Hello, Seekers! October brings crisp leaves, apple cider, and of course, spooktacular decorations. It’s one of the best months of the year, so we wanted to share some of our fall favorites.
Favorite Halloween Symbol
J: Has to be the classic jack o’ lantern. That wicked grin always gives me a thrill.
K: I also love the carved pumpkin, as well as twisted trees and ravens.
Favorite Monsters/Creatures
J: I’m a sucker for vampires (pun very much intended). The craving for blood aside, who doesn’t want to be immortal? And as a ginger, I already share their aversion to sunlight.
K: Vampires and skeletons. They’re classic. Bonus points for dragon skeletons.
Favorite Spooky Character
J: Winifred Sanderson in Hocus Pocus. Bette Midler really outdid herself with that performance. With the exception of Mean Girls, there is no other movie I quote or reference as often.
K: Jack Skellington. From the moment I unbox my decorations (including Jack sitting on a pumpkin) I am humming “This is Halloween”.
Favorite Spell, Potion, or Enchantment
J: Glamor spells have always fascinated me. They tend to vary from one story to another in terms of their usage, limitations, and so on, but they always involve hiding or changing your identity when the circumstances require it. Who hasn’t wished they could be someone else for a little while?
K: I love a good protection spell, keeping unwanted guests out. (Pro tip – do not put out a welcome mat inviting in fae! They are not your friends!)
Favorite Spooky Read
J: I admittedly do not read much in the way of horror or scary stories, but some of the most unsettling content I’ve come across has been in science fiction. One example that comes to mind is Rendezvous with Rama, by Arthur C. Clarke. The sheer scale of everything in that story and the breadth of imagination to conceive it left me feeling like a dust mote compared to the vastness of the cosmos.
K: The last few years I’ve tried to read new (or new to me) releases with a spooky vibe, but I always find time to read Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven. Last year I started Payback’s a Witch and really need to finish it!
Favorite Spooky Movies & TV Shows
J: To avoid repeating myself, I’ll go with It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Few things from my childhood hold more charm or nostalgia than this delightful movie.
K: I used to really enjoy scary movies but have toned it down. This time of year is a good one for me to put on the Resident Evil or Underworld series of films.
Favorite Halloween Candy
J: I will make a brave and controversial statement: candy corn is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. In fact, I look forward to its appearance at this time of year. What’s truly disgusting are those caramel apple suckers that try to rip your teeth from your gums.
K: (I am appalled at J’s whole hot take. Candy corn is ick, caramel apple suckers are yum). I’m a fan of chocolate so all of those mini Butterfingers and Baby Ruth’s. But I love a good caramel apple…from the orchard. I’ve yet to find a good grocery store caramel apple.
Thanks for following our adventures in writing and otherwise. We hope you have an amazing Halloween and autumn! Let us know your spooky favorites in the comments or on Twitter: @jandkwriting.