There are so many things I love about Fall. Cozy sweaters, pumpkin donuts, and the change in seasons. But in world of the writing community, my favorite is the spooky stories that I get to create for the Fall Writing Frenzy contest. This year hosts Kaitlyn Sanchez and Lyida Lukidis did not disappoint with their picture prompts to inspire a 200 word story. Below is my entry…I hope you like it!
Photo credit: Halloween- Credit: Selina Wing for Bing
THE TROPHY WALL By Kelly Swemba (191 words)
Hearts pound. Shoes clack. The crowd rounds the cobblestone corner oozing with anticipation after traveling miles to this quaint town. For every Halloween eve, Jack-o-lanterns appear overnight - carved by an unknown artist who adds one new creation each year. Applause ignites as flames flicker and snap inside the hollowed-out-flesh. “It’s beautiful,” whispers a little girl. Adults nod in silent agreement. But they don’t know… While they ooh and ahh, others weep and moan. Wails seep out and entangle the visitors like overgrown vines. They don’t know… That October’s first breath strangles out someone’s last. They don’t know... Each gaping-mouthed gourd represents a life extinguished in the yearly reaping. A grotesque showcase of trophies disguised as decoration. Then… A cool wind snakes through the streets. A dark presence leers. Shivers pierce the crowd as their internal alarms blare. Desperately, they grasp onto the belief this misery is orchestrated to increase the town’s mystique. But… Fear pounds. Shoes clack. The crowd retreats except for one. He slowly inhales, savoring the scent of doubt, devouring every seed of fear. A snarl slices across his face. He’s chosen his next victim and the hunt begins.
kellyswemba.com 
Oooo I LOVE what you’ve done here! So much emotion and FEELING wrapped up in
set of spooky & twisted words! I think you really nailed it, Kelly!
Wow, thank you, Molly!!! That’s so nice of you to say!
Such beautiful words to convey unimaginable terror! Well done!
Thank you, Glenda!
You’re very welcome!
Waahhhh, I’m straight up SCARED, Kelly! This is creepy and full of mood. A perfect way to start spooky season!
Thanks, Laurie!!! 🖤🎃
So delightfully creepy!
Thank you, Cindy!
Fall Frenzy just seems to bring out the oozing frenzy in some people……well done, again!
It’s such a fun contest and a great inspiration to write something spooky!
Yikes! That was terrifying. (and now I’m staying away from all Jack o’ lantern displays)
Lol!!! Good idea!!
Freaky!!!
🧡🖤🎃
This is so scary and good! Very, very chilling imagery and that last line! Nicely done, Kelly.
Thank you, Sarah! I’m so glad you liked it and thought it was scary! 🖤🧡
Kelly, so well done! And the last line…
🙂
Thank you!
Great job on the creepy yet lyrical tone of this story! Gave me goosebumps for sure!
Thank you, Judy! I really appreciate your kind words!!
Very creepy! I love “the scent of doubt” and the “seed of fear”! Delicious wording!
Thanks, Steve!! I was trying to stay close to things associated with a pumpkin 🎃
So spooky. Nice writing.
Thank you, Ann! 🎃
So creepy, Kelly. Well done!
@mowrex (Twitter)
Thank you!!! I was going for creepy! 🎃
“A grotesque showcase of trophies” Great line to set up for the reveal at the end. 🧡
Oh thank you, Judith!
Oh. You are more than welcome! Good luck. ❤️