Welcome to our 2019 $500 Halloween Horror 50 Word Story Contest. Yes, that’s right. It’s already here. Every year we run our contests, and those of you who have been frequent readers, this is what you’ve been waiting for.
First we will be doing a print issue! We will be doing 2 print issues, and we will pick entries from this contest to be in our issue. If you had a 50 word story designated to be in our print issue, from a past contest, please contact us.
Second, we will be giving out a $500 reward for the best 50 word horror story. This is not easy for us. Every Writer is not doing as well as it did in the past, but we want your stories. I believe writers should get paid for their work. I wish we could pay all of our writers, but it’s just impossible. So $500 for 50 words, I think is a unique and valuable statement to our readers. Ten dollars a word is what all writers really deserve.
So here are the rules:
• Story must be scary
• Story must be 50 words
• Story must be original and your own
• Story may not be published elsewhere
• Story must have a title (does NOT count in word count)
• Deadline is October 25, 2019
• Enter as many times as you want
• Story must be written in the comments below!
• Be nice or be disqualified
I love these stories. This is one of favorite traditions of Every Writer. I look forward to this every year, and this year I have extended the time we are going to spend with the contest.
The winners will:
• Be announced on October 31, 2019
• Will get $500
• Will be published in our digital and print issue.
• Will get an author page on our site
There is no entry fee for this contest. It would help us out greatly if you would donate 1$ or more, if you can, to help out the site. We would really appreciate it. A donation will not be considered in the deciding this contest.
If you want to keep up with me on Twitter, please follow me at @everywriter, I follow back all writers.
Good luck, and let the writing begin.
HERE IS THE WINNER
I have picked 4 stories. They all have times and days on them. If the winner does not respond by Friday 11/22/19 the money will go to the next story on the list. Here are the top 4 stories in order. ONLY OUR 1st PLACE WINNER gets the $500. Also, so this insanity never happens again, the winner will be invited back next year to be one of the judges.
WINNER 1st Place:
Kit Steward 10/13/19 5:20 pm
THE MIDNIGHT INCUBATOR
She heard mushy sounds for days and suffered from unbearable itchiness.
A doctor’s visit revealed earwig pupae nesting in her ear canal, it was flushed out.
Later, weary from stress, she crawled into bed.
That night while she slept, the creature returned.
And finding the eggs missing, it laid more.
2nd Place:
Elizabeth Lee 09/24/19 4:36 pm
Secondhand Doll
She didn’t want a secondhand doll so she flung it across the room. Porcelain cracked against the wall. Her mom made her glue the pieces back together. A thin shard sliced her hand, baptizing the doll in her hateful blood. The secondhand doll decided she didn’t want an ungrateful child.
3rd Place:
Alexander Daley Escobedo 10/25/19 3:38pm
Heirloom
We Buried my brother today. Suicide. He thought something evil was haunting him. He’d been medicated, institutionalized, shocked and secluded. He found his own way out. I wish I could tell him I’m sorry. Or had listened more closely. Because, when I got home, it was on my couch. Laughing.
4th place:
JB 10/25/19 8:12pm
TITLE: RESEVOIR
We should have known something was wrong when we first tasted the water. It was a little brown, but no more than usual in this apartment complex.
We kept drinking it until it turned black.
When they opened the water tank, they found the bloated, rotting corpse of my neighbor.
We usually always contact the winners first, but after all the trouble, we are opening up the process. I am again, very sorry for how late this is. I did not expect 4000 stories. Next year I will be ready.
After a family member’s phone number was posted in this thread, I have set comments to be held for moderation. If you post a comment, I will see it, but it will not appear until approved. Enough is enough. I will send the money to the winners. At this time, if you want to contact me, email. I have reported what I consider a threat to the authorities.
Everyone was sitting down for dinner, but they soon pass out from the candles aroma. All except the man who took a preventative pill. While everyone was out, he tied the men to beds in separate rooms and took his companion to the guest house laying her in the bed.
ATONEMENT
One cut for telling lies.
One cut for leaving the faucet running.
One cut for the overdue library book.
One cut for yelling at her little sister.
One cut for not finishing dinner.
Tears and blood streamed down her thighs, staining her knee socks.
Mama carefully wiped the blade clean.
JANUARY 8, 2018
Swaddled in blankets, the sleeping baby felt warm in her hands. Fresh snow crunched under her boots as she trudged into the forest behind the house. The baby was colicky for over a week, a sure sign he had been switched. She hoped the snowy night wouldn’t deter the changelings.
HUNGRY
“Baby, you smell so good,” she purred, “I could eat you with a knife and fork.”
It was a figure of speech– she never needed utensils to get the job one.
His aroma was a mixture of desire and fear, a delectable combination. She redoubled her grip around his neck.
Really enjoyed this ‘delicious’ story 😉
A NIGHT AT D. SHI’S RESTAURANT
It was a pleasant night out when the music . . . turned. Staccatos became muddled, the chords all one.
The pianist looked around. Those eyes . . .
Suddenly something snapped and everything was as before. But when I blinked, I saw them:
Those same eyes, staring at me.
SKULLS
“One, two, three, four…”
I was holding a bracelet strung with ceramic skulls. I was counting them.
“Five.”
No one was there when I found them.
“Six.”
So I took them.
“Seven.”
I strung them, and now I wear them every day.
“Eight.”
After all—
“Nine.”
—no one was there.
I stared at Paimon across the counter. A red haired woman was chained below him.
“You must serve me!” Paimon demanded. He threw a chain around me. Death entered me.
“You do not scare me!” I cried
“Sir.. please pay me.” The cashier demanded.
I laughed. Maybe, I’ve gone insane.
THE RISEN SEA
Spells. Wading through the abandoned library, the creature gliding after her. Spells. Decaying fish smells. In the occult section climbing shelves, the creature snapping at her heels. Spells. Blood dissolving in swirling pools. Spell book – the charm she needs as it gorges on her legs. Missing pages. Torn out. Screams.
NOT YOUR MOTHER’S GOD
I am GOD. I have nothing to do but study you- observing everything, including your thoughts. And I’m judging you. I am obsessed with vengeance. And with you. I’ve seen everything you’ve done. Pray for a long life. But remember you’re praying to me. My teeth are stained in blood.
The Dead Came to Fix the Car.
The driver very angrily said, “Anybody come in contact with my car, dead or alive they coming back and fix it.” Three months after an accident in which the victim died, the disembodied voice said to him,”I’m sorry for taking so long. I’m here now.”
The Silk Cotton Tree.
“We’re eighteen. We can do whatever we want now.”
“That was for our protection.”
“Go back home chicken. I’m going to see that silk cotton tree.”
He traversed the tree thinking what to do next. Jimmy watched as a door opened and his friend got swallowed up by the tree.
Last Visit
She repeated the one sentence every day. “I want to see my son.” But he never visited since he bought his mansion a few years ago. Then she died. Son came for funeral. With all mourners gathered around the coffin she opened her eyes and looked at her son.
OOZE!
He began to feel himself melt. He lay down, but the melting continued: He first felt his toes and feet, then, his legs, his torso. Then his face, his eyes, and finally his brain itself was oozing out. His solid body, flesh and bone, had become one with the earth.
SHE LIVED ON THE 4TH FLOOR
We played together everyday. Me, and the girl who lived on the 4th floor. When we moved out, she promised that she’d find me one day.
Years later, I asked my mother about her. She laughed. “No silly, that apartment never had a 4th floor.”
CLAUSTROPHOBIA
I feel the weight of the mountain, pinning me like a bug. Each breath I take is stillborn, dashed on jagged rock. They start to come faster.
I inch forwards. I claw, thrash, squeeze—I’m free. I draw hungrily from the regulator, kick out my fins—CLUNK. The tank catches.
I’M READY
They gather around, smiling. My reluctance cannot be overstated. Before me is a prone body, motionless and warm. My body’s transition is complete and my teeth are razor sharp. Even though I feel anxious, I’m ready. I’m urged forward and take my first bite. I immediately discover I want more.
GAME REVIEW
“You think you beat me?”
Another average game was trying to be meta. Bored, Jim started typing. A loud screech. He frowned and turned off the speakers. Closed games should stay that way. He finished the review: one star.
Soft laughter from behind was the last thing he ever heard.
GAME REVIEW
“You think you beat me?”
Another average game was trying to be meta. Bored, Jim started typing his review. A screech. He frowned and turned off the speakers. Closed games should stay that way. He finished the review: one star.
Soft laughter from behind was the last he ever heard.
Sorry for the double post. Tried to delete this one.
Cora’s chili
The festival was packed with tourists. she smiles; it was the only thing she looked forward to during the summer. She served heaping bowls full of her recipe as people crowded around her booth. “Oh my goodness Cora; this is hot, but delicious … what kind of meat is this!” Cora smiled and replied.
“Oh my dear, its an Ancient family secret!” her smile grew eerie as she watched the woman eat another mouthful … Cora glanced down, then calmly reached into her apron wiping away the specks of blood she’d forgotten on her fingers.
The Spear
He ripped her dress from her shoulders just as he through her down into the basement. He was going to beat her dead this time. She felt it, she jumped to her feet quickly realizing her ankle wasn’t cooperating.
He was stomping down the steps, so she turned to grab anything for a weapon. She spun around; he ran right into her, his hands grasped his throat where the spear he purchased to whip her with was embedded deep in his skull.
She smiled as his eyes widened “look at that, it came in handy after all!” …. she climbed the steps finally free
IT IS ME
When it’s dark my shadow detaches from me. Like tearing out a notebook page. It’s free to wander and take any shape. It’s a hand shadow artist, but the shadows have substance. It does my bidding. It seeks my vengeance. It dispatches my enemies. I am it. It is me.
THE FOREST’S EDGE
(A found note) I write to warn you as I was warned – don’t go to the forest’s edge! I was warned that if the north winds begins to blow cold and suddenly shift east, I should run. This has happened. I hear them coming. Howling. Raging. Ghastly. I see th
CREEP
She’s stiff and still as she lies in bed, but he can sense she’s wide awake.
The light’s out, he no longer has to hide in the shadows.
Slowly, carefully, he steps onto the bed, climbing on top of her.
He caresses her cheek with one of his hairy legs.
Nobody’s Home
“The lights are off,” I whine. Gracie sprints to the door and repeatedly rings the bell.
“Trick or treat!” She howls.
In a blink, the door swings open, and Gracie is dragged inside without a sound. The door slams shut.
I race to the porch, grab her candy, and run.
This is really one of my favorites. Great scene setting and a startling ending with a dash of humor (at least for me). Nice job.
Should have Done the Math
“Your turn.” The bloody knife quakes in my hand. Searing pain as I chop off my left middle finger. He’s ashen, sweating. Our toes went first. He can’t hold the gun if he chops off another left finger. The cleaver is in his right hand. He studies his left ankle.
NIGHT DIVE
Green dots mean eyes. That’s what he told me.
I exhale through the regulator and the bubbles escape up towards the surface.
My torch-light disappears into black, but I feel a large presence disturbing the water.
Suddenly, a reflection.
Two green dots, growing further and further and further apart.
Hello all! I just want to let you know, if you sign up for the site, you can track your comments and article submissions under your profile. This helps us a lot! A couple years ago we had someone win one of our contests, and they used a fake email!!! It took us forever to track the person down. People were calling for our heads. If you sign up, make a profile, it will be very easy for us to find your contact information.
Intruder
I’ve been sitting for three days, having taken this bloody dare, staring into the mirror at the fool staring back. The moon throws slats of light through the blinds, bathing the room in aquarium stillness. I’m certain I haven’t moved, when the face in the mirror blinks twice and grins.
I like this one. Just watched the movie “US” last night, too 🙂 I like your trim use of words and poetic descriptions.
OH WHAT LUCK!
It should have been a crime scene. Two bodies on the dirt road lay in eternal mortal silence. It’s easy to see what happened. A bullet hole in her chest and one in his head. Oh, what luck! They are still warm to the touch. We will eat well tonight.
The sound of distant thunder.
The smell of rain hitting dust.
The chill of concrete and steel chains.
I rub my arms to stay warm. My stomach groans.
The light passing through the bars crosses the mark scratched onto the floor.
She has to come back, right?
She has to.
The title is: The Ache
Doppelganger
Needles pricked the man’s fingertips as warmth slowly returned. “Thought I lost you. Couldn’t see a damn thing in the snow.”
“Just followed the smell,” his friend replied.
The man’s laughter cut short when the cabin door shook. He glanced out the window and saw his half-frozen friend.
If you are posting for our contest, make sure you sign up for our site! In the future our contests will be logged in users only.
Home
He said he loved me before he went out that night. To this day, I can see his back facing the front glass door of our house at night. I’m so afraid. Is it really him? Should I open the door? I want him home. Tonight, I open the door.
The Tub
My eyes flutter open, I’m in my bathtub. I’m floating, stillness. The water is on as it’s running cold. I’m paralyzed with fear as I realize – I can’t move. I huff and try wiggling my toes but to my dismay, I still cannot move. The water rises over my nose.
THE LAST RESORT
As a last resort, we’ve paved the yard to keep them from rising at night. Arriving with the UFO sightings, their population has grown exponentially. With lightning speed they voraciously consume whatever walks on the grass above them. It’s been a week since we paved and already there are cracks.
Great story! My short horror story: The Last Resort is coming out in the next issue of Weirdbook. 🙂 Nice coincidence.
The Epic Burger 2:
“So much blood!” I whimpered. Anna had left me bleeding on the bathroom floor, or was it even Anna anymore?
screams came from a distance. I shoved myself back against the stall frightened she might come back in to finish me off, and closed the door quietly. My eyes began to close; I shook my head violently because I knew I needed to stay awake. Anna had taken a chunk of my palm clean off; she probably would have devoured me, but the echo of laughter that filled the bathroom distracted her from her meal. Her eyes flashed up from me and her body arched in an inhuman way and just like that I was alone. “Christina?” I heard my sisters panic stricken voice; then there was … Silence!
FREEZER
She will just not stay dead. I have killed her five times already. Cut her up into manageable pieces. I can hear her scratching inside. Dull popping creaking sounds. Louder now, more insistent. She sure is persistent. The latch on the freezer pops and clatters onto the floor. Not again!
DON’T GO OUT
John opened the door, ready to confront whatever was tapping at the cabin’s window.
“Don’t go out. It’s dangerous.” the old woman warned in a calm, quiet voice.
“What do you know about it?” he asked, as he headed outside.
“Goodbye.” she said, and added a log to the fire.
Calling all writers! Sign up with Every Writer. We want you to be part of our community!
It is in no way required, but if you register for the site, it will make it easier for us to keep track of your writing, and probably to contact you if you wi
The Epic Burger:
“Yes, Anna and I had one last night” Ramona squealed about the new burger spot that was now the talk of the town. she walked past me with Jarome,
“No way; I’ve been waiting to try it!”
It was delicious Ramona encouraged. I rolled my eyes at how she led him on. Just as I was heading into the girls bathroom; Anna shoved past me running straight to the stall … I could here her hacking.
“Bet it was that Epic burger!” I grumbled. I was washing my hands when I noticed Anna’s breathing started to grow heavy, “Anna, are you ok?” I knocked on the stall door just as it slid open Anna turned with blood shot eyes launching at me with a growl!
I hurt my mom.
When I was four, I shrunk to the size of an ant. I called for my mother, but she could not hear my tiny voice. She stomped carelessly over the carpet and broke all my legs. I stung her foot over and over till it swelled and burst. I’m sorry.
Apprentice
Emma worked her knife over the pumpkin’s flesh, tapered the leering mouth, widened empty eyes. Her stepmother’s features, just so.
She drew the gleaming blade between triangular ears.
A centred candle burst into flame.
“Proof of the killing power,” Master Carver had forewarned.
Soon her father would be hers alone.
BLEEDING OUT: BASED ON A TRUE EVENTS
I applied pressure to my severed wrist. As I propped myself up against the wall splattered with my blood, my mouth became dry, sweat drenched my forehead and body, my vision echoing from darkness to light, and my only concern was to survive long enough to see my dying Grandpa.
BLEEDING OUT: BASED ON A TRUE EVENTS
I applied pressure to my severed wrist. As I propped myself up against the wall splattered with my blood, my mouth became dry, sweat drenchec my forehead and body, my vision echoing from darkness to light, and my only concern was to survive long enough to see my dying Grandpa.
ALFRED
My phone rang. I answered. It was Nellie, she was excited ,talking fast. She was rattling about, “Did you hear what happened to Alfred”? I said no. The phone died. I waited for her call back. In the meantime, Alfred walked towards me, I waved to him, he disappeared.
The Horses at the Ranch
Something had spooked the horses loose. They ran towards the olive tree grove. We ran after them in the thick heavy fog. We were getting closer to them, heard them huffing ahead of us, but then who was running and breathing so heavy behind us.
Please tell me I can edit one of my stories. I forgot the title, and I also put my real name instead of my site name.
“He’s mine,” she said before the final blow. They suspected a burglar, and the quick cremation hid the slow poison in my cheating hubby’s system. Tending my garden I noticed a woman in white at the gate. I turned away and heard, “He’s mine.” When I looked again, she’d vanished.
Hello all, it’s your fearless editor here. I’m sorry there has been some spam on this thread. I am removing it and trying to watch closely. I’ve had to turn off many of our site plugins….changing some of the coding. The site was just too slow. I had to remove the star ratings for comments. I might be able to get them back up and running, but no promises. Please keep leaving stories! I do read them and love reading them. Look for news about our print issue soon.
I keep trying to find this site and keep getting the one that has only one (now two) stories listed. I just posted a story, forgot a title, and also used my real name instead of my site name. I want to know how to change it. It seems to me when I entered before I was able to go back and add titles. Please advise.
HIGHWAY
The highway is not safe. There are things that will consume you in the blink of an eye. Creatures born out of the radio-active scorched earth. They are hungry for human flesh, prowling the area constantly. He saw them on the road from his vantage point up on the hill.