After twelve power outages this morning (it's only raining here??), I'm chancing a moment to post this.
Even if you don't win a prize, writing contests are a fun way to explore imaginative writing prompts!
If you've been suffering from writer's block, or just want to practice writing to a specific theme or word count--give a writing contest a try. In the #kidlit realm, there are several no-fee gems to try. The Kidlit411 blog has a good list of options.
Today's spooktacular contest is being hosted by the dynamic crew of Lydia Lukidis and Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez and Alyssa Reynoso-Morris. Using picture prompts, the challenge is to write a story, poem, mood piece--whatever strikes your fancy--as long as it's 200 words or less (including any art notes).
Those of you who know me know that if there was a picture with a dog--I was probably going to pick it! Let me know what you think in the comments below!
The picture prompt I chose: Credit: Sarah Pflug for Burst
And--drum roll please--my slightly subversive picture book styled Halloween story:
The Costume Contest Winners - 197 words
Billy wanted to win the pet store prize.
His costume was perfect. [vampire]
But no one would vote for him because his Mom worked in
special effects.
“It’s not fair.”
Billy sulked.
Everyone knew this—except Vance and Wendy. They were new to
town.
[real vampire and witch]
“Need a tissue? Your fangs are bloody,”
Vance whispered.
Billy waved his tube of goo.
“It’s fake?” Vance asked.
“Duh! That’s funny!” Billy poked Vance.
Vance growled.
“Calm down!” Wendy
grabbed Vance’s arm.
“My mom could add sparkles.” Billy tapped Wendy’s hat.
“Don’t touch!” Wendy warned. Her cauldron moaned eerily.
“What’s in there?” Billy reached for Wendy’s pot.
“Don’t reach in!”
Too late.
Poof!
“HEY!” Billy woofed.
“You were carrying a live potion?!” Vance shook his head.
“He wasn’t my first choice, but you wanted a pet.” Wendy
shrugged. “Let’s go.”
“I wanted to pick my own puppy,” Vance’s voice quavered.
“Oooh! Cute doggie!” The other kids crowded around.
Vance and his mini-me pet won best costume!
“You want two dogs, don’t you?” Wendy asked.
Vance smiled.
So Billy won the contest after all, and got a dog to play
with.
“I love Halloween,” said Vance.
Woof! Billy
agreed.
I hope you enjoyed reading! If you want to find more terrific entries, go to Lydia's blog or google #Fallwritingfrenzy!
