(Author Note: This is an excerpt from my new Multi-Cam sitcom TV Pilot, playing soon on a streaming service.)
Delmar was haunted, with ghosts appearing in the mirrors behind the booths, slamming doors, and flickering lights. The staff was terrified to go to the basement to pop the kegs because the lights twinkled off when someone was down there. The ghosts were part of the bar and an excellent PR opportunity. I talked and yelled at them like they were employees. I summoned them to slam doors when unsolicited salesmen came to bother me. I’d sinisterly giggle as they turned white at the self-slamming bathroom door and ran out. My husband did not believe in any of this nonsense. He swore we were all crazy and ignored all the smashing doors and finicky lights.
We invited a psychic to come in, and she told us that we had five ghosts. A mother and daughter from the 1800s when the building was a trading post, and three old customers died of broken hearts. On the advice of our clairvoyant, the new cable network came to film our ghosts and the psychic talking to them. They also did interviews with our regulars. After that show aired, most people came in to see our spirits. I ran nightly haunting drink specials. Â
Never short on marketing ideas, we had cigar nights, Exotic Erotic ball for Halloween, reggae parties, and martini nights. My marketing was working, but I was sleep-deprived. My children were feral, as I was always at the bar.
Writing Prompt:
Write a humorous story about a childhood Halloween memory. Use fall sensory words and make it a bit scary. Don’t forget the candy!
Write at least 500 words, but do as many as you want. Send it to me if you want feedback. I only find what is good—a new way of critiquing your writing.
This story is an excerpt from my upcoming sitcom.
More about Teri Bayus:Â www.TeriBayus.com
The Greatest Of Ease can be found here:Â www.TheGreatestOfEase.com
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This made me smile because my kids is a heathen: My children were feral