click to enlarge Two-sentence horror story contest
Illustration by Sam Coulter for Inland 360

As October arrives, so do the chilly, long nights of fall. People’s thoughts also tend to turn toward the darkness and things unseen that can leave us cold.

It’s the time of year we like to tell scary stories, and we’d like to hear one from you.

But only a short one.

Through Oct. 21, we’re collecting two-sentence horror stories from readers. We’ll run our favorites Oct. 31 in our Halloween edition. 

Send us your two-sentence story, and if yours is selected for publication, we’ll mail you an Inland 360 sticker. First-, second- and third-place winners will receive two movie tickets. We’ll also have a winner in a youth category for ages 12 and younger. 

Here are the rules:


  1. Entries must be two sentences (run-on sentences don’t count). Two entries only per person.


  1. Email your story to contests@inland360.com with “Scary” in the subject line.


You must include your full name, address and city to be considered for a prize. Include age if 12 or younger to be entered in the youth category.

Entries also can be mailed to Editor, Inland 360, P.O. Box 957, Lewiston ID 83501.


  1. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 21 to be considered.

— Inland 360 Editor Jennifer K. Bauer