October 31, 2012

The Halloweensie Contest!!! - aahhhroooooOOOOO!

Before we begin the contest, I just want to thank everyone who expressed their concern and sent their thoughts and prayers my way during the storm, and say that I hope all of my friends out there were able to stay safe.  We were lucky here, but I know a lot of people who read this blog were in harm's way and I hope you and your loved ones are all safe and well.

And now...

It's the (2nd Annual!) HALLOWEENSIE CONTEST!!!!!


courtesy google images
The Contest:  write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (title not included in the 100 words), using the words witchbat, and "trick-or-treat".   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!)  Get it?  Halloweensie - because it's not very long and it's for little people :)

Post your story on your blog today! - Wednesday October 31 - by 11:59 PM EDT and add your post-specific link to the list below.  If you don't have a blog and would like to enter, you can simply copy and paste your entry in the comments section.  Then have fun hopping around and reading all the fabulous entries!  Anyone who has trouble commenting, please email me! (susanna[at]susannhill[dot]com)  P.S.  Special Note: due to the chaos and power outages caused by Sandy, if you would like to enter but need a little more time to post, please let me know!  I will extend the deadline out to Friday if that helps anyone!

The Judge: my lovely assistant and I will narrow down the entrants to three (hee hee hee - you know how much trouble I have with only 3, so we'll see) top choices which will be posted here and voted on for a winner.  The vote will be added to Amy Dixon's guest post on Monday (because Amy needs Monday since her book is Marathon Mouse and Monday is the day after the NYC marathon (which will hopefully still be able to take place) but we also need to vote for a winner!)  Unless you all let me know by popular vote in the comments that you'd prefer a separate post on a day I usually don't post - Saturday or Sunday? or next Tuesday?

The Prize:  The winner will receive the INCREDIBLE prize of 5 (that's FIVE!) brand new picture books personalized and signed by the authors!  These 5 awesome books are: PUZZLED BY PINK by Sarah Frances Hardy, THE MONSTER WHO LOST HIS MEAN by Tiffany Strelitz Haber, THE THREE NINJA PIGS by Corey Rosen Schwartz, MARATHON MOUSE by Amy Dixon, and FLAP! by Alison Hertz.  Great to keep for your own collection or to give to little ones in your life as holiday gifts :)  The winner will also be incredibly famous and able to boast that he or she won The Halloweensie Contest... and that is not something most people can say! :)

Here is my official sample, cobbled together in the midst of Sandy.  If only she had been as benevolent as the story...

Sandy Candy

Bad weather brewed.
"Windy!" said Wanda.
"Stormy!" said Spellda.
"Halloweenie!" said baby Cauldra.
Just then the lights went out.
"Perfect!" squealed the little witches.  They grabbed their broomsticks and candy cauldrons.  "Let's trick-or-treat!"
"Sorry," said Mama Witch.  "Spook Radio just issued a Wild Weather Warning.  All broomsticks grounded.  I'm afraid we'll have to stay home."
"No candy?"  Cauldra began to cry.
"We can still have fun," said Wanda.
They played Pin-The-Bat-In-The Attic.  They sang Monster Mash and danced.  They told ghost stories by jack-o-lantern light.
The front door rattled.
Dad blew in, covered with...
"Candy!" shouted the girls.  "Happy Halloween!"
(99 words)

Here is the first sample I wrote which I'm including just for fun.  It originally had 2 other verses and totaled 176 words... too long!  This version is close though, with 116 words :)  What was I thinking?  100 words!  Ouch! :)

Topsy-Turvey Halloween

In a spooky old house perched perilously
On the creaky branch of a skeleton tree
Lived Emmeline Witch and her sisters three
But they weren't as happy as they should be.

Emmeline Witch wiped away a tear.
"I just don't get why year after year
no trick-or-treaters ever come here.
It totally spoils my Halloween cheer.

Emmeline tried to figure out why.
She puzzled and pondered, then gave a sigh.
"By Jingo, girls!  We're way too high!
The kids don't see us when they pass by!

Now Emmeline Witch and her sisters three
are the favorite stop on the Halloween spree,
the only house you'll ever see
that hangs like a bat from a skeleton tree!

So now, having comforted yourselves with how much better your stories are than these!, everyone please add your post-specific contest entry link to the list below, or paste your story into the comments!  I  CAN'T WAIT to read them!!!

Also, please let me know if you have thoughts about what day to post the vote!

Happy Halloween!!!
(Please be sure to check the comments for entries - already 6 there from Sidney, Linda, Patricia, Larissa, Adele, and Pam!)

132 comments:

  1. I feel like people won't be naming their children Sandy for a while. I like your Sandy Candy one. I don't know why, but this one had me stumped. I wrote multiple versions and eventually just published it. I look forward to all the posts.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I loved your very apropos story, as well as your witty poem! Thanks for hosting this fun contest, and I'm glad that you are safe and sound!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy Halloween, Susanna! Here's my story (EXACTLY 100 words):

    The Little Scaredy Witch

    Chloe was a scaredy witch. She was scared of bats, jack-o-lanterns, and most of all, costumed trick-or-treaters. Her sister Mavis told her, “Don’t be a scaredy witch! You’re supposed to be the one scaring people on Halloween.” With Halloween days away, Chloe worried about the trick-or-treaters who would visit. Maybe she would hide until Halloween was over. She found a sheet, and draped it over her head. Mavis walked in and screamed. "You frightened me!" said Mavis. Chloe suddenly felt braver with her sheet. So on Halloween night, she wore the sheet and happily greeted trick-or-treaters at the door. “Boo!”

    ReplyDelete
  4. I had a very hard time with this one too - I chalked it up to my general level of distraction between Sandy and my dad. But I really like how yours came out - terrific! - and I loved your art to go with it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for your far-too-kind words, and you're welcome! I really enjoyed your entry... and I fixed your title and link (I hope) :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wonderful, Larissa! Very clever and creative and fun! Great job in only 100 words. Thanks for joining the fun :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sadly, I didn't get enough time to finish my story - it was a whisper down the lane type thing - The witch whispered to the bat, "Trick or Treat". The bat whispered to the mummy, "Pete said neat." The mummy whispered to the ghost, "Pizza meat." and so on but I didn't get it done because I could not think of a good last line... :( and things are crazy with no electricity (only a generator that runs now and again)! Good luck to all the contestants! I will enjoy reading them all :) Stay safe everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the sound of your story, Erik - great idea! And as I mentioned in the post, I will extend the deadline because of the power outages, so if you manage to get it finished before the weekend, you can still enter if you want :) Thanks for trying, and I hope you get your power back soon. Does no power at least mean no school? :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nope, we have school today. The school has power but we don't :( I am thankful we have the generator! That is nice you extended the deadline! I will try to finish the story :) Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your stories are perfect, Susanna! Good luck and have fun to all the contest enterers. :) Happy Halloween!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Glad you are doing well in your area. And I loved your sample. Darling little witches :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. LOVE your story, Susanna! It's pitch-perfect! (Or should I say "witch-perfect"?!) Glad you're fine and still online! (And no, didn't intend to make a rhyme!)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love your samples, Susanna! You always surprise me with your excellent rhyme! Have you ever considered a rhyming picture book? I look forward to reading all the entries. I'm so glad you are safe. We had no problems here either- not even a power outage. Lucky.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yes!!! I would love to read the finished version. It sounds very creative. I'm glad you have the generator, too.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am blog-less so here's my entry:



    A Tricky Halloween
    By Linda Boyden (96 words)

    Witch at our door.
    Bats galore.
    Trick or treats roll
    in the Halloween bowl.

    Costumes on:
    a fairy and wand,
    us pirates in hats
    with swords on our backs.

    Time creeps by.
    “Why? Why? Why?
    Let’s go. Let’s go
    on the Halloween show!”

    Mom says wait
    till the moon awakes.
    It winks and we grin:
    “Now the fun begins!”

    We open the door
    and what’s in store?
    Wind and rain
    make a Halloween pain.

    But Mom thinks quick
    She knows a trick.
    “Umbrellas and the car
    will take us far.”

    Trick or treating done:
    Halloween fun!

    ReplyDelete
  16. how precious! "braver than her sheet" is perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  17. So glad you're safe. Loved your samples, Susanna! You just know how to put a fun story together no matter what the word limit! I think I would like to play Pin-The-Bat-In-The-Attic. And I love the name Emmeline for your witch!


    Thanks for hosting another great contest. The entries really bring the holiday to life! So much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  18. No time, no way could I finish mine. We had Sandy winds and snow. So electricity/internet was spotty and everything else too. *sigh* Yours are bodacious, Susanna. Love them. They brought a smile to my face. And I needed a smile on my face. Good luck to all.

    ReplyDelete
  19. delores @ thefeatherednestOctober 31, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    Glad everyone is safe in your locale. Looking forward to reading all the entries. Mine is under Youngish.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sidney Schuhmann LevesqueOctober 31, 2012 at 9:45 AM

    Susanna, glad to hear everything is OK where you are. Thoughts and prayers to those who weren't so fortunate.

    I don't have a blog, so here is my Halloweensie entry (100 words):

    “The Last House”

    Emma didn’t want to open the faded gate, but Jacob insisted.
    “Let’s get this over with,” he said. He adjusted his baseball uniform as he cradled a bat in one hand and a sack of candy in the other.
    The Olson house is their final stop every Halloween.
    Emma climbed the front steps with dread. She paused, smoothing her witch’s costume. Jacob sighed loudly.
    Emma finally knocked. The door opened, and an elderly woman appeared.
    “Trick-or-treat!” Emma said.
    But Mrs. Olson didn’t hear her. She saw only an empty porch. The old woman’s heart sank.

    “Mama loves you,” she whispered.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love it, Linda. Very creative!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Very cute. I'm glad she found some bravery :-)

    ReplyDelete
  23. No pressure :) Have a fun-filled educational day at school :)






























    This Kid Reviews Bks wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:


    Nope, we have school today. The school has power but we don't :( I am thankful we have the generator! That is nice you extended the deadline! I will try to finish the story :) Thank you!

    User's website
    Link to comment
    IP address: 173.86.38.122

    ReplyDelete
  24. So glad you enjoyed them, Laura! Thanks for stopping by to read :) Happy Halloween to you too!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm so glad to hear you are safe! I was worried! Thank you for your kind words - I've written a few things in rhyme, just haven't sold any besides the board books. I've only had a chance to read the first 5 entries or so, so I'm really looking forward to reading the rest as they come in! :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank you, Kim, you're much too kind, and with unintentional rhyme like that, I hope you've got an entry in! :) I've only had a chance to read a couple so far... can't wait to see the rest! :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wonderful, Linda! Such a cute, fun story, and masterfully done in 96 words! I'm so glad you joined in the contest! Boy, am I going to have my work cut out for me with all these terrific entries! :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sidney Schuhmann LevesqueOctober 31, 2012 at 10:05 AM

    I'm enjoying all the stories! So far, I really like Carrie's entry, "A Frightening Contest." So clever. I was unable to open "Witch's Cocoon" and "A Bat On Her Hat." Not sure if that's Sandy related.

    ReplyDelete
  29. So glad to hear that you are safe, sound & reasonably dry. We headed to higher ground on Sunday, and managed to avoid the worst of it.

    Loved your stories; what a clever take on the Sandy storm. With Sandy in mind, I wrote the following (99 words):

    Halloween – 2012 (somewhere in the northeastern US)

    Jason scowled and slammed down the scissors. “All done,” he snapped to Jillian, who was tapping and flapping her huge, black wings. “Don’t know why you have to trick-or-treat with Tom and me. You’ll never keep up in this rain.” “But I wanna,” she pouted. “Then hurry up,” Jason shrieked. He scooped up his witch hat and glow-in-the-dark broom. Noticing Jillian’s frog boots, he stopped. “Quick, go grab Bat, Scat and Kit-Kat, then meet me by the garage!”

    “Get in,” he commanded, pointing to the old wooden wagon. “Two bats, two cats, two frogs – your ark awaits.”

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you, Penny, you're much too kind :) I LOVED your entry, and that great picture that went with it (I forgot to say that in my comment on your blog - did you make that digitally? It was perfect!) Thank YOU so much for always being such an enthusiastic joiner-in and for spreading the word of the contest. You're a gem :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Glad so many (including you, Susanna) escaped harm. But for many, the storm was the end of life as they knew it...just makes me realize all the more...how precious each moment is.
    I love your samples...and can't wait to read all the others! That will have to wait for tonight or tomorrow. :) I had posted it last night and went back to change one word...I was afraid 'witches' wouldn't count for 'witch'...so I changed 'bold Lil' to 'witch Lil'...which I don't like as much...but I guess it works. :)
    Thanks for hosting the contest, Susanna...the prize package is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thank you, Robyn. I hope you and yours are all OK - people and ponies. Is Ivy all right? Maybe she can take her mind off her foot by reading all the fabulous stories everyone is putting up :) - as a group they are absolutely AMAZING!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Cute! I'd love to have those trick-or-treaters come to my door!

    ReplyDelete
  34. So glad you're safe! That storm was just . . . wow.



    And best of luck to all those entering your contest. I (sigh) am getting work done. But can't wait to read the finalists!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Great! Can't wait to read it! :) Thanks for joining in the fun!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I made it on my iPad with an app called ScrapPad. It is very easy and made for someone like me with NO drawing skills! It was all background, stickers, and embellishments. My kind of art! After you create it, you can save it as an image and email it. Works for me :-)

    ReplyDelete
  37. WOW! Sidney! What an ending! I can't decide if I'm supposed to be creeped out or sad! Well done! Thanks for joining in the fun :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. I know, aren't the entries terrific?! Thanks for mentioning the link problem. I will check them and see if they need fixing or if it's Sandy.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi Susannah! I heard about the contest via Vivian Kirkfield and I've tried to link up twice . . . no luck. Here's the link to my 100 word story:

    http://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/halloween-drives-me-batty/


    I've been spreading the word. What a FUN challenge for Halloween!



    B~O~O!!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Fun, Patricia! Love the ark idea! Very appropriate given the circumstances! Glad you are safe and relatively dry, and that in the midst of it all you found time to write your story! Thanks for joining in the fun! :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. I know - my heart goes out to everyone who was less fortunate than we were. Thank you for your kind words about the samples - glad you enjoyed them. I loved your entry, which I can't remember if I read last night or this morning - witches is fine if you want to change it back :) Thanks for joining in :) And the entries as a group are downright amazing - you're in for a treat - no tricks! :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hope all is well with you, too, Janet! And if you need to procrastinate, have a quick look at the entries - they're really great! :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow, that is amazing! I've got a try that... although I guess first I need an ipad :)





























    pennyklostermann wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:

    I made it on my iPad with an app called ScrapPad. It is very easy and made for someone like me with NO drawing skills! It was all background, stickers, and embellishments. My kind of art! After you create it, you can save it as an image and email it. Works for me :-)

    Link to comment
    IP address: 50.26.233.223

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thanks again Susanna, for all the contest fun! I liked that you challenged us down to 100 words - even if your 116er is so delightful (got some good images in my head!). Glad too to hear you've weathered Sandy well!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh, I'm thrilled to have you join us and can't wait to read your story! I'll follow the link and see if I can get it up for you! Thanks for letting me know and for joining in :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thanks, Julie! And my 116er was better as a 176er - it's missing big parts! :( So glad you're enjoying the contest - the entries so far are fantastic - can't wait to read yours!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. I think I fixed them both - they're working for me now. Please let me know if they continue not to work for you!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Just put in my link for "'round a moonlit town"! That was hard to do in 100 words, so there's not much story to it. But I had fun! Will be back over the next couple days to read others, but must skedaddle and get back to work. What treats are you eating today?

    ReplyDelete
  49. I know! What was I thinking? 100 words! I barely managed anything - certainly not what I'd call a story! :) And then I look at all these amazing entries and they did such a great job! Can't wait to read yours. And I believe the question, my dear, is not what treats am I eating, but what treats aren't I eating :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. I just re-read your two "samples" and wanted to say . . . they are Fabulous!!!


    Thanks for linking me up and running such a FUN contest for Halloween. Talk about Trick or Treat . . . you're going to have a tough time picking 3 finalists from all these great Treats.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Maybe you can share the 176er with us when you post the vote? I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to read the missing big parts. :D

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thanks for the link, Susanna . . . sorry I spelled your name wrong before.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thank you, Nancy! I'm so glad you're enjoying the contest and that you joined in - your entry was such fun! And I know it - I've got my work seriously cut out for me! These entries are all really really good!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I entered one from my poetry blog because the story poem I already posted on my regular blog was too long. (Definitely NOT a Halloweensie...) I'd love to have you take a look at the longer one, if you're interested!

    Halloween Horror: A Ghostly Tale

    PS. Loved your samples!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Entered with The Meaty Brew. Way late on writing this, but had fun this am.

    ReplyDelete
  56. What a great contest idea - and I loved your samples! I heard about the contest from Nancy at Spirit Lights the Way and I couldn't resist joining in :)

    P.S. I had a little trouble with the links, due to out of date browsers. If it shows multiple times, that's why. If it doesn't show at all, my post is here: http://jannatwrites.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/spellbound/

    ReplyDelete
  57. I linked up my story! Let me know if it doesn't work. I have no power or Internet at home, so I made a quick stop out for free wifi!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Well, this contest is a wild success, Susanna! I love your little witches three in their topsy, turvy Halloween tree.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I would love to read the finished version, Erik! I hope you post it :)

    ReplyDelete
  60. I'm glad you're okay! What a fun idea for a blogfest. Too bad I already had a post scheduled, but I'm going to enjoy these entries here.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I don't know how to do a post specific link so here is my entry.

    When trick or treater's call
    97 words

    First came a bat
    then a witch in a big hat.
    Next came 3 vampires

    followed by a sleek, black cat.

    A crowd of giggling teens
    beat a path to my door,
    'trick or treat' they keen
    With their hands held out for more.

    The little children shout with glee
    Their buckets and bags bashing their knees.
    My trick or treat days are over and done
    but I love to see the kids have such fun.

    I can't wait to see what appears at my door next
    I sincerely hope they don't trick me with a hex.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I got mine finished, but it's not like I wanted. *sigh* But the power is on and internet too. So I added mine, even though it sounds like poo!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Sorry to hear about your electricity problems, Erik. Hope by the time you read this it will be fixed. And I hope school was worth it today. I"d love to read your finished story. It seems a lot better than mine. There were too many people who dealt with the real thing in NYC to be nice or funny. I almost didn't publish it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  64. Almost didn't post mine because of the real thing happening in NYC. But hey, I couldn't have known that before when I wrote it on Monday, trying to write it quick before our electric went out. We were real lucky, only branches down and a short time with out power. Just enough to scare me. :)


    Susanna, I love your fun entries. They sparkle and make me realize Halloween is supposed to be fun. They put me in the mood. My story is too realistic for me. :)

    ReplyDelete
  65. OH! I like it. Another fun story! :) So glad you were out of harms way. :)

    ReplyDelete
  66. Another realistic story that could be sad, glad or bad. :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. It wasn't anything to write home about :) but maybe, we'll see... :)






























    nrhatch (unregistered) wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:

    Maybe you can share the 176er with us when you post the vote? I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to read the missing big parts. :D

    Link to comment
    IP address: 72.185.189.227

    ReplyDelete
  68. This turned out to be a great success. Enjoyed your entries, Susanna. Especially the first. Enjoyed reading so many great entries. Just returned from a trip and didn't have the energy to enter.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I guess I need an ipad for Christmas! Sounds like fun. :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. You're welcome, and no worries - I'm in such a rush today I didn't even notice :)




























    nrhatch (unregistered) wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:

    Thanks for the link, Susanna . . . sorry I spelled your name wrong before.

    Link to comment
    IP address: 72.185.189.227

    ReplyDelete
  71. Nice, Linda! I admit I was a little worried we'd be rained out of Halloween, but it's looking OK so far.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I love that idea, Patricia. A wagon as ark - very clever.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Thanks so much, Sidney. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  74. Thanks for the link, Sue! Wow - that was some creepy scary poem/story! Chilling! :) Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Wow, Sidney, that's so spooky and heartbreaking! I can't believe you did all that in 100 words. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Well there's nothing like a deadline to get those words flowing :) Can't wait to come read your story!!!

    ReplyDelete
  77. This is such a fun contest Susanna! I've really enjoyed reading all the entries. Your samples are wonderful -- can't believe you wrote TWO. I was lucky to finish the one.

    ReplyDelete
  78. I'm so glad you found the contest and joined in, Janna! The more the merrier, and your story was such fun! I'm thrilled to meet a couple of new writers today :)

    ReplyDelete
  79. Having readers to read, appreciate and encourage is just as important, Pat! Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and read. I've been so impressed with the caliber of the entries - really top notch!

    ReplyDelete
  80. I'm so glad you'r enjoying it, Carrie! I certainly am! What a fantastic bunch of entries! And I didnt' so much write 2 entries as fail miserably at the first and desperately have to come up with something under 100 words to post :)

    ReplyDelete
  81. I really had a difficult time getting to the comment and the post. When I began there were only five entries this morning. Adding Chrome got me to you. Thanks for the fun!

    ReplyDelete
  82. YAY! An entry from Robyn! Can't wait to read it you rhyming fool :)

    ReplyDelete
  83. Thanks Susanna. I didn't think I would get my entry done in time. Whew!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Perfecting MotherhoodOctober 31, 2012 at 4:52 PM

    Here's my contribution to this contest:

    http://perfectingmotherhood.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/im-doing-the-halloweensie-contest-because-it-scares-me/

    ReplyDelete
  85. Working my way through these fabulous entries!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Me, too! Very fun!

    ReplyDelete
  87. I almost wrote something, but little kidlit is out of my realm. :)

    Hope you have an awesome Halloween, Susanna.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Aw! I would have loved to see a story from you, Stina! Maybe you and your big kids will enjoy reading the ones that are up - some great stuff! Have a spooktacular Halloween :)

    ReplyDelete
  89. Me, too! My goodness the turn-out for this contest has been amazing, and the caliber of the entries absolutely top-notch! Who knew we were in for this much fun???

    ReplyDelete
  90. I'm so sorry I don't know your name, Perfecting Motherhood - I couldn't figure it out from your blog :( - but I loved your entry - such fun! - and I'm so glad you let Nancy talk you into joining in on the contest! I loved the jokes! :) I'm so happy to meet a few new writers today - you, Nancy, and Janna who I guess all came by way of each other and Vivian. Thank you so much for playing along with the Halloweensie fun :)

    ReplyDelete
  91. POSTED FOR TRACY at http://tracycampbell.net/blog/

    I'm glad to here you're safe and sound, Susanna!
    Sandy Candy (great rhyming)
    I loved the names Spella and Cauldra. And who would have thought pin the tail on the donkey could be called Pin-the-Bat. Very original.
    I never expected Dad to be covered in candy. You painted a great visual for me. :)

    And because Topsy-Turvey Halloween is in rhyme that was my favorite.

    Still hanging out on the fringe! :) Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  92. So glad you're enjoying the entries, Tracy? Did you post one? I haven't worked my way all the way through yet.... Thanks for your kind comments about my silly little stories :)

    ReplyDelete
  93. Squeee! I'm so glad you did! Can't wait to read it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  94. You're welcome, Gail! and so nice to "meet" you! Thank YOU for trying so hard to get through - I'm terribly sorry my blog caused you such difficulties and I really appreciate your determination! I'm still working my way through the entries and haven't come to yours yet, but can't wait to read it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  95. I'm so glad you enjoyed my samples, Clar, and hope you'll have time to read around the others - just fantastic! :) I'm coming around to read yours any minute - can't wait!

    ReplyDelete
  96. Hi Adele, so very nice to "meet" you! What a fun story! I especially love the part about the buckets and bags bashing their knees - that is just exactly what they do! :) I'm so glad you came over to join the Halloweensie fun! I can add your link to the list if I know what your blog is... then you'd get some more traffic to your blog and some new people might get to meet you :) I'll see if I can figure it out...

    ReplyDelete
  97. What a gorgeous story! So sweet. Nobody knocked on our door last night - our neighbourhood mustn't have many children or our house must look scary! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  98. Well, you're about to up the child count in your neighborhood :) Next year you can trick-or-treat with your little :) Glad you enjoyed the story, and hope you get a chance to check out some of the others - so many great ones! :)

    ReplyDelete
  99. You can save the date for the Holiday Contest, Theresa (it's going to be sometime the week before Christmas... Dec. 19 or thereabouts I'm thinking :)) I hope you have a few minutes to check out some of these wonderful entries - way more than I expected and all so good! :)

    ReplyDelete
  100. Glad you like the little witches three, Heather! I loved your entry! And yes - who knew? - this contest really did go wild! :) So many wonderful stories... I've got my work cut out! :) Happy Halloween :)

    ReplyDelete
  101. Link works perfectly and love your story, Katie! What dedication - trekking out for free Wifi to be sure you get your entry in! So glad you did :) And hope you'll get a chance when your power is back to read some of the other fabulous entries! :)

    ReplyDelete
  102. I can't believe between class papers I was able to get this done this evening. This was so much fun. As are all of your ideas, Susanna. Here goes...something!



    The Tickle Feet Affair (wc-98)

    Bats have keen hearing. Not BattyAnne.
    What’s worse, she eavesdrops.
    BattyAnne hung upside down behind the cavern door.
    “So that’s their surprise!”
    BattyAnne giggled at the thought of finally outsmarting the ladies this Halloween.
    Ooh! I must get a pedicure!”

    BattyAnne caught up with the ladies at The Witch’s BrewHaHa Salon.
    “So
    we’re all polishing our bunions and corns for __” BattyAnne cleared
    her throat and announced, “The Tickle Feet party! Yes, ha ha! I tricked
    you this year.
    I heard you talking about taking me!”
    “Tickle Feet party?”
    “What a fruit, BattyAnne.”
    “Not Tickle Feet__Trick or Treat!”

    ReplyDelete
  103. Heeheehee! Very funny, Pam - tickle feet party :) Love the eavesdropping bat - what a great idea! Thanks so much for squeezing some Halloweensie fun in between all those papers! Hope you've got a nice basket of treats :)

    ReplyDelete
  104. Perfecting MotherhoodOctober 31, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    Thanks for having this contest. I'll have to make sure I take more time for it next year. I hope Vivian joins the contest too.

    By the way we read Punxsutawney
    Phyllis earlier this year and liked it a lot. I personally loved the painted illustrations. They were beautiful and complemented the words very well.

    ReplyDelete
  105. You're very welcome! I'm so glad you came to join in. And thanks for your kind words about PHYLLIS - I love those illustrations too - Jeff did such a great job! There are several in particular that I just love! If you enjoyed the contest, I'll give you a heads up: we will be having a Holiday Contest around the third week of December... I'm thinking the 19th or so... :) with fabulous prizes!





























    Perfecting Motherhood wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:

    Thanks for having this contest. I'll have to make sure I take more time for it next year. I hope Vivian joins the contest too.
    By the way we read Punxsutawney
    Phyllis earlier this year and liked it a lot. I personally loved the painted illustrations. They were beautiful and complemented the words very well.

    Link to comment
    IP address: 107.201.225.154

    ReplyDelete
  106. Perfecting MotherhoodOctober 31, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    I'll be on the lookout!

    ReplyDelete
  107. Nice one! We've done Halloween with umbrellas before too!

    ReplyDelete
  108. Love the Brewhaha Salon - can picture them all there!

    ReplyDelete
  109. Fun one! Never had a hex or trick played on us - almost wish we did!

    ReplyDelete
  110. It has been so fun reading all the entries in your Halloweensie contest!! Such variety of themes! and they would all make for good picture books! Kudos to you for coming up with this fun idea!

    ReplyDelete
  111. My submission may have been a couple of minutes late. Busy, busy day. If I'm late, the trick's on me! Oh well. Happy Halloween!

    ReplyDelete
  112. Eric, you have to finish this story! "Pizza meat" - hysterical!

    ReplyDelete
  113. BrewHaHa - fabulous. Very cute story - and an eavesdropping bat is such a great character!

    ReplyDelete
  114. Thanks, Rhythm, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm only sorry you didn't try your paw at one... perhaps for the Holiday Contest in December... :)

    ReplyDelete
  115. Great fun, Linda! Hats off to everyone (and umbrellas up!), especially those who persevered and posted, even with Sandy howling at their doors. :)

    ReplyDelete
  116. Yes, Erik, finish it whether or not you can post it...I think I read that Susanna was extending the deadline...or maybe not...but no matter...it's a great idea with awesome images!

    ReplyDelete
  117. Pamela...this is so good...Brew-Ha-Ha...hilarious! And as Renee says, an eavesdropping bat is PERFECT! I can just see the illustrations. :)

    ReplyDelete
  118. I'm so happy that Milka entered the Halloweensie Content...she is an unbelievable mother...and staunch supporter of BOOKS AND READING...her WWW (would you read it Wednesday) posts are FILLED with books she is reading for herself and to her kids. And I'm glad a couple of people who read my posts were encouraged to stop over here...the talent in these submissions is unreal!!!

    ReplyDelete
  119. I was thrilled at how many people came over because of Nancy because of you! Thank you :) Is Milka Perfecting Motherhood?





























    Vivian Kirkfield wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:


    I'm so happy that Milka entered the Halloweensie Content...she is an unbelievable mother...and staunch supporter of BOOKS AND READING...her WWW (would you read it Wednesday) posts are FILLED with books she is reading for herself and to her kids. And I'm glad a couple of people who read my posts were encouraged to stop over here...the talent in these submissions is unreal!!!

    User's website
    Link to comment
    IP address: 71.219.223.31

    ReplyDelete
  120. Hi Adele...l can just see the giggling teens who hold out their hands for more. :) And I love the "hex"...great word with great images. :)

    ReplyDelete
  121. Patricia...how clever...and how perfect considering the flooding of Sandy...I can just see the Halloween Ark with two bats, two cats and two frogs. :)

    ReplyDelete
  122. Oh my...how sad! Puts a whole new slant on Halloween...and perhaps helps us realize how holidays change as we get older. We go from being children, happily enjoying candy..to being parents, happily (hopefully) enjoying our children...to being grandparents, happily enjoying the memories...until senility or ill health robs us of even those memories. Maybe a story like this would help more people remember the elderly. :) Wonderful story, Sidney!

    ReplyDelete
  123. Paula Tohline CalhounNovember 2, 2012 at 4:29 AM

    Finish this one of yours anyway! Sounds like lots of fun!

    ReplyDelete
  124. Thanks so much for stopping by to visit and read, Paula, and for encouraging Erik and for your wonderful entry!





























    Paula Tohline Calhoun (unregistered) wrote, in response to This Kid Reviews Bks:

    Finish this one of yours anyway! Sounds like lots of fun!


    Link to comment
    IP address: 98.94.148.233

    ReplyDelete
  125. I'm still going to finish it, I'll just post it late! Thanks for the encouragement! :D

    ReplyDelete
  126. I just got power back and can't wait to read some teeny weeny halloween stories! Thanks for posting mine Susanna!

    ReplyDelete
  127. Have fun reading! As a group, they are AWESOME! I am tearing my hair out trying to narrow down finalists for the vote tomorrow! :)

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you and try to respond to every comment. Please share your thoughts!