Hooray--it's Halloweensie time! This teeny tiny spooky story (which was so much fun to write!) owes its life to Susanna Hill and her fabulously fun annual picture book writing contest, "Halloweensie." Learn more about Susanna--her books, blog, and resources for writers--at susannahill.com.

As always the contest requires that stories be 100 words or less, and this year's secret words--which must be embedded in the story somewhere--are Spider, Ghost, and Moon.

I can't wait to trek on over to Susanna's site and find links to all the other stories. Happy Halloweensie, everyone!

Screeching over the finish line at 99 words, here is my Halloweensie entry:

Stage Fright
 
It’s Halloween day.

 
Let’s put on a play!
 

Hang a paper-plate moon.

 
Screech a violin tune

 
to spook trick-or-treaters,
 
those sweet candy eaters.

 
Now hide…


out of sight.
 
It’s Halloween night.
 
 
Let me be the ghost,
 
a flit-floaty host.


“Oooooo!”
 
 
Bella makes a fine witch
 
since her cackle is rich.

 
“Hee-hee-hee!”
 
 
Make Josie the spider,
 
a jump-out-besider.

 
“BOO!”
 
 
Let Pete be the owl.
 
He knows how to yowl.

 
“Hooooot!”
 
 
We made them run fast.
 
Great job, spooky cast!

 
Actors--on with the show!
 
Hey…


where’d the cast go?
 
 
Uh-oh.
 
 
The actors have stage fright.
 
Our show’s over…

 
Good night!