Fall Writing Frenzy Entry Form 2021
Hello #FallWritingFrenzy Friends-
Yahoo!! Our competition is finally here! Kaitlyn (creator of the Fall Writing Frenzy), Ameerah (amazing agent and guest judge of the 2021 Fall Writing Frenzy), and Lydia, (co-host of the Fall Writing Frenzy) are excited to read your entries.
To enter:
- Please review the rules first to make sure you’re all set.
- Then scroll down to the FORM below, and fill in all the required fields.
- You can only fill out the form once, and when you do, we will have all your information.
Reminder: please fill out the form between October 1 and October 3, 2021 11:59 PM EST.
- If you didn’t post to your blog and/or would like to share your entry here, you can scroll to the bottom and paste your story as a comment. But- be sure to fill out the FORM first- we must have that for your entry to be valid.
- When you’ve submitted, we’d love for you to share on Twitter and tag us (Kaitlyn, Ameerah, Lydia) and your friends who you want to see a Fall Writing Frenzy entry from.
- Please support one another by reading other entries and commenting on them. To see other people’s entries, scroll down down down to the table directly below. Entries with links to their blogs should appear, simply click on the link, and you will be directed to that writer’s blog.
Please note: the form and the comments are NOT connected. Filling out the form will not create a comment, you have to do that manually. 🙂
Check the FAQs if you have any trouble,
Good luck to all!
October 25, 2021 at 7:45 am
[…] https://lydialukidis.wordpress.com/2021/09/30/fall-writing-frenzy-entry-form-2021/ […]
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October 7, 2021 at 8:22 am
HI friends-
Liz couldn’t upload her story, so here it is. Please let her know what you think!
Remembering Tata (Grandpa)
By Liz Kehrli
Church bells echoed as the sky began to darken.
Rosa’s small hand trembled as she placed a glowing candle on the altar for Tata.
A tattered hat rested on her head. Rosa reached for it and placed it next to the candle.
She should be getting ready for bed, but it was All Hallows Eve.
The music and mischief were magical.
Rosa gazed at the skeleton costumes, spooky masks, and brightly burning bonfire.
She clung to her Mama’s side.
Mama had told her this was the night when evil spirits were chased away and friendly ones were welcomed back.
Friendly souls like Tata, she thought.
A tear trickled down her quivering lip.
Rosa missed Tata’s silly, never-ending stories and the sweet smell of his pipe.
She longed to see his gentle eyes and crooked smile one more time.
Rosa turned toward the fire, squinting through the smoke,
searching for a glimpse.
Nothing.
She grabbed Tata’s hat and gently stroked it.
Another tear.
Still nothing.
Rosa closed her eyes, letting the music fill her heart.
Wait!
She shivered,
as she breathed in a familiar sweet scent.
Rosa gasped!
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October 7, 2021 at 1:51 pm
Liz, your details make it feel like I’m standing right there with Rosa!
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October 9, 2021 at 3:26 pm
Sweet pipe smoke, I love this for Rosa. Smell can trigger memories and closeness to loved ones like nothing else. Best of luck to you, Liz! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 10, 2021 at 3:17 pm
I love this perspective of the holiday that shines the light on a different way that All Hallows Eve is celebrated. This story actually stirred my own memories of participating in candle-lighting activities as a child with my family and church community.
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October 11, 2021 at 12:43 pm
I love all the sensory details. Well done!
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October 13, 2021 at 7:35 am
I love a good cliff hanger! What a great way to end this. Well done!
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October 17, 2021 at 5:06 pm
Love your use of all the senses and fine word imagery to tell your story. Well done!
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October 4, 2021 at 9:22 pm
Hi all! Erin had trouble posting this I’m posting on her behalf. Please let her know your thoughts!!
Lotti and The Tournament of Witchly Wonders
By Erin Matzen
“What IS that SMELL?” Melba sniffed.
Lotti cringed and counted back.
Feather, dragon drool, slime…hmm…
A wimpy puff of smoke eked from the pot.
Melba taunted, “That’s it?”
A crowd gathered.
“Wait…” Lotti wailed.
She dumped in the closest bottle.
“VOILA!”
Ginormous bubbles filled the air.
Lotti read the label.
Lion Whiskers: Sure To Make A…
RAWR!!!
Lotti ducked.
ZING…
She winced.
SCHOOM…
Classmates dove under desks.
KA-POW!
KA-POUF!
KA-BANG!
Bubbles bounced around the room.
“Holy bats! What in broomsticks is going on?”
PING!
Mr. Wopple strode into class, waved his wand, and the last bubble POPPED leaving a cloud
of magic.
Oh, toad warts…
Mr. Wopple looked at the rafters. The potion had changed the color of EVERYTHING.
“Lotti?” he questioned.
His eyebrows rose as she admitted to the Lion Whiskers that tipped the scales.
“That’s quite a recipe for a new witch.”
She would NOT cry in front of Melba.
“Ingenious!”
“What?” Melba croaked.
“I like the color you’ve added to this room, in more ways than one.”
Lotti beamed. Today was magical and by the looks of their room, tomorrow would be too.
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October 5, 2021 at 6:26 am
This is such a fun story.
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October 5, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Thank you, Stacey! 💕
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October 5, 2021 at 7:46 am
SO cute! I particularly love the expressions holy bats and oh, toad warts! In a few short words you’ve created a culture for our character.
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October 5, 2021 at 5:29 pm
Thank you, Mary Catherine! This is my first year to join in the #FallWritingFrenzy and it’s been fun to read everyone’s work! 💛
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October 5, 2021 at 5:29 pm
Funny! Love your word choices!
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October 5, 2021 at 5:31 pm
Thank you!!!
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October 9, 2021 at 3:17 pm
The voice in this story is so strong, really well developed. I felt like I was reading a chapter of a published book. Great job, I want to read more. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 13, 2021 at 11:23 pm
Thank you, Melisa! That means a lot and makes me want to develop it into something more! 💛 Erin
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October 10, 2021 at 3:19 pm
Ha! I love the appeal of science/magic “gone wrong.” Your vibrant language really makes this story come alive.
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October 13, 2021 at 11:28 pm
Thank you! This was a fun one to write. I’m thankful to #FallWritingFrenzy for inspiring new ideas to develop! 😊 Erin
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October 11, 2021 at 12:45 pm
Love the onomatopoeia! How fun!
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October 13, 2021 at 11:29 pm
Thank you, Karen! 😊
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October 17, 2021 at 5:10 pm
Such witchery fun! Love the lyrical language!
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October 21, 2021 at 6:37 pm
Thank you! It was fun building off the imagery. It inspired so many new ideas! Erin
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October 4, 2021 at 1:13 pm
The Warmhearted Pumpkin
By Mary Catherine Amadu
Once there was a pumpkin
who loved her patch
and friends who lived there
very much.
So when Scarecrow
suffered a terrible blow,
Pumpkin was there to help.
“Wind stole my hat!”
sobbed Scarecrow.
“Borrow my hat,” offered Pumpkin.
Scarecrow picked Pumpkin’s stem,
placed it on his head,
and Scarecrow was happy.
Bird heard through the vine
of Pumpkin’s generosity,
and leaned on her with
another problem.
“Something seedy is going on.
The birdfeeders are all empty!”
“Have my seeds” offered Pumpkin.
Bird grabbed the seeds,
gobbled them up,
and Bird was happy.
Meanwhile, Squirrel had grumblings of his own.
“I ate everything in the birdfeeders,
but I’m still hungry.”
“I have a gut feeling I can help with that,”
Pumpkin sighed, leaning so Squirrel could hop in.
Squirrel scooped Pumpkin’s guts,
nibbled them up,
and Squirrel was happy.
And full.
But Pumpkin felt hollow.
As the sun set on Pumpkin’s patch,
Firefly approached with a wish.
“I’m tired” Firefly hummed.
“I need rest. Hold me?”
Those words lit a flame at Pumpkin’s core.
Pumpkin paused, then replied,
“Not now, Firefly. I need rest too.”
And rest she did,
her bright smile beaming in the dark.
And Pumpkin was happy.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 4, 2021 at 6:09 pm
Love this pumpkin and the happy ending. So heartwarming.
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October 5, 2021 at 7:43 am
Thank you so much!
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October 5, 2021 at 11:48 pm
I love happy endings!! 🙂
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October 6, 2021 at 7:58 am
I’m glad you enjoyed!
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October 7, 2021 at 6:13 am
Brilliant word play, what a lovely story!
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October 7, 2021 at 9:54 am
Thanks Stacey!
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October 7, 2021 at 1:53 pm
How sweet, it feels just like an old folk tale.
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October 8, 2021 at 9:07 am
Thank you Katie!
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October 9, 2021 at 6:58 am
Nice! Sharing is a wonderful theme, and so ingenious to have a pumpkin lit by a firefly!
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October 9, 2021 at 9:59 am
Thanks for your feedback! It’s always so helpful to hear how a story is received and what stands out to people. Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂
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October 9, 2021 at 3:09 pm
Such a nice pumpkin, giving everyone what they need/want. I love the squirrel revelation though, I think that’s my favorite part. Haha! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 9, 2021 at 5:53 pm
I laughed when I wrote that part. I’m glad that it cracked someone else up too! 🙂 Thanks for your support and taking the time to comment!
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October 10, 2021 at 3:23 pm
What a wonderful and unique story of giving and kindness that is threaded in with the fall season and culminates in the illumination of a Jack-o-lantern by a firefly. Quite well-rounded and full of heart!
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October 11, 2021 at 6:34 pm
Thanks S.K. Wenger! I particularly appreciate your use of the term well-rounded- whether the pun was intentional or not, I love some good word play :). Always authoring, haha. Thanks again.
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October 11, 2021 at 12:48 pm
This story reminds me of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. What a beautiful message of generosity and kindness.
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October 11, 2021 at 6:32 pm
It was in fact one of my inspirations for the story, in fact. Thanks for the feedback Karen!
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October 4, 2021 at 9:18 am
HI friends!
Denise Seidman couldn’t post her story so I’m doing it on her behalf, feel free to share your thoughts with her!
Challah-day
Autumn’s the time for many Jewish holidays. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year comes first. People wish each other a sweet year and eat sweet food.
On the day before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, Hannah smelled something sour.
“Yuck, it stinks.”
“It’s the yeast,” Bubbe explained. “Come help!”
Once the challah, an eggy, yeasty, sweet bread becomes shaped into a round loaf and braided. Usually baked as a long loaf with a plait or a braid on top. For this holiday it is round, symbolizing the cycle of life and the changing of the seasons.
Hannah dipped the pastry brush in egg whites,then painted the raw dough.
Bubbe put the loaves in the oven. One for dinner and a mini loaf to eat right away.as soon as it was cool enough.
“I made challah with my own grandmother but the first time I put salt instead of sugar.”
Bubbe, that must’ve tasted horrible.”
DING! Bubbe pulled the loaves out of the oven. Hannah’s mouth watered as she tore into it.
“Ouch!” she cried, blowing on her burnt fingers.
“Yum!” No matter how many times she ate challah, it always tasted delicious.
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October 4, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Beautiful story and a great memory.
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October 4, 2021 at 8:27 pm
Thanks Celeste for reading and commenting!
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October 4, 2021 at 9:59 pm
Thank you for reading and commenting. Challah is delicious!
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October 4, 2021 at 6:12 pm
Beautiful story. I can almost taste that challah!
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October 4, 2021 at 9:59 pm
Thank you for reading and commenting. Challah is delicious!
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October 5, 2021 at 7:48 am
And just like that I’m hungry 🙂
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October 7, 2021 at 12:07 am
Thanks, @Mary Catherine what a wonderful compliment!
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October 5, 2021 at 1:36 pm
I’ve never tasted challah, but now I wanna!
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October 5, 2021 at 11:49 pm
Delicious story! 🙂
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October 9, 2021 at 3:03 pm
I love challah! To have such a family tradition is so special. Thank you for your story. 🙂 –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 12:59 pm
What a sweet tradition passed from grandmother to granddaughter. So heartwarming.
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October 3, 2021 at 11:59 pm
If Only by Ebony Lynn Mudd
If he only knew…
365 days.
Planning.
Revenge.
The sky is soaked in darkness.
The stars, in hiding.
My body concealed in the bushes.
Blade-like twigs stab into me.
Irony.
I look up, sending my sister a silent message.
He will pay for what he did to you.
The moon is my accomplice.
The clouds roll in fear. Like they know.
Like they’ve been watching me.
Headlights drive toward me like a searchlight.
It is time.
This blade feels forbidden resting in my fingers.
His car door slams.
Darkness wraps him up.
The bite of his steps sound oblivious.
The moon winks.
What does it know?
His steps silence.
The clouds scream.
And so do I.
My blade betrays me, making a new home in his grip.
He twists it into me, his face onto mine.
My eyes water, anticipating my final seconds.
He backs away. Ready to run.
Go.
Run.
Straight into….
Irony.
If only he knew what I’ve been planning.
I’m not alone.
A set of steps join him.
A gunshot.
My brother got him.
His body falls, anticipating his final seconds.
Revenge.
My body weakens, my eyes close.
The breeze sings my alibi.
Sister…I’m coming.
198 words
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October 4, 2021 at 12:03 am
You did it! Great job! “The breeze sings my alibi.” Love it.
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October 4, 2021 at 9:49 am
Thanks so much!! This was fun to write! And it’s a sequel to mine from last year!
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October 4, 2021 at 7:26 am
Great word choices, I love how you foreshadowed by referring to the sticks as “blade like.”
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October 4, 2021 at 9:49 am
Thank you, Katie!! I’m glad you caught that 🙂
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October 4, 2021 at 7:47 am
Wow, you can feel the tension! Nice work, Ebony!
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October 4, 2021 at 9:50 am
Thanks so much, Kara!!! I love how this gives me the chance to write something dark! It’s a huge challenge!
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October 4, 2021 at 1:43 pm
It is sad and dark with a shocking factor. Good job!
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October 4, 2021 at 5:02 pm
Thank you, Yolimari! All things I was hoping to capture!
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October 4, 2021 at 10:34 pm
Whoa! This is so intense (in a good way)! Beautiful writing.
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October 4, 2021 at 10:54 pm
Powerful! I noticed in the comments this was a sequel to your other entry …Wow!
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October 5, 2021 at 2:30 pm
Wow! Talk about knowing how to create a mood. Great work!
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October 6, 2021 at 7:58 am
Well, he didn’t get away with it…but, but! Two sisters died for the dude to get his due. That math stinks! Wonderfully written. Love the twist.–Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 8, 2021 at 7:44 am
Revenge on one is met but at the expense of two. Love dark and twisted. Great job!
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October 11, 2021 at 1:03 pm
Great job creating suspense! Love the moon is my accomplice.
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October 3, 2021 at 11:32 pm
We Gather (140 words)
There, the clouds shift.
Shift and thin to a wisp of a veil.
Into a translucent doorway.
The door opens; safe passage for our dearly departed.
Spirits return and receive our respect.
Visits filled with love and honor.
Joy and reflection of times gone by.
Lives well-lived, we celebrate with food offerings and roaring bonfires.
There, under the tip of the moon.
Oh!
Not all spirits return with good intentions.
Moonbeams cast upon those who intend to cause harm.
Our chests thrum with autumn’s beat.
Masked in disguises, we avoid the interlopers and cheer our harvest forturnes.
There, the night moves.
The cold, dark season has begun.
Celebrations of life, death, and rebirth abound.
We offer gratitude to our ancestors for joining us tonight.
Chants of protection and guidance fill the smoke-scented breeze.
There, under the Samhain moon, we gather.
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October 4, 2021 at 7:30 am
Beautiful imagery,
“Our chests thrum…”
It’s so evocative.
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October 4, 2021 at 10:37 pm
Thank you!☺️
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October 4, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Wonderful use of imagery. Good Luck.
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October 4, 2021 at 10:36 pm
Thank you!☺️
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October 5, 2021 at 5:35 pm
Love your word imagery and the tone you set for this event.
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October 13, 2021 at 7:37 am
Thank you!
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October 5, 2021 at 8:15 pm
Love this Samhain moon story!
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October 13, 2021 at 7:37 am
Thank you, Lisa!
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October 9, 2021 at 2:58 pm
This creates such a MOOD. “There, the clouds shift. Shift and thin to a wisp of a veil.” Well done. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 13, 2021 at 7:37 am
Thank you!
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October 11, 2021 at 1:08 pm
Love the image of clouds as a doorway. Beautiful descriptions to create a mood.
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October 13, 2021 at 7:38 am
Thank you!
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October 3, 2021 at 11:12 pm
Title: Transformation
Picture #2
The world lies.
So do my people.
A full moon.
Yeah, no.
Only when one comes of age.
Just the right day and month.
The elders know when it comes.
But they don’t tell you.
It’s a surprise, no it isn’t.
You don’t know until you’re there.
Sometimes there’s others, oftentimes just you.
Abandoned, alone for kilometres.
For such a tiny rock Ireland occupies, you’d think it couldn’t get desolate.
Nope.
The coppery reeking liquid smeared on you isn’t animal fat.
It was barely a sliver of moon for mine, so blinding when clouds slid away, it was like daytime.
That horrid, horrid night.
No stars or animals.
Nothing to hear my screams.
Terrified of the thing I was to become.
It began as an unscratchable itch.
Then pain.
I wanted what was under my skin out right now.
The transformation was agony.
Bone snapped, skin shredded.
Everything about me changing.
I didn’t stop screaming as my humanity disintegrated.
Until there was nothing but fur and glowing eyes.
And now it can be done at will.
But I will never do it.
The terror too blinding.
I will not be the monster deigning to call itself a wolf.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 4, 2021 at 7:36 am
Wow, you did a great job showing the emotional and physical turmoil there. And the ending was very satisfying, good conviction to it.
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October 4, 2021 at 7:49 am
Great imagery!
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October 5, 2021 at 5:38 pm
Scary transformation! Great tension and imagery.
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October 9, 2021 at 2:50 pm
Such a great YA voice, the cynicism toward elders, and as Katie said, the conviction at the end. Really enjoyable piece that sets so many werewolf tropes aside. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Bone snapped, skin shredded. Great word choice and descriptions to create a mood.
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October 3, 2021 at 10:43 pm
Like an Autumn Day
By Kristen Hamilton O’Neill
Picture 10 (the church with leaves)
Now also on my blog: https://oneillkristen.wixsite.com/website
There’s barely a wind
but when it blows
doubt interrupts my amble.
Why aren’t the windows square,
and the roof flat,
and the stone walls bare?
I wonder.
As the aspens quake,
my yearning grows
to climb like the sycamore
on the damp grass
and merely peek inside.
My hands overcome the sleek moss,
as fissured footholds lift me closer.
The tawny blazed leaves
crunch under my stark white shoes
like half-popped corn
sprawled in an empty metal bowl.
Thick, cold panes reveal
cobwebs
so thick and plentiful
they could be trampolines for acrobatic spiders
spinning webs of time.
Curiosity begets revelation
and every door opens
if you push hard enough.
There she lies on the altar table,
as dead as they say,
with ashen skin wrapped in a wimple
so snug around her neck and chin
she looks cinched alive.
I fall to pray, an unfamiliar pose
where bruised up knees meet dust covered oak.
“Welcome, my boy. I’ve been wanting for you.”
Her raspy voice rattles my soul anew
like a gust of fear.
Wanting.
“But I thought you were…”
“Practicing death? Indeed I am.”
“And?”
“It feels like an endless walk on an Autumn day.”
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 4, 2021 at 12:51 pm
Intriguing!
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October 5, 2021 at 9:29 am
Beautiful imagery here! I particularly loved fissured footholds; an endless walk on an autumn day. Well done!
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October 9, 2021 at 2:43 pm
I think I would have backed out of there fast. Nope. Just nope. A “dead” nun in a cobwebby church that called me in? Yeah, it doesn’t seem like it would end well. Gotta jet. Haha! Good luck to you, this was well written! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 1:17 pm
Beautiful imagery! Love the mood of curiosity mixed with danger.
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October 3, 2021 at 10:34 pm
Thank you so much for the opportunity!
Photo #2: Fall- Credit: Vino Li / Unsplash
Mommy, My Fingernail is Missing
by S. Cushing
word count: 157
It was the day before Halloween.
Bed time was approaching, but Michelle couldn’t stop crying.
“What’s wrong sweetie?” asked Mom.
“Mommy, please please please, don’t clip my fingernails ever again!”
“I don’t understand.” Mom was confused.
“My fingernail is missing…See.” sobbed Michelle, as she showed her hand to Mom.
“They look perfectly fine. Nothing’s missing.” answered Mom.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, of course, dear.”
“Did the monsters take my fingernails away?” sobbed Michelle.
“Of course not. Why would they?”
“Then why is my fingernail up in the sky?!”
Mom looked up in the bright night sky.
Mom couldn’t stop giggling.
“Michelle, that’s not your fingernail. It’s just the moon.”
“The moon? But it looks just like my fingernail.”
“It’s a waxing cresent moon, it’s the thinnest phase of the moon. But it does look like your fingernail.” said Mom while giving Michelle a big warm hug.
“That’s a relief Mommy. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 4, 2021 at 7:41 am
You captured the earnest concern of a child so well!
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October 4, 2021 at 12:53 pm
Fun & Heartwarming. Good Luck.
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October 5, 2021 at 5:42 pm
Heart-tugging and warm. Well done!
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October 6, 2021 at 8:03 am
Love the idea behind this. Kids do say the most interesting things sometimes, that is for sure!
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October 9, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Kid-isms are the best, aren’t they? Good one! This made me chuckle. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 1:19 pm
So kid relatable! Great job capturing a child’s perspective.
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October 3, 2021 at 10:32 pm
The Green
By: Kelli House
The briskness of fall air swirls around me and the moon is shining bright. The soft blades of grass tickle my back as I take in the view. It’s been so long since I’ve been here, but I’m instantly reminded of why this is my happy place.
I may be a kid, but for a girl like me, life isn’t so easy. I sometimes wonder where I fit in the world. I’m not dark enough for the blacks or light enough for the whites. With my fair skin, curly hair and hazel eyes, I often wonder where it is I belong. I’ll tell you where. Right here on the green where none of that matters.
The stillness of the green is what I crave. The moon. The peace. The darkness. The beauty all around. It’s where I can dream and hope of better times.
It’s what I need when the noise around me gets too loud. When mom relapses. When dad drinks to cover his pain. When my sister cuts herself to reduce the pain. Me? I sneak to the green all alone. To my safe place. A place where I call home.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 4, 2021 at 7:43 am
Heartbreaking and yet hopeful at the same time, good luck!
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October 4, 2021 at 12:56 pm
Real, raw & beautifully worded. Good Luck.
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October 4, 2021 at 1:50 pm
Heartbreaking and real.
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October 6, 2021 at 8:02 am
I’m glad she HAS a happy, safe space, if only for a while. Thanks for giving her one and letting us peek into her world for a little while. Lovely, Kelli. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 6, 2021 at 8:06 am
In just a few words, you really had me caring for and worried about your character. Well done!
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October 11, 2021 at 1:20 pm
Such a universal story. We all long for a safe place.
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October 3, 2021 at 10:31 pm
The Spookiest House
By Celeste Turner
Picture #13
In the spookiest house on the scariest block
the spooky things are not what they seem.
Ghost loves white powdered donuts for a snack.
Mummy drinks milk straight from the carton.
Vampire bat likes his eggs sunny side up.
Green eyed monster eats pickles from the jar.
Witch loves jellybeans. “Except for the black ones.”
And the Werewolf prefers crunchy carrot sticks.
But don’t be fooled by their spooky, spooky ways.
They can be grumpy if you do not know their tricks.
Ghost gets upset when tiny fingerprints are on the wall.
Mummy won’t stand for dirty floors and never helps mop.
Vampire bat will blame you when he can’t find his glasses.
Green eyed monster is allergic to the smallest bit of dust.
Witch does not like the dark. “Leave the lights on please.”
And Werewolf uses up all the cool mint gel toothpaste.
Be aware if you go into the spookiest house on the scariest block
the ones living inside might say, “Hello Friend,” instead of Boo.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 4, 2021 at 7:46 am
LOL, this is exactly the kind of Halloween story my kid likes: spooky creatures doing normal stuff.
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October 6, 2021 at 8:08 am
Cute! I’m now pretty sure I live with tiny werewolves ;). Well done!
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October 9, 2021 at 2:31 pm
I love that you throw stereotypes out the window and present a different side to these otherwise misunderstood people(?). Good job with this, I think it can actually be a great teaching tool. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 1:24 pm
Love how this story makes monsters less scary and more relatable. I like powdered donuts and jelly beans too.
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October 12, 2021 at 5:03 pm
I love the third line, I can just picture the ghost devouring a donut! Awesome!
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October 3, 2021 at 9:36 pm
SKELETON SNACKS
By: Erin McCabe
“I’ve been waiting for so long all that’s left is skin and bones,” Skelly crooned.
The microphone echoed eerily.
“Do you think Mom is EVER coming with the snacks for rehearsal?”
“I’m so hungry you can practically see right through me!”
“Guys, we need to focus! The Halloween Bash is tomorrow.”
“Keep calm and cartilage on. We’ve got this. Let’s hear it again from the top of the set.”
“Bad to the bone, bad to the bone.”
“Hold up, we are off a beat. We really need to stay in sync if we are going to win the contest!”
“Once my stomach is full, I’ll be right on cue!”
“You are a bottomless pit! Snacks go right through you!”
“MOOOOOOMMMMM? Are you coming with the snacks?”
“Boys, stop being such lazy bones, the kitchen is right inside! Come find something to eat.”
“Alright fine. Quick snack break, then we are practicing. We cannot let the Zombie brothers win this year. They’ll be bragging for eternity.”
“Bone appetit.”
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October 3, 2021 at 9:37 pm
Inspired by image number 4
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October 4, 2021 at 7:50 am
I really like the wordplay! “Snacks go right through you” is perfect for a skeleton, and it’s also something growing kids hear.
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October 4, 2021 at 8:23 am
I knew which picture you chose. For sure, sounds like teenagers! Funny.
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October 4, 2021 at 12:59 pm
Love this story. Great use of Voice.
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October 6, 2021 at 5:07 pm
Great word choice and humor!
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October 7, 2021 at 5:07 pm
Clever and fun!
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October 9, 2021 at 2:22 pm
Sounds like typical teenagers, always hungry. A great mix of puns, teen humor and picture prompt. Nice work! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Love all the puns! Good luck in the contest!
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October 3, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Hi Lydia. I completed the entry form for the Fall Frenzy Writing contest. However, I don’t see how to put my story on the blog comments. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Celeste Turner
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October 3, 2021 at 10:34 pm
I found the spot for posting. Thanks. Celeste
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October 3, 2021 at 8:40 pm
NO NAME BAND
By Judy Sobanski
We’re the No Name Band
playing rhythm and bones.
Joggling the joint
with our skeletal tones.
Movin’ and groovin’,
We totally rock it,
from our tiny toe bones,
to our empty eye sockets.
Rattle, beat, bang
and a twang, twang, twang.
Our favorite gig is
The Halloween Hop.
We start in at dusk
then we boogie non-stop—
for the zombies, the werewolves,
the witches and ghosts.
But it’s really the mummies
who dig us the most.
Just to make sure
we make an impression,
we practiced all week
in a spooky skull session.
Rattle, beat, hum
and a drum, drum, drum.
Get up and dance.
Shake your booties around.
For some it’s the only night
you’ll be above ground.
Monsters and creatures
who haunt in the night,
venture on up and
join the stage fright!
Rattle, beat, rap
and tap, tap, tap.
It’s time to perform
our very last song.
A huge thunderstorm
is crashing along.
Show us some love,
clap your wings, paws or hands
For the bone-tired, rattletrap,
No Name Band!
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October 3, 2021 at 9:23 pm
Oh my goodness! This is so much fun! What a great text to go with that picture!
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October 3, 2021 at 9:58 pm
This is so cute. Great fun to read aloud!
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October 4, 2021 at 7:57 am
Your rhythm just kept bouncing along and matched the silly text perfectly.
It’s fun as a read aloud.
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October 4, 2021 at 1:01 pm
The No Name Band is a hit with me. Good Luck.
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October 4, 2021 at 6:49 pm
I really enjoyed your cute poem. The rhythm is delightful!
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October 6, 2021 at 3:14 pm
Oh my goodness, I could not love this more! It’s The Monster Mash in written form! 🙂 I particularly loved the lines about tiny toe bones to empty eye sockets, and the line about mummies digging the music. So clever!
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October 6, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Terrific lyrical language filled with so much bone-jiggling imagery!
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October 8, 2021 at 7:32 am
Love the No Name Band and the fun imagery.
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October 9, 2021 at 2:18 pm
If the band’s songs are as fun as your rhyme, everyone probably has a fabulous time! Good luck to you, Judy!
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October 11, 2021 at 2:18 pm
Love all musical sounding active verbs! What a fun read!
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October 3, 2021 at 7:59 pm
Thank you for this lovely prompt.
I chose picture 6. Durga Puja- Credit: Partho Roy / Unsplash
Title : You are everywhere.
Oh Goddess Durga,
Aaji says
you are everywhere.
In the trees
dressed in hues of red.
In the rustle
of the fallen leaves
that invite me to play.
In the cold autumn breeze
that sways my dress.
In the warmth
of Ajoba’s pumpkin spice latte.
You are in my smile.
You are in Mumma’s hot, hot chai.
In Papa’s soft lullaby.
And most of all,
Aaji says
no matter where I go
no matter how old I am
you will always be there.
The end.
Glossary
Aaji – Grandma
Ajoba – Grandpa
Chai – Indian tea
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 3, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Giddymum is Gauri Dalvi Pandya 🙂
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October 3, 2021 at 9:24 pm
What a beautiful story.
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October 3, 2021 at 10:59 pm
Very sweet!
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October 4, 2021 at 7:59 am
What a lovely, tender little story!
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October 9, 2021 at 2:13 pm
Lyrical. Warm. Soft. Cozy. Lovely! Thank you for sharing and good luck to you. 🙂 –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 2:20 pm
Beautiful sensory descriptions!
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October 15, 2021 at 6:40 pm
how sweet
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October 3, 2021 at 7:08 pm
Hi friends!!
Jeanne wasn’t able to post her story, so I’m posting on her behalf.
Have a read and let her know what you think!
BONY BODY BLUES
By Jeanne Whelan Santucci
In the house upon the hill, a lonely silence looms
Awaiting eyes, to peer inside and rid it of its gloom
A golden glow surrounding it invites the unsuspecting
The outside looks so peaceful, though it’s not what you’re expecting.
Blanketing the road that leads to walls of stone and hedge
Are leaves of every color, slightly curling at their edge
You walk along, enjoying every scent and every sight
Not knowing yet a fall surprise will beckon on the right
Wandering around the bend the house comes into view
You stop and stare and wonder where it came from. There’s no clue.
You’ve been this way a hundred times, it’s strange you must admit.
“I’ve never seen this place before,” your heart speeds up a bit.
Climbing up uneven steps you push a squeaky door
The scene you see is nothing like you’ve ever seen before.
A bony band of skeletons come suddenly alive
They pluck and strum and bang the drum–their music is revived!
They sing of spirits, ghosts and treats,
their energy contagious
“You’re finally here!” they laugh and cheer
“We’ve waited here for ages!”
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2021 at 7:20 pm
Love the rhythm and rhyme! Fun to read!
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October 4, 2021 at 9:41 am
I love the rhymes you picked, I had a little “ooo” moment seeing “contagious” because I don’t recall seeing that rhymed in a kids book before.
Good luck, it’s a fun story.
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October 4, 2021 at 6:56 pm
I enjoyed your poem!!
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October 6, 2021 at 5:13 pm
Mystery, suspense, and scary imagery-love it!
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October 9, 2021 at 2:08 pm
I’m not sure if I would be glad to be there or not. Will something bad happen at the end? Will I disappear when the house does again? Oh, I don’t think I like this, not one bit! Haha! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 2:23 pm
Fun rhythm and rhyme! Good luck!
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October 3, 2021 at 6:58 pm
I believe my story was deleted but apologize if doing this for second time. I am new to this contest.
MY BRAVE COWBOY BATMAN WORD COUNT: 197
By Ronda M. Einbinder
Dressing in costume.
Ringing doorbells.
Eating candy until bellies ache.
NOT ME!
“Hurry or we’ll be late,” said big sister.
She slipped on her boots.
I sulked.
“He’ll be out soon,” mother said.
“My brave Cowboy Batman. When the noises get too loud, you will take a deep breath. When the smells get too much, you will close your eyes. When you have had enough, you will go home, and I will tuck you into bed. You are my brave Cowboy Batman.”
Mother placed the cowboy hat on my head and a soft kiss on my cheek.
The door slung open and SLAMMED loudly.
SOUNDS GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER.
Honk.
Ruff.
Ding Dong.
I covered my ears.
“Breathe in,” I could hear mother say.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Friends waved me over.
“My brave Cowboy Batman,” I could hear mother say.
Toby prepared to battle in his fuzzy costume. His devil sword aimed towards Johnny.
I looked away.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Johnny is a skeleton.
Skeleton’s live in grave yards.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Licorice. Reese’s. Candy Corn.
SMELLS GETTING STRONGER AND STRONGER.
Sniff.
Pew.
Yuck.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
I AM A BRAVE COWBOY BATMAN.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2021 at 7:02 pm
Important perspective to share about Halloween and the sensory overload it brings! Love how Brave Cowboy Batman is able to self-soothe and join his friends.
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October 3, 2021 at 9:27 pm
What an important message. I can see this story helping many children with sensory sensitivity.
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October 4, 2021 at 1:04 pm
Thank you for writing and sharing this, I need to share with my kiddo who had those Halloween feelings.
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October 6, 2021 at 5:31 pm
Thank you for sharing this story. Representation in literature matters so much.
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October 11, 2021 at 2:26 pm
So relatable! Especially for kids who are sensitive to sensory overload.
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October 3, 2021 at 6:22 pm
Hi, everyone! My entry was inspired by Picture #4. Thank you for reading.
The Brothers Grim
by Josh Cohen (IG: @theoriginaljoshcohen)
They call me Mr. Bones
And our band The Brothers Grim.
Ol’ Grisly strums the gee-tar.
On the drums is Spooky Slim.
We cover all the classics
From “Hey Crude” to “Shrilly Jean,”
“Jessie’s Ghoul,” “I Won’t Survive,”
And “Marrow Submarine.”
We haven’t won a Grammy
Or performed on live tv,
But we have been asked to headline
The Infernal Jamboree.
Now slip into your dancing shoes
And boogie down tonight,
‘Cuz our melodies will move you
Or at least give you a fright!
LikeLiked by 10 people
October 3, 2021 at 6:34 pm
Love the fun voice and the rhyme is so smooth
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October 3, 2021 at 7:03 pm
Love the clever song names!
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October 3, 2021 at 9:28 pm
Love all the puny jokes!
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October 3, 2021 at 10:01 pm
Love the voice and the song titles. Well done!
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October 4, 2021 at 3:23 am
Great puns, great rhyme, amazing fun! All my Loving…!
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October 4, 2021 at 8:28 am
Clever. I enjoyed the song names, too!
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October 4, 2021 at 1:06 pm
Such fun puns, with an easy to read out loud rhyme.
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October 4, 2021 at 6:59 pm
So much fun! I loved the names of the songs.
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October 8, 2021 at 7:26 am
Very clever! Good Luck!
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October 9, 2021 at 2:01 pm
Or performed on live TV…well, of COURSE you haven’t! LOL! Good one! Nice work with the rhymes and the puns. Really well “executed.” –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 9, 2021 at 9:02 pm
SO fun! I loved the puns in the song titles!
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October 10, 2021 at 3:27 pm
What a fun poem that moves perfectly with fantastic word play of familiar song titles. Brought a smile here!
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October 11, 2021 at 2:30 pm
Love the rhythm and rhyme! Great sense of humor! Good luck!
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October 3, 2021 at 6:17 pm
WOW! Lots of amazing talent in this creepy contest! Huge Halloween thanks to Kaitlyn and Lydia – and all the amazing donors. I am knee deep in doing hybrid graphic novels — I don’t write rhyme (I’m sure most of you could tell) But this is how this one came out — it’s sucks more than Count Dracula — and pales more than a ghost in comparison to the others — but I HAD FUN doing it! And now I’m motivated to finally start a blog. Happy Writing & Happy Halloween!
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 3, 2021 at 6:03 pm
Hi friends!
Marty Bellis had trouble uploading their story, so I’m doing it on their behalf.
Please share your thoughts !
WAITING . . .
[ inspired by #7, pumpkin stake sitting by mailbox, credit: Danielle Rae ]
Each day he sat and waited –
feeling the air cool,
hearing the leaves rustle,
whiffs of woodsmoke drifting by.
Each day he dared to hope,
as squirrels buried acorns,
asters shook their frilly heads,
and slant light tinged the sky.
At last . . .
. . . they came.
He felt his insides quiver
and a wide smile split his face.
Now he could see them —
giggling, dancing about,
clapping their hands in glee.
Night fell, moon hid, owls hooted,
but he felt a warm glow
flicker and grow, deep within.
His cheery face beamed,
a bright beacon,
lighting the path,
greeting each trick or treater,
beckoning them closer,
with a toothy lopsided grin.
His dream job a reality – at last!
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 3, 2021 at 9:29 pm
How sweet. I love the idea of a scarecrow eagerly awaiting trick-or-treaters.
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October 3, 2021 at 11:07 pm
Love your view of this picture!! (I selected the dame one!)
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October 4, 2021 at 1:09 pm
I love seeing his excitement over getting to help guide the kids, it’s such a happy story.
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October 4, 2021 at 1:19 pm
Beautiful language and imagery. Love the point of view, too!
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October 5, 2021 at 9:52 am
Nothing like a kind pumpkin. Nice take on the picture.
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October 9, 2021 at 1:57 pm
Everyone has their special purpose, they just have to find it! And pumpkin found his. 🙂 –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 2:31 pm
Love the point of view of a pumpkin waiting for Halloween! So kid relatable!
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October 3, 2021 at 6:02 pm
Hi friends!
Parul Sharma had trouble uploading her story, so I’m doing it on her behalf.
Please share your thoughts with her!!
DURGA UNBOUND
She had lived forever,
a possibility
asleep
within each particle of creation.
When Mahishasura, the King of demons
invaded the three worlds.
When the men lay crushed, and the gods first learned Doubt.
When the cosmos careened on the cusp of collapse.
In that dark moment of despair,
the gods gathered,
and She became
their wish, their dream, their prayer.
Each god
imagined Her deeply,
and invoked Her longingly,
until She burst
from the womb of creation,
a blazing pillar of blinding light.
Then each god
shaped Her with loving care,
and armed Her with his battle weapon.
She is Durga,
the eight-armed warrior Goddess
a raging inferno, a ruthless tempest
Her battle cry resounds
across the three worlds.
For nine days and nine nights
She battles Mahishasura
for mind, body, and soul.
On the Tenth Day
the day I am reborn
she slices off the beast’s head.
All Doubt erased,
she frees my three worlds
to reach their boundless possibilities.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2021 at 7:09 pm
Intense! I was drawn in and may want to know what happens next. Or I may stick to the innocence of picture books. LOL! 🙂
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October 4, 2021 at 1:12 pm
You paint such engaging, vivid visuals!
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October 5, 2021 at 9:32 am
Nice mysticism!
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October 9, 2021 at 1:52 pm
A fierce, long battle with a goddess forged just for this adversary. Excellent telling, Parul. I love stories where I learn something too. Thank you and best of luck to you! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 2:34 pm
Epic! Nice world building!
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October 3, 2021 at 5:50 pm
[…] Lydia Lukidis and Kaitlyn Sanchez are at it again with their Fall Writing Frenzy contest for children’s writers. Pick a photo from their stash and get inspired to write […]
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October 3, 2021 at 4:59 pm
FIONA’S SMILE
Gretchen Pitluk
196 Words, Pic #1
Fiona’s skin was marmalade-hued and her plump shape rivaled any squash. But word around the vine was Fiona was rotten to her core.
Fiona judged the others: Too warty, too round, too orange–she didn’t belong with these country bumpkins.
Her fellow gourds felt refreshed in the crisp air, though the weather was too chilly for Fiona.
While the patch soaked up golden rays, she thought the sun dried out her complexion.
Soil cushioned the pumpkins but Fiona couldn’t stand to be dirty.
A smile never painted her lips.
One day, a family arrived to search for the perfect Halloween decoration. They found Fiona.
Fiona was bathed and placed on a marble countertop for all to admire. Luxury surrounded her. Finally, a life that matched her outward beauty.
Steel flashed! Thunk! Everything went dark.
A breeze echoed through Fiona awakening her.
The autumn air felt different…hollow.
Silver beams pooled down from the sky dulling her skin.
Fiona wiggled, instead of delicate soil, concrete grated her bottom.
Fiona tried to frown, her mouth stuck upwards.
Word around the block was that the Shulman’s had the creepiest jack-o-lantern–
One with a haunting grin plastered forever on its face.
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 3, 2021 at 5:29 pm
I can just imagine how Fiona felt when she woke up hollow… what a rude awakening! Love the sensory pictures you paint with your words:)
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October 3, 2021 at 7:11 pm
So good!! Unexpected yet admittedly satisfying ending! Karma for Fiona? 🙂
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October 3, 2021 at 7:31 pm
I enjoyed Fiona’s story! What a fun main character, a creepy ending, and a satifsyfing arc in such a short story. Great job!
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October 3, 2021 at 9:33 pm
OOOOO what an intriguing perspective! I could totally see this fleshed out as a story.
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October 3, 2021 at 11:13 pm
Loved Fiona’s tale! Great job! 🙂
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October 4, 2021 at 8:31 am
Nice job using personification . . . and so visual.
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October 4, 2021 at 1:15 pm
That is a satisfying comeuppance tale. I especially liked the detail of Fiona feeling like the counter was the kind of life she deserved.
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October 5, 2021 at 11:03 am
Love this from the pumpkin’s perspective! Well done.
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October 9, 2021 at 1:44 pm
Me thinks Fiona was hollow all along. Ultimately, they just made her outside matched her true inside. #karma Great story and good luck! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 2:38 pm
What a fate for this diva pumpkin. Good luck in the contest!
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October 3, 2021 at 4:03 pm
Here is my entry for the Fall Frenzy writing contest.
Picture #7, a pumpkin head on a stick next to a couple of mailboxes, prompted my story.
Fall Harvest Scarecrow
by P. J. Purtee (Paula “Jill”)
The scarecrow was a silly sight—
a head upon a pole.
He couldn’t scare a single crow.
His body wasn’t whole.
He ordered arms and legs and trunk,
the normal body parts.
Then figured out where each part goes
with helpful graphs and charts.
Then waited at the mailbox.
Anticipation grew.
The mailman came. Delivered news—
“There’s nothing here for you.”
“I ordered them on Tuesday.
Now I’m desperate. Can’t you see?
I cannot scare a crow
until I have the rest of me.”
The mailman checked the boxes.
“Not a single one’s for you.”
So Scarecrow, just a pumpkin head,
opted to yell, “Boo!”
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2021 at 5:31 pm
So cute and funny! I love how silly scarecrow tries to be scary anyway:)
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October 4, 2021 at 8:36 am
Thank you. This one was fun.
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October 3, 2021 at 6:31 pm
Adorable!
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October 4, 2021 at 8:37 am
Thank you!
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October 3, 2021 at 9:34 pm
Awww, now I want to send the scarecrow a body in the mail. This is such a fun idea!
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October 4, 2021 at 8:38 am
He would appreciate your gesture. He isn’t very picky. Thank you.
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October 4, 2021 at 11:06 am
Hilarious! Nicely done!
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October 5, 2021 at 9:54 am
Thank you. Glad you liked it.
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October 4, 2021 at 1:05 pm
Scarecrow didn’t give up. Good Luck!
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October 5, 2021 at 9:56 am
Even though he was on a time line. Ha! Thank you.
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October 4, 2021 at 1:21 pm
I love the idea of him sitting by the mailbox waiting for his body to arrive, that’s hilarious.
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October 5, 2021 at 9:56 am
I bet he is still there! Thank you.
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October 5, 2021 at 9:33 am
Cute and creative!
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October 5, 2021 at 9:57 am
Thank you. Scarecrow was the creative one!
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October 6, 2021 at 5:35 pm
This has me laughing so hard. A scarecrow waiting on his body parts to be delivered. HA! He might be waiting quite a bit these days, with shipping delays, poor guy.
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October 9, 2021 at 1:38 pm
I’m just picturing an IKEA scarecrow trying to assemble himself. Or funnier, having his wife help. But that’s not kid lit. That’s full-on adult story realm and someone might end up sleeping on the couch. I digress. Your poem is adorable and it made me laugh. 🙂 –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 10, 2021 at 3:28 pm
Love this twist at the end, and the inventive idea of mail-order of body parts! Such a fun take on this picture. Well done!
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October 11, 2021 at 2:40 pm
Haha! So funny and clever! Good luck in the contest!
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October 12, 2021 at 5:00 pm
I love this!! So much fun! The rhythm and meter are well done and the story is simply great!
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October 17, 2021 at 5:13 pm
Happy pumpkin came up with a plan B. Great lyrical read with fun!
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October 3, 2021 at 3:43 pm
SHADOW THIEVES (Image 2)
By Lisa M. Clewner-Newman
“Did you hear that?”
“What?”
“Footsteps. Something’s behind us.”
I glanced over my shoulder, back down the wooded trail. “It’s too dark to see anything. Keep going. We’re almost home.”
We walked silently until Tim signaled me to stop. “There they are again. Listen.”
I froze. Waiting.
“There! Do you hear footsteps?”
“No. Are you trying to scare me?” I didn’t want to fall for another of Tim’s pranks.
“No way! I swear I heard something!”
“Sure you did Tim.”
“What if it’s the Shadow Thieves? Gran says they hunt at night. If you step on one, it wraps around your feet. Creeping its way upward. Stealing your body, piece by piece. You don’t feel anything as you become nothing but a shadow. And it becomes a boy.”
“Nah, they only hunt under the light of a crescent moon. And shadows don’t make noises.”
“They would if they already stole our feet!”
The clouds shifted.
Tim hissed, “Look!”
I shivered as wind whipped right through me.
My trick-or-treat bucket fell.
Light from a crescent moon cast shadows over spilled candy and illuminated two boys running into the woods.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2021 at 3:53 pm
Oohh spooky! Great job!
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October 3, 2021 at 9:36 pm
So creepy! Love it!
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October 4, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Shivery spooky. I really like how I felt unsure if they were pranking or if it was something serious until the very end.
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October 5, 2021 at 9:34 am
Great aura! Nicely done.
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October 5, 2021 at 10:04 am
I love a good shadow story. Good job.
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October 5, 2021 at 7:58 pm
Things nightmares are made from: “Stealing your body, piece by piece” – love this line! Good Luck!
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October 9, 2021 at 1:30 pm
Well, you fully creeped me out. Nice work! LOL! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 2:42 pm
Oooo. Creepy plot! Love the suspense created through their dialogue.
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October 17, 2021 at 5:15 pm
Spooky! Gave me chills to read this story!
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October 3, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Falling Down, Falling Up
By Tiffany Hanson
Who can make the leaves jump?
Falling down, falling up.
If leaves fall to the ground, I say,
Maybe they can fall up today.
So, we have a new game to play,
Helping the leaves fall down, fall up.
Our rules say we can’t touch the leaves,
We try to lift them to the trees,
Using ways everyone believes,
Will help the leaves fall down, fall up.
Charlie starts, his trumpet in hand,
He toots, he puffs, he blows, his band,
The leaves don’t jump or the leave land.
Who will help them fall down, fall up?
Isaiah tries to bounce them free,
While jumping on his trampoline.
He jumps, he hops, but all can see,
The leaves haven’t gone down, gone up.
The wind comes and ruffles our hair,
And it blows our leaves everywhere.
The leaves go high up in the air,
Bouncing and spinning down and up.
The wind has now won our new game,
It comes and goes the way it came.
Who can make the leaves jump?
Falling down, falling up.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 4, 2021 at 5:36 pm
This reminds me of the kind of poems I see in the kids magazines. Good luck!
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October 9, 2021 at 1:22 pm
It’s almost like a riddle. I think this has great kid appeal. The kids tried to win the game, but it’s Mother Nature who wins in the end. Nicely done! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 2:44 pm
I like the way you integrated the picture into your story. Nice job!
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October 12, 2021 at 10:51 pm
Adorable!
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October 17, 2021 at 5:18 pm
Clever story! Well done!
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October 3, 2021 at 12:59 pm
[…] Lukidis with Ameerah Holliday as a guest judge. All the details can be found on this blog post. Check out all the other Fall Writing Frenzy entries here. […]
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October 3, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Trying to post again!
The Concert
by Karyn Curtis
Image 4 Skeleton Band
“Ladies, and gentlemen,” the announcer cried. “The Rolling Bones!”
The crowd erupted in cheers. They’d been waiting a loooooong time for this.
Lead singer Mick Jagged swallowed nervously. The last time they had done a live concert, they had been …well …alive. Now, not so much.
He glanced at his bandmate, Teeth Richards. They had been through a lot together in life. And death. But could they pull this off?
“I’ve got butterflies in my stomach,” Mick said.
“You don’t have a stomach.”
The drummer, Snarly Watts, snickered. Mick frowned. How could they joke at a time like this?
“Why so grave?” Snarly asked. Guitarist Rotten Wood laughed.
“I’m nervous,” Mick replied.
“Show some backbone,” Teeth said, and the others cracked up.
There was an awkward silence. Then Mick replied: “Very humerus!”
“That’s the spirit!” Snarly cried. “What’s the worst that could happen? We’re already dead!”
“Right!” said Mick. “Lets put our hearts into this!”
“Umm …”
Teeth grinned. “We don’t need hearts. We just need some soul!”
And with that, they launched into their world-famous hit, Sympathy for the Devil. After all, he was their biggest fan.
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 3, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Karyn, you never fail to tickle my funny bone! Great job!
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October 3, 2021 at 4:18 pm
Awww, thanks Rozana!
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October 3, 2021 at 4:51 pm
This is so creative! Great play on names.
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October 4, 2021 at 11:07 am
Thanks!
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October 3, 2021 at 3:43 pm
Love the play on words throughout!
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October 3, 2021 at 4:18 pm
Thank you!
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October 3, 2021 at 3:55 pm
So many great puns! Love it!
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October 3, 2021 at 4:19 pm
Thanks, Jana!
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October 3, 2021 at 5:57 pm
Very punny, Karen! Clever play on their names and anatomy jokes abound. Best of luck! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 4, 2021 at 10:51 am
Thanks, Melissa!
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October 3, 2021 at 6:15 pm
Oh this is so great! I was laughing the whole way through! 👍
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October 4, 2021 at 10:52 am
Thanks!
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October 3, 2021 at 7:18 pm
Thigh-larious!
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October 4, 2021 at 10:52 am
LOL! A kindred spirit! Thanks!
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October 3, 2021 at 7:56 pm
So funny, Karyn!
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October 4, 2021 at 10:52 am
Thanks!
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October 4, 2021 at 8:42 am
Hahahah! Loved it.
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October 4, 2021 at 10:53 am
Thank you!
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October 4, 2021 at 1:07 pm
The perfect band to feature in this punny tale! Fabulous, Karyn!
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October 6, 2021 at 12:11 pm
Thanks, Jill!
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October 4, 2021 at 5:38 pm
Great puntasticness!
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October 6, 2021 at 12:12 pm
LOL! Thank you!
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October 5, 2021 at 5:10 pm
Oh my goodness! This is so much fun. Very clever!
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October 6, 2021 at 12:13 pm
Thank you!
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October 6, 2021 at 5:37 pm
What clever word play! I LOVE the ending of not needing hearts, and just needing soul.
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October 13, 2021 at 2:52 pm
Thanks!
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October 6, 2021 at 5:46 pm
This is hilarious! I love it. Well done!
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October 13, 2021 at 2:53 pm
Thank you!
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October 11, 2021 at 2:46 pm
Love the puns! Good luck in the contest!
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October 13, 2021 at 2:53 pm
Thanks! You too!
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October 12, 2021 at 10:52 pm
Clever!
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October 13, 2021 at 2:54 pm
Thanks!
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October 17, 2021 at 5:20 pm
Clever puns and word play! Funny read!
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October 22, 2021 at 11:46 am
Thank you!
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October 3, 2021 at 12:33 pm
Lydia, my entry is not showing up in the Comments. Could you possibly post it for me? Thanks!
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October 3, 2021 at 12:28 pm
CAN I PLAY?
By Rebecca McMurdie
[based on the trampoline picture]
Aiden watched the other kids jumping on Max’s trampoline after school. Dragging his feet, he walked up to them.
“Can I play?” he asked.
“Nah” said Max, “We can’t fit anyone else. Sorry.”
Aiden curled up next to a tree in his yard, which was right next to Max’s. He listened to the other laugh and jump while he swung his yoyo alone.
The next afternoon, Aiden walked straight to the tree and sat down, working up his courage.
“Hi, Aiden. Why are you here by yourself?” It was Max’s mom.
“I don’t have anyone to play with,” Aiden said.
“I can help you make friends,” Max’s mom assured.
Aiden followed Max’s mom to the kids. Max was showing off his trombone now.
“Hey kids” she said, “This is Aiden. He’d like to join you.”
“Sure,” a voice said. All the kids paused their commotion to look at Aiden.
Aiden didn’t know what to do next.
“Go ahead, Aiden” Max’s mom whispered. She offered her hand to help him step on the trampoline.
“HONNNNNNNK!” Max blew into his trombone again. Everyone started running and screaming. Max still did not know what to do, so he stood frozen on the trampoline.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 3, 2021 at 1:05 pm
The last sentence has a minor error. It should say Aiden, not Max:
“Aiden still do not know what to do, so he stood frozen on the trampoline.”
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October 9, 2021 at 1:17 pm
Oh goodness, poor Aiden. He probably was better off alone than with a bad trombone player. What do you think? –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 2:49 pm
The theme of this story is so universal and relatable. Good luck in the contest!
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October 3, 2021 at 11:11 am
The love letter (Picture Book)
Long ago, when the sun was young, she found a little rock. She watched it spinning round and round and circling her. Over years, her warmth and light grew little plants and animals on it and she was amazed at all the tiny faces that smiled up at her.
But as the rock spun round, there were times her light could not reach the other side. How would her little friends know that she was still there, looking after them? Would they be sad? Would they be able to see each other in the dark? She stared into the distance, thinking. As she watched the tiny lights twinkling in the distance, an idea came to her.
She found the Very Best tiny pebble she could. She carved beautiful patterns and delicate lines into it, all the while thinking of how much she loved her tiny friends. She pushed the pebble into place and shined her light as hard as she could on it.
The light made it glow so beautifully! Her friends were completely entranced by this magical sight which reminded them everyday that she was still there shining on it, even when they couldn’t see her face.
Twitter: @bibisenthi
LikeLiked by 9 people
October 3, 2021 at 1:13 pm
Aww, I love this! It’s like a new fable. Good luck in the contest.
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October 3, 2021 at 1:40 pm
thank you so much 🙂
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October 9, 2021 at 1:09 pm
This is such a great way to imagine the moon’s origin story. Brilliant! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 2:53 pm
What a beautiful story that illuminates the heart of every parent.
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October 17, 2021 at 5:25 pm
Beautiful and clever. Well done!
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October 3, 2021 at 8:44 am
Summer’s Last Song
By Jennifer Buchet
(based on the Church picture)
Summer stared at the forbidden building. All her instincts screamed to keep running, to give in, to return the keys.
Which is exactly why she ignored them.
No one would use these keys again.
None but her, that is, and not until she could wield them properly.
Her patchwork of trails should fool her followers. They’d believe her lost to the raging river, and that both she and the keys were gone forever. They’d never search here.
Gathering her courage, she entered the sanctuary. Intricate cobwebs crisscrossed the chapel. Saaga’s kin scuttled in the corners. Summer reminded herself that some enemies are far worse than others.
This was the only safe place.
Hopefully.
If her plan worked, she’d wake at the next equinox. If it didn’t, well, she’d never really know.
She prayed Saaga would keep her promise and not eat her, no matter how lean the winter.
It was time. Summer entered the web, fighting the urge to fight, to flee! Bound in an ever-tightening cocoon, Summer released her anguish and anger in her song.
It was done.
Her last notes carried deep into the forest, changing everything.
“Did you hear that?”
“No Commander,” lied Kai. “Not a thing.”
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 3, 2021 at 12:44 pm
Sounds like Summer has allies. She’ll need them, I think. Good work, Jenny! I wish you luck! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2021 at 1:15 pm
Ooh, now I need to know what happens next!
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October 3, 2021 at 8:25 pm
Me, too!
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October 4, 2021 at 5:41 pm
Sounds like the beginning of something epic!
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October 10, 2021 at 3:30 pm
I love the suspense that you set up here! Definitely leave me wanting more! Well done!
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October 11, 2021 at 2:55 pm
Nice job creating suspense. Good luck in the contest!
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October 3, 2021 at 7:54 am
Always love this writing challenge. Thank you Lydia and Kaitlyn for hosting. Here is my entry!
Oh, Brother!
By Lisa Lee Furness
197 words
Picture 11
My older brother is always first.
First born.
First to ride a bike without training wheels.
First tooth to fall out.
First to pick out his Halloween costume.
But just because he’s always first at everything doesn’t mean he’s the best.
Last Halloween, I REALLY wanted to be a skeleton. Instead, I had to make up this Batman costume with all the old mis-matched ones from the box in the attic. That night, while out trick-or-treating, my brother was busy fooling around with his
friends. When he wasn’t looking, I ran across the street hoping to grab more candy than him.
I made it to the other side, but not like you think. Cause, something happened to me. And even though I didn’t make it to the other side of the street, I did make it to the Other Side, as in the Afterlife, the hereafter,
the great beyond.
So this year, I have a plan. When my brother tries to be first to look for his skeleton costume in the attic, I’ll be waiting for him.
Because now, I get to be the BEST GHOST EVER…a real one!
And I’m the best at haunting.
Boo!
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 3, 2021 at 9:45 am
Dark! I love that you totally surprised me — nice!
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October 3, 2021 at 10:34 am
he he he
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October 3, 2021 at 1:45 pm
Oooh! Did NOT see that twist coming!
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October 5, 2021 at 8:09 pm
Glad you were surprised!
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October 3, 2021 at 3:44 pm
Wow. You weren’t kidring about dark. Fun twist though. Not called “Day of the Dead” for nothing
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October 5, 2021 at 8:07 pm
The sequel! Thanks, Maria
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October 3, 2021 at 8:30 pm
Very nice twist. A quick, spooky, and heartfelt moment of Halloween trickery.
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October 5, 2021 at 8:06 pm
Thanks brother lol
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October 3, 2021 at 9:40 pm
I love how he made it to the other Other side 👻
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October 5, 2021 at 8:03 pm
Of course! lol
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October 4, 2021 at 8:02 am
Ooh, great ending!
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October 5, 2021 at 8:04 pm
Glad you liked it – thank you!
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October 4, 2021 at 12:04 pm
Wow! What a surprise! He definitely beat his brother there. Great job, Lisa!
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October 5, 2021 at 8:05 pm
Thank you Daniele!
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October 4, 2021 at 5:45 pm
Did not see that coming! The character’s voice is so typical kid, it really made the twist more surprising.
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October 5, 2021 at 8:10 pm
Glad you were surprised!
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October 5, 2021 at 10:09 am
I so enjoy twist endings. Be careful what you wish for, eh?
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October 5, 2021 at 8:11 pm
Yup! he he he
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October 5, 2021 at 5:12 pm
Dark. But also so good!
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October 5, 2021 at 8:11 pm
Thank you!
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October 6, 2021 at 5:49 pm
Wow! Huge surprise ending, totally did not expect that.Great job.
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October 8, 2021 at 12:56 pm
This is such an interesting read, because the kid’s voice and fixation stays the same, but obviously a life altering (ending) event happens. It makes it such an attention grabbing read!
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October 9, 2021 at 1:05 pm
Little brother WAS the first to do something, even though I’m sure it wasn’t what he intended. Dark, but turns lighter at the end…if you can say that? Sure, I guess I will. 🙂 –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 3:01 pm
What a dark twist at the end! I didn’t see that coming.
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October 16, 2021 at 8:59 pm
Wow! You took it to a pretty dark place. Very well done!
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October 3, 2021 at 5:12 am
Pavo – A Modern Myth (200 words)
Paired with Picture #2
A train of rustling diamonds trailed behind Pavo. He’d always dreamt of finding somewhere he belonged, but he’d never left the dense forest before. The other peacocks in his flock proudly matched the forest’s enchanting emeralds and stunning sapphires, but not Pavo. Every feather on Pavo’s body gleamed frosty white. Pavo strutted from the trees onto the grasslands. Disappointment turned his heart to stone. He didn’t fit in with the citrines and peridots of the grasslands, either. The amber sun sank low. A tiny white pinprick sparkled above. Then another. Then more! Soon the sky shimmered with icy jewels–just like Pavo! He belonged with the stars, but there was nowhere to perch in the heavens. He tore up the grass and hurled it into the sky. The blades wove together into a tiny slit, then a sliver. Finally a bright crescent nest waited above. From his celestial home, Pavo shook his glittering train up, up, up. The stars made Pavo’s diamonds shine brighter than ever! His heart grew full… but his nest grew brittle. Pavo returned to the grasslands to start anew. Over and over, Pavo cycles between the stars and the earth, the brightest diamond in an onyx sky.
Pavo’s character was inspired by this gorgeous peacock:
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2021 at 3:06 pm
I love the changes you made since the first draft and your language is beautiful. I still think you need to make this a PB!
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October 3, 2021 at 8:33 pm
Gorgeous!
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October 4, 2021 at 6:22 pm
This is so lovely Devin! I love all the emotion… “He tore up the grass and hurled it into the sky.”
Yes, please turn this into a PB:)
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October 4, 2021 at 7:02 pm
You do an amazing job capturing the rhythm and feel of a folk tale! I wouldn’t have guessed it wasn’t an old tale.
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October 9, 2021 at 12:58 pm
I agree with the other comments that it has a folktale feel. I was thinking that he might find his place in winter with the falling snow, the stars was a surprise to me. Thanks for the surprise and the diamond imagery. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 3:21 pm
Love the unique main character. What a universal problem of trying to fit in when you were born to stand out. Nice job creating a modern myth.
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October 3, 2021 at 1:38 am
A Trick for a Treat
by Amanda Perry
A long line was forming at the small house in the middle of the street. A knot of ghouls and goblins was bunched up on the porch, more crowding from behind, wondering at the holdup.
“Trick or Treat!” sang those closest to the front.
“Do a trick, get a treat,” retorted a little old witch, safely hugging a large bowl of candy.
The children eyed each other nervously. What did she mean, do a trick?
“Come now. Can you wink? Stand on one leg? Do a trick, then you get a treat.”
Hesitantly, a ballerina off to one side began to pirouette.
“Excellent!” cackled the witch gleefully and dropped a handful of chocolate into her bucket. “Who’s next?”
“I can roll my tongue!”
“Watch this! I’m double jointed,” boasted a skeleton as he bent his fingers at abnormal angles.
“Amazing!”
Word spread quickly down the line. “Do a trick to get a treat!” Now the children were prepared when it was their turn. A ladybug recited her ABCs, a superhero flexed his muscles, and a clown juggled popcorn balls while a ghost whistled through missing teeth.
“What talent!” exclaimed the witch delightedly, bowl empty. “Tonight has truly been a treat.”
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 3, 2021 at 10:26 am
This is cute. Treat is both the candy and the joy the little old witch got from interacting with the kids. I imagine her being lonely and living alone.
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October 3, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Love the fun language.
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October 4, 2021 at 8:39 pm
How sweet, I love it! I want to be like that witch @when I grow up.”
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October 5, 2021 at 10:12 am
Oh, this should be a rule! So visual. Thank you.
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October 7, 2021 at 1:14 am
Sweet story:) I love how the excitement grew as the children shared their “tricks.”
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October 9, 2021 at 12:51 pm
Kids love to show what they can do. What a cute story! I imagine it could have been a funny game of telephone–kids relaying what they were supposed to do to get a treat by the time the message got to the end of the line. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 3:23 pm
Cute! Love this celebration of everyone’s hidden talents!
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October 3, 2021 at 12:06 am
THE BELL TOLLS NIGH(-FIVE)
Casey ran up the brick steps of the white church at the end of Gullery Lane.
He high-fived the solitary plastic skeleton that rested just inside the arch of the front entrance – the church’s only Halloween decoration.
“Wish me luck, Stanley.”
The skeleton didn’t respond.
It was two minutes to six and Casey needed to hurry and ring the church bell to signal the start of trick-or-treating.
Everyone had been talking about their future candy haul at school that day. He couldn’t wait for his share.
Casey took the steps two at a time until he reached the square room at the top, inside the church’s only steeple.
Casey checked his watch.
It’s six o’clock!
He grabbed the brittle rope that hung next to the dusty, bronze bell and gave it a mighty tug.
SNAP!
The rope broke. The bell let out a pitiful ping before it went silent.
What do I do now?
Casey raced down the stairs and grabbed the first thing spotted. He strung it up with the remaining frayed rope and pulled.
The bell rang loud and clear. Happy Halloween!
Stanley’s arm swung back and forth, giving Casey several high-fives for a job well done.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 4, 2021 at 8:41 pm
I could 100% see a kid coming up with that kind of solution, it gave me a laugh.
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October 5, 2021 at 10:13 am
Great imagery. I like your ‘voice.’
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October 9, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Oh, please forgive me, because I can’t help myself…High five to Stanley for giving Casey a hand when he needed one. I’ll see myself out. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 3:31 pm
Love this good-natured and resourceful main character. What a fun twist at the end!
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October 15, 2021 at 1:32 pm
Fun solution! Love the last line.
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October 2, 2021 at 11:45 pm
The Recipe
By Jennifer Brennise
Alice opened her mother’s spell book and turned to a familiar recipe. The page was dogeared and splattered with bits of potion. She knew the words by heart.
Waning crescent, elder moon,
Creaky cauldron, stirring spoon.
Autumn air and silver light –
Perfect for a potion night.
A fall breeze raised the hairs on Alice’s arms. A crescent moon shimmered in the night sky. Check and check.
Toss in rhubarb, rotten fruit,
Apples and an aspen root.
When the goo’s a ghastly green,
Stir in squid and spider’s spleen.
Purple plums, a lock of hair –
Turning, churning, nearly there –
If you sniff a whiff of sweet
Quickly take it off the heat.
Alice doused the fire with cold water. Time to see if it worked.
Bubbles blister, bubbles burst.
If it curdles, then it’s cursed.
Cooked correctly, tastes of milk –
Deep and dark and smooth as silk.
Alice held her breath as the last bubbles faded into the cauldron. She peered inside. The potion was a smooth black mirror.
It was perfect.
She took one long drink. Then another.
A black cat purred at Alice’s feet. “Come on, Mittens,” Alice said. “Let’s go visit Mom’s gravestone. It’s time I said hello.”
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 2, 2021 at 11:48 pm
Image #2 🙂
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October 4, 2021 at 8:45 pm
The opening line made me think it might be a cute cooking story, and that made the tension and “woah” even more effective.
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October 5, 2021 at 9:36 am
well done!
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October 5, 2021 at 10:15 am
Nice mix of rhyme and pros; hard to do. Loved your poetry!
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October 5, 2021 at 12:00 pm
The addition of rhyme was super special. Great work! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 7, 2021 at 4:51 pm
You’ve got it all in this… fun language, intriguing story, sweet and creepy ending! Well done:)
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October 11, 2021 at 3:35 pm
Love the rhyming spell and unique ingredients for the potion. What a dark twist at the end.
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October 15, 2021 at 1:33 pm
Oooh creepy, nice build up of tension.
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October 2, 2021 at 10:16 pm
Rosh Hashanah Resolutions
By: Chayala Nachum
Tomorrow night is Rosh Hashanah
This year, I promise that I’m gonna
Repent for all the things I did,
And try to be a better kid.
I’ll brush my teeth two times a day,
And listen to what my parents say.
I’ll clean my room, I’ll make my bed,
I won’t throw baseballs at Dad’s head.
I’ll feed my goldfish every day
(I’m tired of flushing them away).
I’ll eat the food that’s on my plate,
Unless it’s something I really hate.
I’ll sit in class and pay attention,
And try hard not to get detention.
No more prank calls to the cops
Asking for free lollipops.
No more violent video games,
Or calling my dumb sister names.
No more telling my brother Stan
We found him in a garbage can.
I’ll be so good my mom will cry,
There’ll be no child as good as I.
Of course, if I slip up a bit,
I really can’t be blamed for it.
I mean―is being naughty such a crime?
I can’t be perfect ALL the time.
Remember, if you’ve got complaints—
I’m just a kid. I’m not a saint.
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 2, 2021 at 10:25 pm
I love this. Very good.
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October 3, 2021 at 12:12 pm
Lol! Stan in the garbage can 🤣🤣 love that typical sibling teasing
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October 5, 2021 at 10:58 am
New Year resolutions? That’s a loooong list. 😂 Maybe he should work on one thing at a time. Love the commitment at the beginning that wanes by the end. Like wow, this is a lot. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 7, 2021 at 6:18 am
Love your main character and voice.
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October 11, 2021 at 3:37 pm
Haha! I love this! So funny and kid relatable!
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October 2, 2021 at 10:11 pm
Image #1-Halloween
Pumpkin
By Thelia Hutchinson
My top is off, my guts hang out,
Slimy seeds tangled up.
Sticky, gooey, stringy pulp.
Pumpkin juice oozing out.
Pumpkin brains here and there.
Pumpkin seeds everywhere.
It’s that time of year again,
Halloween is here.
My orange skin and thick ribbed shell,
Preparing for a scare.
Something boo,
Something cute,
Something spooky, funky cool.
All of this to put on view,
Eerie pumpkin art.
So, get your tools,
Your knife and scoop.
Get to work and carve me soon.
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 4, 2021 at 8:47 pm
Your descriptions of the “grossness” of pumpkin carving are perfect for capturing the attention of kid readers!
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October 5, 2021 at 11:23 am
Thank you!
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October 5, 2021 at 10:43 am
Something spooky, funky cool was my favorite line. 👍👍 Pumpkin carving makes the best temporary art. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 5, 2021 at 11:26 am
Thank you!
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October 5, 2021 at 9:07 pm
Sounds messy and fun.
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October 12, 2021 at 10:29 pm
Indeed. Lol.
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October 11, 2021 at 3:40 pm
Nice sensory descriptions of pumpkin carving. Good luck!
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October 12, 2021 at 10:30 pm
Thanks.
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October 2, 2021 at 9:52 pm
Eve’s Pudding
Mother is in the woods stealing treats from lost children, and my sister Eve has locked me in my little cage for the night. There is a scream of wind and the door to our thatched cottage crashes open. A young boy is in the doorway, his eyes as sprightly as his broken-off smile.
Eve tries to shoo the child back toward the darkness but stops when he speaks.
‘Trick or treat?’ he says to her.
‘Trick,’ I whisper.
He vanishes and Eve is now a plump pumpkin, cursed for Halloween night.
Mother returns late with armfuls of red liquorice laces. ‘Eve?’
‘Sleeping,’ I whisper.
Mother eyes the pumpkin and licks her whiskery lips. She takes the sharpest knife, the deepest spoon and the largest pie dish.
The oven roars with fire as she rolls out the pastry and cuts the scalp from the pumpkin. She spoons the orange innards into the pie casing, puts on the lid and slides it into the oven.
She tosses the leftovers out the window.
Whilst mother sleeps, the cottage smells of sweetly roasting pumpkin, but, with the rising sun, the air turns fatty like a Sunday roast.
‘Ooh, Eve’s pudding,’ I whisper.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2021 at 10:29 am
This is super creepy, but I’m a good way. I really want to learn these character’s backstory.
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October 3, 2021 at 12:59 pm
Woah! I’m hooked. Right from the first line.
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October 3, 2021 at 8:45 pm
Halloween karma strikes again!
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October 3, 2021 at 11:14 pm
Thanks for your comments!
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October 4, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Oh, wow, that’s deliciously dark. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself)
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October 4, 2021 at 8:50 pm
Oh, wow, that’s deliciously dark. (Sorry, I couldn’t help mysel)
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 4, 2021 at 11:21 pm
Wow, definitely creepy but good story!
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October 5, 2021 at 10:16 am
Oh goodness, that evil child needs more than a cage. LOL! I am sufficiently creeped out (in a good way). Great job!! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 3:43 pm
A Grimm tale, for sure. It makes Hansel and Gretel look tame. Very creepy and suspenseful.
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October 2, 2021 at 9:33 pm
THE PARALANGUA
The murky water of Skeleton River shimmered in the setting sun sending shafts of light into the eyes of a guy who stared out at the bayou. His clothes citified, too clean. I snickered. If he don’t move the gator who’s eyeing him might be snacking on him in a minute.
“Step back or you’re gonna be gator food,” I yelled.
He jumped back as a gator chomped at the air near his foot. The gator slid back into the river. I watched to make sure it didn’t double back for me. Nope.
“Who are you?”
I climbed out of the water wringing out my braid. “Jez. You don’t want to be here at night.”
“I’m Coffey.”
“Coffee? Like in what you drink?”
He smiled. “Spelled different. C.o.f.f.e.y.”
Uh-huh. Citified like I thought.
“Well, Coffey, you best come along or the parlangua will get you sure as that gator who almost chomped your foot.”
I started walking. Not much daylight left. I mentally kicked myself for staying out so long.
“The what?” He followed.
“The parlangua. Half-gator, half-man. Skeleton River is its home.” I let my gaze drift over the inky dark water. “It comes out at night to feed.”
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October 3, 2021 at 6:37 pm
I was inspired bu the second image of the moon.
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October 4, 2021 at 8:52 pm
It gets so good and tense at the end, I’d love to see what happens next.
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October 3, 2021 at 8:47 pm
Love the setting! I’m intrigued.
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October 5, 2021 at 10:00 am
The voice in this is incredibly good. Why is that dude out there? And I love that she’s so comfortable in the environment to swim with the gators but shiver at the thought of paranormal beings. Love this! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 3:48 pm
A parlangua? What a creepy creature. Nice job creating a distinct voice with a dialect.
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October 2, 2021 at 8:18 pm
Hi everyone, I am thrilled to have entered the competition this year. Thanks to Lydia, Kaitlyn and Amber for organising and hosting – its such a fun competition! My entry is on my blog at https://pippachorleystories.com/fallwritingfrenzy-2021/
But I’ll post not here too incase there are any problems viewing:
ONE FULL MOON
By Pippa Chorley
(A counting board book, numbers 1-20)
One full moon.
A glaring of cats.
A coven of witches.
A cloud of bats.
A haunting of ghosts.
A chorus of howls.
A porchway of pumpkins.
A parliament of owls.
A stagger of zombies.
A graveyard of stones.
A gnashing of teeth.
A clatter of bones.
A magic of wands.
A millinery of hats.
An autumn of leaves.
A mischief of rats.
A cauldron of candy.
A sweep of broomsticks.
A clutter of spiders.
A bag full of tricks.
Everyone scream…
… Happy Halloween!
#FallWritingFrenzy
@kaitlynleann17
@LydiaLukidis
@Ms_Holliday93
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October 2, 2021 at 8:29 pm
Very cute!
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October 3, 2021 at 10:25 am
I really liked this! Great work.
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October 3, 2021 at 3:39 pm
Love these phrases, that capture Halloween, very creative!
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October 3, 2021 at 8:13 pm
Cute!
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October 5, 2021 at 8:27 am
Aww, I love this. It’s so cute and the rhythm is nice. 🙂 –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 5, 2021 at 10:19 am
Nice.
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October 11, 2021 at 3:50 pm
Love the rhythm and rhyme! What a fun read aloud!
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October 2, 2021 at 8:09 pm
HI friends!!
Susan Burdorf was having trouble posting to comments, so I’m sharing her story on her behalf. Please let her know what you think!
Blumenthal’s Curse
Becca Blumenthal touched up the zombie-esque make-up. Stepping back from the mirror to admire her handiwork she frowned. “Not perfect, but it’ll do.”
“Becca!” her mom shouted. “Cassie’s here.”
That pronouncement was followed by heavily booted clomping. Seconds later Cassie flew into the room. Cassie grabbed Becca in a hug so tight Becca was sure all her insides were screaming in protest.
“What’s got you so excited?”
“HE’ll be at the costume party. Rumor mill confirmed it.” 16 year old Cassie in full zombie glory, collapsed on Becca’s bed in a melodramatic swoon.
The “he” Cassie referred to was named Alexander Winthrop, the school’s snarkiest jock and Cassie’s currently, she thought, unattainable crush.
Becca glanced behind Cassie as a crow landed on the windowsill. Above the bird a thumbnail moon was piercing the sky, splintering the clouds into shadows resembling a face. Becca reached over to close the window. The crow’s dark eyes gleamed in the dim light. Biting her, he drew blood. Drinking his fill of the offering he Cawed his thanks as he flew away.
Debt paid.
Curse unbroken.
Wish fulfilled.
The things we do for love, Becca thought linking arms with Cassie on their way out.
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October 3, 2021 at 8:51 pm
Loved the unexpected crow bit. Flows nicely and feels just right for the age group.
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October 5, 2021 at 8:21 am
I didn’t expect that, nicely written! I hope it works out well for them…but it rarely does, does it?? I want to know more. 🙂 –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 5, 2021 at 9:08 am
You did a great job seamlessly weaving the supernatural into the everyday!
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October 11, 2021 at 3:58 pm
What an unexpected supernatural twist at the end. I didn’t see that coming.
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October 2, 2021 at 8:02 pm
So excited to participate! I was inspired by the image of the moon:
In the Light of the Sickle Moon
By Christine Catallo
The clouds parted to reveal the moon’s garish grin. It cut through the darkness, a curved blade, illuminating the walls of the roofless, abandoned cottage. In the glow of a flashlight, the black splotches on the wall were freckles of mold, but in the light of the sickle moon, the freckles became a constellation, a game of connect-the-dots that revealed a message: Beware the Shadow Prince.
But by the time the moon had revealed this warning to me, I had already enfolded the boy that called himself the Shadow Prince into my heart, and the shards of his were now embedded in my teeth.
We had met in the woods, where the light was thin and filmy through the trees. On my dusk strolls to the abandoned cottage, we exchanged teasing insults, each thinking ourselves above the other until our gazes lingered and then our hands and lips met. It was lovely until I surprised him at dawn, his arms around another girl. That evening, I unraveled the shadows that made him whole and tore into his hard heart as if it were rock candy.
The moon should have warned of the ruthlessness of girls.
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October 3, 2021 at 8:55 pm
Wow! Clearly you are not new to this writing life! 🙂 Your words are mesmerizing!
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October 4, 2021 at 8:06 am
Love this tale of revenge!
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October 5, 2021 at 8:17 am
Oooh! This is a good one! The MC is not not one for second chances, is she? LOL! Good luck, Christine. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 5, 2021 at 11:49 am
I love the twist there of who got whom!
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October 11, 2021 at 5:05 pm
I love the constellation connect-the-dots that revealed a secret message. So clever!
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October 2, 2021 at 8:00 pm
HI friends!!
Michelle S. Kennedy was having trouble posting to comments, so I’m sharing her story on her behalf. Please let her know what you think!
Thud! Thud! THUD! in the Cellar (WC- 193)
(Picture 13- the row of houses)
By Michelle S. Kennedy
I’m lying under covers
and all prepared to sleep—
when suddenly, I hear a “Thud!”
as I am counting sheep.
Out from cozy blankets,
I creep across my floor.
With listening ears, I hide my fears,
while opening the door.
Now squinting in the darkness,
cobwebs tangle ‘tween my toes.
Is this a trick? I’m feeling sick
as dread inside me grows.
“Thud! THUD!” It’s getting louder.
I tiptoe in slow motion…
What I really need right now
is courage in a potion!
I grab a bat, trip on my cat
and tumble down the stairs.
Halloween is full-on now—
It’s caught me unawares!
From the darkness, “Thud! Thud! THUD!”
The pounding seems to last.
Dare I peek, or should I speak?
I have to think— and fast!
I step inside the cellar,
afraid this can’t be good.
Though scared to death, I hold my breath
(as anybody would.)
I slowly flick the light switch on
and then I laugh out loud.
“BOO!” they giggle with delight.
I stand amongst a crowd.
“Happy Halloween!” they shriek.
And “Happy Birthday too!”
“We couldn’t let you sleep without
a prank from us to you!”
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 2, 2021 at 8:31 pm
Super, very captivating! Great rhymes!
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October 2, 2021 at 9:26 pm
Such an array of creepy circumstances that serve to ramp up the tension—especially the cobwebs ‘tween the toes! Eww! What a birthday prank to play! Terrific , Michelle!
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October 5, 2021 at 8:09 am
The rhythm and rhyme was wonderful and I loved “I grab a bat, trip on my cat” because who hasn’t been there if you have a cat?? I really enjoyed this, Michelle. Good luck to you! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 20, 2021 at 1:38 pm
Thank you so much, Melisa!
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October 5, 2021 at 9:38 am
Great rhyme and mounting tension. Well done!
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October 20, 2021 at 1:39 pm
Glad you liked it, Dianna!
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October 5, 2021 at 10:23 am
So visual. Nice rhyme. Great ‘voice.’ AND a story, too
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October 20, 2021 at 1:40 pm
Aw! Thanks, Jill!
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October 11, 2021 at 5:08 pm
Great rhythm and rhyme! Love the thud, thud, thud. The perfect ghost story!
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October 20, 2021 at 1:41 pm
Thanks, Karen!!!
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October 2, 2021 at 7:05 pm
I was inspired by the pumpkin photo.
Peter Peter
by Merry Cohn
Peter Peter was my spouse.
He turned out to be a louse.
Stuff me in a pumpkin shell?
It was ME who rang HIS bell!
Did not turn out like he thought.
Now he’s boiling in my pot.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 2, 2021 at 7:32 pm
LOVE it!! You made me laugh out loud. Good luck in the contest.
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October 3, 2021 at 11:24 am
Hee,hee,heee, comes the wicked laugh.
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October 3, 2021 at 9:09 pm
Hysterical! And so much packed into such few words. Nice job!
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October 5, 2021 at 8:04 am
I’m guessing Peter Peter isn’t going to be making that same mistake again.
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October 5, 2021 at 9:38 am
Short and sweet! Love it.
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October 5, 2021 at 6:49 pm
Love it! Great job using so few words!!!! 🙂
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October 11, 2021 at 5:11 pm
Such a creepy nursery rhyme in so few words.
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October 20, 2021 at 1:43 pm
This is great!
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October 2, 2021 at 6:33 pm
SCRAP HEAP HALLOWEEN
Jenni Pattee
Melissa searched the mailbox at 979 Cherry Street.
“Mom, my robot costume is not here.”
“Sometimes mail gets delayed.” said her mother.
“But, Halloween starts in three hours.”
“You could wear a white sheet and be a scary ghost.”
“Too boring,” said Melissa.
“You could wear a straw hat and be a scarecrow.”
“No, thanks,” Melissa said. “I want to be a Turbo XT Robot 5000.”
Melissa gathered boxes, paint, plastic cups, and an empty detergent bottle.
She shaped boxes into robot parts and cut the bottle into a helmet.
“I’m missing a cup,” said Melissa.
“That’s the last one,” said her mother.
Melissa searched the house and found Daisy in a closet.
“You chewed my robot earpiece,” said Melissa.
Daisy laid her head on the floor.
“Do you want to go trick or treating with me?” asked Melissa.
“Woof,” said Daisy.
Melissa made a matching robot dog costume.
“Your friends are here.” Melissa’s mother said.
“What are you?” asked Shelby.
“We are the Super Silver Beam Robot Team,” said Melissa. “Beep, beep.”
“Woof, woof,” said Daisy.
“Outer space,” said Ian.
Melissa, Daisy, and her friends went trick or treating.
They had a galactically ghoulish good time.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 5, 2021 at 7:59 am
Dogs have a way of chewing just one of a pair of things. One shoe, one sleeve, one robot knob. I’m glad Melissa was forgiving and still invited Daisy along. Best of luck to you! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 5, 2021 at 10:16 am
So true!! lol Thanks very much! 🙂
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October 5, 2021 at 8:47 pm
Love her creativity and problem solving!
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October 11, 2021 at 5:14 pm
Love how the main character solves her own problem. Way to give her agency!
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October 2, 2021 at 5:37 pm
Thanks for Fall Frenzy. I love contests-quick deadlines, low word count. Good luck “to all who enter”. Now if that doesn’t sound mysterious!
Trick or Treat? picture #13
by Mona Pease 192 words
“Don’t!
A real witch lives there.”
I knocked anyway. “Trick or Treat.”
Wide doors creaked open. A wrinkly woman in a faded red (blood?) robe and pointy night cap appeared.
“Come in my dear,” she said In a crackly(or cackley? ) voice.
I did!
Cobwebs (spiders?) swayed in the shadows. Steam rose from the black pot (cauldron?) in the fireplace.
“Please sit.”
I did!
Something jumped on my lap.
“A rat!”
“Oh, it’s only Chester. He loves to be patted.”
I held my breath, put my hand on that rat, and gave one quick pat.
“I gotta go now.”
“Not yet dear. I haven’t given you your treat.”
“That’s okay. I gotta go.”
“Wait one-second. The stew (or brew?) needs spices. Look, this small soot broom is just the right size for
a little witch like you.”
Then she picked up an apple from the cupboard.“Here’s my special treat for you”
An apple (poisoinous?)!
“Try it. It’s an heirloom variety.”
I did.
I said, “Thank-you,” and flew out the door.
My friends gasped. “You’re eating that?”
“It’s juicy and tasty!” I said. “See you tomorrow.”
“We hope so!”
to be continued…
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October 2, 2021 at 5:45 pm
The MC is brave! Now to find out if it’s just an apple of if it’s been enchanted.
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October 5, 2021 at 7:54 am
Your MC’s parents are in trouble later. Who am I kidding? They’re in trouble NOW. Don’t go inside! I said. Don’t go near the cauldron! I said. And most of all, Don’t eat the apple! I said. She didn’t listen to any of these things. Not one. LOL! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 5, 2021 at 6:53 pm
Love the mystery!!! to be continued…cackle, cackle!!!
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October 5, 2021 at 8:48 pm
Oh, dear… as a parent I kept going “eeek!”
Brave or foolish, time will tell.
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October 11, 2021 at 5:18 pm
Love the red flags in parentheses. So clever!
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October 2, 2021 at 5:13 pm
Hi all! Katie couldn’t upload her story so I’m doing it on her behalf. She would love your comments!!
MOON’S MISADVENTURE
By Katie Schwartz
Image # 2
word count 197
Moon’s evening had been stratospheric! As a fairly new moon, he flip-flopped-wiffle-waffled around all night, and did not notice that neither his patchwork earth nor the biggest, brightest star in the Milky Way were anywhere around.
A plasmasphere wind had blown him out of his galaxy!
Moon tipple-toppled upside down, into a frown. ☹️
Dark clouds gathered, reflecting his mood.
Moon thought hard about how to regain his glow and find his way home. Oh! His glow sticks! “Oh-oh! “I lost them the last time I juggled, dropping them one-by-one, like falling stars in the night sky.
Moon grew weary, he was slipping . . .
down
around
up!
All of a sudden, he was smiling!
And the Universe smiled back.😊
First, his friend Haley The Comet swung by. He grabbed onto her tail and whiplashed right back to his galaxy!
Next his star-friends – a zillion! – lined a path for him back into his orbit.
And the biggest brightest star he knew – his sun – threw out a super-colossal solar flare to welcome him home.
In no time at all – or about two weeks – Moon was full and glowing again, sending moonbeams earthward just in time for a stratospheric Halloween night!
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 2, 2021 at 5:21 pm
Thank you Lydia for your help!
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October 2, 2021 at 5:35 pm
This story just makes you feel good! The way you personified the moon (and later, his galactic friends) was adorable. You used such visual language throughout and even added a STEM layer, referring to the moon’s phases. Wonderfully done, Katie!
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October 2, 2021 at 8:32 pm
Thank you Jill, love your encouragement!
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October 5, 2021 at 7:42 am
Funny imagery with the moon losing his glow sticks while practicing juggling and I love the way his friends (other space elements) help him find his way back to where he should be. A layered friendship story in a small package. 🙂 –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 5, 2021 at 8:50 pm
That was super cute, I especially liked how he hitched a ride on Haley’s Comets tail.
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October 11, 2021 at 5:24 pm
Love how his galactic friends light the path for Moon to return home! Clever story with a STEM element!
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October 2, 2021 at 5:02 pm
So excited to be here! So excited for this opportunity… A little confusion, as I did not see my response submission, but the website assures me it has the form. While I’ve submitted my response I also wanted to share my submission in the comments. I couldn’t choose any other photo than image 11 with the young children. (I taught k-1-2 grade children for 33 years, now I am teaching teachers to do so!!) Hope you all enjoy…
Five Little Children, It’s Halloween Tonight!
By Sally Yorke-Viney
Word Count 174
Five Little Children,
Ready for the night,
Dressed in Halloweenie garb,
Try to give a fright!
Five little children,
Each will play a role,
In this Halloween parade
Candy is their goal!
One little wild thing
Ready with his barb,
Wants to help you get the point,
In his fuzzy garb!
One little batman,
Ears are sticking out,
Can he echolocate here,
As he flies about?
One little Skeleton,
Dancing down the street,
Spreads a sign of peace and love,
To everyone he meets!
One little spider boy,
With his sticky web,
Bops you with his pumpkin wand,
As he walks ahead!
One little devil girl,
Looks a little weary,
Sun is quickly going down,
And it’s getting eerie!
Five little children,
Feet are getting sore,
Buckets full of tasty treats,
There isn’t room for more!
Five little children
Devil, bat and spider
A skeleton and wild thing
Heading home for apple cider!
Five little children,
Tucked into their beds
Bellies full of yummy treats,
Rest their sleepyheads!
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 3, 2021 at 10:47 am
This is very cute, like all the visual details! And cute costumes worn by all! Good job!
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October 3, 2021 at 3:36 pm
Thanks so much Katie!
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October 3, 2021 at 4:38 pm
So sweet!
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October 5, 2021 at 11:09 pm
Thanks Karyn!!!
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October 4, 2021 at 10:28 pm
Yes! Headed home for apple cider. I’m ready for that too. Warm, please. Nice job painting a picture for us. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 5, 2021 at 11:10 pm
Thanks Melisa….I know that my feet always hurt, but apple cider took care of that very quickly!
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October 6, 2021 at 7:32 am
“An apple cider a day…” That’s the way the saying goes. Yup, I’m pretty sure.
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October 5, 2021 at 8:54 pm
What a cute, bouncy rhyme. I love how you describe each of the kids’ costumes. with a little extra tidbit (like echolocating).
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October 5, 2021 at 11:14 pm
Thanks Katie, I was thinking about the song in Nightmare Before Christmas that the children Lock, Shock and Barrel sing about Sandy Claws and formatted it on that tune. Echolocating, well that’s just my love for STEM that crept in! 🙂
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October 11, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Cute story! It sounds like a finger play song.
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October 2, 2021 at 4:55 pm
Hi, all! Just posting Hannah Lapehn’s story here as she had trouble commenting. Please let her know your thoughts!
LITTLE CHURCH ON ELM
Little Church shimmied with excitement.
Tonight, every child on Elm Street would pass her in a parade of wigs and wings and wands.
Oh, how she quaked for their visits!
No one ever stopped at her dreary old door, but tonight would be different.
She’d be different.
Welcoming.
Warm.
So Little Church prepared.
She opened her windows. “Clear out, cobwebs!”
Switched on her lights. “Now kids can see me.”
And struck up the fireplace. “Aaahhh, welcoming and warm.”
At sunset, Little Church stood ready. “Here they come!”
But when the parade passed, no feet wandered onto her porch.
Little Church stooped. Why won’t they visit me?
That’s when she spotted the house across the street.
Cold.
Creepy.
And…crowded?
Little Church watched children run from the house in bursts of screams and laughter.
They…wanted scary.
Little Church’s shingles shook! Scary, she could do!
She bonged her bell. “Wake up, bats!”
Ignited her candles. “Mwah-ha-ha.”
And blasted her organ. ♫ Dun-Dun-DUUUUUUUN! ♫
And then…
She heard them.
The visitors! Their timid tiptoes gathered on her porch.
Little Church stifled a giggle.
Creeeaaaked her door open.
And with one ghastly gust, she whooshed them all inside.
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October 2, 2021 at 5:05 pm
Hannah, this is delightful! Love the clever MC, fun premise, and spooky conclusion. Well done!
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October 2, 2021 at 5:19 pm
Thanks so much, Sarah!!
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October 2, 2021 at 7:13 pm
Very cute and Halloweenish!
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October 3, 2021 at 10:49 am
Intriguing story, pulled me in. Super alliteration! And Little Church rose to the occasion! Great job!
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October 4, 2021 at 8:08 am
This story is so much fun!
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October 5, 2021 at 9:39 am
Nice done. Great ending!
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October 5, 2021 at 6:30 pm
Love this!!
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October 11, 2021 at 5:38 pm
Love the transformation from welcoming to scary! Such a fun story!
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October 2, 2021 at 4:39 pm
My entry is for image #10. Thanks so much for you consideration and for this opportunity! Good luck to all who enter. 🙂
CLUNKS IN THE NIGHT
By
Renée Neubauer
BANG!
What was that?
CLUNK!
My skin begins to prickle.
My hair stands on end.
It WHACKS and DONKS and SPIGGELY-BONKS!
But when I look…
…nothing’s there.
I hear it in my bedroom—CLANG!
And over in the kitchen—WHAM!
It happens when the days get shorter and shadows start to creep.
Are aliens invading or is it a zombie apocalypse?
I sneak a peek outside…
But all I see are pumpkins, mums and spooky graveyard eyes.
It comes and goes. There is no rhythm. No rhyme or reason either.
I try to ignore it. Pretend it’s my imagination.
But when it—BOOM—CRASH—DINK—DANK—DOINKS—
I cower under blankets.
I exhale the air I didn’t realize I’d trapped.
I tiptoe toward the window. It looks like any autumn evening.
Maybe if I face my fear, it’ll all go away.
I tie my shoes real tight. And venture out the door.
I hunch my shoulders. My eyes flit about.
I—CRUNCH—atop a sea of—
WHACK!
“ACORNS?!”
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 2, 2021 at 5:48 pm
I love the words, especially SPIGGELY-BONKS. And a great, non-spooky explanation at the end. I still have these moments as an adult when I hear unfamiliar noises.
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October 3, 2021 at 10:34 pm
Thanks so much for your comment! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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October 4, 2021 at 8:05 pm
Dink, dank, doinks! Very nice onomatopoeia here. Good luck to you! So fun! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 5, 2021 at 9:12 pm
Your words and onomatopoeia, spot on hilarious!
You did a great job building the tension, but not too high for young readers by adding in the humor. Perfect balance.
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October 6, 2021 at 12:52 pm
Cracking story in a nutshell! Love how you build the suspense with delicious sensory detail and cap it with a fabulous surprise twist.
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October 11, 2021 at 5:41 pm
Love all the suspense of the strange sounds! Fun twist at the end!
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October 2, 2021 at 1:55 pm
OLD HOUSE, SMALL HOUSE
“I have got to get out of here,” mumbles Ghost to himself.
“This old house is the main reason everyone is so scared of ghosts. I mean, it’s over 200-years-old with spiders and bats and mice and all that. It is the perfect place to call haunted, and I want nothing to do with it,” he continues to complain. “The electrical circuits out all the time, every door creaks, and for as long as a ghost’s memory, the roof has not been repaired!”
“I dream of freshly cut grass, rows of brightly colored houses, with a comfortable spot to knit!”
“Sayonara! Old haunty house, I will not be returning,” declared Ghost.
(Illo notes: Ghost drifts down the street and finds a brightly coloured- doghouse)
“OoOooOo, this is perfect, and this is all that I need.”
“It is so cozy in here and soft! No flickering lights, this house doesn’t even have a door to creak, I will certainly stay here,” Ghost says with an excited whisper.
Illo notes: Next day: Humans looking puzzled at dog in a knitted sweater.
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October 2, 2021 at 8:46 pm
I love the perspective of the ghost, what a fun, humorous read!
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October 3, 2021 at 5:45 pm
Thank you for your comment, it was very nice of you to say. 😃
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October 4, 2021 at 8:10 am
So cute!
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October 4, 2021 at 7:58 pm
Oh, this is too cute! A ghost that doesn’t like dull and dreary! I want him to knit my dog a sweater too, please. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 5, 2021 at 9:17 pm
I want someone to sit in my comfy house and knit me sweaters, lucky dog!
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October 11, 2021 at 5:45 pm
Love the idea of a ghost who wants to relocate to a friendlier house, so people aren’t scared of him. Very clever.
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October 2, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Lydia, I’m not finding my entry in the comments, even though it shows up in the listings as being there. Title is WAITING . . . inspired by #7.
Should I repost it? Not sure what happened.
Thanks for checking on it.
Marty Bellis (martymi6@aol.com)
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October 2, 2021 at 12:20 pm
Thank you so much for this opportunity. It’s been great fun and motivation to put my seat in the seat! Wishing everyone a happy and healthy fall! Posting here, as alas, I have no blog (or website!).
Total Eclipse of the Heart
It rankled her, that eye in the sky. Watching her. Controlling her. That damned eye in the sky. That damning eye in the sky.
Paul knocked on her door, flowers in hand. How sweet. She glanced up at the night sky through the curtained windows. And she smiled. Tonight, the eye still blessed her and let her be Luciana. She grabbed her coat and keys, leaving her house for the long-awaited date with the captain of the football team.
Her stomach fluttered as he opened the door of his shiny red Camaro for her. Is this really happening? To me? She surreptitiously stared at his gorgeous features as he drove them to the cinema. She had just begun imagining what his lips on hers would feel like, when the car lurched as he put it in park.
Paul opened the car door for her and offered her his arm. As they walked arm in arm, Luciana understood why women swooned in the movies.
Her skin prickled. She glanced up. The evil eye was staring down at her. Her mind blanked. Shrieks filled the night air. Paul’s throat lay ripped open at her feet.
The neon marquee above her, “Teen Wolf.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 4, 2021 at 1:15 pm
You really created an undercurrent of tension in just a few words, Tara. Ghastly good!
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October 4, 2021 at 7:51 pm
Oh no! Did she really do it? That’s probably not going to help her get another boyfriend. LOL! Good luck! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 5, 2021 at 9:24 pm
Wow, the end was a surprise but you built up the tension so well that it all flowed and meshed together.
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October 11, 2021 at 5:54 pm
Just like a Halloween movie. So suspenseful and scary.
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October 2, 2021 at 12:08 pm
FOREVER FEY
By Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky
I never write in rhyme and yet, here it is. Weird…
Eye of newt; spleen of frog
Hiss of cat; howl of dog
Witches cackle; banshee wail
Mummy’s moan; ghostly veil
Water of life; drought of death
Gasp at birth; final breath
Blood and tears. Do not forget
The ache of loss; profound regret
These I mix together now
To aid in my eternal vow…
To bring you back, my ghostly love.
Three stirs clockwise; one reverse
To bring to life those accursed
Stir in smoking chicken gizzard
Last of all… pumpkin innards
Yellow flesh; seeds and slime
Begin the magic twist of time
Racing backward to the past
Where you lived…
You’re here, at last!
I reach for you
But you’re not here
It’s naught but mist in form so dear
I watch you as you fade away
Mine no more; forever fey
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 2, 2021 at 8:42 pm
The ending packs so much emotion, nice rhythm throughout!
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October 3, 2021 at 10:27 am
Thanks Karen! As stated, I never ever write in rhyme, but when you start with ‘eye of newt’ it just seems natural. haha
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October 4, 2021 at 8:11 am
Love this!
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October 4, 2021 at 11:49 am
thanks so much!!
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October 4, 2021 at 4:53 pm
You did a wonderful job writing in rhyme. I’m no expert, but I know I liked it and that’s what counts. I especially liked “water of life, draught of death” Great bit! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 5, 2021 at 9:25 am
Thanks for your kind comments, Melisa! Much appreciated.
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October 5, 2021 at 9:27 pm
That ending packs so much sadness in and multiplies the longing that starts showing in the first paragraph.
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October 6, 2021 at 10:27 am
Thanks so much, Katie!
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October 11, 2021 at 5:56 pm
Great job writing in rhyme! Nice twist at the end.
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October 12, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Thanks so much, Karen. Much appreciated!
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October 2, 2021 at 11:25 am
The Witching Hour (198 words)
The Royal Rules:
No burping.
No tooting.
And…
Always eat your vegetables.
“I want magical mischief.” wished Princess Perfect upon the milky moon.
The Witching hour bubbled and brewed.
Hair sprouted on Princess Perfect’s chin and…
Poof!
A wart popped out.
She zip, zapped and zoomed.
Until…
“Yikes this broom has no brakes”
And plunged into the Bottom Burping Bog.
PARP!
Princess Perfect had taken to being a Witch like a slug to slime.
Boggy frogs followed her home.
“Arrrgggggh,” cried the King.
After a chorus of croaks, she transformed them into…
Munching moths who made a meal out of the King’s robe.
“I’m going to the royal shed,” he sulked.
“I’ll give you a ride,” she hooted, hatching a Witch-tastic plan.
“Make Daddy’s Veg, big, big, big.”
KADONG!
And filled the fountain with fantastic flying fish.
KADANG!
And conjured curious crawling creepers.
KADING!
“Blooming marvelous,” said the King.
“Can you accept my Witchy ways?” said Princess Perfect.
“No turning me into a toad when I say it’s bedtime?” The King shuddered.” Or using spells to do your homework.”
“Never, ever,” cackled the Princess.
As the giant vegetables chased the King around the castle.
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October 4, 2021 at 2:56 pm
Me thinks King Daddy is going to have to be very specific from now on. 😉😁 Nice work! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 7, 2021 at 6:20 am
Thank you so much.
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October 6, 2021 at 12:19 am
The idea of giant vegetables chasing a king is so silly, it’s the perfect ending to a silly story.
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October 7, 2021 at 6:21 am
Thank you ❤️
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October 11, 2021 at 6:02 pm
What a mischievous little witch. Love the silly ending.
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October 13, 2021 at 12:49 pm
Thank you so much ❤️
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October 2, 2021 at 10:41 am
Apple Pie Day
By Emily Keifer
Nora could practically smell the apple pie baking. As soon as she saw that little white church on the hill, she knew they were close to Grandma’s house. Her heart fluttered with the flurry of a hundred butterflies. Nora loved Grandma’s house more than the park…even more than ice cream. (But don’t tell ice cream that.) Even better than a regular trip to Grandma’s house, was Apple Pie Day at Grandma’s house.
When Nora was three, she was the official sugar taster. At four, she got to shake in the cinnamon. This year, Nora was getting a very special job–rolling the crust. She had been training for months with her Play-Doh.
Grandma stood waiting in the doorway with a twinkle in her eye and flour dusting her cheeks. Nora walked into the warm kitchen where bowls of apples were already peeled and cut. She turned just in time to see Grandma’s mischievous smile before a handful of flour flew through the air and landed on top of Nora’s head like a snow storm.
“Flour fight!” Grandma declared and Nora instantly knew this year would be her favorite Apple
Pie Day yet.
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October 4, 2021 at 2:38 pm
Family traditions are the greatest gift. Thanks for sharing this warm story. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 6, 2021 at 9:23 am
I love a mischievous granny. Your descriptions made me feel like I was right there with them!
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October 11, 2021 at 6:47 pm
No wonder Nora loves her Grandma more than ice cream. What a fun story!
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October 2, 2021 at 10:09 am
My post never showed up, so posting again. In fact the posts are frozen. . . I can’t see or read anything past DEADBEAT CREEK.
Winter Weather Clues (198 words)
Image #7
by
Glenda Roberson
I spied a fluffy wooly bear
down by the chicken shack.
His colors were so Halloween,
one orange stripe on black.
I picked that fuzzy wuzzy up.
Observed his orange band.
If wide, the snow will fall in heaps,
and winter will be grand.
The stripe takes up a third of him,
foretelling loads of snow.
But I must check some other signs.
I really need to know.
My neighbor has a ‘simmon tree,
its leaves, now scarlet red.
Its orange fruit will let me know,
if I will use my sled.
I quickly peel away the fruit
and split the oval seed.
The ‘simmon and the wooly bear,
thank goodness, have agreed!
Inside the seed, a shape provides
a winter-weather clue.
A knife predicts a wind that cuts,
a fork, no snow for you!
As plain as day, I see a SPOON.
The snow is gonna fly!
Now to check an acorn stash,
if I can climb that high.
I shimmy up the old oak tree.
The squirrel’s nest is packed.
It looks as though we’ll miss some school!
How much is not exact.
Well, hello spring! Where’s all that snow?
I guess that’s how predictions go.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 2, 2021 at 7:42 pm
I love the detail and whimsy of your clever poem, Glenda, especially “his colors were so Halloween” and the portents of the persimmon.
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October 2, 2021 at 9:52 pm
Thanks so much, Anne. I appreciate you!
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October 3, 2021 at 6:59 am
What a cool idea for your entry. Well executed, educational, with an element of excitement. Love the rhymes.
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October 3, 2021 at 10:47 am
Thanks, Shannon!
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October 4, 2021 at 2:28 pm
This whole bit of writing was smart, smart art! Such wit and I loved the shortened ‘simmon. Cozy! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 4, 2021 at 3:07 pm
Oh wow, Melisa! Thanks so much.
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October 6, 2021 at 9:26 am
I love how they carefully checked all the signs, and the growing excitement of “I’m going to get snow.” And, then, the end with the touch of humor. It works really well.
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October 6, 2021 at 10:09 am
Thanks Katie!
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October 6, 2021 at 12:18 pm
So fun!
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October 6, 2021 at 11:12 pm
Thank you!
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October 11, 2021 at 6:50 pm
Nice rhythm and rhyme. Love all the fun winter weather clues.
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October 11, 2021 at 6:54 pm
Spooky! It reminds me of a riddle or the game, Who Am I?
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October 14, 2021 at 11:31 am
Thanks so much, Karen.
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October 2, 2021 at 7:32 am
October Song
by Lina Feli [Image 9: Halloween by Neon Brand / Unsplash]
No one has
my flowing hair,
not even the night.
No one knows
just where I live,
not even the mist.
No one sings
a song like mine,
not even the dead.
Into the dark,
humming, I smile.
Care to come closer?
Thank you.
No one tastes
as good as you,
not even the soil.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 2, 2021 at 7:40 am
Way to crank the creep factor! Looking back at that picture I WOULD NOT have come closer. Not one step. Great Job!
Melisa Wrex
@mowrex (Twitter)
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2021 at 7:54 am
I love this spine chilling story!
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October 4, 2021 at 11:11 am
So delightfully creepy!!!
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October 5, 2021 at 9:43 am
nice and creepy! great aura.
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October 6, 2021 at 12:44 pm
Wow, that is spooky. It reminds me of a song a siren might sing.
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October 11, 2021 at 6:57 pm
Spooky! It reminds me of a riddle or the game, Who Am I?
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October 1, 2021 at 10:29 pm
Thanks for organizing such a fun event. I’ve loved seeing other people’s entries. Such creativity!
This was inspired by photo #1. Anyone else think the pumpkin top looked like a jellyfish?
Pumpkin and Jellyfish
By Cindy Greene
Whenever Pumpkin was feeling hollow,
Jellyfish was there to help him squash the negative thoughts.
Sometimes Pumpkin marveled that Jellyfish was friends with him.
Jellyfish was kind,
Always transparent,
Didn’t overthink,
And could go with the flow.
Pumpkin, on the other hand, had difficulty rolling with things.
Whether he wore a smile, or a frown, was determined by others.
And he was complicated inside. With him, there were always strings attached.
For Jellyfish’s birthday, Pumpkin wanted to give her something special.
A plate of phytoplankton, her favorite!
But despite searching and scouring, Pumpkin couldn’t see any.
A Peanut Butter Cake for Jellyfish!
But the peanut butter was sticky,
The candle too wicky,
The outcome was icky.
Pumpkin was resigned to give Jellyfish the only thing he thought he had to offer.
(Illustr: A pumpkin seed)
“Oh Pumpkin,” said Jellyfish, “It’s perfect. I feel lucky you share a part of you every day with me.”
“I want you to know, you make me glow inside,” said Pumpkin.
“You make me glow too,” said Jellyfish.
As darkness descended, the friends could see how true it was.
(Illustr: Illuminated pumpkin, glowing jellyfish)
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 2, 2021 at 12:42 am
Creative pairing… jellyfish and pumpkin!?! I love it:) Funny story too.
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October 2, 2021 at 9:24 am
Thank you!
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October 2, 2021 at 4:26 am
Funny and emotional. The glow part made me feel so happy for them. Great story.
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October 2, 2021 at 9:25 am
Thanks so much!
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October 2, 2021 at 5:33 am
Aww! I’m a sucker for a friendship story, especially between such unlikely characters. I like how you tied the physical traits together with the personalities.
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October 2, 2021 at 9:27 am
Thanks – I appreciate it!
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October 2, 2021 at 7:28 am
Aww. Such great puns and the relationship is so heart warming. Great job.
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October 2, 2021 at 9:26 am
I’m so glad you liked the humor. Thanks!
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October 2, 2021 at 10:27 am
Such a sweet story and clever puns!
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October 2, 2021 at 3:27 pm
Thank you!
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October 2, 2021 at 12:12 pm
fun! I liked that pumpkin was feeling hollow and jellyfish was always transparent! Nicely done
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October 2, 2021 at 3:27 pm
Thanks so much!
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October 4, 2021 at 11:10 am
So funny and sweet! Love the wordplay! Nice work
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October 4, 2021 at 2:10 pm
Thank you!!!
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October 4, 2021 at 1:59 pm
Very interesting perspective. I love the way you think outside the pumpkin. Good job! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 4, 2021 at 2:11 pm
Thanks – for your comment and making me laugh! : ) Cindy
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October 6, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Oh, that’s so darling. I love how you use phrases like “go with the flow” metaphorically and literally, that’s great humor.
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October 11, 2021 at 7:02 pm
Such a sweet friendship story. Love the contrasting characters.
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October 1, 2021 at 8:42 pm
The Bell Ringer
by Armineh Manookian
The autumn winds blew away David’s summer.
His smile.
His Papa.
David spotted his Sunday school teacher.
Mamma squeezed his hand. “See you soon.”
He joined his friends but his eyes were on the tower where Papa used to work.
Where it would sway to the music of the bells Papa breathed to life.
Bell ringing was his joy.
Now, the only sounds David heard were the winds weeping, whistling, wailing.
They led him away from the bustle of morning service.
And beckoned him to the entrance of the forest.
He marched ahead, pounding the forest floor with each step. “Where did you take my
Papa!”
He followed the sway of the trees—to the left, then the right— zigzagging his way
through the woods.
David stopped to catch his breath.
Nothing looked familiar.
“Where am I?”
The winds silenced his cry.
His heart was heavy, hollow like a bell without its ringer.
Though, he could almost hear it.
Louder now.
Louder still.
“PAPA?” David turned toward the sound and darted.
All the way back to the tower.
Where Papa had been all along, in the winds breathing the bells to life.
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 1, 2021 at 10:30 pm
How awesome! I loved the opening line!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2021 at 2:31 am
Thank you!
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October 2, 2021 at 12:40 am
Enchanting story! Love the title too:) Well done.
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October 2, 2021 at 2:31 am
Thanks!
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October 2, 2021 at 12:44 am
Beautifully written!
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October 2, 2021 at 2:30 am
Thank you!
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October 2, 2021 at 1:51 am
Wonderfully told, Armineh! The pacing was fantastic – I felt nervous towards the end, but the ending was lovely ❤
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October 2, 2021 at 2:30 am
Thank you so much!
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October 2, 2021 at 5:34 am
Very moving!
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October 2, 2021 at 7:11 am
This is beautiful. Love your word choices and the mystery.
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October 2, 2021 at 7:42 am
I can hear the bells in the wind, Armineh, and they’re beautiful. You did a great job with this.
Melisa Wrex
@mowrex (Twitter)
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2021 at 9:03 am
I love the image of the tower swaying to the bells.
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October 2, 2021 at 10:29 am
This is such a beautiful story. Love the simile “hollow like a bell without its ringer.” Good luck to you!
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October 2, 2021 at 6:39 pm
A beautiful story Armineh. I especially love the last line of papa being in the winds.
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October 3, 2021 at 10:46 am
Beautifully written! So much emotion in so few words. Love it!
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October 3, 2021 at 4:36 pm
I love “hollow like a bell without its ringer!” Nicely done!
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October 4, 2021 at 8:14 am
This is beautiful!
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October 11, 2021 at 9:14 pm
Nice job of showing the emotion of the main character. I especially liked, his heart was heavy, hollow like a bell without its ringer.
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October 1, 2021 at 7:13 pm
By the Light of the Moon
By: Susan Summers
WC: 198 YA Fall Frenzy – Photo of the crescent moon.
Countdown to liftoff, T minus 10.
What did I do? Why couldn’t I just keep my big mouth shut?
T minus 9
So what if I’m not as talented as the others?
Did I have to talk back to the commander?
What did that do?
Get me selected for this assignment.
Moron.
T minus 8
Well, I’m here now.
There’s no going back.
It’s time to recall the training.
I can do this, or they wouldn’t have put me in this thing.
Would they?
T minus 7
I’m running out of time!
Check the belts, the suit, and the switches. Are they where they need to be?
There’s only one chance at this.
T minus 6
Breathe.
In, out, in, out.
Oh my God, I’m going to be the first to do this!
T minus 5
I think I’m going to be sick.
T minus 4
When the news releases the story, those who made fun of me won’t be laughing anymore.
Me, an astronaut.
Me, first to take the slingshot to the Moon.
T minus 3
If I survive.
T minus 2
Don’t think like that.
This is going to be epic.
T minus 1
Let’s do this!
BLAST OFF!
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 1, 2021 at 7:40 pm
Susan, I enjoyed this exciting, tension-filled story. What a fantastic structure!
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October 1, 2021 at 7:55 pm
Thank you!
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October 1, 2021 at 8:31 pm
I love the way you build up tension, slowly and then the inevitable ending. Great structure!
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October 3, 2021 at 9:47 am
Thank you.
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October 1, 2021 at 10:04 pm
Love this exciting, fast-paced read. Well done!
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October 3, 2021 at 9:47 am
Thank you.
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October 1, 2021 at 10:33 pm
What a great structure. I really enjoyed how you varied the size of the entries (T minus 5 was my favorite)
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October 3, 2021 at 9:48 am
Thank you, t minus 5 definitely speaks for lots of us with nerves!
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October 1, 2021 at 11:52 pm
Too funny! So clever, kept me reading to determine what was happening! Love your countdown, and you got me at ‘slingshot’!
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October 3, 2021 at 9:48 am
Thank you!
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October 2, 2021 at 12:59 pm
Nothing like a countdown to put the reader in the driver’s seat! Awesome, Susan!
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October 3, 2021 at 9:49 am
Thank you!
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October 2, 2021 at 6:41 pm
Great story Susan! Loved the suspense and the self belief that comes out in the last line. Congrats.
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October 3, 2021 at 9:49 am
Thank you.
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October 3, 2021 at 9:16 pm
Great job, Susan! Such a neat twist doing an astronaut story from the picture!
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October 4, 2021 at 8:15 am
Love this!
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October 4, 2021 at 1:56 pm
Gahhh! What happens next?! I need to know! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 11, 2021 at 9:19 pm
The format of T minus … really escalated the tension. Loved the voice of this reluctant astronaut. All of his emotions are so relatable.
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October 1, 2021 at 6:12 pm
Wish I could read the entries. The newer ones have disappeared. I tried every ‘trick’ that was mentioned. I’ll try again tomorrow! I’m excited to read them!
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October 1, 2021 at 11:46 pm
Hmm, what are the tricks for finding entries that are on the list – the titles, and posted in comments, there are two I haven’t been able to find, and not sure why?
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October 3, 2021 at 10:51 am
I ended up having repost mine. It never showed up the first time.
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October 1, 2021 at 5:31 pm
HALLOWEEN FRIENDS
by Vashti Verbowski
191 words
(Picture #11: kids in costumes)
Aleah put on her T. rex mask and dressed her cat in a matching stegosaurus sweater.
“It’s just you and me this year.”
Spikey gave Aleah a high-claw—Raawrrrh!
Aleah liked her new house and her new school. But she missed her old friends…
Last Halloween, they dressed as the Pumpkin-Patrol. Their pumpkin-wands blasted laser beams, sprinkled glitter, and played spooky music.
…Making new friends was tough.
When it was time to leave, Aleah’s mom and Spikey walked her to school.
“Is that a stegosaurus cat?” asked a boy in a pterodactyl costume.
Raawrrrh!
Aleah laughed, “Yes. Watch out, he’s ferocious.”
As she walked into her class, Aleah felt braver than usual. She smiled at a velociraptor and a spinosaurus… they smiled back.
At lunch, the other dinosaurs sat together.
Aleah took a big dino-breath and walked up to their table.
“Hi. It looks like you need a T. rex.”
The pterodactyl spread his wings, “Yes! Watch out, we’re ferocious!”
At recess, they played chase and dug for dinosaur bones.
That night, Aleah went trick-or-treating with the Dino-Crew. They stomped and roared and high-clawed like T. rexes.
Spikey came along too—Raawrrrh!
LikeLiked by 9 people
October 1, 2021 at 7:42 pm
Vashti, your dino Halloween tale is delightful! I love friendship stories, and this one is full of sweetness and fun.
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October 1, 2021 at 8:34 pm
This will delight all the dinosaur lovers out there! I could tell the photo you were writing about right away. Awesome job!
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October 1, 2021 at 9:05 pm
Heartwarming and beautiful.
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October 1, 2021 at 10:06 pm
Such a sweet story. Love Aleah’s courage!
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October 1, 2021 at 10:34 pm
I love Aleah’s bravery! What great modeling for kids. Nicely crafted in such a short piece!
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October 2, 2021 at 12:06 am
A charming, heart-warming story with marvelous wordplay and attention to detail. I especially enjoyed “high-claw” and the pterodactyl spreading his wings. I am awed by how you grew Aleah from “new” to “crew” in less than 200 words.
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October 2, 2021 at 6:44 pm
What a fantastic story Vashti. Great pace and great characters. Love stories about friendship and dinosaurs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2021 at 5:00 pm
You told so much story in just a few words and really had the reader emotionally tied to Aleah and even Spikey! Love the dino language you used too, it’s so fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 4, 2021 at 1:49 pm
She found her people! What a sweet ending, Vashti. Best of luck to you! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 12, 2021 at 2:28 pm
Love how Aleah models bravery in making new friends! Her cat, Spikey, is a fun comedic sidekick too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2021 at 5:25 pm
[…] This is my entry for the 2021 Fall Writing Frenzy. Check out the contest page to read other fabulous […]
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October 1, 2021 at 5:20 pm
Fright Flight!
by Paul Kurtz
[image #2 – crescent moon]
The moon grins like a Cheshire cat.
I morph into a scary bat,
Then flap my wings to rise in flight,
And soar into the autumn night.
I glide high on the chilly breeze,
To tickle clouds and skim tall trees.
“It’s Halloween,” I cheer. “Hooray!
I love this creepy holiday.”
A cackling old witch rides her broom,
I flap and rocket past her—ZOOOMM!
While ravens caw an eerie song,
I dance with ghosts and sing along.
But as I whirl in sheer delight,
A jack-o’-lantern rolls in sight.
The snarling, giant pumpkin ROARS—
He’s larger than ten dinosaurs!
“That squash will squish our whole town flat!”
I swoop at him—“I can’t have that!”
He chases me—I lead him south,
My wing-tips dodge his gruesome mouth.
I flap for hours, tired and afraid,
A rooster crows as bright stars fade.
To my relief, it’s almost day—
The huge squash, groaning, rolls away.
In bed, I try hard not to snore,
And morph into a kid once more.
I laugh—“Mom, if you only knew
Each Halloween night what I do!”
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2021 at 7:44 pm
That ending had me chuckling, Paul. What a great story! I love “That squash will squish our whole town flat!”
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October 1, 2021 at 8:35 pm
As someone who never write rhyme well, I’m soooo impressed and that you were able to convey a whole story with it!
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October 1, 2021 at 9:08 pm
Very imaginative. Love this!
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October 1, 2021 at 10:10 pm
Love the upbeat tempo, and the ending made me laugh! Such a fun read.
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October 2, 2021 at 4:44 pm
nicely done!
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October 4, 2021 at 1:41 pm
He’s larger than ten dinosaurs?? Say it isn’t so! That’s a big pumpkin, Paul. Congrats on a great submission! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 4, 2021 at 1:59 pm
All always GREAT JOB!
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October 12, 2021 at 2:36 pm
What a fun Halloween adventure! Love the giant pumpkin! It reminds me of the Marshmallow Man in the movie, Ghostbusters.
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October 1, 2021 at 5:06 pm
KA-RUNCH!
by Donna Kurtz
[image #13 – eerie house]
“Danny,” I say, “this big, creepy house wasn’t here yesterday.”
“Sure it was, Lisa. I bet they have lots of Halloween candy.”
“Hey, did that window wink at us?”
“The breeze moved a shutter, silly. Look, read the sign.”
HALLOWEEN PARTY – WELCOME
We go inside. “Danny, this is a bad idea—”
“Wow, cool skeletons, bats, and jack-o’-lanterns. Lisa, check out the witch’s broom and cauldron full of candy.”
Ka-runch—Ka-runch—Ka-runch
“Danny, what’s that noise?”
“The creaky shutter. Chill, will you?”
“I don’t like this. Come on, let’s get out of here—”
The floor tilts
“—Yoww!”
KA-RACKK
The back wall crumbles away. A humongous, slurping tongue writhes between two sets of ginormous, grinding teeth.
KA-RUNCH—KA-RUNCH—KA-RUNCH
“Yaahhh!” I grab the door knob. “Locked!”
Danny and I slide toward the hideous mouth.
“NOOO—” Danny shrieks.
Clutching the broom, I tickle the curved ceiling.
KA-K-KOFFF
The mega-cough explodes the door open, hurling Danny and me onto the lawn—
“UMPHH!”
“OOOFF!”
Wriggling like a giant worm, the creepy house disappears into the dark.
Danny stares at me, bug-eyed. “Did you see that?”
I shudder, wiping goo off my face. “Next Halloween let’s go to a movie—huh?”
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 1, 2021 at 7:52 pm
Creepy fun! I could picture all of this. Great ending line too.
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October 1, 2021 at 10:14 pm
Love the tension and their narrow escape. The ending made me laugh!😊
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October 2, 2021 at 7:12 am
So much imagination in this one, Donna. Kids will love how the house came to life!
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October 4, 2021 at 1:33 pm
Quick thinking saves the day! Whew! This is an excellent piece. Love it! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 4, 2021 at 2:01 pm
Great suspense/tension! Excellent job as always!
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October 6, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Love your unique take on the picture, the escape was tense!
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October 12, 2021 at 2:45 pm
The sound KA-RUNCH builds suspense. This story reminds me of the movie, Monster House.
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October 1, 2021 at 4:17 pm
Not sure if this is ok, but mine still does not show so here goes:
ONE SCARY DARK EVENING
BY
Sherry Roberts
There’s a bright silver haze on the graveyard.
The moon shines so brightly on the graveyard.
The fog is as low as the ole black cat’s eye,
And the ghouls are a ‘rising so high in the sky.
Oh, what a scary dark evening
Oh, how the ghosts are at play.
I’ve got this horrible feeling
See that ghost coming my way.
All the goblins are dancing to Thriller,
And the zombies are dancing to Thriller,
They’re turning their heads and they’re coming my way
That black cat keeps winkin’ and blinkin’ away.
Oh, what a scary dark evening
Oh, how the ghouls are at play.
I’ve got a horrible feeling
Now they’re all dancing my way.
All the sounds of the night are like screeching
All the bats of the night keep on shrieking
The wind is a hollering, bending the trees,
And that ole gravesite looks to be empty to me.
Oh, see the sun is a ‘rising
See how it greets a new day.
I’ve got a wonderful feeling
Cause they’re all going away.
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October 1, 2021 at 5:57 pm
Sherry, I enjoyed this – especially the surprise (sunrise) ending! 🙂 Nice work!
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October 1, 2021 at 8:39 pm
What imagery and emotions you’ve evoked here! It also immediately brought to mind the song Oh What a Beautiful Morning from the Musical Oklahoma!
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October 2, 2021 at 3:11 am
I love all the repetition and musical references, Sherry. Very creative!
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October 2, 2021 at 7:16 am
Oh how unique! Recognized “Oklahoma” musical parody right away. Love the line” the black cat keeps winkin and blinking away.”
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October 2, 2021 at 11:27 am
Love this!
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October 4, 2021 at 1:27 pm
Way to use inspiration, Sherry! Funny! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 4, 2021 at 4:46 pm
Thank you for all your thoughts here. I have always loved doing parodies of songs. This is a song that is close to my heart (I’m an Okie). I just couldn’t resist.
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October 6, 2021 at 12:57 pm
Great job on your spoofy/spooky version, the way you used refrain really helped to up the humor.
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October 12, 2021 at 2:49 pm
Love the repetitive phrase to the tune of Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin.
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October 1, 2021 at 4:03 pm
Our First Walk
Paul Roncone
194 words
(Best read right aligned)
I only think of you when I pass that
old church. The one that was
on our walk the first time we hung out–so
long ago—freshman year. Now senior year is bright
with opportunity. Us getting ready to face off against
the real world. It’s the
church that you kissed me in front of on that gray
afternoon of
October that was as cold as December
The falling leaves that
felt like snowflakes from
an enchanted island of giants. We laughed. You made me a
promise that you’d go the distance
You would tell everyone about us no matter what someone
might
say. That I was the one you have
wanted for so long but thought
you had to hide the truth. I
shattered when your promise broke. I know it was
tough. And still is. Being the big man on campus, making
the calls on the field, living a
life that doesn’t fully light your own fire
You were my first love. A piece of you will remain in
my heart. Infinitely. Though I have made my
own path, when I see that church in the fall, I think of us holding hands
*This golden shovel poem borrows lines from Gary Soto’s “Oranges.” A poem about young love.
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2021 at 8:42 pm
You so perfectly captured the depth and raw emotion of young love. I just wanted to read more and more. Such a beautiful piece!
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October 20, 2021 at 5:52 pm
Thank you so much, Karen.
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October 2, 2021 at 5:24 pm
Beautiful, Paul! I love how you wrote a golden shovel poem. I love that powerful ending line too.
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October 20, 2021 at 5:55 pm
Thanks, Sarah! I love golden shovels. Haha. They are fun.
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October 4, 2021 at 12:01 pm
Stunningly lovely. That’s all I can think of to say. If this isn’t one of the winners I’ll be surprised. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 24, 2021 at 9:15 am
Melisa! Thank you so much!
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October 12, 2021 at 4:40 pm
Beautifully written!
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October 24, 2021 at 9:22 am
Yay! Thanks, Karen.
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October 1, 2021 at 4:03 pm
[…] Check out all the other Fall Writing Frenzy stories by clicking here. […]
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October 1, 2021 at 3:44 pm
How long does it take for an entry to show in the entry table?
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October 1, 2021 at 3:43 pm
COSTUME PARADE
By Stephanie Owen
The air has grown chilly.
The leaves are all down.
Ghosties and goblins
are seen throughout town.
Gather your outfits,
both purchased and made.
It’s finally time
for the costume parade!
Put on your costume
And grab your treat-bag.
Then venture outside.
See the Halloween flag?
Start the procession!
Jump in the brigade!
Come on boos and ghouls,
join the costume parade!
There are princes and dragons
and pumpkins and bats.
There are cupcakes and heroes
and witches and cats.
There are mummies and monsters,
a cow with a maid.
There are robots and more
In the costume parade!
Saunter down Main Street.
Enjoy all the fun!
This Halloween night
has only begun.
Hear a ghost story
Now don’t be afraid.
Try bobbing for apples
at the costume parade.
Pin a wart on the witch.
Wrap a mummy or two.
Carve up a pumpkin.
There’s so much to do!
Step on the dance floor.
Big prizes displayed.
You win a ribbon
at the costume parade!
Collect tricks or treats
as you go door-to-door.
Fill up your treat-bag
with goodies galore!
But now your bag’s full
And you’ve partied and played.
You must say, ‘good night,’
to the costume parade.
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2021 at 9:13 pm
Stephanie, reading this took away stress and made me feel joyful. Thank you. Great writing.
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October 1, 2021 at 10:19 pm
So fun and cheerful. Really enjoyed reading it.
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October 2, 2021 at 9:05 am
I love this! It’s a costume parade! I can envision the children.
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October 2, 2021 at 11:25 am
When I looked at this picture I never even acknowledged the parade. That is what is so cool about these writing prompts. I really enjoyed your story!
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October 2, 2021 at 10:22 pm
This was so cute, and the rhyming was great!
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October 3, 2021 at 11:51 am
This is really so sweet (not in a candy sort of way). I love the rhythm of the story and can visualize it all.
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October 3, 2021 at 3:47 pm
Ooops the reply went to the wrong photo.. Love the kids in the costume parade!
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October 4, 2021 at 11:07 am
Such a joyful piece!!!
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October 4, 2021 at 11:53 am
I love the range of offerings in your parade. From bats to a cow’s milk maid. Ha! So very fun. Enjoyable from start to finish. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 6, 2021 at 1:05 pm
I love how overflowing with joy and happiness this is, it’s a celebration of the sweetness of childhood and Halloween.
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October 12, 2021 at 4:42 pm
How fun! Who doesn’t love a costume parade?
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October 1, 2021 at 3:23 pm
LEAF LISTENS
By Jacqui Boulter
I am no longer green, but magnificent orange. A hiker, a photographer, and one curious
boy at the church picnic notice the hole that caterpillar ate next to my spine. It tickled. The sun
warms me. I like it up here.
I wobble in the wind. I float. I land on the roof of the church and slide into the gutter. On
the ground, people gather and sing. The curious boy sings to me. It makes me tingle. I
huddle with my new friends. We ride down the spout in the rain.
In the spring, I am in the soil. The curious boy sings while he plants. I meet new
friends; earthworms, butterflies, and bees. I sing a new song.
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 4, 2021 at 8:18 am
Great sensory details, Jacqui! Nice job!
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October 4, 2021 at 11:05 am
So sweet, so wholesome. So well written. Beautifully done! –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 6, 2021 at 6:45 pm
Beautiful descriptions, it feels so immersive.
I especially like how they rode down the spout.
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October 12, 2021 at 4:45 pm
Love the perspective of this leaf who embraces all the changes of the seasons.
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October 1, 2021 at 2:57 pm
Image #10 (Fall- Credit: Julia Solonina / Unsplash)
CAULDRON QUITS!
by Ashley Sierra
200 words
Deep in the dark woods, in a small cabin, lived a witch named Wyndolyn and her cranky cauldron.
“I’m tired of werewolf warts, toad slime, and ogre earwax,” Cauldron thought. “I want to try something . . . sweet.”
But Wyndolyn tossed in a giant’s toenails, fairies’ tears, and a troll’s nose hair.
“THAT’S not sweet!” Cauldron steamed. “That’s it. I quit!”
Cauldron wriggled and rolled to the side of the road in search of something sweet. A truck pulled up.
“Daddy! A Halloween decoration for the yard!” a girl said.
Cauldron smirked. “I bet she has something sweet.”
But Cauldron only tasted rain water, wind, and rotting leaves.
She wriggled to roll, but she was too full of water.
“Wyndolyn’s goblin snot doesn’t sound so bad right now,” Cauldron cried.
One night, people paraded around the neighborhood. Cauldron recognized a familiar face.
She pushed. She wriggled. The water poured out and Cauldron rolled to the side of the road.
“Cauldron?” Wyndolyn said. “There you are! Let’s go home.”
Wyndolyn tossed her candy into Cauldron’s bowl.
Cauldron cheered. “Something sweet! Nom. Nom. Bleh. Yuck!”
Back at the cabin, Cauldron boiled up some dragon drool.
She bubbled over with joy. “Ah, tastes like home.”
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2021 at 10:25 pm
Love “ogre earwax.”😄Really enjoyed reading your story!
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October 1, 2021 at 10:27 pm
Thank you for reading, Armineh! 😊
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October 2, 2021 at 2:03 am
Haha! This was so enjoyable to read, Ashley! You mentioned voice in my story, but I think you really nailed voice in yours as well. I love Cauldron and his adventure to try something new before coming back home again 😀
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October 2, 2021 at 2:21 am
I appreciate you taking the to read my story and your encouragement. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2021 at 3:02 am
Nothing like a countdown to put the reader in the driver’s seat! Awesome, Susan!
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October 2, 2021 at 12:51 pm
Oops! Wrong story! I wondered where it went!
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October 2, 2021 at 11:40 am
Ashley! Love your little Cauldron. Great Halloween images and action. Love that sweet ending.
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October 2, 2021 at 1:14 pm
Thanks for reading, Shannon!
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October 2, 2021 at 12:55 pm
I love everything about this story, Ashley–the name Wyndolyn, the cranky cauldron, and the list of gruesome brew ingredients! A great Halloween take on ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’. Such a treat to read!
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October 2, 2021 at 1:15 pm
Thanks for reading, Jill! I enjoyed exploring the voice of Cauldron.
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October 2, 2021 at 5:21 pm
So much fun, Ashley! Love cranky Cauldron and all the creepy-yucky things she has to cook up. Love that she’s happy with Wyndolyn at the end. Such a delightful Halloween tale!
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October 2, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Thanks for all your help with this one!
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October 4, 2021 at 9:03 am
I loved reading this! Very cute!
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October 4, 2021 at 9:50 am
Thank you, Kara for reading!
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October 4, 2021 at 10:52 am
The grass is always greener. You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. All that. Nice job with this one. –Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 4, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Thank you for reading 😊.
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October 6, 2021 at 9:14 am
Fun! I adore personification.
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October 6, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Thank! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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October 6, 2021 at 6:49 pm
Cauldron is such a fun character, wanting to try something new even if it’s turns out she likes the old better.
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October 6, 2021 at 9:24 pm
Thank you for reading, Katie!
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October 12, 2021 at 4:48 pm
Haha! Cute ending. Love the story told from the perspective of the cauldron.
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October 12, 2021 at 10:31 pm
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading!
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October 1, 2021 at 2:49 pm
First time entering and gotta say, it has been a lot of fun! Love reading the other entries and getting/giving comments! Thank you hosts and donors.
Skelepalooza
By Lori C. Evans
(Word Count 190)
When the full moon peeks
through fall cloud drifts and
one stray moonbeam shines,
then old bones stir
in the graveyard grounds.
They clatter and rattle their spines.
Moon madness calls!
They rise from the earth,
gaunt hands and feet reach higher.
With clacking jaws
they whisper words.
What is it they desire?
They creak and crack
as they creep in the dark,
Collecting by a tomb.
When suddenly
loud music throbs,
dispelling all the gloom.
“That’s what we want,
a music fest!”
They all let out a cheer!
It’s Ossi Osbone
on the mic.
He’s back again this year.
His backing band,
Black Scapula,
thrills with a wall of sound.
The guitar screams,
the bass pulsates.
the drums, they thump and pound!
They’ve waited long
to bang their heads,
to slam and mosh all night.
They pop and crunk.
They oscillate.
They dance with sheer delight!
Then as the faintest
rays of rose
begin to tint the skies.
The skeletons
return to ground
with happy gleaming eyes.
The next day,
if you walk nearby,
there’s nothing to be seen.
But listen closely
and you’ll hear,
“See you next Halloween!”
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 1, 2021 at 8:14 pm
Wonderful wordplay! “Ossi Osbone,” O_O I see what you did there!
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October 6, 2021 at 6:52 pm
That was so much fun to read, I love the wordplay.
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October 1, 2021 at 8:43 pm
Great job, Lori! Enjoyed reading.
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October 1, 2021 at 10:33 pm
SO much fun reading this. And, of course, “Ossi Obone” is the cherry on top!
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October 2, 2021 at 1:53 am
Such a fun story, Lori! I loved reading it ❤
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October 4, 2021 at 10:46 am
Never did I ever expect to see crunk mentioned in one of these stories and I LOL’d. And Ossi Osbourne was a bonus. Fabulous!
–Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 6, 2021 at 12:25 pm
This was a fun read! Tapping my feet to the beat.
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October 12, 2021 at 4:53 pm
Love the wordplay! Such a fun story!
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October 20, 2021 at 1:49 pm
Love this! Love Ossi Osbone and Black Scapula. My favorite line- “They pop and crunk.
They oscillate.” Great story!
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October 1, 2021 at 2:39 pm
[…] Happy October, Creatives! And part of that October happiness is FALL WRITING FRENZY hosted by the wonderful kidlit duo, Kaitlyn Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis. For more on the contest or to read the other fall-tasting entries, click HERE. […]
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 1, 2021 at 2:27 pm
(prompt #1- pumpkin guts)
The Witch’s Kitchen
by Connie Colón
Chop its head with a fatal gash!
Grab the guts, it’s time to mash
Take out every slimy seed
scrape it clean and then proceed
Dice meat from the big orange fruit
Sorry, fresh out – no Eye of Newt
Spices and eggs, violently mixed
Pumpkins cut, carved, and betwixt
A sweet pinch of this, a strange bit of that
Mixed together in my pointy black hat
Bewitched butter, smashed into slime
Cast your spells now–it’s the right time
Haunted heaps of ghostly white flour
for creepy crust at the midnight hour
Into the oven, deep, dark, and hot
Stabbed in the middle – done or not?
Put that fork down, you drooling ghoul
We wait until it’s corpse-like cool
Plunge a huge knife deeply in…STOP!!!
I can’t eat my pumpkin pie…
without whipped cream on top!
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 1, 2021 at 9:17 pm
Very cute and whimsical!
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October 3, 2021 at 5:56 pm
thank you, Melissa! Happy Halloween & Happy Writing!
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October 1, 2021 at 10:35 pm
So many great lines here-“stabbed in the middle,” “corpse-like coo