Fall Writing Frenzy

I am very excited to participate in the 2023 Fall Writing Frenzy contest. Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez hosts this contest annually for writers to connect, get inspired and grow as writers.

The task: choose a photo (from options selected by Kaitlin) and write a 200 word or less story about it. It can be any genre, for any kidlit age, board book through young adult.

I chose this image:

Photo by Charles Parker on Pexels.com

Crispy air, crunchy leaves

The girls watched out the window of their classroom as the yellow and red leaves floated through the blue sky and fell to the ground, itchy with anticipation. They couldn’t wait until the bell rang and they were free.

After what felt like hours, but was really twelve minutes, they heard the loud shrill of the bell. It was finally time. 

They grabbed their plaid jackets and backpacks and rushed into the autumn air, scooping up leaves as they ran. Throwing a few up into the clouds, trying to catch them as they came back down. Landing in their hair, sticking to their shirts and dresses. 

Friends joined in and the pile grew and grew. Finally, it was ready. The flame-colored pile, as big as a mountain, beckoned them. 

The girls held hands and began a countdown. Five. Four. Three. Two. One. GO! 

They ran toward the mountain as fast as they could, took a deep breath of crisp air, and jumped. All they could hear was the crinkle, crunch of the leaves and their own giggles. 

Crispy air. Crunchy leaves. Fall magic.