WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS
As always, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.
Henry David Thoreau said it best.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
THE CHALLENGE:
Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)
THE KEY:
Make every word count.
THE RULES:
- Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
- MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH.
- While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
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- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***
- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**
Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
- Like us on Facebook
My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism. 
- Shalom,
Rochelle
Copyright –Randy Mazie
Genre: Literary Fiction
Word count: 100
CLOSE ENCOUNTER
Darlene rescued the tiny, squalling creature from a smelly garbage can. He squirmed and squeaked as she cuddled him on the way home.
“It’s E.T., Mommy. Can I keep him?”
“He needs special care, honey.” Mom gently wrapped him in a blanket and picked up the phone.
To Darlene’s delight, after months of social workers’ visits, Mom said, “He’s ours, sweetie, but we can’t call him E.T. What shall we name your new brother?”
“Elliott!”
Five years later, when Elliott scribbled green flying saucers all over her math homework, Darlene screamed, “You little monster! You really are from outer space.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Rochelle, I love this light-hearted, fantastical take on the picture. It’s pretty amazing how fast children’s opinions of their siblings can change, right? I like the E.T. references. 🙂
-David
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Dear David,
From helpless infant to annoying little brother. 😉 Glad you liked and commented.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle
AnElephantCant tell you how sorry he is to be a nuisance but he has PC problems again, apparently, and cannot post his link here.
This is it, can you do it for him please, if you have a minute?
http://anelephantcant.me/2013/12/04/the-squat-friday-fictioneers/
Thank you, will return and comment later.
Hugs
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Taken care of. 😉 No extra charge.
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AnElephant sends thanks and hugs.
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Love the fact that you cited Elliot and ET in the same piece 🙂 – great take on the prompt – one that is ‘out there’ … good to be back in the mix!
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Dear Neens,
It’s nice to see you back. I did notice your absence. Glad you liked my story. It was fun to write.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, I took part in NaNoWriMo this year – I won with 51534 words but it zapped me of time and energy and I had to shelf all blog challenges! I am back though! 🙂
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That’s quite an accomplishment. I keep thinking that one year I’ll participate in it, but it will probably have to wait a couple of years until I retire.
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Yes it was a challenge fitting in work as well – there were at least 7 days where I couldn’t add to the manuscript – especially as I was still performing poetry and attending writing conferences during November too! I don’t regret it – as I did the April and July camps to work up to this, I am unsure whether I will attempt it again, unless I stick to a series of short stories, which breaks the rules!
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“Phone hooome”
Great story Rochelle!
Regards
Jim
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“Ell-ee-ott. Ell-ee-ott. Bee goood.”
Thank you, Jim.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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AnElephant enjoys Rochelle’s little piece of sweet whimsy.
Excellent.
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Thank you, Elephant. You made this author smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a sweet story Rochelle, loved it. Superb.
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Many thanks, Indira.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, how our older siblings can turn on us! (Then again, maybe he IS from a planet far, far away.)
Love the humorous turn… Also smiled at your “alien crossing” avatar.
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Dear Jan,
I was the little sister who would’ve drawn space ships on my older brother’s homework. 😉
Glad you liked my story and my avatar.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I went all “aww” over this one Rochelle and that last line had me in splits-typical siblings!:-)
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Dear Atreyee,
Siblings are siblings, no matter how much they really love each other. 😉 Thank you for the “aww”.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So very true-I remember my mom telling me & my only younger brother-“how you two fight-let me give you two sticks-go hit each other and finish off the story!”-in exasperation -and mind you he is younger by 5 & half years,lol!
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Tears in my eyes, Rochelle. I love where you took me – intrigue, laughter, sorrow and a trip down memory lane … I can barely describe it in 100 words, yet you managed it all with your usual grace and style. I think this is one of my favourites from you ever!
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Dear Jen,
What can I say in the wake of such high praise, other than thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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So….. at first I thought you were truly venturing into sci-fi territory, but then when I realized what was actually happening, my heart broke. What a great story — heart-wrenching and yet light-hearted at the same time!
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Dear Helena,
While I love sci-fi, I haven’t really tried my hand at writing it. Perhaps one day I’ll hit on an idea for one.
Your comments make me smile. Mission accomplished.
shalom,
Rochelle
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That was fun! I liked you he became a she. Elliott is my middle name, so I liked the story even more.
I’m off to catch a ferry!
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Dear Elliott,
I’m glad you liked the story but I’m a little baffled by your second sentence. He never became a she. Huh?
Hope your birthday was a stunning success.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I call to your attention… over ‘her’ math homework… did you mean ‘his’?
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No I meant Elliott (the little brother) scribbled …over her (Darlene’s) math homework. And that’s why she was angry with him.
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Ah… I miss read.
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It’s okay, Ted. You’ve been lost in the excitement of your milestone birthday. 😉
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awww i loved this. i have younger brothers and no sister. indeed, i remember them transforming from sweet angels to little monsters whose main goal is to ruin my life. 🙂 lol
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Dear KZ,
I have an older brother. I intruded on his onliness when he was six. Not sure he ever forgave me. 😉 Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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All too often too true. But hopefully just as time changed the relationship the first time, it will change it again to something better. 🙂
janet
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Dear Janet,
My brother and I fought constantly growing up. Now he’s pretty much the only family I have left. He lives in VA so the only way I see him anymore is via Skype. We have some long conversations.
So I think Darlene and Elliot will discover they really love each other.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful! I trust the child was reasonably healthy? Luckily for all of us, there are some true saints who would adopt a child in such a circumstance. Unfortunately for Darlene, brothers – no matter where they come from – are still brothers. 😉 A lovely story, Rochelle!
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Dear E. A,
My story’s loosely based on a true story I recently saw on TV (see my comments to Amy, below). Darlene really does love her brother but, as you say, he’s still a healthy, inquisitive little brother. 😉
Thank you for your kind comments and compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I’m glad your story has a happy ending, showing love and acceptance. If all abandoned children would have such a fate as this. Great one!
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Dear Amy,
I recently watched an Untold Stories of the ER where a nurse found a premature infant in the toilet. The mother was never found. Miraculously the child lived and was adopted by a woman who had fostered special needs children. The little girl is now 6 or 7 I think and has overcome some health hurdles. Today she’s normal and healthy. So my story’s loosely based on this event. I’m glad to hear that it worked. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I liked the slow reveal on this. I was thinking it was an animal at first, but as the story came together it turned into an altogether familiar scene (for those of us with brothers.) Well done Rochelle.
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Dear Sandra,
It’s nice to know when a story works. I have a brother. 😉 However I usually was Elliot being the baby sister. Happy you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One of my favorite movies! Thanks for reminding me.
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Dear Dawn,
It was one of my favorite movies, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle- This was utterly delightful from beginning to end. I love that ET was a baby become Elliott become the monster brother. Fabulous!
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Dear Dana,
Your comments make me smile. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was a lovely heart-warming story :-).
I’m glad there have been a few positive stories this week – all I saw in the photo was spookiness and despair!
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Dear Draliman,
They can’t all be dark can they? Glad you liked my story. Thank you for coming by with your comments. I’ll be reading your tale of woe soon. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i think you want “squalid” instead of “squalling.” but that doesn’t take away from the amusement. that film came along at just the right time for me and made an excellent film for a first date for me and my future ex-wife. happy wednesday!
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Dear Rich,
Glad you were amused by my story. Actually I mean “squalling” as in the creature was screaming. My husband saw Easy Rider on our first date. Not sure what that means, I just thought I’d throw it in. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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a “squall” has to do with wind. maybe there’s another definition that i don’t know. ok. easy rider. hmmm.
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Main Entry:1squall
Pronunciation:*skw*l
Function:verb
Etymology:probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skval useless chatter
Date:circa 1631
intransitive verb : to cry out raucously : SCREAM
transitive verb : to utter in a strident voice
*From Merriam-Webster*
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Although I’m open to a better word should it present itself.
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Word Origin & History
squall
“sudden, violent gust of wind,” 1719, originally nautical, probably from a Scand. source (cf. Norw. skval “sudden rush of water,” Sw. skvala “to gush, pour down”), probably ult. a derivative of squall (v.).
world english dictionary – whatever that means.
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Hm. The way I’m reading this is that can be used either way. MW also gives synonyms.
1 to make a raucous noise *angry street urchins fighting and squalling at each other*
Synonyms caw, ||quawk, squark, squawk, yawp (or yaup)
Related Word bellow, howl, roar, shout, yell; bark, yap, yip; croak
2
Synonyms BAWL 2, howl, wail, yowl
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can clearly be used either way, but i just wanted to show you what came up when i searched it. the dictionary i found had the wind thing as 1. yours didn’t. it’s rather arbitrary, even among those we’re supposed to use as resources.
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It is arbitrary, isn’t it? I’m kind of surprised that MW didn’t give the other option of the wind gust. Nonetheless, I’ve enjoyed the exchange….makes me think. Thank you.
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right back atcha.
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Hello, I heard about this on another website and thought I’d try it, but I’m a bit confused. I thought the stories didn’t go up until Friday, is that right? Is your alien-trash-can-kid story for this week? Is it supposed to go with the picture of the old building and flowering vines? There’s no trash can in that photo. Or did I miss something?
Thanks!
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Dear Christine,
Hello back and welcome to Friday Fictioneers. Let me try to clear up any confusion. I believe when Madison Woods started the challenge the idea was that the picture was posted on Wednesday and the stories usually didn’t go up until Friday…hence the name.
The way it works now is that I post the photo on Wednesday and everyone has from then until the following Tuesday to link.
You may have noticed the Thoreau quote at the beginning of the my blog, “It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.” In other words, the prompt is just that, a prompt, not necessarily an illustration. What do you see in the photo? How does it make you feel?
Some writers adhere strictly to what’s in the photo. Some may only give it a glancing nod in their story. I usually go the latter route.
Yes, my alien-trash-can-kid story goes with the picture. While there’s no trash can in the story, the rather trashy looking scene in the photo put me in mind of the increasing number of premature and newborn infants that are being tossed away like so much refuse. From that thought I crafted my story.
Some writers might see a club house, while another might think of it as a lair for a vampire or zombies. For another it could trigger a memory from which he or she will write a memoir. There again, we call ourselves fictioneers, but true stories are perfectly legal as long as they’re 100 words.
I hope this helps, Christine. You’re welcome to join and add your written voice to ours.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
Doug MacIlroy referred me to you because I am interested in becoming a writer, and I would like to ask you a few questions about your work.
I am a fifteen-year-old homeschooled writer. My favorite genre is Historical Fiction; I recently completed NaNoWriMo with a novel set in 18th c. Austria.
What would be the best way for us to get in touch? Would you prefer a phone conversation or email? I wouldn’t need more than fifteen minutes of your time.
Thanks very much!
Amelia
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Dear Amelia,
Doug told me about you. I’d love to talk to you. There is a four hour time difference between us so it might be a bit of a challenge to phone so email might be best for now. My email address is Runtshell@aol.com.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved this one, Rochelle. Wonder if she’s regretting saving the little terror now. I hope not, but little boys can be hard to handle sometimes.
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Dear Adam,
I don’t believe Darlene will ever regret saving her little brother. But little boys are just that. I raised three and had an older brother. Glad you liked and commented. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Reblogged this on Bastet and Sekhmet's Library and commented:
Another Friday Fictioneer prompt!!!
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Great bit of bitter-sweet humor here! A good read.
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Dear Georgia,
Thank you. Glad you liked and thank you for the reblog. Very kind of you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Another well-crafted story, bringing all the ends together and making us laugh at the same time. You are a Spielberg, that’s what!
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Dear Perry,
Your compliment will send me to work with a dopey grin on my face. Now if only I made the same money as Spielberg…In any case…thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Siblings, eh! A good read. Not for the bin.
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Dear Patrick,
No human should end up in the rubbish bin. But siblings are, and always will be, siblings. Those of us who grew up with them know. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So sweet! I thought you’d stop the story at “What shall we name your new brother?” but the ending was a perfect treat!
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Dear Eena,
That would’ve been a good place to end. However, I liked the idea of Elliott being a normal little brother. Sometimes a pest, sometimes a cherub. Glad you liked it.
shalom,
Rochelle
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great ending. just made my day. :).
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happy to oblige, plaridel. thank you.
shalom,
rochelle
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I think every older sibling looks at the younger ones as an alien invasion. I admire how you stretch the prompt to come up with something completely new and interesting. I tend to be more literal and I am working at letting go of the literal and going with the tone or feel of the prompt. Kudos!!
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Dear Erin,
When I first joined Friday Fictioneers my stories tended to stay close to the prompt, then at some point, pretty early on, I jumped off. Glad you liked my story. I’m sure my brother felt like I was an alien when I intruded on his six-year-old world. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Elmrya,
I thought all siblings came from outer space? I suppose if the stork had brought this one he’d be squawking and pecking at things with his nose. A very entertaining story.
– Zeb
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Dear Zeb,
Glad you were entertained by my story. I’m sure my older brother came from outer space. 😉
Shalom,
Elmyra
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Loved the picture.
loved your story more.
Warm and best regards,
Randy
BTW – Elliot asks that you phone home.
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Dear Randy,
It’s a great picture. Thank you for sharing it. And what a treat to have you drop by. I’ve missed you. Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A story that tugs at my heartstrings…just like the original. hugs!
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Dear Millie,
Happy to tug. Thank you for compliments and the hugs.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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always glad to oblige…
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A great story Rochelle. Isn’t it the same the world over – younger brothers always turn out to be little monsters?
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Dear Mike,
Glad you liked my story. I think little brothers are a global “problem.” Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh I absolutely love this…One of my favorites of yours, Rochelle!
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Dear Miss Tiffany,
Thank you for such sweet comments. Nice to wake up to this morning.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good entertainment and above all a showcase for versatility of your style and range, which now stretches further! Well done there.
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Dear Managua,
Your comment makes my mouth hurt from smiling. Friday Fictioneers is a great place to spread my creative wings and experiment with style and genre. Glad this works. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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AH.,, I wait to comment until friday night.. but the party’s over.. love the story .. really put a twist to the E.T. story..
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Dear Björn,
Many thanks. Happy you liked my story. Beeee goooood.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Darlene, you’ll have your proof once Elliot’s run up an astronomical phone bill. Great story, Rochelle : )
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Dear Mike,
Elliott will have to learn to read first, although in this day and age, he’s probably proficient with an iPad and iPhone as is my almost 3 year old granddaughter. 😉 Thank you for coming by with your kind comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
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From pet to pest. hahaha! Great story Rochelle. I enjoyed it.
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Dear Jackie,
I think it’s always that way. I remember my oldest son’s first response to his baby brother. That sense of awe quickly faded. 😉 Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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LOL! Nice tale for a good chuckle.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/bffs-not/
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Dear Maggie,
They can’t all be dark. 😉 Glad it made you chuckle.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Here is the story of my Birthday Bash… http://tedstrutz.com/2013/12/06/friday-fictioneers-the-tresspassers/
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Rochelle- delightful and yet poignant – the shadow of ET, phone home – is always there for me! Squall means both and my younger brother certainly squalled, which was quite different to squawking, which is what he does now !!! Hens squawk, and the baby was not necessarily squalid ! though if the nappy needed changing, perhaps !!!!
It was a delicious little story, and every word appropriate….
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Dear Valerie,
Thank you for setting things straight with the words squall, squalid and squawk. Your comments made me laugh with delight.
Shalom and Kia Ora,
Rochelle
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I love what you did with the prompt, Rochelle. You had me wondering if she’d found a baby or an animal in the trash. Now I wonder how someone could actually leave a child there. They must be truly hopeless, so sad. But then, on a lighter note, you whisk me back a few decades to the movie theater with my hubby and daughter. And to top it off, Darlene and her brother live (almost) happily ever after. Thanks for the smile.
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Dear Patti,
Unfortunately there are too many stories of babies being thrown away with the trash. I can’t even imagine it. E.T. was one of my all time favorites, too. I think Darlene and Elliott live as happily ever after as any sister and brother. 😉 Happy to give smiles.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a cute story – it made me smile 🙂
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Thank you, Freya. Glad it made you smile. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And when Elliott grows up, he’ll be drawing the PLANS to the green saucers, right? There’s a movie in the ‘machine’ here. Hope you write the script. 🙂
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Dear Ann,
Ya never know with some kids. No plans to write a script as yet. Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Very good and sounds so true!
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/12/04/ff-friday-fictioneers-keeping-watch-rated-pg13-1262013/
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Dear Scott,
I think anyone who grew up with a sibling knows the truth of this story. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This one was really fun, Rochelle. And, even though I noticed you said you hadn’t intended it as “sci-fi,” when I got to the end, I actually thought that perhaps he IS an alien, and she’s going to discover more in the near future. I thought you purposely left us hanging and wondering. Good job either way, though.
I’m glad I read it. The only other one I got to was Doug’s, and only because it was on here. I’ve been so swamped this week that Tuesday was here before I realized, and I didn’t get any story written at all — again. But I came over to check on something else on your site and discovered Doug’s story. So I got to read his, and since, even when the links are closed, I can still locate yours, I got to read it too. At least I haven’t completely lost out on this week’s venture.
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Dear Sandra,
It’s a fun idea, but it was never my intent for the Elliott in this story to be an actual space alien. My feet are firmly planted in reality on this one. More and more stories of unwanted infants being tossed aside with the garbage, I wanted to write a happy ending for one of them. (Even if he is fictitious ;))
I’m happy that you came by and read both of “my” pages. It’s a busy time of the year, isn’t it? I used to think things would calm down after the first of the year. I stopped thinking that in 1975 when they didn’t.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love your story. The whole idea of finding an alien and keeping him for a brother is very fun! You could write a whole children’s series based on that idea!
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Dear Rob,
The idea of finding an alien and keeping him for a brother is a great idea! However, that wasn’t my intent. My Elliott may be seen as an alien by his adoptive sister, but he’s a human child.
So many babies are tossed aside like so much rubbish these days. I wanted at least one of those stories, albeit fiction, to have a happy outcome.
Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS A children’s series is a terrific idea…with illustrations…got my mind going. 😉
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