By Melissa Stoller
Pumpkins are everywhere! From pumpkin picking to pumpkin-spiced lattes and spooky pumpkin carvings, it is the season to enjoy this tasty treat. And there are many other ideas and activities also associated with October.
Here are a few seasonal prompts to help you make the most of your writing time this fall:
1. Think about your childhood and remember times where pumpkins featured prominently. Do you recall pumpkin picking? Or maybe you planned pumpkin-related adventures with family or friends. Choose one moment and write a few lines about the feelings associated with that experience.
2. What other fall treats do you enjoy? Apple picking? Making candy apples or apple crisps? Write about a scene in an apple orchard or anywhere else that reminds you of a favorite fall activity or treat.
3. Do you associate the fall with other types of adventures such as trips to watch the leaves change colors? Choose one special type of leaf or tree, or a fall color, and write a story that incorporates those images.
4. Of course, for those who celebrate Halloween, there are many ideas that can surface. Choose your favorite Halloween image and write a title, a line, or a story surrounding the holiday.
I hope these seasonal prompts help you fall into October ideas. Let me know in the comments!
MELISSA’S BIO:
Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. Her newest picture book, Hazel and Mabel: Two Hearts Apart, illustrated by Anita Bagdi, releases from Gnome Road Publishing in Fall 2025. Melissa is also the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection – Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush; Ready, Set, GOrilla!; Sadie’s Shabbat Stories; Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom; and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written). Melissa is a Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Rate Your Story Judge, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, a Book Meshuggenahs member, a Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Advisory Council member, and a past school and Synagogue Trustee. She also interviews authors and offers resources on her blog. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer/editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and Central Park walks. Melissa is represented by Jonathan Rosen at The Seymour Agency.
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