SIMULATION

MY NEXT VICTIM THIS HALLOWEEN!

IS TARA TYLER

Thanks, Tara, for agreeing to be part of the fun.

Without further ado presenting Tara's

Halloween Interview & Flash Fiction Challenge

1.      You're born on Halloween and have the ghostly evil super powers of one of the following: The Ghost from Poltergeist, The Frankenstein Monster, The Mummy, The most Evil of Witches, The Devil himself, Freddy Kruger, Pumpkin Head, Michael from Halloween, or Jason from Friday the 13th. Alternatively, if you prefer, pick one of your own. Otherwise, tell us which one you would choose and why? No friendly ghosts allowed! You're to wreak havoc in this scenario!

That's easy - I can be the most evil of witches in a snap of my crooked, bony fingers with long green fingernails when provoked!! Plus witches can make youth potions and live longer - even if they have to sacrifice a few kids to do it... And I already have a good cackle for it too!

2.      The Zombie Apocalypse is going to occur this Halloween and for 48 hours, the world is thrown into chaos. Live through it and consider yourself lucky, you've been warned. What is your first step, especially as no one else knows or believes you? Do you leave family behind and seek shelter to ride it out, or do you try to save your family? How and why?

My youngest will do what I ask, the others will be zombie fodder! And I know better than to waste my time convincing them, so my little guy and I will head for the hills! Or find someone with a secure shelter, fast!

3.      Because of the time of your birth, (see the 1st question) the angels have decided to forgive your sins and are offering to remedy one evil that now exists in the world, but only one! Which would you choose and why?

Terrorism. I don't think you need a reason.

4.      Why is Halloween a favorite holiday, or not a favorite, and if it isn't why did you participate in this query? Come on; tell us your biggest most secret Halloween fantasy!

I love Halloween, I have a blast decorating even if my boys are getting too old to appreciate it. And I'm a scaredy cat, not big on horror movies. Secret Halloween fantasy is to go to a costume party with my hub and us have a good time in matching costumes - unfortunately, he's not a costume guy =( oh well! 

     Now the fun part: Finish the story. I've given you the first 100 words. Provide us with the rest, but please hold the number to 750 words or less unless the restriction is just impossible then no more than 1000 words. The winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. The contest will be judged by another lover of the horror genre, the person to be announced later. The winner will be posted no later than a week after Halloween!

DESPERATION HOLLER

Jerry sauntered along Desperation Holler Road that earlier echoed with the excited shouts of ghosts and ghouls as the children scrambled from house to house in colorful and frightening costumes.

Dusk dissolved into the blackest of nights as the little monsters disappeared into the shelter of the brightly lit houses with their chocolate goodies.

Jerry smiled, even suppressed laughter, because he knew there was no refuge, not in Desperation Holler on this most evil of Halloweens.

Concealed by the dark limbs of deformed trees and invasive ivy, the innocuous little cabin looked abandoned, but Jerry knew better.

The witches' abode . . .cast an eerie purple glow from it's windows and the smoke from its chimney sparkled in the moonlight. Jerry couldn't resist peeking in a window to catch a glimpse of magic and see what he was up against.

Being a novice witch hunter, Jerry knew he had to be extra careful and more silent than an awkward moment. He crept along, taking one slow soft step at a time in the crunchy Fall leaves toward the back where the kitchen should be, avoiding the creaky old porch in front. If he drew their attention and lost the element of surprise his chances of survival dropped dramatically. That was lesson number one.

"Hello, deary."

Jerry flinched. There went his first line of defense. He spun around to see the wrinkled old lady who looked more like a grandmother than a wicked witch. But Jerry knew her for the hideous hag she was.

"Trick or Treat?"

She cackled at him. "Aren't you a little old for that?"

"Who's out at this witching hour, Bernie?"

The other witch stuck her long nose out the back door. Her lips curled into an evil smile when she spied him.

"Ooo. It's Jerry. Finally got your license, eh boy?"

"Just for you, Fiona." Jerry said and smiled right back at her. Exude confidence, or at least hide fear, that was lesson number two.

Jerry backed away from them, further from the house. He needed to draw them out. Lesson number three was to stay out of a witches' lair where they would definitely have the advantage. Glancing behind him, he noticed a small fenced-in area with reaching, oozing, and creeping plants.

"I love what you've done with the place. What's growing in your garden here?"

Bernie stepped toward him. "Flattery and trickery won't work on us. We've been around for far too long to let a new cub like you win over a couple of cunning cougars like us."

Jerry knew he was young and inexperienced, but these two wily witches had been terrorizing Desperation Holler since he was little. The Halloween he escaped their treachery and his cousin didn't was the night he vowed vengeance. He wasn't giving up without a fight. He had all the tools he needed, following lesson number four.

Taking out his anti-witch wand, he wielded it wildly waving it at them and spoke his wishful words.

"Howl wind, darken night,

Stir the leaves, douse the light,

In this full moon shining bright,

Curse these witches, take their sight!"

With a switch of his wrist, the moon electrified his wand and shot out at the witches' eyes, blinding them.

They screeched like demons and screamed like damsels. Fiona flew at him as Bernie lunged for him.

Jerry ducked and tried to escape, but he'd stepped too close to their garden. He hadn't realized during his incantation the vines wrapped around his legs and tangled him up.

The witches dragged poor Jerry into their home and he was never heard from again.

Poor Jerry ignored the final, most important lesson. Lesson number five, never attack witches on Halloween!

*****

That was so much fun, Yolanda! What a way to bring in Halloween and wind down my blog tour (only 2 more posts!) How clever of you! Thanks for letting me participate and for helping me with my release.

Truly, Tara, so much fun and I'm thrilled to be able to help you with your blog tour but more so that you were game to do this crazy interview and flash fiction Halloween Challenge while in the middle of a tour! You rock!

Now for the SIMULATION tour!

SIMULATION

by Tara Tyler

Release Date: Sept 14, 2015

In 2082, androids are an essential part of daily life. Some are helpful, some would make better toasters, and some are so human-like they're creepy. Back in Atlanta, Detective Cooper takes a case to uncover an illegal clone android simulation operation. He hopes it will take his mind off his recent break up, but he winds up crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper.

As Cooper closes in, Geri is kidnapped. But when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn't her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.

SIMULATION delivers more technology, more intense action, more humor, and more, distinct new characters. Come along for the ride.

Available Now!

Amazon ~~ Kindle

Goodreads giveaway!

Tara Tyler writes sci fi and fantasy action-adventures from her little corner of the world in Ohio as she tries to keep up with her three boys and coach husband. Always making time to write, she sometimes puts off chores and lets laundry pile up... hence, she's also the Lazy Housewife, offering advice and tips to other gals out there trying to do it all without going crazy.

She and her housewife friends blog at The Really Real Housewives of America.

tara tyler talks and tweets and facebooks

And don't forget the Rafflecopter!

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JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN!

AMAZON.COM

DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE!

MY NEXT VICTIM THIS HALLOWEEN

IS CATHRINA CONSTANTINE!

Thanks, Cathrina, for agreeing to be part of the fun.

Presenting Cathrina's

Halloween Interview & Flash Fiction Challenge

         1. You're born on Halloween and have the ghostly evil super powers of one of the following: The Ghost from Poltergeist, The Frankenstein Monster, The Mummy, The most Evil of Witches, The Devil himself, Freddy Kruger, Pumpkin Head, Michael from Halloween, or Jason from Friday the 13^th. Alternatively, if you prefer, pick one of your own. Otherwise, tell us which one you would choose and why? No friendly ghosts allowed! You're to wreak havoc in this scenario!

Call me Crista, a cute name for a wicked witch. I like being in control of those around me, and my potent incantations radiate from the pits of hell. I demand to be pampered and seduced by those of my choosing. It’s fun to watch as boys and even girls bend to my every desire. But once, Dredal tried to take what was mine. Poor Dredal.

    2.   The Zombie Apocalypse is going to occur this Halloween and for 48 hours, the world is thrown into chaos. Live through it and consider yourself lucky, you've been warned. What is your first step, especially as no one else knows or believes you? Do you leave family behind and seek shelter to ride it out, or do you try to save your family? How and why?

Even though me family doesn’t believe me, I love them and can’t leave them behind. They argue, but I convince them it’s only for two days. Think of it as a mini vacation, hahahaa. And to pacify my insanity, they agree and we pack up the SUV with life saving supplies, food, water, guns, and ammo to last for 48 hours. Then we hightail it up to the remote section of the Adirondack Mountains. Hopefully away from deadly seeking Zombies. We barricade ourselves into a safe house for the long haul. We make a pact. If one of use is turned, we know what we must do. Will we live through the Apocalypse? Who knows for sure. But we’ll live and die together.

      3.  Because of the time of your birth, (see the 1^st question) the angels have decided to forgive your sins and are offering to remedy one evil that now exists in the world, but only one! Which would you choose and why?

Hatred. Being the most evil of witches, and seeking repentance, the angels have allowed me to cast a Unity Spell of Love and Peace. If hatred is banished from the world, I believe people may actually live in somewhat harmony.

     4. Why is Halloween a favorite holiday, or not a favorite, and if it isn't why did you participate in this query? Come on; tell us your biggest most secret Halloween fantasy!

I love Halloween and all its scariness. Not precisely the bloody knife in my gut kind of gore, but suspense and spooky tales. I’d be awesome to witness a paranormal event, as long as I didn’t have a heart attack in the process.

     Now the fun part: Finish the story. I've given you the first 100 words. Provide us with the rest, but please hold the number to 750 words or less. The winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. The contest will be judged by another lover of the horror genre, the person to be announced later. The winner will be posted no later than a week after Halloween!

DESPERATION HOLLER

Jerry sauntered along Desperation Holler Road that earlier echoed with the excited shouts of ghosts and ghouls as the children scrambled from house to house in colorful and frightening costumes.

Dusk dissolved into the blackest of nights as the little monsters disappeared into the shelter of the brightly lit houses with their chocolate goodies.

Jerry smiled, even suppressed laughter, because he knew there was no refuge, not in Desperation Holler on this most evil of Halloweens.

Concealed by the dark limbs of deformed trees and invasive ivy, the innocuous little cabin looked abandoned, but Jerry knew better. 

The witches abode oozed ghastly spells. Seeping through the cracks and crevices of the weathered planks and windows. Jerry walked through the mist and breathed in evil like a tantalizing spice.

His every nerve ending fed on the despicable incantations, filling him with power. Jerry turned to look at the innocent road where families struggled to get their sugar-high monsters into bed. Again, his mouth tweaked in an untoward grin. Little did they fathom what was coming to devour them.  Although, not their souls. Souls must be freely given.

Jerry inhaled the mists fragrance to determine what was expected of him.  His body shuddered in anticipation, for the night had just begun. He mutely chuckled deciphering the intricate spells. Estelle, Crista, and Bettina planned on binding Desperation Holler: To pluck out naive children’s spirits to keep them young and immortal.

“Knock, knock. I’m here.” Jerry stood outside the door. He heard shuffling and gasps. “My lovely ladies. Please invite me in.”

“We don’t need your help this year. Go away.” He recognized Estelle’s voice.

“Estelle, dearest. It’s been centuries. I miss are little scuffles.”

Silence.

The door whipped open and Jerry was immediately speared in the chest. His hands wrapped around the lance as the witches dragged him inside.

“We were expecting you.” Cackled Estelle. “Don’t fight the potion that just entered your blood stream. Soon you’ll be all mine.”

“Not fair, Estelle,” said Bettina with disdain. “He’ll be all ours.”

“Very clever.” He gritted his teeth trying to pull out the cumbersome lance. On the floor laid skeletal remains, withered and grizzled. The clothes clearly made them teenager. “I see you’ve already started. And without me.”

“Be a good boy, Jerry, and we’ll leave you a little treat,” Crista said. The provocative witch with flowing red hair drew new. She latched onto his blood spewed lips. “Mmmm…you taste divine.” Her tongue lapped over his mouth, rinsing the blood.

“These teenagers came knocking, looking for a trick or treat. We gave them both.” Estelle chortled. “But it’s not enough to keep us in the lifestyle we’re accustomed to. You’ve been stingy, Jerry. Not letting us stay and play. This Hallows Eve, we’re prepared.”

Jerry’s knees buckled to the floor.

“Soon the children on Desperation Holler will be walking through that door and we’ll have a feast,” Estelle said over her shoulder as she scuttled to a bubbling cauldron. “One final ingredient is needed. Jerry’s head.” The witches each stirred the boiling pot while chanting. “Who wants to do the honor?”

“Me, me!” Crista jumped up and down like an exited child.

“I’m the oldest,” Bettina said. “Besides, it’s my turn.”

Crista’s bottom lip turned down into a pout.

“Why don’t you both indulge,” Estelle said, a nefarious smile carved into her face.

Bettina and Crista walked to the back of the cabin and grabbed a sickle, used for harvesting wheat in days gone by.

“Isn’t it ironic,” Estelle said, “the grim reaper will get beheaded by his own sickle.” They snickered.

“Thank you girls. I’ve been looking for that,” he said, dripping with sarcasm.

“Such a waste of man flesh,” Crista said, hauling the heavy blade. “This weighs a ton.”

“It will take the three of you to swing it.” Jerry looked up to where Estelle seemed intent to watch the furling charms flow out the windows. Blood laced his hands and again painted his lips. He didn’t know how much longer he could stay in this human condition. 

The three witches toted his sickle and hewed it towards his head. The blade spliced through his neck in one ugly stroke.

But his head remained intact.

“What kind of farce is this?” Crista spat.

Suddenly the lance melted from Jerry’s chest, he straightened with a shit-eating grin. “Ladies, it’s always a pleasure. Thank you for letting me feed off your wickedness. See you in hell.”

He raised his arms and the cabin exploded to smithereens.

*****
Thank you for your participation, Cathrina! 

Love your answers and your flash was amazing. 

Once again, Jerry had the last word. 

Readers one comment could win YOU a copy of

DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE!

Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Leocadia arrives home from school to find her mom's body. Unaware that the killer still lingers, she rushes to her mother's side, only to be grabbed from behind and then everything fades to black.

After a year of retrograde amnesia and battling personal demons, Leo's dreams are getting worse--she's starting to remember. More bodies are discovered and they seem to be oddly linked to her mom's unsolved homicide.

When Leo allows her friend, Henry to drag her into the haunted Lucien Mansion, misty ghosts appear, ghosts that just might lead to her mother's murderer.

Will Leo let her memories threaten her into a relapse or, will she fight to find her mother's killer - only to become his next victim?

*****

Cathrina Constantine resides in Western New York with her husband, five children, two Labrador Retrievers and two cats. When not with her family, reading, or stationed at the computer, you will find her walking in the backwoods with her dogs, conjuring up a new tale.

You can find Constantine here:

https://www.facebook.com/wickedly333

www.cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com

www.goodreads.com/cathrinaconstantine.com`

Amazon Authors Page: http://www.amazon.com/Cathrina-Constantine/e/B00EPENYGE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1415978225&sr=8-1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cathconstantine

*****

CONGRATULATIONS!
MADILYN QUINN
YOU'VE JUST WON A COPY OF
DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE!

*****

The 

WEP - Halloween Flash Fiction Challenge 

is

waiting for YOU to sign-up.

Share your scary story!

THE BLUE MIST

MY NEXT VICTIM THIS HALLOWEEN!

IS SHANNON LAWRENCE

Thanks, Shannon, for agreeing to be part of the fun.

Without further delay presenting Shannon's

Halloween Interview & Flash Fiction Challenge

      1.  You're born on Halloween and have the ghostly evil super powers of one of the following: The Ghost from Poltergeist, The Frankenstein Monster, The Mummy, The most Evil of Witches, The Devil himself, Freddy Kruger, Pumpkin Head, Michael from Halloween, or Jason from Friday the 13^th. Alternatively, if you prefer, pick one of your own. Otherwise, tell us which one you would choose and why? No friendly ghosts allowed! You're to wreak havoc in this scenario!

I’d go with Freddy. What could be more powerful than invading someone’s dreams? You can’t fight sleep forever. 1, 2, Freddy’s coming for you…

      2.  The Zombie Apocalypse is going to occur this Halloween and for 48 hours, the world is thrown into chaos. Live through it and consider yourself lucky, you've been warned. What is your first step, especially as no one else knows or believes you? Do you leave family behind and seek shelter to ride it out, or do you try to save your family? How and why?

Let’s see. My family doesn’t believe me? They should know better by now. ;) I’d encourage them to come up to the mountains with me “for vacation.” I’d have to pack, of course. They wouldn’t understand why there were weapons, wood, nails, and hand tools in addition to the food, water, and first aid items. We’d need to be able to defend ourselves and cover up those doors and windows.

     3. Because of the time of your birth, (see the 1^st question) the angels have decided to forgive your sins and are offering to remedy one evil that now exists in the world, but only one! Which would you choose and why?

Harm against the defenseless. The young, the elderly, the disabled. I hate harm coming to anyone (except the Big Bads, of course), but especially those who are least able to protect themselves.

     4. Why is Halloween a favorite holiday, or not a favorite, and if it isn't why did you participate in this query? Come on; tell us your biggest most secret Halloween fantasy!

I’ve always loved Halloween. Part of it is my love of the fall. The crisp, cool air, fall leaves, pumpkins. Plus, I love the night. I’m an insomniac, and this is the one time of year where people wait until night time to go out and celebrate something. That means, just for that one day, everyone’s on my schedule instead of expecting me to be on theirs. It’s also not a holiday that demands you go out and buy gifts for someone, and it’s far less stressful than the hoopla around Christmas. Halloween is all about fun, and the energy that surrounds it is infectious.

Then you have the extras. Horror programming on TV, movie releases. It’s the only time of year everyone enjoys the dark and scary alongside me.

Also, chocolate…

     Now the fun part: Finish the story. I've given you the first 100 words. Provide us with the rest, but please hold the number to 750 words or less. The winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. The contest will be judged by another lover of the horror genre, the person to be announced later. The winner will be posted no later than a week after Halloween!

DESPERATION HOLLER

Jerry sauntered along Desperation Holler Road that earlier echoed with the excited shouts of ghosts and ghouls as the children scrambled from house to house in colorful and frightening costumes.

Dusk dissolved into the blackest of nights as the little monsters disappeared into the shelter of the brightly lit houses with their chocolate goodies.

Jerry smiled, even suppressed laughter, because he knew there was no refuge, not in Desperation Holler on this most evil of Halloweens.

Concealed by the dark limbs of deformed trees and invasive ivy, the innocuous little cabin looked abandoned, but Jerry knew better. 

The witches abode . . .

The witch’s abode smelled of rot, with a hint of wild onion and mint. Jerry stepped carefully over the ivy on the steps, one cool, slick tendril gripping his ankle before pulling free. He pushed open the sagging door, surprised at the lack of a rusty creak.

“Izabetta?” he called.

“Enter.”

Shaking his head at the dramatic voice, he shut the door behind him and walked down the hallway, taking in the polished wood and immaculate condition of the inside of the house. No one trying to peer through the intentionally filthy glass panes out front would ever guess the inside looked so nice.

He found her standing at the stove, her honey blond hair curling down her back. She wore jeans and a black t-shirt, hips swaying to the sounds of jazz drifting out of a small radio on the counter.

“Have you begun the spell?” he asked.

“Doing it right now.”

He looked around. “I don’t see a cauldron.”

She whirled to look at him. “Are you kidding me?”

“No. I don’t know witch rules. I’m a fantasy geek.” He pointed to his Lord of the Rings shirt. “Aren’t all spells done in a cauldron?”

She turned back to the stove and stirred something in a pot for a moment before asking, “How long have we known each other?”

“I imagine you’re going to say ‘long enough’.”

“Right. I’m not some wicked witch out of a movie. There are no cauldrons. I’ve got an orange tom cat with a torn ear, not a touch of black on him.” The microwave beeped, and she went over to it, removing a blue plastic container with steam rising from it. “Oh, and I don’t have any warts.”

Jerry wrinkled his nose at the stench coming from the container. “What’s in that?”

“Oh, you know, a little eye of newt, toe of wolf, yadda, yadda.” She waltzed to the stove, pouring the contents of the microwaved container into the pot. A puff of smoke wafted up then sucked back down into it.

“I can tell you’re kidding.”

She shot him a look over her shoulder, wiggled her hips one more time, and reached into her pocket, pulling out a tiny plastic packet. He watched as she tilted it over her hand and dumped something into it. He couldn’t see anything, but she held it up to her nose, took a deep breath, then opened her hand over the pot.

Instantly, the viscous liquid in the pot began to bubble. Steam filled the room. Jerry coughed as the thickened air crawled into his throat and tickled his lungs. When it cleared, the pot was empty.

“What now?” he asked.

“Now? We wait for them to rise. This is a Halloween this town will never forget.”

Outside, a rumbling began. The house shook. A loud crack sounded, and Jerry nearly lost his footing.

A fat orange tom cat entered the room, strode over to Izabetta, and wrapped itself through her legs. She reached down to pick him up. Straightening, she looked at Jerry.

“You’re first,” she said with a smile.

“I’m wha--?”

Something grabbed him from behind with an icy cold grip. He could feel his skin tearing where it held. Pain filled his head, as if his insides were being sucked through his ears. Tunnel vision narrowed his sight.

Izabetta sauntered up to him, watching as he tried to fight back. 

“One soul to lead them all,” she said. “I figure you of all people can appreciate that.”

Nothing like dying to a bad pun, he thought, as everything went black.

*****
So cool, Shannon!

Poor Jerry's had another bad day! :)

Thank you so much for participating!

Now to introduce

THE BLUE MIST!

Comment and win a copy of Shannon's book!
*****
Shannon has a story The Blue Mist
in THE DEEP DARK WOODS anthology
to be released this October.

In the Deep Dark Woods...fear abounds. It may be creatures that only you can see, or the fevered imagination of your nightmares. Perhaps these monsters are the ones that bite and claw, or the ones that come out of the grave.  No matter what, when you go walking in the woods at night...

You may not make it back out. 

I have a short story in the collection: The Blue Mist

Website for The Deep, Dark Woods: 

                http://www.christinaescamilla.com/

Shannon's is a fan of all things fantastical and frightening, Shannon Lawrence writes in her dungeon when her minions allow, often accompanied by her familiar, Cleo. She writes primarily horror and fantasy. Her stories can be found in several anthologies and magazines, including Under the Bed,Sanitarium, and the upcoming anthology, The Deep Dark Woods. 

When she's not writing, she's hiking through the wilds of Colorado and photographing her magnificent surroundings. Though she often misses the ocean, the majestic and rugged Rockies are a sight she could never part with. Besides, in Colorado there's always a place to hide a body or birth a monster. What more could she ask for?

Find Shannon at www.thewarriormuse.com.

*****

Have you signed up for the WEP Flash Fiction Challenge

Sign-ups are open!

Youthful Frights vs. Adult Fears

What's your scary story?

*****


CONGRATULATIONS

ALEX J CAVANAUGH

YOU'VE WON A COPY OF

THE DEEP DARK WOODS!

OF BLOOD & SORROW

MY SECOND VICTIM THIS HALLOWEEN is

CHRISTINE RAINS

And it's her birthday!

Happy Birthday, Christine!

Thanks for agreeing to be part of the fun.

Without further ado here is Christine's

Halloween Interview & Flash Fiction Challenge

1.      You're born on Halloween and have the ghostly evil super powers of one of the following: The Ghost from Poltergeist, The Frankenstein Monster, The Mummy, The most Evil of Witches, The Devil himself, Freddy Kruger, Pumpkin Head, Michael from Halloween, or Jason from Friday the 13^th. Alternatively, if you prefer, pick one of your own. Otherwise, tell us which one you would choose and why? No friendly ghosts allowed! You're to wreak havoc in this scenario!

I would have the powers of the most evil of witches. I have the bump in my nose and the mole. I should get the powers to go along with it! Witches look just like the every day person. I'd blend in and none would suspect a timid woman of such awesomely wicked deeds!

2.    The Zombie Apocalypse is going to occur this Halloween and for 48 hours, the world is thrown into chaos. Live through it and consider yourself lucky, you've been warned. What is your first step, especially as no one else knows or believes you? Do you leave family behind and seek shelter to ride it out, or do you try to save your family? How and why?

I would save my family, of course. I must have a child to pass on my awesome witchy powers to! Real zombies are slow and I have a strong stomach. Chop, chop, chop! I'd find us a secure place with lots of food stuff to hold up like a school cafeteria. The most frightening part of this question is that I have thought about it before and made a plan!

3.    Because of the time of your birth, (see the 1^st question) the angels have decided to forgive your sins and are offering to remedy one evil that now exists in the world, but only one! Which would you choose and why?

I don't know if this counts as one, but I'm making it one because the angels won't argue with me about it: crimes against children. No person may ever commit any horrible act upon a child ever again. How much better would our world be if our children were truly cared for and safe? Then imagine those children growing up and what wonderful things they would do without the weight of childhood horrors upon them.

4.    Why is Halloween your favorite holiday, or not your favorite, and if it isn't why did you participate in this query? Come on; tell us your biggest most secret Halloween fantasy!

Halloween is absolutely my favorite holiday. I love dressing up, and even more so, I love seeing other people in costume. The one day of the year where we can haunt our neighbors and run alongside our supernatural friends in the dark. My biggest Halloween fantasy is to have my whole family wear themed costumes. But too bad my husband has no interest. He's the Scrooge of Halloween! Can I zap him with my witchy powers?

  Now the fun part: Finish the story. I've given you the first 100 words. Provide us with the rest, but please hold the number to 750 words or less. The winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. The contest will be judged by author, Nancy Lynn Jarvis. The winner will be posted on Halloween!

DESPERATION HOLLER

Jerry sauntered along Desperation Holler Road that earlier echoed with the excited shouts of ghosts and ghouls as the children scrambled from house to house in colorful and frightening costumes.

Dusk dissolved into the blackest of nights as the little monsters disappeared into the shelter of the brightly lit houses with their chocolate goodies.

Jerry smiled, even suppressed laughter, because he knew there was no refuge, not in Desperation Holler on this most evil of Halloweens.

Concealed by the dark limbs of deformed trees and invasive ivy, the innocuous little cabin looked abandoned, but Jerry knew better. 

The witches' abode . . . never changing. The roof sagged as if a giant had sat upon it and fetid fungus grew between the poorly stacked logs. Home.

Jerry pushed open the front door and strode in. “Hello Mom! I'm back.”

A tiny flame flickered in the darkness followed by a dozen more. A squat woman with tangled red hair and a long dress made of skins rushed forward. She hugged him around the middle. “My boy! So happy you came. So happy... What happened? You looked wretched. Too clean.”

Chuckling, Jerry gave his mother a squeeze and gestured to his clothes. “What these? Clothes of the mundanes. Thought I'd dress up as one of them tonight.”

His mother cackled and a raspier laugh joined in. A second woman shuffled out of the shadows to embrace Jerry. “You always make me laugh, darling. We miss you.”

“Nana.” Jerry hugged her and swung her around like a child. Her frizzy white hair tickled his chin. “I miss you too. But there is so much misery to make in the world. This town is too small for me.”

“Not tonight, though, eh?” Nana coughed and flicked her hand to the great stone fireplace. A roaring fire ignited, heating the contents of the cauldron. The witches hurried to gather ingredients from a nearby table.

“I couldn't miss tonight. Not this Halloween.” Jerry rubbed his hands together and knelt before the fire. All those children thinking the monsters were just make-believe. Tonight they would learn otherwise.

“We counted on it.” His mother raised a cast iron pan and smashed it down upon Jerry's head. A sickening crunch was followed by a meaty thud as he toppled over to the floor. She nudged him with her toe to make certain he was dead. “He's too clean.”

“Don't matter. Rub some grave soil and spider venom on him if you want. It'll be all the same when we cut him up and put him in the pot.” Nana handed her daughter a butcher knife. “Our desperate soul.”

“So desperate to wreak evil, to please us, and yet never quite making it. I blame his father. He tasted too much like chicken.” Jerry's mother sighed. “At least he's good for something. Tonight his soul will release the fiends that will bring living nightmares to Desperation Holler.”

“Stop yakking and start cutting.”  

*****
CHECK OUT CHRISTINE'S LATEST!

Blurb:

Erin Driscol works the perfect job consoling fellow demons by feeding off their grief at Putzkammer & Sons Funeral Home.

When fledgling vampire Nicolas Reese comes to Erin for help, she learns the truth behind the legends and hides him from his sire and the vampire hunters who seek him. But when the Putzkammers begin to die one by one, Erin is caught between her act of kindness and the need to save her adopted family. Only by facing her own personal demons can she stop the slaughter and still rescue Nicolas from his dark fate. 

*****

Christine is a writer, geek mom, and ghost hunter wannabe. She grew up in a tiny, creaky house beside a cemetery. She spent her days playing amongst the gravestones and battling the closet monster at night. When her little monster is in school, she hides in her cave writing. She's a proud member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. She has one novel and several novellas and short stories published. Find out more about Christine at http://christinerains.net/

THANKS, CHRISTINE!

Excellent answers and what a

great flash - Poor Jerry!

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Of Blood & Sorrow!

*****

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