How often does something need to be repeated before it’s considered a tradition?
This is only my third year entering Susanna Leonard Hill’s Halloweesie contest, and yet I feel like the holiday is not complete without it.
So here we go…
SHIVER CAULDRON HOWL MCGOON by David McMullin
Shiver Cauldron Howl McGoon was born on Halloween.
And he was named for that very night.
Shiver – the autumn air was chilly, his scaly skin even colder.
Cauldron – where he was created in a witch’s brew of toadstools and snakeskins.
Hooooooooooooooowl – his very first sound which rattled the night.
Lastly, McGoon – from his great, great, great, great, grand ghoul McGoon.
Each birthday, Shiv creeps out onto the streets to trick-or-treat among the humans.
“What is your costume?” children ask.
Shiv proudly puffs up his spines.
“Why, I’m Shiver Cauldron Howl McGoon. I am Halloween night.”
***
Happy Halloween!!!!!
Fun story, David! I was not expecting the spines. What a name!
Ha! They surprised me too when they appeared, Maria!
I LOVE his name! Good luck!
Thank you, Jennifer.
Once again, I love your imagination.
Thanks, Jill!
Fun story, love the name! Good luck and Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween to you too, Angela!
Clever story. Good luck!
Thanks so much.
Great name & story! Happy Halloweensie! I agree, this is a wonderful tradition.
Isn’t it! Thanks, Patricia.
Creepy and cute in the best sense of those words. Good luck in the contest!
That’s what I was hoping for. Thanks so much.
Love Cauldron Howl McGoon!
Thank you!
Definitely a tradition! You may be inspiring this season’s hottest baby names!
Ha! I can see little Shivs running around next Halloween.
Ohhh yes, a little dark with a ton of Kid Lit charm. I agree with Jilanne, way to fit both into 100 words. Great story, David! Good Luck!
Thanks so much, Jennifer. 100 words is such a great challenge.
David, this is super creative and magical. I love how you thought outside the box with the use of all the required words. I also love the last line, very enchanting! Best of luck to you and Happy Halloween!
One of my goals is always to do something no one else will do. Thanks, Debbie!
Nice job, David! Clever and unique! 🙂
Thanks so much, Jen!
Wonderful description of Halloween night! Sweet story!
Thank you, Traci.
For starters, you have made my day, David, by saying Halloween isn’t complete without Halloweensie! I’m glad you enjoy it! As for Shiver Cauldron Howl McGoon who was born on Halloween night – what a character! Love his name…and his spines (and the clever connection to his nickname Shiv)!…and the ambiguity over whether being Halloween is just a costume he tells kids or if he really IS! 🙂 Thanks for joining in the Halloweensie high jinx!
Thanks, Susanna. I always have a great time coming up with something new.
Wow, what a clever and original idea for your story and your main character. I loved everything about it!
I really appreciate that. Thanks, Jean.
Absolutely love your character, David. Well done!
Thanks for taking a look Vivian.