by Courtney Burns | Oct 24, 2013 | Story Contest, Timpanogos
I tried to warn them, but they came anyway, all 24 contestants came and told their scary stories during the preliminary round. All seemed to be going well; no sign of danger anywhere. The stories were creative and fantastic. The judges and I agreed that time was flying by and we were entertained as was the audience. Then we heard a rushing sound coming from the north side of the room as the giant mass of red goo swept through the Storytelling Wing of the Orem Public Library like a flash flood. What was I supposed to do? I had no weapons? It’s not like I had time to call a chemist or biology teacher to find out what I could use to dissolve a giant gelatinous amoeba.
It took them, it took them all. It took all of the contestants and then smashed out the south door. I just watched helplessly as they disappeared. I should have done my homework to protect them; but now it was too late. Wait! It didn’t take them all! I could see nine contestants still standing. They were marked with red stains across their faces that said, “Scary”. That’s it! Their stories were scary enough to scare the monster away!
Ryan Bell
Steve Gashler
Ginger Parkinson
Adam Broud
Hannah Dunaway
Vance Mellen
Daniel Bishop
Teresa Gashler
David Bullock
All of these were spooky enough to ward off the ooze. I’d better follow the slime trail and see if I can tell the others the secret of how to save themselves.
(note: Adam Ashton had previously qualified for the final round but has gone missing under some very mysterious and slimy circumstances.)
If you missed it: Encounter at the Library pt. 1
by Courtney Burns | Sep 19, 2013 | Story Contest, Timpanogos
With the temperatures (finally!) starting to creep slowly down the thermometer, my thoughts are increasingly turning toward my very favorite season: fall. With sweaters, hot chocolate, all things pumpkin flavored, leaves changing colors, crisp air, boots, soup, and football, what is not to love about this season?
And with Halloween just around the corner (as the local grocery store is going through great pains to remind me), fall also just happens to be the time of year that my entertainment choices also start getting creepier.
From books—I’ve got two books sitting on my nightstand and both have the word poison in the titles—to movies—Wait Until Dark with Audrey Hepburn, anyone?—I am looking for a bit of spine tingling fun. Not too much of a spine tingle, mind you, since I do want to sleep at night. I just want something deliciously creepy, if you know what I mean.
Well, if you feel the same, Timpanogos Storytelling has one more thing to add to your fall must-do list: Hauntings, a brand new competition for scary stories! Whether you are interested in participating as a storyteller or just need a good scare, we have you covered this year.
Up first is the audition on Saturday, September 28 from 10‑2 pm. If you have a great spooky tale for us, or know someone who does, you can download our registration form online and take it in to the Orem Public Library to pay the $5 registration fee. You will then be contacted with a specific time slot.
Interested in a bit more information? Here you go:
There will be no separate divisions for youth and adults, but youth ages 12 and older are welcome to compete (and judging by our Liar’s Contest, the youth in this area can bring it!) Your story should be no longer than 10 minutes and should be spooky but not gratuitously violent or gory. We are recommending an audience age of 12+ so keep that in mind as you craft your stories (as in, we are looking to be scared and are warning our audiences to leave the littles at home).
Once the auditions are complete, the general public is invited to attend the finals of the Contest to be held Monday, October 28 at 7 pm at the Orem Public Library—don’t worry we’ll talk more about this next month!
More information on both events can be found under the events portion of our website.