This post is party of Patty Wysong's
A to Z meme. This week's letter is "D"
This tiny story/entry has been a lot of work in coming. You see, I have known about this contest for months (at least I remembered folks mentioning it quite a while ago.) I have know the specifics for over three weeks. But I was truly wondering if it was actually going to come together.
Over that time, I started probably half a dozen different stories that fit the parameters (about Halloween, for children, 100 words or less, using the words pumpkin, broomstick, and creak) - and they all either petered out or seemed ENTIRELY too difficult to pare down to that miniscule amount required for the contest.
But, finally, with much discipline, drive, and determination (and with the help of my lovely daughter with the editing/trimming down to size), I present to you (my fellow A to Zers, blog readers, AND other contest entrants), my humble entry in Susanna Leonard Hill's 4th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest!
Dumb Jack-'O-Lanterns
By Joanne Sher
“Jack-o'-lanterns are dumb,” Sarah
said, elbow-deep in pumpkin guts. “And gross.”
“Nah. They're cool!” Her brother
B.J. bounced, making the chair creak. “Can this one be a witch?”
Sarah shrugged.
“Don't you LIKE Halloween?”
“Not really.”
“You don't like candy? Decorations?
Trick-or-treating?”
“Trick-or-treating's for little
kids.” Sarah frowned.
“Some older kids go.”
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| Photo source |
“My friends aren't.”
“Go with me.”
“With you? Seriously?”
B.J. beamed. “Say Mom made you.”
“Maybe.”
“C'mon.”
“Okay!” Sarah rose, pumpkin guts
flying.
B.J. gasped, then giggled. “I'll be
a pumpkin this year. Got my costume.”
Sarah grabbed a broomstick. “And I'll
be a witch.”
**
Not the best thing I've ever written - but not bad, I'd say. Check out a bunch of other short Halloween stories (which I'm sure are MUCH more clever than mine!) at Susanna's blog - and enter your own if you want - the deadline isn't until just before midnight on Halloween!
OOOR - if the letter "D" is more up your alley, join the blog hop below! :)
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1
You had me at "pumpkin guts." Cute story and I can't imagine trying to do it in 100 words. I've written sentences longer than that. Granted, not good sentences, but still...
ReplyDeleteMIcrofiction and flash fiction are two different animals, eh, Tom?? :) And I figured I'd have you at pumpkin guts. Thanks for stopping by!
DeletePumpkin guts are good for something, aren't they? Cute idea, Joanne.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Penny :) Can't wait to see yours!
DeleteAw, this story is so sweet! It's a nice change.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanna! Once I figured out what I was writing about it was pretty fun. :)
DeleteI think it's brilliant. Short and to the point. I could never do that because it would take me at least three sentences to describe pumpkin guts in all their glory gory.
ReplyDeleteThat is DEFINITELY one thing I am learning writing for kids - especially picture books. You TOTALLY have to leave room for the illustrator. Thanks for stopping by, J'nell!
DeleteTotally kid-like. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna :)
DeleteElbow-deep! Nice one, Joanne!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie :) Appreciate you stopping by and commenting!
DeleteSuccinct and visual! Good job!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karla!
DeleteThis is great, Joanne! I love the pumpkin guts :) And what a nice story about siblings! Very enterprising of BJ to go as a pumpkin - talk about seizing the moment :) And glad he was able to talk Sarah into going trick-or-treating with him -no one should grow up TOO fast :) Thanks so much for joining in the Halloweensie fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Susanna! I guess my pumpkin guts are definitely a hit :)
DeleteLove the pumpkin guts and the way B.J. convinces Sarah to still be a kid!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Buffy! Appreciate you stopping by.
DeleteKids really know how to cut to the chase. Loved how B. J. was sensitive to his big sister's reputation. Great job :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy - if only us grownups would be so bold.
DeleteJoanne, this is a very kid-friendly story. I loved it. Especially the pumpkin guts.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia. Something about pumpkin guts, it seems, that struck a chord. With me too :D
DeleteNice story - I like that you depicted somewhat older kids who are on that cusp of being "too old" for trick-or-treating. I definitely remember a few years of planning not to go, but then at the last minute breaking down and going out. Who can resist one last year of trick-or-treat fun?
ReplyDeleteMy son is at that age right now - he's 13, and he has STILL not decided for sure if he is going out or just handing out candy (though the fact that we are gonna have windchills in the 20s makes me think he'll go with the latter LOL). Thanks, Carrie - for your comment, and for stopping by!
DeleteThose D's are hard for me, I feel your gutted-pumpkin pain on it. But good job finishing!
ReplyDeleteHehe - thanks Lynn.
DeleteWhat a good influence little brothers can be. Good luck in the contest! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! :) Have a blessed day!
DeleteVery nice - love the sibling interactions.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sylvia! Appreciate the encouragement.
Delete