H.M. Shander – author of Run Away Charlotte; Ask Me Again, and Duly Noted
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Halloween – one of my kid’s favourite times of the year. The day they usually get to stay up later than normal (especially if it’s a school night) and have almost enough candy to give them a stomach ache. They usually end up with a substantial haul – so they get a couple treats in their lunches, enough to last them until Christmas anyways.

Every year as soon as school starts, the talk of “What are we going to wear?” begins. By time we get to October, we’ve got a costume, or at least a solid idea. There has only been one year we were throwing together a Halloween costume from the children’s dress-up bins an hour before trick or treating time. Thankfully, that year was a warm one.

Living where we do – in Central Alberta – one must prepare for any type of Trick or Treating weather. All costumes need to be sizeable enough to accommodate a snowsuit, or at the very least a warm coat. It’s been a while since we’ve had snow on the ground by October 31, but I suspect this year there will be, and we’ll have to alter the outfits accordingly. My kids may be the fluffiest Kylo Rens you see on the block.

Our absolute favourite costumes my kids have worn is the year my son went as Harry Potter. Hands down favourite. A close second would be the year he went as a three-legged cow, as he broke his elbow the night before and it was in a sling and cast. (He got lots of sympathy candy that year from the neighbours.) But every year is fun, and I love looking back on the old pictures to remember. My husband and I do not dress up, however, I do like to don a cape and feel it billow around me. Maybe one day I’ll give in to my fun side.

I love seeing all the bright-eyed, happy children ring my bell in their wonderful costumes. Each year seems to have a theme – anyone remember all the Anas and Elsas? I’m betting this year there will be a sea of Pokemon, but that’s just a guess.

Have fun, trick or treat safely, and watch for the young ones on the road.

H.M. Shander has been writing since that awkward age of fourteen, as a way to tackle her active imagination. Growing up, and learning that some life lessons are best learned the hard way, reinforced the importance of writing as a way to unwind, heal, and process life’s challenges.

She knows and speaks four languages (two exceptionally well); English, French, some American Sign Language, and Sarcasm, some of which serve her well within her variety of real world jobs (in no particular order) as Wife, Mother, Birth Doula, Teacher, and Librarian (and countless others). Despite how busy her life can be, there is always time to watch the sun rise, try to catch a rainbow, wish on stars, and listen to the robins sing.

When not working, or writing, and the kids are in bed, you can find her curled up beside her husband with a good book and a cup of tea.
She can be reached at hmshander@gmail.com, followed on Goodreads, and would love to read your comments about her novels.