What’s better than a good scare? How about sharing your own frightful creation with others, and using your creativity to raise the hairs on someone’s neck? Or making someone hold their breath in suspense of what’s coming next? 

We know this city is full of creative people of all ages, containing multitudes of talents. Whether you consider yourself a writer or not, we ask that you channel your imaginative prowess to try and scare your fellow neighbors for our scary story contest! 

From now through Oct. 27, we’ll be accepting submissions for spooky stories and publishing them online. At the end of the month, we’ll publish our favorites in our Halloween print issue in two separate categories: youth ages 0-18 and adults 18 and older. 

For adults who submit a story, you’ll be entered for the chance to win two tickets to the Long Beach Playhouse. Their current show is a modern adaptation of “Night of the Living Dead,” playing through Oct. 17, followed by a comedy of ghostly charms, “BLITHE SPIRIT,” running from Oct. 31 to Nov. 28. 

Those 18 and younger who enter a story will be entered for the chance to win a $25 gift card to Big E’s, where they can enjoy delicious pizza, pasta and sandwiches with their family or friends. 

If writing isn’t your thing, we are also accepting submissions for Halloween and fall-themed photographs throughout the month. 

We sincerely look forward to reading your creepiest concoctions! 

A plastic skeleton handles the controls of a Nanchang CJ-6 plane on display at the Long Beach Festival of Flight on Nov. 6, 2021. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Rules for entering: 

Must live in Long Beach or Signal Hill 

Any submissions found to be using AI will be disqualified and not published

Please keep stories under 1,000 words

Must be an original work from your own mind; no plagiarizing

Must be able to respond to simple edits regarding grammar before publication 

Please refrain from using racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or prejudiced language

How to enter: 

Email your submission to Newspaper@SignalTribune.com by Oct. 27 at 11:59 p.m. 

Include the subject line SCARY STORY 

Include your full name and age, as well as your neighborhood if you feel comfortable doing so 

Please include a phone number or email address preferred for contacting you if edits are necessary. We will also need to contact you if you win a prize and to approve the art to accompany your story.