Pretty tickled to share my story online with you tonight. It’s my first ever writing contest! I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this writing career. Throughout the year, Susanna’s name has been popping up in [Julie Hedlund’s] 12 x 12 group, and for good reason. Susanna is a wonderful kidlit writer AND holds on-line writing classes for a VERY reasonable cost–and worth every penny and then some. Yes, I have taken the class, it’s two snaps and a circle!!
https://susannahill.com/2016/10/27/the-6th-annual-halloweensie-writing-contest-aahhhrrrooooooooo/
So let’s get down to the nitty gritty. The contest is to write a Halloween story, using the words “ghost”, “moon” and “spider”. The catch? Only 100 words (not including the title, phew!). Challenging for the likes of me, no doubt. Susanna mentioned last year there were over 150 entries and judging by the news feed, there’s some pretty stiff competition too. It’s all in good fun and if I’m gonna make this writing thing work, I can’t imagine a better place to start. Here goes:
Outside My Window ~Yvette Elrod
“Hu-Hoo! Hu-Hoo!”
Ears awaken; Owl warns again, “It’s Hu-Halloween Eve!”
Wicked Wind whirls around moonlight bright outside my window.
Creeeeeeak! Trees groan as Wind winds them up; marionettes dancing on a moonlit stage.
Thump. Thump. Thump! Trash Can tumbles.
Wind snatches acrobatic plastic bags; hanging angry ghosts from trees who grumble.
Under Moonbeam’s spell, Dust Fairies float to my floor. Wait! What’s that shadow creeping?
Eight legs, spindle thin. Outside, Spider laughs. She’s teasing while sticky web weaving.
Without warning Bat swoops! Wings spread! Claws out for grabbing!
Then…nothing.
Outside my window, Spider was no more. Hu-hoo, Hu-heh, Hu-hee!
Love the surprise ending! Great job!
LikeLike
Thanks! Best Halloween ever👻
LikeLike
Thank you! What fun this has been, don’t you agree?
LikeLike
Absolutely! I look forward to Susanna’s contest every year. Terrific Halloweensie Fun!! 🎃
LikeLike
CONGRATULATIONS on your first writing contest! Yvette…it’s so nice to meet you and that is fabulous you are participating. I love all of your wordplay and noise sounds. 🙂 Susanna’s Halloweensie Contests are super..best of luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice to meet you as well! I’m honored that you like it😃
LikeLike
Nice to meet you, Yvette! (I think Yvette is my French name!) Susanna is a pied piper of stories, pulling them from us. Once you enter one, you’re hooked.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi WendYvette! That works nicely😊 This had been such fun, my family and I have been reading stories in the car, during puzzle time (in between R. L.Stein movies). Anything coming up for Christmas?
LikeLike
Congrats on entering your first writing contest! It’s great to “meet” you and thank you for sharing your spooky story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great language — love the alliteration and diction. Fun story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😳
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well that was a twist! Great use of language too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Can’t wait to read more stories tonight😊
LikeLike
Nice surprise ending. Good luck and Happy Halloween!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Can’t wait to read more stories tonight😊
LikeLike
Thank you! Isn’t this a blast?
LikeLike
Hi Yvette!
Congrats on entering your first writing contest. Susanna Leonard Hill’s Valentiny Contest was my first, and I’ve been hooked ever since 🤓 I loved your entry. Great play on words and such vivid detail. It created quite the picture in my head. “Hu hoo, Hu hee”- she said!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s a Valentine Contest too?! Best news I’ve heard all day, woot! I’m so glad you liked it, thank you😊 😓
LikeLike
I’m so glad you decided to make Halloweensie your first ever contest, Yvette! Great job! Love the mood and atmosphere you created. Nice language! And quite the twist ending – I can’t help feeling sorry for poor Spider 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the Halloweensie fun! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Susanna! What kind words, thank you! And on the very first minute of my birthday, best gift I could ask for💁
LikeLike
Great story, Yvette! Love the language and twist at the end! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person