It’s that time again for falling leaves, apple cider, and Susanna Hill’s Halloweenie Contest!

Congrats Susanna Hill for hosting this contest for 10 years!

The challenge is to write a 100-word Halloween story appropriate for children using the following words: Skeleton, Mask, and Creep. It may sound simple but writing a story (with an arc) in 100-words or less it pretty tough! There are hundreds of submissions so your story must stand out! Stories get judged on the following (Via Susanna Hill’s Post):

1. Kid-appeal! – These stories are intended for a young audience 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. 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.

4. Quality of Writing: check your spelling, grammar, punctuation etc. If you’re going to rhyme, give us your best. Overall writing quality and use of language are also important.

5. Originality and creativity – because that is often what sets one story above another. Now is the time for me to present you with my story….

(If you like it or have feedback please leave me a comment below!)

THE HALLOWEEN CASE

It happens every year,

When trick-or-treating is done.

Our Jack-o-lanterns go missing.

No evidence in sight.

But this year I’m a detective.

Ready to solve the case.

I’ll start by doing surveillance.

Keeping my eyes on the bait.

“Clink, Clack.”

What was that?

A noise made me jump.

Just Skeleton Joe swaying,

Doing a windy jig-hop.

As evening grows darker,

Porch lights flicker out.

The sugar rush dissolves,

My eyes creep shut.

“Thump, Smack.”

I’m awoken with a start.

“Got you!” I shout.

I caught him red-handed…

A naughty ring-tailed, masked bandit.

Have a great Spooooky Halloween from my family to yours!