One of the most important things a writer can do is…WRITE!
Perhaps you set aside a large chunk of time every day to write. Or maybe, because of family and other obligations, you snatch precious minutes whenever you can.
Jane Yolen advises writers to BIC…Butt in Chair.
And one way that encourages writers to do that is to enter contests and writing challenges. One of my dear friends and favorite picture book authors, Susanna Leonard Hill, is holding her 7th Annual Halloweensie Contest.
If you are interested in joining in the fun, there is still time to do so. And even if you aren’t able to participate, you’ll have so much fun reading all of the entries.
The rules are simple: Write a 100 word Halloween story for children using the words monster, candy-corn, and shadow. For more details, go to Susanna’s website by clicking the link above.
I decided to take a trip around the world via the internet to see how Halloween is celebrated in other countries. Interestingly enough, it began in Ireland and has spread, in various forms, to many parts of the world. In some places it is celebrated on different days and in others, it is a more religious holiday to honor the dead. But costumes and candy seems to be present in most of the celebrations.
Here is my entry. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Maybe I need to do a picture book about HALLOWEEN AROUND THE WORLD.
THE HALLOWEEN CONNECTION (100 words)
It’s time to search for Halloween
Around the globe and in-between.
Jack-o-lantern in the shadow
Glowing eyes and burning smile.
Trick or treat,” a monster shouts.
Halloween—American style
Chinese children say Teng Chieh.
Lanterns glow to light the way.
Special foods are offered up.
Spirits come on Halloween Day.
In Mexico, kids decorate
With posies bright and candy-corn
And shout “Queremos Halloween.”
They trick or treat from dusk till dawn.
Disguised, Greek children come to call.
“Do you know who I am?” they ask.
A guessing game begins until
The treats are served and they unmask.
Hurray for Halloween!
Photo courtesy: https://www.google.com/search?q=halloween+around+the+world&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjqk-qr3ZTXAhVHSyYKHR3MBJ8Q_AUIDCgD&biw=1094&bih=408#imgrc=ZK8axJblvt5XUM:
And hurray for Susanna Leonard Hill and her wonderful contests!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
I love learning how Halloween is celebrated throughout the world What a great idea. Just all out wonderful. Yes, I agree I see a PB here.
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What a great trick or treat visit around the world! Clever 🙂 Wishing you good luck and Happy Halloween, Vivian!
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Very nice, Vivian. Fun and interesting.
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Love your entry, Vivian. And, yes, write a children’s picture book about Halloween around the world!
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Yup, yes indeed. I agree with the others. Halloween around the world sounds like a great new picture book. Best of luck, Vivian!
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Thanks for taking us around the world for Halloween fun and learning, Vivian! 🙂 You are such a talented writer/author! Wishing you the best!
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Love it, Vivian! It’s so fun learning how other cultures celebrate Halloween. Love how you think outside the box … er … U.S.
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Love the multiculturalism and educational content in your entry, Vivian!
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Entertaining and enlightening Halloween journey you took us on! Well done!
Ken
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OK, now that I’m at my computer, it will let me comment. Great story, Vivian! Love the international feel. I haven’t read anything like it. So it looks like you’ve got the seeds for a new book. Yippee!
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How fun to imagine children enjoying Halloween around the world. 🎃
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So interesting! I’d love to read more about halloween around the world. Great idea!
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Vivian this was wonderful! I had no idea Halloween started in Ireland. I love the idea of Halloween around the world as a picture book. So very clever.
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Vivian, you struck upon a great idea. I agree this is a wonderful picture book project for you. It has huge potential, so you’d best get at it right away! 🙂
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LOVE your entry, Vivian! So clever and interesting. Love this contest – posting mine today 🙂
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I love this around the world Halloween story, Vivian!!! The research for this one is half the fun! Good luck!
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What an interesting take on Halloween – thinking outside the box – love it!
Thanks for sharing the contest info, I entered it today as well. I put the link if you care to have a read. Good luck to you!
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I learned a little something about Halloween traditions while reading a well crafted story. Nice work Vivian. Good luck!
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This is such a nice touch to the contest. Wow. We learn and we are entertained, as well. Very fresh. And yes, this could spawn a book!
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Love that you included Halloween facts in a fun story!
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