Halloween – a tradition that began as the festival of the dead. Today we generally associate it with the more sinister types of ghosts and ghouls and other monstrous beings, but historically it was as much a time for benign spirits to be active as it was for the malevolent beings to cause mischief. There are links to witchcraft and demons, as well as spirits, and there are even old beliefs of fairies stealing away children at this time of year!
There’s also plenty to delve into around lesser-known pagan traditions from the times when the night was known as Samhain, which included setting an extra place at the table for the spirits of loved ones and lighting bonfires to ward off evil spirits. Samhain was also believed to last from dusk on the 31st October to dusk on the 1st November. Some say this is the time when the veil between worlds thins, making it easier for spirits to cross into the earthly realm.
Supernatural doesn’t necessarily have to mean dark or horror, of course; maybe your spirits are friendly ghosts or your monster is a comical character scared of his own shadow.
The Workshop
Using the theme of Halloween, either write about modern day celebrations (i.e. a Halloween party, or kids Trick or Treating) or write about something more supernatural. Make it as gruesome or as light-hearted as you like and let your imagination run wild.
Nick Stead – October 2025
“Halloween is Coming” by Muffet is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Huddersfield Authors Circle 
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