Fall Writing Frenzy '25

It's October 1st!

I wished my mother-in-law a happy birthday and said "rabbit rabbit", so it's destined to be a good month!

It's also the first day to enter the Fall Writing Frenzy. I usually tend towards YA with this contest, but this year I wrote for the PB crowd.

A quick summary if you're new to the contest:

The Fall Writing Frenzy is a challenge hosted by Kaitlyn Sanchez, Lydia Lukidis, and Aixa Pérez-Prado to write a 200-word (or less) story inspired by one of 13 seasonal photos.

As I was feeling appley... and witchy, I chose photo #11. Please enjoy my questionable orchard story.

Credit: Freepik via Alexdon24

Gretchen's (Definitely Not Poisoned) Apples

(WC 199)

Ah! Apple picking season. When the air is crisp and the best apples are honey crisp. There are lots of orchards to choose from. There’s Douglas Farm, and Tasty Farm, and Steel Boots Farm.

No one visits Gretechen’s Farm.

That’s because she’s a witch, and her apples are poisoned.

“They are not!” Gretchen shrieks.

You see, Gretchen did not deny that she is a witch. That’s just as good as admitting she is a witch. And what is the one thing everyone knows about witches? 

It’s not the thing about broomsticks. 

No, not the thing about pointy hats. 

No, not the black cat thing either. 

Everyone knows that witches poison apples. 

So do not eat the apples on Gretchen’s Farm because they are poisoned.

“They are not!” Gretchen shrieks.

Look at this lovely flannel-wearing family ready for their first apple picking adventure.

Oh no.

They’ve just passed Steel Boots Farm. They are headed for Gretchen’s! 

Stop them! The apples are poisoned!

“They are not!” Gretchen shrieks. “I’ll show you.”

CRRRUNCH.

THUD.

Oh dear. It looks like Gretchen has fainted. Well, that is too bad. She should not have eaten apples she knew were poisoned. I warned everyone, didn’t I?