It's time again for one of Susanna Hill's seasonal contests. I'm always a bit intimidated, worried that I won't be able to come up with anything, but it keeps my creative juices flowing! And I do love a challenge.
The Contest: "Write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (title not included in the 100 words), using the words spooky, black cat, and cackle. Your story can be scary, funny or anything in between, poetry or prose, but it will only count for the contest if it includes those 3 words (you can count black cat as one word) and is 100 words (you can go under, but not over!) Get it? Halloweensie - because it's not very long and it's for little people :)"
It took me a while to compose my story, but at 95 words, using "black cat" as a single word (and 97 words if Jack-o'-Lantern is considered three words) I'm finally ready to submit it. By the way, years ago, I owned a black cat named Henrietta, who we lovingly named, "Ornery-etta". She deserved it! The photo is so near her likeness that it could have been her.
A Fur-Raising Encounter
It is a dim and spooky night. A black cat stalks unsuspecting field mice. Slowly he moves
in the darkness, stealthily seeking his prey. A slice of the waning moon's light reflects on
the prowling creature below, exposing his villainous plan.
the prowling creature below, exposing his villainous plan.
A twig breaks. The black cat's fur stands on edge.
"Trying to scare me, eh??" the voice says with a cackle. Slowly the cat turns. Nothing
but shadows.
"Oooooooowwwwwaaaaa". The ominous laugh brings shivers in the night.
Something brushes the black cat's paw. He jumps. The mouse looks up with a jack-o-lantern grin.
"Got ya, fraidy cat!"
Great mood-settting! I was totally there and feeling a little spooked myself. Love the ending!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret! I appreciate your comment and visit to my site. Take care!
DeleteOoh! Spooky, Jarm! Love that the mouse scared the cat! And what beautiful language, setting the scene! Very Halloween-y! Thanks so much for joining in the fun!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome, Susanna. . .thanks for thinking up the contest in the first place! 😊
DeleteWONDERFUL twist, Jarm! What a surprise -- for us as well as for the cat!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth. . .it took me a while to think of the ending. My daughter enjoyed it, too!
DeleteWow! This is wonderful! I love the imagery and spooky feel leading up the surprise ending. Your scary, brave, little mouse was charming. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dori. . . It was turn-about fair play!
DeleteA mouse. Very clever. Loved the surprise.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stacy. . .it was a "little" surprise!
DeleteVery cute. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Jackie!
DeleteI love the idea of 'fraidy cat'. I could do with that mouse in my garden to keep the neighbourhood cats away! I found keeping to the limit of 100 words, difficult. You did well!
ReplyDeleteIt was difficult, granny mar. . .truly! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteGreat imagery and switcheroo! :0)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna Louise. . .endings are always difficult for me!
DeleteFunny ending!
ReplyDeletePS If 'black cat' counts as 1 then 'jack-o-lantern' should also be 1 :)
Happy Halloween!
I guess you are right, Juliana! Thanks!
DeleteHa! Very cute ending! Love it that it was a mouse :-)
ReplyDeleteThe most unsuspecting creature. Thanks for your comment, Penny!
DeleteCute twist!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina!!
DeleteSweet surpise. Well done, Jarm!
ReplyDeleteThe little guy needs to win at times. Thanks for commenting, Julie!
DeleteCute story. In kitty's defense, a mouse would spook me, too!
ReplyDeleteHa! That's true, Janna. It never occurred to me that people would be afraid as well! Maybe they are more intimidating than we think. . .
DeleteI love your word choices. Every one sparkles. Well done, O ye of little faith!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are spinning some stories about Ornery-etta for PiBoIdMo. The name's too good to let go.
You are so sweet and encouraging, Joanne! And you are right, a story of Ornery-etta will be my first entry for PiBoIdMo. Thanks again for stopping by!
DeleteGreat spooky scene-setting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanna!
DeleteWonderful, Jarm! Love the spooky mood you've created, and the fun twist to the story. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comment, Cheryl, and thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWell done, Jarm! (I'm a bit of a 'fraidy cat, myself!) :-)
ReplyDeleteI am, too. . .in certain circumstances. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThis is fantastic, Jarm! Great tension...and love the ending...'The Mouse that Roared'.:)
ReplyDeleteHa. . .good comparison, Vivian!
DeleteSo good! I was hooked once I read "A slice of the waning moon"-- quite a powerful image.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your specific words of encouragement, Michelle!
DeleteThe mouse took me by surprise as well!
ReplyDeleteGreat! I'm glad he did. . .
DeleteI love this Jarm! What a funtastic twist. Clever, very clever! It made me smile. :-)
ReplyDeleteGood. . .I'm glad it made you smile, Robyn! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI like the idea you bring out in the story... cats are joking all business and I can see a mouse being a prankster... good job
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's about time the mice get the upper hand. . .
DeleteHi Jarm,
ReplyDeleteThat was a great story. Fraidy Cat...love it! BTW, I nominated you for the Liebster award. Stop by my blog and claim your badge!
Thanks so much, Romelle. . .I am honored! But unfortunately, I am so overwhelmed with my current responsibilities, that I won't be able to do it justice. Please feel free to pass the award on to another deserving blogger. I appreciate your thoughtfulness!
DeleteHi Jarm,
ReplyDeleteLove the the mouse scaring the cat... :)
Thanks, Catherine. . .it is a stretch, but it works!
Delete