the CANDY

    on the table!

    Just one piece…

    if you are able.

    Fun-sized dreams

    fill sleepy heads.

    Tiptoe, tiptoe

    to your beds.

  28. Lauri Meyers says:
    Reply
    Lauri Meyers's avatar

    Party Manners

    By Lauri C. Meyers

    99 words

    Could thisHalloween soirée

    Be hosted by a witch?

    I grow suspicious when I see

    The spider-tizers twitch.

    Mushroom dip in poison red 

    Provides another clue.

    I’m certain when the soup du jour 

    Is gooey goblin stew!

    The jello mold of chilled raccoon

    Makes my stomach sick. 

    Before I run, the hostess urges,

    “Sweetie, make your pick.”

    I tiptoe ‘round the topic, scared

    She’ll think I’m impolite.

    How bad could toad-wart pizza be? 

    I brave a tiny bite!

    Crunchy bubbles pop and ooze,

    But I’ve had grosser food…

    ‘Til I’m hopping– ribbit– home.

    I wish I had been rude.

  29. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply
    Susanna Leonard Hill's avatar

    ENTRY POSTED FOR KRISTEN

     The Wallydraigle

                                                   By Kristen Littlefield

                                                         100 Words

    The Wallydraigle hung his head.
    “I can’t scare anyone,” he said.
    “The goblins compliment my drool 
    And Franky thinks my warts are cool.”

    On Halloween at Freakout Fest,
    Old Wally tried to wow each guest.
    He gargled lice and shredded rope.
    But did he scare one creature?

             Nope.

    The Wally’s eyes filled up with tears.
    Two jets of steam shot from his ears.
    He gnashed his teeth and pulled his tail.
    Then let out a bone-chilling WAIL!

    The goblins scattered left and right.
    And Franky tiptoed out of sight.
    The judges cried in dazed surprise,
    “The Wallydraigle wins first prize!”

  30. bkidd8 says:
    Reply
    bkidd8's avatar

    HALLOWEEN STICKS AND TRICKS

    By Becki J. Kidd

    100- Words

    Goblin drooled, watching sweet smelling treats drop inside creature’s bags.

    A girl twisted off the wrapper from a stick and sucked on it. She showed Goblin her red tongue.

    When he tried, the tart sweetness colored him purple.

    “Run!” Creatures screamed.

    “You can see me?”

    Now how would he get more?

    He rang the doorbell. The door slammed, trapping the sticks inside. Tiptoeing, he sneaked one from an unsuspecting creature and turned blue.

    Unafraid, the girl shared. Goblin turned orange; her tongue—yellow. He clapped with glee.

    Together they ate sticks late into the night, changing one color after another.  

  31. Jennifer Della Zanna says:
    Reply
    Jennifer Della Zanna's avatar

    S’MORE HUNTING
    by Jennifer Della’Zanna
    100 words

    Tiptoe, tiptoe. Stay outside the fire’s circle of light.

    Don’t see me!

    Tiptoe, tiptoe. CRACK!

    “Who’s there?”

    Don’t see me!

    “It was just a log in the fire, honey. Toast your marshmallow. Everything’s ready.”

    Rich, delicious chocolate. Drool dribbles down.

    Tiptoe, tiptoe.

    Smoke and sugar hide my smell. All her senses strain to unmask me.

    Don’t see me! The spell slips my control with sweets so close.

    Winter’s chill winds urge her to seek the fire’s warmth.

    Tiptoe, tiptoe. REACH…

    A shriek. “Goblin! Stay away from my chocolate!”

    Back to the bushes. SNIFF…

    In the distance—another fire.

    Tiptoe, tiptoe.

  32. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply
    Susanna Leonard Hill's avatar

    ENTRY POSTED FOR MARYE

    The Tale of Ricky and Pete
    By Marye Elmlinger

    Long ago in a moonlit chill,
    Two brothers went a-hobblin’
    Over stubbled fields, up misty hills,
    One a yowling monster, the other a bloody goblin.

    Ricky and Pete were naughty boys,
    Planning to trick, not treat.
    Leaping out from rocks and trees,
    Scaring their friends and stealing their sweets.

    Then Old Scarecrow at Farmer Brown’s
    Climbed off his picket fence.
    He tiptoed up and grabbed the two,
    And no one’s seen them since.

    So don’t pull pranks on Halloween,
    Or you might hear rustling feet,
    Feel spiky hands from behind,
    And vanish. Like Ricky and Pete.

  33. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply
    Susanna Leonard Hill's avatar

    ENTRY POSTED FOR TRACIE

    Bob the Goblin’s Lullaby (100 words)
    by Tracie Renee
    shared in this X/Twitter post

    Midnight dark is dawning deep. 
    Bob the goblin (yawning) creeps 
    on tired, tuckered, tiptoe feet, 
    searching for a place to sleep. 

    He’s made the children shriek and cry! 
    He’s made the chills that shiver spines! 
    He’s made the tricks that meet their sighs! 
    But even goblins need to shut their eyes. 

    Bob finds no hollow, nest or pit  
    to rest and bed his weary limbs, 
    but goblins know how to shapeshift— 
    so Bob does one last magic trick. 

    Now he’s the bed where he will sleep, 
    he’s the bed where he will dream 
    of wildly wicked Halloweens, 
    wildly, wicked Halloweens. 

  34. Kathy Mazurowski says:
    Reply
    Kathy Mazurowski's avatar

    Little Goblin’s  Halloween – 82 words

    by Kathleen Mazurowski 

    Tickety-dee, Tickety-boo,

    What’s a little goblin do?

    It’s Halloween eve,

    pumpkins are perfect, but…

    I’m afraid of all the BOO!

    Tickety-dee, Tickety-boo,

    What’s a little goblin to do?

    It’s Halloween day,

    cobwebs are creepy, but…

    I’ll wear a mask and walk with you.

    Tickety-dee, Tickety-boo,

    What’s a little goblin to do?

    It’s Halloween night,

    skeletons are scary, but…

    I feel safe when I’m with you.

    Tickety-dee, Tickety-boo,

    This brave little goblin 

    will tiptoe down the chilly street

    saying

    Happy 

    Halloween 

    to you!

  35. leannepankuch says:
    Reply
    leannepankuch's avatar

    Scary Costume Question (100 words)

    By Leanne Pankuch

    It was a dark and spooky night. But not just any dark and spooky night. Tonight was Halloween.

    Grimble felt a chill of excitement.

    Should she dress as a scary fairy princess?

    Or a terrifying teddy bear?

    Grimble looked in the mirror: green skin, yellow eyes, and a nose like a poisoned mushroom.

    Sigh. Her goblin face wasn’t scary.

    She needed to cover it…with a smile!

    Grimble ran to the front porch and found the perfect costume.

    She tiptoed up behind Dad…

    “Boo!”

    Dad spun around. “Help! A horrible happy jack-o-lantern!”

    “It’s just me,” Grimble giggled. “Ready to trick-or-treat?”

  36. katekerstetter says:
    Reply
    katekerstetter's avatar

    Essence of Halloween

    By Rhonda T Spear

    (99 words)

    Once again

    Halloween is here.

    Could something creepy

    Be lurking near?

    When the sun

    Begins to fade,

    Scary costumes

    Are on parade.

    Jack O’ Lanterns

    glowing bright

    Light a path

    Through the night.

    Doorbells ring

    Along the street.

    Children shout.

    Trick or treat!

    Darkness falls

    All around.

    Kids get chills

    From spooky sounds.

    What do I hear

    tiptoeing up behind?

    Is it ghosts or goblins?

    Oh, it’s Frankenstein!

    What is that sight

    In the sky?

    a witch on her broom,

    Taking a ride.

     Whatever it is

    You hear or see,

    Have a spooky good time,

    And a Happy Halloween!

  37. Glenda Roberson says:
    Reply
    Glenda Roberson's avatar

    The Alley (100 words)

    by

    Glenda Roberson

    “C’mon Krissy,” said Jake. “The best candy in the neighborhood is through this alley.”

    Krissy grabbed his hand in a death-grip, as the chilly wind swirled leaves around their feet.

    An eerie shriek echoed down the narrow alleyway. Then a green goblin lurched from behind a dumpster, eyes glowing like embers through the dense fog. 

    He grinned, showing jagged yellow teeth. “Who dares to pass?” he screeched.

    Krissy screamed.

    Jake froze.

    The goblin tiptoed forward. “Happy Halloween!” 

    He giggled and put handfuls of candy in their pumpkin pails.

    “Uh . . . trick or treat . . . I guess?” said Jake, still shaking with fear.

  38. Glenda Roberson says:
    Reply
    Glenda Roberson's avatar

    Pumpkin Pickers  (100 words)

    by

    Glenda Roberson

    Parker and Lela searched to find the best pumpkin as the setting sun turned them into golden orbs. 

    “Over here,” said Parker. “This one’s ginormous!”

    Lela squealed. “Perfect for our Jack-o-lantern!”

    The raggedy scarecrow giggled.

    Lela got chills.

    “Someone’s hiding over there,” said Parker. 

    They tiptoed over to find a pint-sized goblin behind their scarecrow. 

    He held up a teensy pumpkin. “I found the perfect one, too!”

    “Nice,” said Parker. “What’s in your bags?”

    “Two bags of candy to pay you.”

    “Sweet,” said Lela. “Then you should have two pumpkins.”

    “How will I decide?”

    “Easy. Pick a ginormous one!” 

  39. Glenda Roberson says:
    Reply
    Glenda Roberson's avatar

    Out of the Shadows  (100 words)

    by

    Glenda Roberson

    “Let’s go home,” said Kami. “All these Halloween costumes are scaring me.”

      Theo turned in circles. Nothing looked familiar. “We’re lost!” 

    Raspy chuckles sent chills down their spines. 

    A pointy-toothed goblin tiptoed from the deep shadows.

    “I’m scared, Theo!” 

    He pulled Kami closer.

    The goblin twirled a crooked stick and tapped it on the ground three times. A glowing purple path lit their way home.

    Kami giggled.

    “Thanks!” said Theo.

    The goblin’s eyes glowed red as he lurched closer. 

    He screeched, “Now give me all your candy!”

    The kids threw their buckets at him and screamed all the way home.

  40. Katie Reinert says:
    Reply
    Katie Reinert's avatar

    Mummies vs. Vampires

    By Katie Lee Reinert

    98 words

    The prank war had been going on for centuries. 

    It started when the mummies swapped out the vampires’ blood oranges for clementines. 

    It continued when the vampires tied the mummies’ foot laces together. 

    A garlic stink bomb. 

    A crazy-glued crypt. 

    The battle never stopped…except for one night.

    Every year on a special night, a truce was called. Goblins gobbled and witches bewitched. Little monsters everywhere bundled up against the chilly night air and stretched up on tiptoes to mutter three magical words.

    Trick or treat!

    The sun lamp and tie-dye kit could wait till morning.

  41. suejeanko says:
    Reply
    suejeanko's avatar

    Baba Yaga Stew

    From “Forest Witches’ Favorite Halloween Recipes”

    By

    Sue Ko

    60 words

    One Baba Yaga bubbles a brew.

    Two Baba Yagas add goblin goo. 

    Three Baba Yagas, a pinch of chill. 

    Four Baba Yagas shriek, “Don’t spill!”

    Five Baba Yagas tiptoe close.

    Six Baba Yagas eye your throat.

    Seven Baba Yagas lick their lips.

    Eight Baba Yagas slurp and sip.

    Nine Baba Yagas stir the stew…

    Ten Baba Yagas

    all

    grab

    YOU!

  42. Brigid Finucane says:
    Reply
    Brigid Finucane's avatar

    Witchyella by Brigid Finucane ~ 99 words

    Witchyella held back tears as Mama Witch and her sisters zoomed

    off to the Halloweensie Ball.  

    A goblin tiptoed from the shadows. “Why so sad?” 

    “I wasn’t invited.”

    “But you were!” 

    Pouf! A batwing magically materialized with “Come to the Ball” engraved in shivery script. 

    “Let’s get you ready!” 

    Witchyella summoned spiders to fashion a shimmery gown. 

    Goblin gathered glowworms for a glimmery necklace. 

    Owl offered fringed feathers for a cape. 

     A grateful hug. Off into the chilly, spooky night she flew. 

    The castle doors creaked open. The gathered witches shouted gleefully, 

    “Witchyella is here! Let the celebration begin!”

  43. Lorraine McCown says:
    Reply
    Lorraine McCown's avatar

    So sorry to interrupt thread, but if you received a comment from MNLFAM, it’s from me – Lorraine McCown. I think my display name is fixed now, but it didn’t retroactively repopulate. I’m really enjoying reading all of your posts!

  44. mwinikates says:
    Reply
    mwinikates's avatar

    Baby Goblin at the Halloween Ball
    by Meg Winikates (100 words)

    Baby Goblin on tiptoe,
    sneaking where she shouldn’t go—
    Grown-up goblins celebrate,
    Halloween Ball starting late.

    Ghosties twirling, goblins bounce,
    Werewolves whirling, black cats pounce.
    Baby Goblin, heaving sighs,
    knows that boogying’s unwise:
    squishing’s likely, being small.
    Baby Goblin hugs the wall.

    Cider simmers in a pot,
    sweetly spicy, piping hot!
    Tempting taste relieves the chill—
    Trembling fingers almost spill…
    Uh-oh! Slipping! Tipping! Crash!
    Baby Goblin makes a splash.

    Many fingers point her way—
    Mama Goblin saves the day.
    “Someone should be safe abed,
    but tonight, let’s dance instead.”
    Tucked in Mama’s arms, she spins;
    Baby Goblin grins and grins.

    *~*~*~*~*

    See more of my writing at mwinikates.com

  45. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply
    Susanna Leonard Hill's avatar

    ENTRY POSTED FOR KATHLEEN

    GOBLIN BROM BONES:
    Legend of the North Pole
    By Kathleen Jacobs
    Word Count: 100

    On a blue caribou,
    Goblin Brom Bones galloped across the chilly tundra.
    “Help me! 99 Hallowe’ens ago, I lost me pretty head.”
    As Polar winds carried his wails,
    Teeny tiny elves…
    Tiptoed away.

    All except Zephyr,

    Who

           carved,

                   and chiseled.

    Masterpiece complete,
    She placed the snowy sculpture upon Goblin’s shoulders.
    “Wee, lass,” Bones wept. “You’ve made me a handsome head!”
    With goblin joy he swirled his staff until…
    Emerald lights danced across Arctic skies.
    “For you and yours, I give the aurora borealis.”
    On a blue caribou,
    Goblin galloped away.
    But not before,
    Leaving Hallowe’en delights,
    At teeny tiny doors.

  46. Susanna Leonard Hill says:
    Reply
    Susanna Leonard Hill's avatar

    POSTED FOR LYN

    A CHILL-FILLED NIGHT
    (in HAIKU)
    By Lyn Jekowsky
    97 words

    Outside my window
    owls hoot, winds scream through branches.
    Hide ‘neath my bed.

    Beyond my curtainsg
    grotesque goblins ride on gusts.
    Chills run down my spine.

    I close my eyes tight.
    Shrills and growls fill the night air.
    I cover my ears.

    Loud knocks on my door.
    I shiver. Is it a ghoul?
    I summon courage.

    Tiptoe to the door.
    “Hey Dan, is your costume on?”
    Bellows from beyond.

    I flip the light switch.
    Slowly crack the door open.
    “Phew! It’s only you

    as a grim goblin.”
    I grab my trick-or-treat bag.
    “HOOT HOOT I’m an owl.”

  47. shaunessysinnett says:
    Reply
    shaunessysinnett's avatar

    Salesman for the Goblin Show

    By: Shaunessy Sinnett (95 words)

    Spectral friends— come one, come all! 

    Hottest ticket of the fall!

    One night only: Goblins dance! 

    Goblins tiptoe! Goblins prance! 

    Get your tickets! Going fast! 

    Chance to meet and greet the cast!

    Who am I? You’d like to know?

    Salesman for the Goblin Show?

    Once I was a darling child

    Stolen by three goblins wild.

    Taken from my home unseen

    On a chilly Halloween. 

    Eighteen years gone by in vain,

    Never to return again. 

    Stifled screams of stolen youth,

    Shackled to the ticket booth. 

    Forced to work in moonlight’s glow:

    Salesman for the Goblin Show. 

  48. Anne Lipton says:
    Reply
    Anne Lipton's avatar

    How the Hobgoblin Got Its Hob
    by Anne Lipton
    (100 words)

    I’m a real hobgoblin.
    I hear you holler, “WHY?”
    when I hide your candy
    and burn your pumpkin pie.

    I tiptoe on your timer.
    I gorge myself on sweets.
    Yes, Halloween’s my favorite.
    Have you misplaced some treats?

    I’m chillin’ on your burners,
    at home upon your range.
    I agitate your kitchen
    and can’t be stirred to change.

    I flatten all your pancakes.
    I egg on eggs to fly!
    I’m jelly of their free-range.
    I hear you clucking, “WHY?”

    I am a real hobgoblin,
    not loose as any knob,
    but stuck upon this stovetop—
    in England, it’s a “hob!”

  49. Kendra Lusty says:
    Reply
    Kendra Lusty's avatar

    In the Cave of the Goblin King (84 words)
    By Kendra Lusty

    Tiptoe tiptoe down the stairs
    Say your prayers
    Stay in pairs
    Can you get our pumpkins back in time for Halloween?

    Tiptoe tiptoe to the hill
    Still the chill
    That you feel
    If you wake the goblins, they’ll do something really mean.

    Tiptoe tiptoe past the grave
    To the cave
    You’re so brave
    Fill your bag with pumpkins and then dash away unseen.

    Hurry, scurry back to bed
    Shed your dread
    Cheer instead!
    Carve a spooky face to scare all goblins from the scene.

  50. horsewriterlady says:
    Reply
    horsewriterlady's avatar

    TRICK-OR-TREAT NIGHTMARE

    By Cindy Sommer

    100 Words

         “Give me your blood,” Alex said.

         Ben removed his mask. “Sorry, I’m all out, ran into a werewolf. Trick-or-treating time!”

         They dodged groups of goblins.

         “Creepy!’ said Alex.

         Clip-clop, clip-clop!

         “What’s that?’ asked Ben.

         Clip-clop, clip-clop!

         “It’s getting closer!” said Alex.

         CLIP-CLOP! CLIP-CLOP!

         A flowing sheet with four legs glided by.

         “Ahhhh!” Alex and Ben’s blood chilled.

         Emma tiptoed up to them. “Did you see something?”

         “A galloping ghost!” yelled Alex.

         “With red eyes!” Ben pointed.

         “And four . . . hooves?” Alex said.

         “I took my pony trick-or-treating, but she got spooked,” said Emma.

         “She’s not the only one…”

Leave a comment