Unleashing Creativity: Dictionary.com's Annual Horror Story Contest Returns This Halloween

With Halloween knocking at the door, excitement is in the air as pumpkins are carved, costumes readied, and eerie decorations adorn homes. This year, Dictionary.com doesn’t just celebrate the spooky season; it ignites the creative spirits of writers with its fifth annual Haunting Hooks horror story contest. Each year this event draws in a plethora of storytelling enthusiasts, eager to display their talent to the world.

The premise is simple yet thrilling: participants are invited to compose an original opening for a horror story, with a twist; submissions can be no more than 50 words. The theme for this year? The perplexing world of cursed objects. Contestants are encouraged to delve into the chilling tales that surround these mythical items, from cursed mirrors to haunted heirlooms, demanding that every word captivates and intrigues from the get-go.

Dictionary.com has assembled an impressive panel of judges to evaluate the entries, with this year's guest judge being none other than New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron. Known for her gripping young adult fantasy and horror novels such as Cinderella Is Dead, This Poison Heart, and You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight, Bayron brings her expert eye for suspense to the judging table. “I love a good scary story! Judging this year's competition was a blast,” she remarked. The challenge to evoke thrills in just 50 words showcases the creativity and ingenuity inherent in horror storytelling.

This year's contest received a vibrant response, with participants conjuring up spine-chilling story starters that delve deep into the realms of fear and the unknown. Each entry had to vividly encapsulate an unsettling atmosphere within the tight confines of just 50 words. Those who dare to submit unleash narratives that entice readers and take them on a haunting journey right from the first line.

The competition was fierce, featuring hundreds of entries that showcased a diverse array of terrifying ideas. Ultimately, two stories emerged as standouts. The judge's choice winner, Taylor Mims, crafted a haunting narrative about a mirror shrouded in mystery. Her chilling opening line revealed a mirror wrapped in colorless newspaper with the ominous headline reading, “Family of Five Vanished.” As the story unfolds, eerie fingerprints appear on the glass, suggesting that perhaps, this mirror is more than just a reflective surface.

Alongside Mims, Tim Aney claimed the fans’ choice award with a terrifying tale that offers a unique perspective—a literal out-of-body experience. Aney’s gripping opener, “Through porcelain eyes, I watch the body, which used to be mine, walk away…” immerses readers in a nightmarish world that raises the stakes in the story as danger looms ever closer.

Both winners received enticing prizes—the judge's choice took home a signed copy of Kalynn Bayron's latest book, Make Me a Monster, along with a $100 Amazon gift card and exclusive Dictionary.com merchandise, while the fans’ choice winner received a $50 gift card and branded merchandise.

As the spooky season approaches, the Haunting Hooks contest highlights the importance of storytelling and the power of language in evoking emotions and connecting with others. “It’s heartwarming to witness the participation and creativity from our community,” remarks Steve Johnson, PhD, Director of Lexicography at IXL Learning. “Every year, the passion our participants show for crafting scary stories reaffirms the power of words.”

For those looking for inspiration, Dictionary.com offers insights about the eerie words often featured in horror stories, helping aspiring writers gather the courage to pen their tales of terror. This Halloween, as the spectral stories unfold, remember that in the realm of horror, a few careful words can change everything. For more information and to experience the current winning entries, head over to Dictionary.com and find your own inspiration to write the next great horror story.