It’s contest time again!
This particular contest holds a special place in my heart because this is the contest that brought my critique group together ONE YEAR AGO! Last year, we dubbed ourselves The Frenzy Friends in honor of the Fall Writing Frenzy contest that brought us together, and the name has stuck.
It’s hard to believe we’ve been together for a year already, but on the other hand, these special ladies have become great friends and I feel like I’ve known them forever. 🥰
So, for the Fall Writing Frenzy contest, we were given some fall pics to choose from as our writing prompts. Our stories can’t go over 200 words. But, other than that, there aren’t many rules. We can write funny, spooky, scary, dark—basically, whatever we think about when we look at the picture.
Read more about the Fall Writing Frenzy contest here.
I usually write picture books. But, for my contest entry this year, I went for a darker mood piece that definitely has a more middle-grade vibe. And then I decided, what the heck, I’ll make it interesting and write it in haiku.🤓
Here is the pic I chose, and my story is below. Enjoy! 🍁
MISS ANNABELLE:
A Haiku
By Jessica Hinrichs
196 words
I was ten years old the day Miss Annabelle died. She was my neighbor. My very best friend. Closest thing I’d ever had to a grandparent. She made the best tea this side of Mississippi. Tea and biscuits, both. When Mama told me, my heart felt like it shattered. Grief-stricken, I cried. A deluge of tears. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t speak. Pain unparalleled. A few days later, we walked to the funeral, somber and solemn. Leaves crunched beneath us. An earthy scent lingered, like ashes to ashes. The white church stood out against the vibrant backdrop of orange, gold, yellow. How beautiful, and how odd to notice beauty in the midst of grief. And those bells. Those bells. The ethereal chiming. Still now, it haunts me. A sorrowful song, bidding eternal peace, and a final goodbye. I’ve tried to forget. But, when I hear church bells, or see the autumn leaves, I can’t help but think of that fateful day she left. I miss my sweet friend. But, Miss Annabelle has been gone for two years now. Two heartbreaking years. So, why? I ask, why? Why is she sitting on my front porch swing right now?
Jessica Hinrichs 
I loooove the spooky twist! I’m so impressed you were able to write the whole thing in Haiku! Well done! 👏
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Thanks friend! 🎃
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I had chills while reading, stunning!
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Thank you!!
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Impressive! Every haiku moves the story along beautifully. And that twist!
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Thanks so much!! 🍁
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Jess, this is fantastic! An unusually creative use of haiku.
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks Dad! Love you!
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I LOVE this! The haiku structure is so cool! Love the theme and the voice! I love everything about it! Bravo!
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Thanks, friend! 😘
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Above and beyond, Jessica! Haiku? Wow! Very rude of her to show up unannounced like that, wouldn’t you say?
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Lol, thanks so much!! 🍁
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Oh wow! I was already impressed with the haiku format and evocative images throughout— and then that ending! WOW. I didn’t see it coming. Very nice creepy twist, Jessica!
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Thanks so much, Sarah!! 👻
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Absolutely love it!
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Thanks Mama, love you!
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Brilliant haiku and twist! Well done!
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Thanks so much!! 🍁
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Beautifully written in haiku format. Your word imagery is lovely. I wasn’t anticipating that terrific twist ending! Well done.
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Thank you! 🍁
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I absolutely adore your entry, J! This is definitely some of your best work! The haiku approach and the spooky ending….just love it!
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Thanks so much, friend! 😘
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Fantastic, love the use of Haiku!
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Thanks Audrey! 🍁
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Loved your ending! Great job!
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Thanks so much!!
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This is super strong – love the haiku structure and fantastic twist!
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Thanks!! 🍁👻
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Hi, Jessica! Wow this was beautiful and so spooky. I love the flow of your haiku. I love the voice you used and the emotions you were able to express. Beautiful work and congratulations, Jessica 🥳🎉
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Thank you for those kind words, Kim-Hoa!
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