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Writing Prompt: Ice Cream Truck

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Young Horror brings you writing prompts to energize your week with spooky idea inspiration. Are you writing picture books, chapter books, middle grade, or YA? Your next great idea could be sparked right here. Check back every Monday for new writing prompts. Share your ideas and discuss in the comments below.

Writing Prompt: The Ice Cream Truck

Ice Cream Truck

Last week we discussed beating the summer heat of these dog days by eating popsicles. Popsicles with dire consequences! Another source of scorching heat relief is the always creepy Ice Cream Truck.

Driven by a stranger. Driving slowly down residential streets. Promising treats to children. Playing that tinny jingle on a crackling speaker. The Ice Cream Truck was made for horror.

I love how R.L. Stine creates a sinister Kreamy Kold Ice Cream Truck in the “Catching Cold” episode of The Haunting Hour series. Watch the episode (and the entire phenomenal series) on Netflix.

Did you know that prior to pasteurization, ice cream could be contaminated with deadly bacteria? Ice cream poisonings were common occurrences at fairs, picnics and parties. At first, public health officials blamed the poisonings on artificial flavorings, especially vanilla.

Writing Prompt

Write a short scene where a character is served a new “mystery” flavor from the Ice Cream Truck and their body begins to change.

Share your ideas in the comments below, or on Twitter with @horrorwriters #writingprompt or #YoungHorror


Author Head ShotShanna Heath is an author and monster slayer who writes horror for all ages. Childhood can be terrifying. Shanna makes monsters, then shows kids and teens how to defeat them. A lifelong horror fan, Shanna was inspired to write horror for young people after re-reading Baum’s Ozma of Oz as an adult. You can find her scary kids book and movie recommendations on her website, or connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. Shanna’s favorite young horror read is Coraline by Neil Gaiman.

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