Fall Writing Frenzy 2024!
Happy fall, y’all! I hope you’ve had an awesome summer. I’ve been away from this blog welcoming this little guy into the world…
Can you tell I'm over-smiling from trying not to look so tired?
Meet Oliver! He is already almost four months old. Motherhood these days is difficult to put into words, but I’m savoring every sweet moment.
I won’t be blogging often in the near future, but I’ve managed to squeeze enough time in to participate in Fall Writing Frenzy this year! The contest is a great way to challenge your creativity and build community with other writers—so if any of you are interested, you still have time to participate! Un-agented writers are welcome. The window closes tomorrow, October 3rd. Check out Lydia’s link here:
https://lydialukidis.wordpress.com/fallwritingfrenzy-2024-rules/
An orange Fall Frenzy participation badge with an autumn tree in the center
Below is my short (200 word) story for middle-grade readers, based on the photo below. It might raise your kid’s pulse a little, but shouldn’t give nightmares ;)
When Mason Disappeared
Photo #8: A close-up shot of a field of black pumpkins
Credit: Unsplash via Leandra Rieger
Our school bus creaks by “Dump-kin Field,” its rows of rotting pumpkins watching us like endless spider eyes. I shiver. Then I see Mason’s blue bike laying in the vines, one wheel spinning. My throat tightens.
He’d told me at lunch today he’d found something special there, and he was going back. But I didn’t believe him. Everybody smart knows nobody comes back alive from Dumpkin Field. You’d need a pumpkin for a brain to try something that dumb.
But Mason is my best friend.
I dash off the bus, following his trail of smashed pumpkins and muddy sneaker prints. Fear squeezes me like a clammy hand. “Mason! Where are you?”
Wind rustles.
Creeeak!
I spin around.
Below the vines, a storm-shelter door swings open.
“Mason?” I croak, inching closer. I peer into the darkness.
A hand grabs my collar and yanks me down.
Before I can scream, I hit my back. Gasp!
Something wet licks my nose.
“Like what I found, pumpkin-brain?” A flashlight clicks and Mason’s freckled grin glows above me. Tails wag. Puppies press their muddy paws against my chest.
A smile slips out before I can stop it. “You’re the worst best friend, you know that?”
I hope you enjoyed my story! I’m curious to hear what you think (comment below). Also, if you’re participating in Fall Writing Frenzy, please share your story with me too! You can link below in the comments.
A special thanks to:
Kaitlyn: @kaitlynleann17, @kaitlynleann17.bsky.social, kaitlynleann17,
Lydia: @LydiaLukidis, @lydialukidis.bsky.social, cosmiclydia7
Ebony: @ebonylynnmudd, @ebonylynnmudd.bsky.social, ebonylynnmudd
And the generous donors here!
