So, I was talking to my friend about the Halloween story and poetry contest and she said something interesting to me. When I asked her if she planned on entering, she said, "Well I can't write scary stories, so most likely not."
I was startled by this response. To this, I replied, "Well, it doesn't have to be scary."
I think a lot of people think when there's a Halloween contest, it has to be scary. However, this is not the case. I explained to my friend that she could write a story or poem about trick or treating, about dressing up, about picking out the costume, about a costume contest they participated in, a costume gone terribly wrong, a particular memory just vaguely associated with Halloween, a significant event that happened around Halloween, an experience with a scary movie or Halloween movie, etc. The possibilities are endless. I remember, during Halloween, when the McDonald's on 25th on Broadway in Bayonne would give out Happy Meal goody bags. I remember, when with one of my ex-girlfriends, we took her little brother to his cub scouts Halloween meeting. I could write a whole story describing this event.
So remember: When you write your story or poem for this contest, think outside the box. It doesn't have to be all ghosts and goblins!
I totally agree with you, I think we need smart marketing on our end... like a different title... something like "Trick or Treat Contest" or have a tagline, "...in the spirit of Halloween..." Not the best examples, but you get the idea...
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