Susanna Leonard Hill, who comes up with the most delightful ideas, is hosting her annual Halloweensie writing contest on her blog this week. The “weensie” part of the Halloweensie title indicates the length of the story contestants are to write, and believe me, this year the word limit makes for a very weensie story.
The rules are, as stated in the announcement post on her blog, “write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (title not included in the 100 words), using the words spooky, black cat, and cackle. Your story can be scary, funny or anything in between, poetry or prose, but it will only count for the contest if it includes those 3 words (you can count black cat as one word) and is 100 words (you can go under, but not over!)” Doesn’t ask much, does she? Then we are to post our story on our blog, and leave a link in the contest post. There are wonderful prizes to be had — manuscript critiques, picture books, great stuff. There is also much FUN to be had.
To find links to all the entries, go to the official Halloweensie Contest post on Susanna’s blog. Stories may be posted any time between 12:00 AM EDT Monday October 28th and Thursday October 31st by 11:59 PM EDT, so you may want to go back on Friday to make sure you see them all. (You’re also welcome to enter! Just post ahead of that time. If you don’t have a blog, you can post your story in the comments on Susanna’s post.) The top choices of all the stories will be posted on Susanna’s blog on November 4th, and you’ll have a chance to vote for the winner. The winner will be announced on November 6th.
To read my entry, which creeps in at 100 words exactly, click on the magic words…
SCAREDY CAT
“Scaredy cat! Scaredy cat!”
Cackle cringed. Her brother, Jackal, was right. She was scared. Everything was so spooky tonight. Goblins and monsters and ghosts – oh my!
Jackal hissed. Cackle hid.
Zombies stomped by. Witches shrieked. Cackle’s hair stood on end.
“Scaredy cat!”
Why was Jackal still tormenting her?
But it wasn’t Jackal. Three boys were pointing at a little witch with a crooked hat, who was sucking her thumb.
“Scaredy cat!”
The little black cat leaped at the boys, arched her back and hissed. The boys backed away.
“What a brave kitten!” the girl said.
Not a scaredy cat. BRAVE!
Aw! I love that brave kitten! Look at you, Beth – a Halloween story using the required words in 100 words AND an anti-bullying message to boot! You are the mostest! 🙂 So glad you joined in the Halloweensie fun! 🙂
Thanks, Susanna! It’s YOU who are the mostest, hosting these delightful contests for us. I have to admit I was relieved when I looked at my word count and it was right on the 100 words. That is TRICKY! But it’s a TREAT to write for your Halloweensie hop.
Great story, Beth. Cackle knew when to stand up and be brave! Your story was a treat 🙂
Thank you! As you can see, I couldn’t wait until tomorrow to post it. This contest is too much fun!
I come from a long line of scaredy cats, Beth! 🙂 Thoroughly enjoyed your brave cat story!
Me too, Cathy! Thanks!
The message is clear and the story is creative and fun. I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing it with me. It was a pleasure.
Thanks, Jackie. And thank you for visiting my blog!
Aw, that’s so sweet! I love it! 🙂
Thanks, Rachel!
Wonderful little story with a twist on ‘scaredy cat’ taunt!
Thanks, Juliana!
I love the message in this. Cackle was brave when it mattered!
Thanks, Janna!
Great story and an important message.
This is the kind of cat that would go to London to see the queen!
Great message within the theme. Well done, Beth!
Beth…this was lovely! I can’t believe how many positive Halloween stories there have been in the Halloweensie Contest…like everyone was on the same page about offering a lesson of friendship and helping one another.:) Great story – super message!
Sweet brave little kitten. Great story in 100 words, Beth.
Great anti-bullying message! Cute too, Beth.
Cute with a great message too boot! Love it, Beth! :0)
Hey Beth! What a most wonderful message tucked inside a most wonderful 100 words. Talk about creative! This was definitely a treat to read. Thank you and thanks for stopping by and visiting me. 🙂
a purrfect Halloween story! amazing how you can fit so much into 100 short little words.
I love it, Beth! Cackle the BRAVE cat.
It’s wonderful Beth, and we used the same title! Great minds think alike! 🙂
I love this, Beth. What a sweet story and in 100 words. I enjoyed the rhythm…Jackal hissed. Cackle hid.
Zombies stomped by. Witches shrieked. Cackle’s hair stood on end.
Excellent!
Such a gallant little kitters! I know that, though tiny, it is arching, leaping and hissing, but I still imagine it as looking like Dinah, one of Alice’s kittens, unraveling the ball of thread!
Fabulous story. Loved the message.
You did a lot with those 100 words! Great story!
Sweet story. I like brave!
Great story, Beth. I like seeing people (and kittens) standing up to bullies on behalf of a friend.
This story reminds me of one of my favorite books as a child– a Golden Book called “The Tiny Tawny Kitten.” Yay for the brave kitty!
She sure showed them! I’m so glad Cackle rescued that poor little girl sucking her thumb. Great story!
Nice story, Beth! I really liked the names Cackle and Jackal – clever! And the message is a good one.
It was great to read your story !
I liked the unexpected ending ! 😉
Cute that she got over her fear by sticking up for somebody else. Quite a lot said in 100 words. Good job.
I like the bullying message. It really helps, and adds to your story. 🙂
Oh what a great story, Beth! I’m so glad that Cackle was the heroine in your story. LOve iT! .
Loved that Cackle found her bravery in aid of others – great positive message in a wonderful story.
Very cute way to illustrate a positive message. 🙂