It's that time for Susanna Leonard Hill's spooky Halloweensie Contest!! Come spend some happy time reading submissions from our writing community. Pour yourself some cider and sit by the fire while you enjoy scary, happy stories. if you submit, there are some rules to follow: Write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (children here defined as 12 and under) (title not included in the 100 words), using the words candy corn, monster, and shadow. (Candy corn will be counted as 1 word.)  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 and is 100 words (you can go under, but not over!) Click the button to visit Susanna's contest.



Please take time to read my story--

MONSTER'S HALLOWEEN BALL

by

​Charlotte Dixon

In the Monster’s dreary house,
There sat an empty bowl,
And an empty bag,
And a spinning spider,
Weaving a web of gold.

And there were dust bunnies
Swirling in the shadows,
Waiting for a windy WOOSH
To whisk them all
To the ball.

And there was a little mouse,
BUSTLING about Monster’s room, 
Brushing twisted whiskers,
Putting on his costume,
Peeking out his door...

THUD! THUD!

Monster stomped into his house.
Loose lips curled in a crooked smile,
Teeth dripping drool,
Eyes...candy apple red,
Hands gripping 
A bulging bag...
“Candy corn before the ball y’all?”

Yesterday, I attended PBSummit 2017! It was eight and one-half hours of scrumpy splendor. Tommy de Paola inspired us with his writing and illustrating journey. He was joined by Julie Hedlund, Emma Walton Hamilton, Steve Swinburne, Carole Boston Weatherford, Laura Backes, Brenda Bowen, and Adam Rex. My journal runneth over with terrific notes from some of the best in the writing community! Agents, Erzsi Deak, Kelly Sonnack, Susan Hawk, and Rubin Pfeffer did a Q&A. Editors, Grace Maccarone, Mary Lee Donovan, Melissa Manlove, and publisher Rob Broder did a Q&A. Huge shoutout to Julie Hedlund, Emma Walton Hamilton, Laura Backes, Jon Bard, Kelli Panique, Kristin Ammerman, and Aaron! I'm looking forward to 2018. If you are interested in finding a writing community with heart, check Facebook for Julie Hedlund's 12x 12.