halloweensie

Halloweensie Writing Contest

| Bonnie Kelso

Arrrrrooooh! It’s time for Susanna Leonard Hill’s Halloweensie Writing Contest again.

Here are the rules in case you want to join in. You have until midnight on Halloween to enter.

THE CONTEST: write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (children here defined as 12 and under) (title not included in word count) using the words glow-in-the-dark, goosebumps, and goodies.

My story is inspired by my trip to the Crystal Palace roller skating rink last night. Being close to Halloween, there were lots of people in costume. And the black lights really brought out the creepy. (I dedicate this story to my sister who had a less that spooktacular time last night. Love you, Shmee!)

Party Skating GIF By Lolita.

Good luck to everyone entering the contest!

All Hallow’s Eve at the Roller Rink

Glow-in-the-dark ghosts dangle from dingy drop ceilings.

THRILLER thrums through skull-shaped speakers.

A Vincent Price voice commands the session.

“Creatures of the night, take to your wheels and GLIDE!”

Tiny Fairy Princess runs on her skates.

CLICKETY CLUNK-CLUNK CLACK!

Colliding with a wall-hugging werewolf. 

BUMPITY BUMP-BUMP BANG!

Speed-demon Grim Reaper’s tattered black robe flutters. 

Pumpkin-headed gargoyle grapevines backwards.

Skeletons scissor and spin sporadically inspiring goosebumps.

Zealous Zombies dip and moan to the monstrous music.

Goblins gobble down goodies. 

CRUNCHITY CHOMP-CHOMP CRUNCH!

Bone-brittle cotton candy and paprika-peppered popcorn.

HOPPITY HOOT-HOOT HOWL!

It’s All Hallow’s Eve at the roller rink!

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave self-expression. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, will be released in September, 2022. A lover of nature and travel, she can be found wandering about outside with her family whenever a good opportunity to do so presents itself.

The 10th Annual Halloweensie Contest

| Bonnie Kelso

Today I’m celebrating a social-distanced Halloween by posting my uber-short (100 words) kidlit story for Susanna Leonard Hill’s Halloweensie contest. For some reason this year, I’m kind of obsessed with Frankenstein. What if Frankenstein was a kid? What would it be like to be so green? Could Frankenstein be solar-powered? Anyway, hope you enjoy the story!

Furley Frankenstein

Furley Frankenstein was tired of social distancing.

He’d been cooped up in the lab ever since he became undead.

“Pleeeeeease, Dad? Can’t I go out? It’s Halloween.

No one will care that my skin is green.”

“It’s just not safe,” said Dr. Frankenstein.

“Don’t you know, there’s a pandemic going on!”

The door locked when it slammed behind him.

Furley groaned!

Furley stomped!

Furley moaned.

Furley noticed something shiny on the counter.

His dad forgot the skeleton key!

He listened for his dad’s footsteps to fade.

Furley snatched a medical mask,

unlocked the door,

and crept out into the night.

Happy Halloweensie!

| Bonnie Kelso

This Halloween I decided to enter a writing contest (frenzy) for fun. Below is my entry. It had to be 100 words or less, which was a challenge. My shortest story yet!

(Here’s the link to the contest info, in case you are curious.)

Halloween Forever!

Harper, the witchling loves Halloween!

            One cobweb,
            six candy corns,
            a sprinkle of dust-everlasting.

She sips and waits…

Knock, knock!
Children shout, “Trick or treat!”

As they leave more appear.
“Trick or treat!!”

On and on it goes…
Harper grows weary.
The children line up down the street
and around the corner.

“I must sleep,” yawns Harper.
Slam!
Lights off.

Bang, bang!
“TRICK OR TREAT!!!”

Frantic, Harper stirs a new potion.

            Two cobwebs,
            three candy corns,
            a sprinkle of normal-essesnce.

Gulp!

Knock, knock!
Peeking out…
Empty streets!
The sun rises.

“Whew, maybe Halloween is better once a year.”
Harper collapses.

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