The following photo is the PHOTO PROMPT. What do you see? Don’t be afraid to step outside the confines of the box. Use your imagination.
My unstory will follow the prompt and the blue frog link. 😉
PHOTO PROMPT – © Douglas M. MacIlroy
Genre: Non-fiction/Non-story
Word Count: 99
The story you are about to read is true. No names have been changed to protect the innocent.
THE ULTIMATE COP OUT
“It’s a fantastic prompt,” I tell Doug.
“I’ll take history for $30,” I mumble as I read an article about Roald Amundsen, the first person to reach the South Pole.
After days of edits, illustrations, full time job issues and insomnia, my busy brain, swirling with a thousand-thoughts-a-minute, is at a loss for a flash fiction.
Word came this week that my novel is going to be released in two weeks. So soon? I just sent the manuscript back to the publisher and I’m still writing acknowledgements.
“Another time, Roald.” I click out of Wikipedia. “No story this week.”
***
It’s true. For the first time in three years, I didn’t have the head space to write a story. I hope you’ll find it in your hearts to forgive me. Last week I received an email from my publisher with the following notice:
Beginning on April 20 Please Say Kaddish For Me will be available to preorder from Kindle in ebook form and to preorder from http://www.a-argusbooks.com/GalleryComing.htm in print form. Release date scheduled for May 8.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Congratulations!!!
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Thank you, Loré.
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Congratulations. Two weeks — that is so exciting. I will put it in the diary. The unstory was such a great story.
Cheers Irene
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Dear Irene,
I truly couldn’t wrap my head around a story this week. I thought about posting and old one but this came to mind. Cheeky way to advertise, don’t you think?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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No, not cheeky at all. These days you have to sell yourself and all you did was let it know your book would be available. Your flashes over the months (at least in the time I have been reading) has sold your book for you. All the best with it.
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How exciting! I can’t wait to read it.
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Dear Louise,
It won’t be long now. I don’t know how available it will be in the UK but, if the publisher has enough requests…;)
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Even in this awkward moment, you’ve stayed true to your gift. You almost always take a true historical event to use as the root of your story, and what better historical event than the publication of your second book! After all, there will be a day in the future when many people will look back and say, “That was an important day in history,” and you will have already written about it.
Congratulations and keep up the great work!
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Dear Sandra,
Your words gave me the ultimate, mouth aching smile this morning. I really debated over posting this story. You put it in a delightful perspective.
I will cherish this comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations! Truth is better than fiction in this case 😀😀😀
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Dear Jan,
I’m pretty excited. Can you tell?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congrats! and I loved the unstory too. You know better than me, that sometimes, it just doesnt work.. and I would hate to put out a terrible story just for the sake of it.
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Dear Lata,
As I said in my “unstory” I just didn’t have room in my head to write a story. 😉 And, like you, I’d rather pass than put out a bad one.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Even an unstory has a story to tell. Congratulations, I know I’ve said it before, but really well done. And so glad that it’s coming out so soon.
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Dear Sandra,
I’m pleased the unstory seems to have hit the mark. ;). Now to start on the artwork for the sequel. Not sure when it will be out but within the next year, I’m sure.
Thank you as always for being in my court.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations!
And like what was written above, even an unstory has a story to tell.
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Dear Francesca,
Thank you for weighing in on my unstory. It was a bit of a chance to take, but it really is the best I can do this week. 😉
And thank you for the congrats. More work ahead.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Woo Hoo! That’s fantastic and so very inspiring. Friday Fictioneer has been the spark that has started me writing again after years of keeping stories in my mind. Your account of your own journey of writing a book has been absolutely inspirational. I wish you all the best for this book.
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Dear Subroto,
It’s always nice to hear that Friday Fictioneers has been a spark in someone’s writing. I was hooked from my first week as a participant and six months later I ended up running the whole shebang. I think the discipline of telling a story in a compact space teaches us which words are important and which are not. I’ve found that it helps my writing of longer pieces.
Thank you for your kind words, support and participation that I look forward to every week.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle
Love the non-story
Best wishes for the release of your latest book.
I am sure it will be a success
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Dear James,
I’m pleased you like my non-story and thank you for the good wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations! I feel understand the pressure though – I can no longer write an FF every week, and you have so much more than that to do.
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Dear Claire,
As I’ve been following you on Facebook I understand why you haven’t been able to write an FF story every week. Your star is rising and it’s fun to watch it glow.
Thank you for the congrats and the comment. They mean a lot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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AnElephantCant hide his feelings
He is a huge fan of sweet Rochelle’s oeuvre
He sends felicitations
And a standing ovation
Happiness is seeing a friend get what is so well deserved
And he enjoys today’s piece!
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Dear Elephant,
Thank you for the sweet and poetic comment. I’m glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What wonderful news! Thank you for sharing your unstory with us! It’s better than many peoples official stories! 😉
I can’t wait to read the book!
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I’m glad you liked my unstory.
Thank you for such a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Genuinely laughing at the title.
Great news, and lovely little story. Well done! 🙂
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Dear Peter,
Thank you on all counts. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations Rochelle!
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Thank you, Joy. 😀
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Congratulations, Rochelle. I think we all understand. Everything is going so well for you. :)— Suzanne
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Thank you for your understanding, Suzanne. My Friday Fictioneers mean a lot to me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Woohoo! That’s fantastic news! Congratulations!
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Thank you, Sue. 😀
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Congrats Rochelle dear. Surprise, surprise, your unstory is a story in itself. Very brilliant.
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Dear Indira,
Thank you for the congrats and the appreciation for my unstory.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle, it is non story and some typo. Shalom.
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Typo?
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Okay, typing mistake.
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And, in the beginning, we found a middle. And then the end. Lol. The un story was actually a story. I am very proud of your accomplishments and can’t wait to read the book. The first autographed one at that.
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Rochelle! Good for you! It just so happens I know a true story about the South Pole. So off I go, playing on my computer again. That’s light blame, smiles.
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Dear Lilie,
Happy to inspire. 😉 Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulation on the book, Rochelle. May it be a big success.
Email me a cover picture and a write up and I’ll post it on my blog.
Blessings,
Phyllis
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Dear Phyllis,
Be checking your inbox. You should find an email that’s sealed with gratitude.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Congratulations Rochelle. Looking forward to read your book soon.
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Dear Ansumani,
Thank you for the congrats. I’ll look forward to your feedback on the book. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have said so before, Rochelle, but there is absolutely no need to apologise. And especially when you are busy showing us what this writing lark is really all about. I can’t believe your book is going to be published so fast and I’m certain it is a testimony to all the work you’ve put into it before this point.
Loved your “non-story” – it is a story of its own, and leaves me with even more of a smile to know it is true.
Jen
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Dear Jen,
I remember when I was at the beginning of this writing journey and heard that certain authors had taken ten years to write their books. I understand that now. 😉
Thank you for the kind words and appreciation for my non-story. I’ll try to write a “real” one next week.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is exciting! Congratulations! 😀
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Thank you, Nortina. 😀
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Congratulations on the book!
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Thank you, Larry. 😀
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Fantastic.. the thrill of having your book published is actually fiction for most of us.. 🙂
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Dear Björn,
Publication is one step in the process, albeit a big step. 😉 Next step, getting them sold.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations. You are allowed the week off from writing a story, as you are about to have your story join the wider world.
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Dear Phylor,
From your mouth to God’s ears. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m not in the least bit surprised, and congratulations again on your book. Such an exciting time.
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Dear Liz,
There’s still a lot of work ahead and a sequel on its heels.
Thank you for such a lovely vote of confidence.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another in the long list of congrats. I will be purchasing and reading your book soon.
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Dear Emilio,
Your comment is music to my eyes.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Once again, my congratulations on your first novel. These are exciting days!
As to your “non-story,” I found it deft and amusing in it’s own way. You’ll be happy to know that I took up the mantle of historical research for you this week, but so as not to step into your territory, I chose Svante Arrhenius. 😉
Peace,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
Exciting and nerve-wracking.
I’m pleased that my non-story spoke to you. Perhaps next week I can gather my brain cells together and write a “real” one.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hurrah for real life, Rochelle. Enjoy it with no worries. 🙂
janet
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Dear Janet,
If life is a dream, where am I sleeping?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sometimes, real-life non-stories are better than fiction. Congrats! 🙂
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Thank you, GAH. 😉
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Congratulations on your good news. Today’s story might be considered fiction—it hasn’t happened yet… Ω
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Dear Allan,
I’m not sure what you mean by it hasn’t happened yet.
Thank you for the congrats. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
I was stretching to make a point and confused us both. Sorry about that.
What I wanted to say is that you wrote something for the week, and that was part of the whole idea of the exercise. Ω
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And yet our Dear Rochelle still manages to get Friday Fictioneers up and running every week. Many thanks and over the top Congratulations.
Do try to stay healthy under this joyous stress,
Tracey
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Dear Tracey,
I’m trying to follow the doctor’s orders. Thank you for your kind and supportive words. Comments like these make me want to keep Friday Fictioneers going.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hope there is still room in your head for one more…Congratulations !! Van
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Dear Van,
I think there will soon be more headroom. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow Rochelle! Congrats! Your are totally forgiven! For the first time in forever I am actually early with my story!
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Dear Joe,
Thank you so much for the congrats and forgiveness.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can’t wait to buy and read it,
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Congrats on the book!
I hate to sound like a dunce, but how do I write my story then link up to your site? I know how to copy the image and ping back to your blog, but is there something else I should do?
Thanks!
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Dear Lorna,
Thank you for the congrats.
I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner. I’m having to find time around a full time job.
Glad you were able to copy the image. If you’ve written your story, just click on the blue frog icon under the photo prompt which will take you to the list. At the bottom of the list to the left you should find a blue box that says “add your link.” Click that and it will take you to a box with instructions. In the first box you copy and paste your story URL which you should find at the top of your screen. Make sure it’s the story page. The rest is pretty self explanatory.
Hope this helps.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It does. Thanks so much!
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no story this week? the story is you. my congratulations!
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Dear Plaridel,
What a nice thing to say. 😀
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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it’s amazing how much you managed to do as it is.
Good luck with the book.
Randy
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Dear Randy,
Some days I feel more like Miracle Margarine than others.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Way to go, Rochelle! Congratulations. 🙂
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Thank you, Eric. 😀
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I couldn’t be more happy and excited for you. Congratulations!
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Thank you, Dawn. 😀
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Some weeks are like that, but I think you’ve more than earned an unstory! Congratulations!
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Dear Lisa,
This week is certainly like that. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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If anyone has an excuse, Rochelle, it’s you!! Congrats on your book!! I’m so excited for you. Hope all goes well in the final stages. P.S. I can’t think of a story either even though the prompt is excellent!
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Dear Amy,
Thank you for those encouraging words. My Friday Fictioneers, such as yourself, mean the world to me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fun “unstory” 🙂
Congratulations on your forthcoming publication!
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Dear Ali,
I’m glad you appreciated my “unstory.” 😉
Thank you for the congrats.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, every bit was believable. Must be pretty exciting! Congrats and wish you a great success. 🙂
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Dear Norma,
Nothing fictitious here to not be believed. 😉 It is exciting and, at the same time, overwhelming. Thank you for the well wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Roald can wait. And cleverly written. I bet the dog always ate your homework.
Looking forward to the book. I really enjoyed Claire Fuller’s recent novel and will use her a s a benchmark for my cruel criticism.
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Dear Patrick,
You make me nervous now. I haven’t read Claire’s novel yet but have every intention of doing so. I’m sure it’s fantastic and is getting rave reviews.
Thank you for your comments on my unstory. As for homework, I was never that clever with my excuses. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lack-of-head-space happens…that’s why I’ve been doing the prompts on Friday.
And congrats on Please Say Kaddish For Me (available for pre-order now).
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Dear Adam,
Thank you for the words of support.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congrats on the book, Rochelle.
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Thank you, BR. 😀
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Dear Ria,
First of all, congrats on surviving the editing process and the early publishing date. Now, people can order in time for Mother’s Days, Victory Day (Canada), Father’s Day, Flag Day, and Dragon Boat Festival Day (China). I’m thrilled to see this book reach completion and have a release date set. Can’t wait to get my grubby little paws on an autographed copy.
As for your non-story. It was spot-on in every aspect. Sometimes we get so busy juggling it’s hard to keep all the balls in the air. Don’t worry. I gotcha covered–wrote two this week.
– Vierra Offcourse
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Dear Vierra Offcourse or should I call you Jacques Cliche,
Thank you for covering for me this week 😉 It has been a busy time in my life and the balls have been falling on my head. (visualize Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Moose),
I’ll be happy to sign a copy over to you in the not too distant future. Will you be attending Ozark Creative Writers conference in October? I won’t be at OWL.
Thank you for all the laughs and moral support.
Shalom,
Ria
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I think you can have a week or two off for a book release.
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Dear Dave,
The book release isn’t quite yet. I didn’t plan to take a week off but I just couldn’t wrap my head around a real story. Pity, it’s such a great photo.
Thank you for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations, what great news! And the trailer looks fab. Nicely done 🙂
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Dear Cheryl,
Thank you for myself and for Kent, my videographer extraordinaire.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It sounds like the kind of story I wouldn’t mind living, actually.
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Dear Audrey,
There’s more to come to this story. 😉 And more work besides.
Thank you for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh my! See how it is? Publishers can be early but you can’t be late 😛 Do I hear you pitter pattering in Kansas at this ungodly hour of the morning?
Congratulations, Rochelle.
Ellespeth
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Dear Ellespeth,
Yes. I am up at this crazy hour and was about two hours ago when you posted 😉
I was a little rattled when the publisher announced the release date. A lesson in being prepared.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow Rochelle, when you do stuff – you do it right! Congratulations! Nan
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Dear Nan,
I try to just put one foot in front of the other. It’s been quite a learning process. Having friends like you in my corner helps a lot.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Congratulations on your success, and thank you again for all you do to keep FF operating.
Cheers, Margaret
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Dear Margaret,
Thank you for helping to make FF what it is. 😀 Thank for the congrats as well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congrats Rochelle! Thanks for sharing the wonderful news. 🙂
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My pleasure, Anne. Thanks for being part of Friday Fictioneers.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An excellent reason for distraction – wishing you the best for your launch:)
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Dear KT,
I promise a real story this coming week. 😉 Thank you for understanding and the well wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
I don’t think I’d have head space for writing either, under such exciting circumstances. Sending you my heartiest congratulations.
And I loved your “true” story. I’m sure that Doug was heartily amused!
All best wishes
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
I guess you could say that Doug’s responsible for the title. When I showed my unstory to him, he laughed, shook his head and said, “What a cop out.”
I’m pleased that it entertained.
Thank you for your delightful comments and good wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ahhhhhhhhh that is brilliant! How awesome, congratulations!
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Dear Solo,
Brilliant is always accepted here. 😉
Thank you on all counts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, that was a marvelous vignette! And how we all feel so often. Congratulations on your book, it must be very exciting 🙂
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Dear Samantha,
The problem with a story or nonstory such as this, you can’t get away with it too often. 😉
Thank you for the congrats.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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but occasionally it is fabulous!
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ROFLMAO, so cheap it’s actually cute!
Plus, we gotta be nice to the boss, don’t we? 😉
So there, a suck up for your cop out, 😛 Tay.
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😕
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Dear Tay,
I’ve thought long and hard about how to reply to your comment. I think you meant to be humorous not hurtful. However, hurt it did. The words in this story are true concerning the stress and insomnia so I might be a bit touchy or your comedic timing might be off. The publication of my book is the culmination of nine years of writing, rewriting and dreaming.
Please understand that your “suck up” felt more like a “smack down.”
Shalom,
Roach
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I did. I’m sorry twice. I’ll withhold hence.
Sorry again, Tay.
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Wow! you are most certainly forgiven. What wonderful news Rochelle, I just want to add my own congratulations to you for your fantastic achievement. Well done! 🙂
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Dear JWD,
Thanks for the forgiveness ad the congrats. They both make me smile. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s great news! Congrats Rochelle!
Best wishes!
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Thank you, Anita. 😀
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Dear Rochelle
A great non-story!
Such good news about your book, can’t wait to read it.
Best wishes
Dee
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Dear Dee,
Thank you for commenting on my non-story. I think it’s a worthy one…well kind of, even if Doug did call it a cop out. (He said it with a warm understanding smile. 😉 )
Thank you for the good wishes. It means a lot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations! This is great news, thanks for hosting the challenge. New here and enjoying every minute of it
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Dear Chioma,
I’m glad you’re enjoying the challenge. It’s habit forming, isn’t it? I started as one of the gang three years ago, ended up taking it over six months later and am amazed that it’s still going strong.
Thank you stopping by. I promise a real story next time.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations Rochelle on your new book 🙂
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Thank you, Darshana. 😀
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Oh, Rochelle, that is WONDERFUL news.
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Thank you, Alicia. 😀
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Hi Rochelle,
How exciting!! I’ve put a plug in my entry for your book. If I can meet my monthly writing goals, I’ll pre-order it as a reward for myself. 🙂 It looks fascinating.
Best of luck with everything!
Take care,
Emilie
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Dear Emilie,
I’m hoping you meet your monthly writing goals. 😉 And again, thank you for the plug on your blog. Every little bit will help me to meet my goals.
BTW, Disqus works quite well. Your replies show up in my email so I don’t have to run back to your blog to see if you answered.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I must check out your book, Rachelle! Mazoltov! My mother passed in December and reading your book perhaps is meant to be.
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Dear Oliana,
I’m so sorry about your mother. I lost mine several years ago and I still miss her very much. I hope you like my book.
Thank you for the Mazeltov,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle, I just preordered the book.
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Oh, you must be so excited, Rochelle. How wonderful for you – apart from all the stress and insomnia, I mean. Perhaps you just need an extra long swim (when you have time to fit it in). Big congratulations!
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Dear Millie,
I do try to get my swim time in. It’s one of the things that help keep me semi-sane. Since today is my day off I treated myself to an extra long session.
The stress and insomnia come with trying to fit everything in with a full time cake decorating job which is soon to be over. Retirement looms on the horizon as does a career as an author.
Thank you for paddling by with your good wishes and support.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your career as an author will be amazing!
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Congratulations! What an exciting time! I enjoyed the humor in your piece this week, even if you’re calling it an “unstory” : ) Great title.
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Dear Emily,
Thank you for your comments on my non-story. It does have a beginning, middle and end, so I think it qualifies. The title came from my friend who shook his head, laughed and said, “What a cop out.” “Perfect title,” I said. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations! Further proof that it can be done!
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Dear Daduff,
Just putting one foot in front of the other to get closer to my dream.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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MAZEL, Rochelle! You are entitled to a bit of a break (in FF) and such an exciting way to tell us all! I actually was reading this with a FF eye, when I realized what I was indeed reading! The trailer is fantastic! Kent did a masterful job! Huge hugs and congrats, friend! xoxo
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Dear Dawn,
Thank you for the validation of my “non-story.” It was a fun way to share my news.
I’ve had the good fortune of being Kent’s guinea pig for his budding career as a videographer.
Todah for the mazel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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is it flash fiction or flash truth?
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Purely flash fact, IB. 😀
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Such exciting news congratulations!
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Dear Colline,
The Fields family is pretty excited.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m right there with you. Been talking with an alum from my school and I just can’t manage to crank anything out of my head. Maybe its some kind of sickness running around. I still enjoyed the very tongue-in-cheek style of the story, though.
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Dear Michael,
If you can’t write a story and un-story will do. 😉 Glad you liked it. Some weeks are just like that. I’m happy to see you here, even if it’s late.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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