HAPPY NEW YEAR AND WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!
May it be a good year, filled with prosperity, happiness and publication dreams fulfilled.
_____________
Henry David Thoreau said it best.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
In 2014, as in 2013, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.
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
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
WHITE NIGHT
Like a frightened animal, she huddled in the darkest corner of an abandoned shack on the beach. I offered her refuge in my winter home in Bridgetown.
“The reverend promised us Paradise,” she whispered over lunch.
“We saw the bastard on the news. How did you escape?”
“I told the guard ‘Father’ wanted flowers for the meeting. I hid under bushes all day, ran all night and then stole a fishing boat. Floated for weeks.”
She licked her blistered lips.
“Scorcher today.” My husband burst onto the patio, pitcher in hand. “Kool-Aid anyone?”
“No, thank you.” She choked. “Not ever.”
.
.
“Reverend” Jim Jones
The following link is a bit lengthy if you’re only in the mood for 100 word stories. But if you have some extra time and want to read a true survivor’s story:
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
That interview was a very thought-provoking way to start the day – thanks for bringing into the light of day once again. And your story captured the essence of the link in an arresting way. Well done once again Rochelle.
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Dear Sandra,
I believe Jonestown is one of those incidents that should never be forgotten. It’s the kind of history that’s too easy to repeat.
Thank you for your lovely comments.
Shalom
Rochelle
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I have always been fascinated by the influence of cults. Sadly, this also meant that I regard Kool Aid with extreme distrust.
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Dear Victoria,
I’ve encountered one or two would-be Jim Jones types. Very charismatic men who could sell air conditioners in Antarctica. As for Kool-Aid…I’m not too fond of it myself. Thank you for coming by and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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indeed, i’ll never forget that incident. true horror. it will forever send chills down my spine every time i read something about it and i hope it never happens again. thank you for sharing the link to the survivor’s story. it’s amazing how you were able to capture this in 100 words, you left all the right cues here that i understood even before i saw the ‘reverend’s photo.
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Dear KZ,
I know you’re not old enough to remember the incident first hand.Nonetheless, I understand the lasting impact and chills. Unfortunately there have been others.
Thank you for your comments that will send me to work with a smile this morning.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That is a LOVELY picture !! Totally Love it. Your story is amazing Rochelle 🙂 I will try to attempt the challenge too 🙂 Love xx
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Dear Lala,
I can only take credit for choosing Dawn’s wonderful photo. It is great isn’t it? Thank yo for the kudos on my story. Glad you liked it.
I look forward to reading your entry.
shalom,
Rochelle
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It is great Rochelle 🙂 Just about to enter mine ! Love you xx
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Ah…those terrible cults like the Jonestown incident…it’s really so incredible how people will surrender their life in such a way. Well written, it would have been good if someone had escaped…
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Dear Georgia,
it was a horrible thing and I’m baffled at how people surrendered they way they did. But then, look at Nazi Germany. A nation of sheep led to the slaughter.
Unfortunately there were few escapees from Jonestown. But I had to entertain the “what if” for this one.
Thanks for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes…Nazi Germany was another as were the Khmer Rouge and so many others…there is this strange streak in humanity…we just kind of follow to our death or to killing others…scary really if one reflects upon this strange aspect of our species.
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Many years have passed Jonestown and Waco and yet cults such as this still exist and thrive in most countries. Have no lessons been learned? As always, the children are the real victims , led by brainwashed parents into a living hell. I am glad your m.c. got away.
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Dear Patricia,
Jones was a true Narcissist, as was David Koresh and countless other charismatic leaders. They’re incapable of feeling anything but love of self and a sense of entitlement. There’s something about these magnetic personalities that draw haplessly searching people. We’ve all known them and some of us have been caught in their webs. If we’re lucky, we wake up and flee. (I speak from experience).
Unfortunately, only a handful woke up and smelled the cyanide. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I didn’t read the link; didn’t need to. This story has haunted me for years. The images from that horrible place, and the stories of families separated or all dying under the spell of Jones. Amazing where these photos take you, Rochelle. Your stories always and the stories behind them, always impress!
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Oh my, I forgot to say: thank you for using my photo! It was very exciting to open my lap top and see this image! 😉
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Dear Dawn,
Thank you for sharing the photo. Of course I was a little surprised to find out it’s a bathroom. 😉 At any rate a bathroom lends itself to my story since Mr. Jones was excrement personified.
It never ceases to amaze me what lemmings people can be.
Truthfully, I’m often amazed by where my research muse leads. Glad this one worked. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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He was a horrible, horrible man. I love the way you played this one Rochelle.
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Great piece of writing, as always.
AnElephant is previously unaware of Ms O’Shea’s history, and finds it quite fascinating.
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Dear Elephant,
I was unaware of her also. Research is a many splendid thing. 😉 Happy you liked my story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
This is great and the ending is perfect. I can see why she would never want to see Kool-Aid again after something like that. The memories would be too deeply ingrained. One of my former co-worker’s parents were in North Korea during the war and made their way south. All they had to eat was kimchi and she said they never ate kimchi after that experience because of all the memories associated with it.
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Dear David,
Mr. Jones certainly gave Kool-Aid a bad name, didn’t he? Horrible piece of history. The images are indelibly etched in my memory. I remember looking at those pictures of the bodies…of children. At the time I had a four year old and an eight month old. It’s enough that people willingly committed suicide for that maniac, but to murder their own babies as well…unthinkable.
Thank you for your compliments and comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle, you always come up with excellent story. Thanks for the link. These charismatic men and their cult.There are many in my country. How they get the followers is surprising.
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Dear Indira,
Glad you like the story. Unfortunately there are these charismatic mad men everywhere.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was pretty sure I was right about this, based solely on the Kool-Aid reference. I am old enough to remember this and there are still references to “don’t drink the Kool-Aid” even today.
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Dear Joe,
Those of us who are old enough to remember, hopefully, will never forget. Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What an excellent story.. Even for me in Sweden as a kid I recall those news… and the picture is excellent… hmm need a little time to think about it..
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Dear Björn,
It seems that Jonestown was one of those shots heard round the world. Horrible. Thank you for commenting. Glad you liked my story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Her hatred of Kool-Aid is understandble. A well told tale, as always, Rochelle.
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Dear Adam,
Many thanks. Your comments warm me in this frigid weather and will send me to work smiling.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As always another great story from you Rochelle. I was little kid but I remembered the newspaper headline from that time. True fact – Flavor-Aid not Kool-Aid was the main flavoring used, but some Kool-Aid was used and because it was more popular it gained the stigma of the disaster.
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Dear Subroto,
I did know that it was Flavor-Aid as opposed to Kool-Aid. However, in researching there were references to both. Also the White Night meeting was not a one time thing. There were “rehearsals” leading up to the final mass suicide. Kook-Aid was also used. At any rate, they’re both obnoxious “drinks”.
Thank you for coming by and glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve always been fascinated with that whole story — morbid, I know, but it’s just such a strange, sad story — a cautionary tale, as the survivor says. You captured the moment well as always!
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Dear Helena,
I’ll admit that I have the same morbid fascination with the story. I remember the incident well.
Glad you liked it. Thanks for your comments. Great to see you here.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like it. No cool-aid for me either. Well, maybe just a little.
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Oh hell, I wasn’t logged in. This was JKBradley
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Dear JK, if that’s who you really are,
Glad you liked it. I’ll pass on the Kool-Aid, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I will never forget when this happened. I was just a kid, but I remember being horrified by the news reports. It is very interesting that “drinking the kool-aid” has become part of the American lexicon, accepted as something everyone does in one way or another, without much thought to the fact that this was the largest mass murder/suicide in recorded history. A horrific event led by a charismatic figure carried out by ordinary people. Creepy doesn’t begin to describe how easily this can happen. Very well done, Rochelle.
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Dear Honie,
I was a young mother with two little ones at the time. I couldn’t fathom parents murdering their children at the say so of a maniac. It is frightening to see how people can be drawn in like that.
Thank you for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Really haunting interview, glad I took the time to read it. Sometimes you spend so much time reading fiction where there is this kind of environment, you forget it actually happens in real life.
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Dear Miss KZebra,
You’ve written a whole lot of truth in that statement. It’s easy to be complacent, isn’t it? I’m as guilty as anyone. Thank you for stopping by.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Ha! Good to hear some escaped the dreaded purple Kool-Aid. As always an entertaining story.
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Dear Kim,
Alas, in following the research threads, I found that the survivors were few and far between. Mine is an unlikely “what if” kind of story. I’m glad you liked it. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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A good story, but I had to read the article to understand the Kool-Aid reference – I’m not American!
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Dear Liz,
Glad you liked the story and took the time to read the article. One of the things I adore about this group is the diversity of country and ethnicity. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love that you told the story through the eyes of a survivor.With only 100 words I knew which Father you wrote of. Well done.
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Dear Dana,
Glad you were able to track with my story. Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember this incident too and the aerial footage shown on the news. Horrific. I think what shocked and confused people at the time was the use of the everyday iconic Kool Aid as a means of administering poison.
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Dear Mike,
I remember those images and, no matter how much I might try, will never forget them. Thanks for dropping and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh yes, I remember the Jim Jones incident. What a lunatic. A few brave souls managed to escape that insanity. I can imagine someone never wanting to see Koolaid again. Another great historical piece, Rochelle. You always deliver.
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Dear Eric,
Thank you for saying so. Very kind of you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, this was so chilling. I didn’t realize there were any survivors at Jamestown. I think I have just tried to never think about it. But of course you did this justice as you do everything you write about.
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Dear Linda,
I hadn’t thought of Jonestown in years but somehow it’s where my research muse led. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well done, Rochelle. The realism is excellent. I have to say you are fast becoming the queen of the 100-word historical fiction story.
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Dear Sandra,
To semi-quote Mel Brooks, “It’s good to be the queen.” 😉
Seriously, it’s nice of you to say so. For someone whose history grades were abysmal in high school, I find it ironic that history is now one of my passions. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s a little like spinach and broccoli. We often hate them as kids, but then after we grow up, they become favorite foods. I was even that way about pumpkin pie. I hated pumpkin pie as a child, but now I LOVE it. And when I saw on Andy Griffith’s show that pumpkin pie with ice cream was his favorite dessert, I thought that sounded a little weird, since we always ate ours with whipped cream. But then I tried it. OH MY GOODNESS!!! A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN BROUGHT DOWN TO EARTH. If you’ve never tried, you should.
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The truth is I loved spinach and broccoli as a child for which I was branded “the weird kid”. Never liked pumpkin pie…still don’t. 😉 On the other hand, anything’s good with ice cream.
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Well done, Rochelle–charismatic leaders often reel us in by espousing humanism (sometimes, genuine; other times, affected).
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Dear VB,
I wonder how many of these leaders started out with genuinely loving intentions only to be corrupted by success and power? Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I thought your icon strange on the linkz page. It all makes sense now. I should have never questioned it.
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Dear Dawn,
I like to make the punishment fit the crime. 😉 Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember watching the Jim Jones movie years ago. Truly haunting.
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Thank you, Lisa.
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Well done. Well said.
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Thank you, Jim.
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Thank you for sharing that interview. We should never forget so that maybe we can prevent such acts. It is unfortunate that such people prey on people in need of someone to follow. I remember when I first heard this story by way of a TV movie called “The Guyana Tragedy” and I used to think how are people taken in like that. I think people want to belong and feel they are loved and fall prey to where they find it. I recently made a post about this tragedy http://mholloway63.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/what-happened-on-november-18th-drinking-the-kool-aid/
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Dear Maryann,
Thanks for coming by and commenting. I went and read your article also. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I knew I would have to read the link to really get the full impact of your story, and though I remember the event, the details in her story were rivetting.
So then I came back to your story, and I thought it was brilliant, every word had impact, beautufully done.
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Dear Valerie,
Your words are music to my eyes. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hmm, not sure what happened to my comment or even what it was now, but I remember this sordid story and even though I never liked Kool-Aid, he gave it an undeservedly bad name. Deftly done as usual, Rochelle.
janet
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Dear Janet,
I checked my spam folder…not there. Must be somewhere in cyber space. .I never cared much for Kool-Aid either. 😉 And the images on the front of TIME magazine will forever be indelibly etched on my mind. Thank you for commenting. 😉 Have a safe trip and wonderful visit with the fam.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, and the husband’s line at the end made me smile in spite of myself.
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Dear Jan,
It’s all right to smile at the clueless husband. He meant well, just wasn’t thinking. Thanks for commenting. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful story, and thanks for the link. I was vaguely aware of the incident but needed the link to get the references (I was only a kid at the time, and we don’t have Kool-Aid here so it never “caught on” as a saying connected to the massacre).
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Dear Ali,
One of the most endearing things about Friday Fictioneers is the cultural exchange. As a young teen I had a penpal in Cardiff. it was great fun sharing Rock and Roll magazine articles, etc. Now, with the internet and FF, I have keyboard pals around the globe. Great fun.
I’m glad the link helped. Thank you for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your story was wonderful as usual and your link was very enlightening. I had never paid much attention to this awful incident – except as a passing horror story of my generation. Reading this detailed account was amazing. There was so much I didn’t know about his total madness and control. So sad…
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Dear Lindaura,
At the time, I was horrified by the photos and news stories, then quickly returned to my world of cookie baking, breast feeding and diaper changing. It wasn’t until years later and, then, with this story, that I did any in-depth reading.
Thank you for coming by with lovely comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow. Once again, you give us a thought provoking story, Rochelle. After reading the link, it is even more haunting and chilling.
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Dear Tiffany,
In this case, truth is more chilling than fiction. Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s definitely true, Rochelle. You’re welcome.
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I remember this from the news, Rochelle, and I have only one thing to say… Gooseflesh.
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I’ll answer with one word, Lynda (okay two words)…thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
Thanks for buying my book. That was so nice of you. Your story this week is a grim reminder that we still live in a world where religious fanatics convince people to do unspeakable things. I just heard a story on the news about a 9-year-old girl who was caught wearing a suicide vest because her older Taliban relative wanted her to sacrifice her life. Religion, if your partake at all, should be about making your life better, not about ending it. Ron
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Dear Ron,
You couldn’t say it any better. Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I’m looking forward to reading your book.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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kool-aid is no longer cool. 😦
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pretty hideous way to go…thanks for commenting, plaridel;
shalom,
rochelle
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Such a vast subject, covered so well in just a few words. Yes, thought-provoking indeed.
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Thank you so much, Freya. So glad to see you back with us.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle!
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Frightening how much sway one man can have over others. I’d forgotten about this tragedy. We need reminding…
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Dear Millie,
We do well to remember. There are more narcissistic maniacs like him out there. Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Powerful plot…
And thanks for the wonderful prompt…
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Dear Loco,
Thank you for your sweet comments. I can only take credit for choosing the prompt. Dawn Landau snapped the photo and graciously loaned it to me. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow! Great story. I remember learning about this in school.
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Thank you, Danny.
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I didn’t realize anyone survived, thanks for sharing the story and spreading the word.
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Dear Patti,
Unfortunately, very few survived and way too many didn’t. Thank you coming by and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great piece, Rochelle. I’m always amazed at how you interweave history into your stories. You are master. I will attempt this week’s prompt, although I admit I’m a little stumped. I love the photo though!
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Dear Amy,
I’d say you did a fine job this week. I’m always stumped at first. Then I start hitting the Google trail. Thank you for you compliments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome, Rochelle. My first thought about the prompt was an obvious choice, so I tried to stretch it and come up with something different. And thank you for your compliments! They mean so much coming from you.
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Dear Rochelle,
I’d be the husband in your story. Clueless but caring. Love how you mixed the Kool-Aid but didn’t force the issue. The strength of your writing is what compelled us to drink. Your promises come true, though, so thanks for that.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
I can only promise to dig for a story and then write it to the best of my ability. Thank you for stopping by to share a cool drink and making me smile. But I’d have to say, “C.E.” While I agree you’re caring, I can’t imagine you being clueless.
Shalom-aloha and go low,
Rochelle
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Very powerful and a good reminder not to put our faith in the wrong people.
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Dear Patrick,
It never hurts to be reminded now and then. It’s easy to put faith in people. Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I never could understand people following someone so intently, to even kill or be killed for them. Boggles my mind. Me, I’m never that trusting. Great story though, as always.
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Dear Jackie,
I don’t understand cults…yet I do. When your starving, even poison looks appetizing. thanks for swinging by with your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Roberta,
I guess that explains the history of the saying, “don’t throw the kid out with the Kool-aid.” Another option for Jim Jones would have been to feed his followers pinto beans and raw onions, or maybe sweet potatoes and broccoli – then lit a match.
Just a thought – Virgil
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Dear Virgil,
I think someone should’ve fed Jim Jones pinto beans, raw onions and kerosene…and then lit a match. Thank you for your thoughts. Always welcome.
Shalom,
Roberta Z. Wisoff-Fields
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Excellent, as always, glimpse into history, and all the more horrifying because it’s real. Well done.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/sirens-song/
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Dear Maggie,
Some things you just can’t make up. Thank you for your kind comments. Meanwhile I’ll listen for your siren song. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh my! You got me so side-tracked that I didn’t write a flash fiction story! Very, very good. I remember when the Jonestown massacre happened. I cried for months every time I thought about it. I always wondered what made people follow this man. Got involved in a discussion about it with my sisters and aunt via email. That story of yours took a long trip. Thanks for writing it!
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Dear Linda,
Compliments don’t get much better than yours. I can only offer a humbled thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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your story and the link to this horrible event brings such sadness. many of the victims already suffered a hard life before they arrived to the compound and this man took advantage of them. sometimes it is so hard to understand the purpose for these inhumane events. thank you, Rochelle.
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Dear Sun,
You’ve hit the nail on the head. Jones took advantage of the broken and needy. Thank you for commenting.
As for the link…I’ve never actually used it but it’s the link under the blue froggy critter that offers the blog hop.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
When you open the link under the blue frog, it offers a plateful of selection to paste on our blog. Just wondering which one to pick…the first one? does that make sense? okay, thanks again and sorry for the confusion but i am way lost on pasting that blue thing to my blog post. 🙂
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After going and taking another look, I’m pretty sure it would be the box marked “non dynamic”. Hope that helps.
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thanks! i will try it out this week. 🙂
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also, could you refresh my memory…which code to we select for the blue froggy link to appear on our blog site. thanks. 🙂
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Dear Rochelle
I’m a little late catching up, but your story was worth the wait! I have to admit I had forgotten about ‘Rev’ Jones and the mass murder he instigated. Others have commented on the how and the why, I feel that we who are lucky enough to have the love and emotional support we need, will never understand those poor unfortunate people who try and seek theirs with someone as warped and evil as Jim Jones.
Take care
Dee
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Like Jan, it was the black humour of the piece which initially struck me but once I found time to reflect, it’s chilling.
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