Fall Writing Frenzy

Every year, my critique partners and I look forward to participating in the annual Fall Writing Frenzy contest hosted by literary agent Kaitlyn Sanchez and author Lydia Lukidis. This year, the guest judge will be writer-illustrator Aixa Perez-Prado.

Between October 1 and 3, writers are to submit a 200-word (or less) Fall-themed story for children inspired by a photo prompt provided with the contest entry information.

I love this challenge because it helps me to hone my writing skills by carefully selecting a minimum of words to convey a big idea. Plus, writing about Fall is just one personally rewarding way for me to celebrate my very favorite season.

If you enjoy writing and would like to participate, you can check out the contest details at: https://lydialukidis.wordpress.com/fallwritingfrenzy-2025-rules/

Below is my entry for this year’s contest. I hope you’ll enjoy it.

Happy Fall, ya’ll!

The Parting Glance

By Julie Lerczak                                                                                                  wc:150

I am Summer.

Golden sunlight,

birdsong,

and fragrant petals swaying in the breeze.

Though I long to stay, I must dash down the road,

Autumn is creeping behind me,

wearing its cloak of fog, crawling low.

Its breath chills the air,

turning the leaves red and gold.

I glance back at the coming changes.

“Don’t linger,” the road whispers.

 “Your time here is over … for now.”

Reluctantly, I flee.

Autumn is determined.

It withers the flowers,

shakes acorns from trees, 

and sends songbirds south.

It laughs in crunchy, whirling leaves, taunting

“You know I always win this race.”

The fog closes in,

closer, quieter, colder.

I leap, and vanish into my secret place,

where I hide, rest, and wait…

Months will pass.

Then, one day, the sun will nod to me, saying

“It’s your turn now.”

I will rise, bright, renewed.

And again, I will skip down this road.