I love entering (and reading other entries) for this fun, annual kidlit writing contest. The challenge: write a story for kids in 100 words or less, using some form of the words wings, spell, and fog. Check out all the details at Susanna Leonard Hill’s website: https://susannahill.com/2025/10/29/the-15th-annual-halloweensie-writing-contest-aahhhrrrooooooo/comment-page-1/#comment-107791

The Poultrygeist

By Melissa Miles

99 words

Tensions rise at the Halloween spelling bee.

Sweat trickles down my back.

Five students left.

I’m up.

C-A-U-L-D-R-O-N.

Whew!

Out goes Sophie.

Liam’s out.

I’m up again.

S-U-P-E-R-N-A-T-U-R-A-L.

Whew!

Ella’s gone.

It’s just me and Grace.

She spells P-O-U-L-T-R-Y -G-I-S-T.

Oops!

A cackling ghost swoops overhead,

clucking and flapping its arms like chicken wings.

What’s that?!

I blink hard, and shake my head.

I can’t be distracted now.

If I get this right, I win.

I open my mouth, but…

fog fills my brain!

No! I studied this one.

P-O-L-T-E-R-G-E-I-S-T.

POOF! The real poltergeist vanishes.

Applause erupts.

I win!