People brought the freak with October’s Top Scare Flash Fiction contest. Bravo to all participants. Here are a few of my favorite lines:

Gina

When I turned around I saw a pumpkin in front of my feet with the words “You’re Next” carved into its orange skin and the outline of a shadowy figure walking towards me.

Alice

“Pumpkin stew is best with young meat,” the third said as she pinched Jake’s arm.

Joe Tatman

As I sit on the ground in the cornfield with my knees drawn up to my chin and listening to the breeze whispering through the corn, I wondered if Mr. Jenkins had heard me. I wondered if he was even around.

Would it be pumpkins or heads rolling down the hill?

Kathy Palm

Ghostly flames flicker and crackle in the distance. My hands tremble at my chin as the weight of my guilt drives me to my knees.

Amanda Carney

I stared up at the arching double doors with their rusted iron filigree work reminding myself that it was for the pie.

I enjoyed the variety that this location afforded. You all stepped outside the cliche! Remember, even if you’re not Top Scare for October, you could still be Top Scare for November. Keep writing!

This month, prizes go to the top three Top Scares.

First and second runners-up will get a signed bookmark of The Poisoned Emerald by Sarena and Sasha Nanua. Please email societyofmidnight@gmail.com to claim your prize.

1st Runner-Up: Kathy Palm

2nd Runner-Up: Joe Tatman

Top Scare this month, in addition to a personalized web badge, wins a 10 k developmental edit from fantastic editor and author Shen Hart, of The Review Hart.

Congratulations, Amanda! Please email societyofmidnight@gmail.com to claim your prize. Even though it was flash fiction, I loved how Amanda took the time to get me to invest in the protagonist’s motivation. Her dreams became my dreams, turning the dread to terror when I got to the ending!

The November Contest

Post to the comments section below a piece of flash fiction (700 words or fewer) about the seemingly benign noun of the month. This month’s benign noun is a firefighter.

Here are some images that could get you thinking, but you are not required to use them:

Let’s turn up the heat!