Quite a few fictioneers took liberties with the word count last week. Remember, the challenge is a hundred words or less. Please take into consideration that our numbers are growing and there are more stories to read. Thank you.
The following photo is the PROMPT and comes from my own hubby.
PHOTO PROMPT © Jan W. Fields
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
THE SIN IN SYNCOPATION
“I ain’t got no money for no music lessons, Professor Weiss.”
“Turn left and do the cake walk prance…”
“Your boy has a rare gift.”
“…Turn the other way…”
“I got five mouths to feed ‘sides his.”
“…do the slow drag…”
“No charge.”
“…take your lady to the world’s fair.”
“Come away with me, my love.”
“Is it really you, Chrysanthemum? But you’re—dead. Does that mean…?”
“…and do the ragtime dance.”
“Yes.”
_________
“Poor demented fella. Looks like he tried to play the piano…” The doctor released Scott Joplin’s stiff, distorted hands from the restraints. “…and sang his life away.”
****
Note: Scott Joplin, known as the King of Ragtime, died in Manhattan State Hospital, 1 April 1917 in the final stages of syphilis induced dementia.
Freddie Alexander Joplin, the woman for whom The Chrysanthemum was written.
Scott Joplin
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Excellent piece. I had no idea he died so young (nor indeed what he died from). But then my eyes (and my tear ducts) are frequently opened when I visit your Fri Fic pieces, Rochelle. Well done.
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Dear Sandra,
Scott Joplin was an amazing talent. It saddens me that he wasn’t appreciated in his own time. His death was no less tragic than his life. Thank you for your kind comments and your leaky tear ducts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
This is beautiful. It was a challenge for me to fully comprehend, but after rereading it a few times I got it. It feels nice to expand one’s knowledge;)
Best wishes
Helene
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Dear Helene,
I’m pleased you took the time to understand. Admittedly it’s a bit of experimental writing for me. The words of the poem are Mr. Joplin’s. He was an amazing talent and greatly under appreciated in his day.
Thank you so much for reading, rereading and taking the time to comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It took me reading your comment about the words being from his poem to make me fully appreciate this but, yet again, I have learned something new from you. Thanks 🙂
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Dear Louise,
I’m glad you took the time to parse it out. Thank you for your kind words and comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An interesting piece Rochelle. I enjoyed reading the references to history as well.
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Dear Colline,
Scott Joplin is one of my all time favorites.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, I adore this. You know how I love experimenting with the form, the structure…I think it always adds another dimension to the story. Nicely done.
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Dear Loré,
Your words make me smile. It’s always nice to know that an experiment works for somebody. Thank you so much for taking the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love your piece. It has the dissonance of jazz and it made me think about this man whom I had forgotten, unfortunately. Do I understand correctly that responses are due this Friday?
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Dear Writersdream,
Your comment makes me smile because it shows that you went exactly where I wanted you to go. 😉
In answer to your question, while we’re called Friday Fictioneers, you may respond anytime between now and Tuesday. As you can see by the link a good many post on Wednesday. Originally the idea was that the prompt went up on Wednesday, the writers then took two days before posting on Friday.
In other words, post anytime and welcome aboard!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you. I will work on it for sure. The picture intrigues me. I’m glad to be here!
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I love how you weaved the dialogue.. a very challenging way to write but you made me dive into it… reminds me of a Harold Pinter play a little… and you really tied it all together… On of my great-grandfathers died in mental hospital from syphilis… it’s part of those histories that you never talk about than until much later. I never met him of course… I really like when you bring up those old stories and I admire all the research that’s gone into it.
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Dear Björn,
Your comment just might be my favorite so far. You followed me at every turn which is highly gratifying for an author. Thank you very much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the music of Scott Joplin and loved the syncopation in your story.
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Dear Graham,
Scott Joplin has long been a favorite of mine. Glad you liked my story and took the time to say so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Research, research, research. Why do you always have to make me think and learn so much from so few words? I get so little done after reading because then I have to think and digest for a while. Quit…..not. Love it. Keep it up.
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The better to keep you on your toes my dear. 😉
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This was fabulous, Rochelle. I’m sure many of us know his music from “The Sting” – thanks for giving us a chance to listen to his music here!
I don’t know how you do it, the dialogue, the poem, bringing it all together.
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Dear Dale,
Fabulous? That makes me smile for more reasons than I can say. 😉 Many thanks for your comments and compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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💓
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I had no idea… and now I do. Thank you for an intriguing story. I love the music, too, but I had no idea Ragtime wasn’t more wide-spread in its time.
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Dear GAH,
We do tend to think of ragtime as being the music of that day, don’t we? It’s a style I could and do listen to for hours on end. Thank you for your affirming words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I haven’t listened to him much but I’ve always really liked him. He wrote “The Entertainer” from “The Sting”. Was his deceased girlfriend trying to get him to break on through to the other side?
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Dear Larry,
A whole generation passed before we got to enjoy his music…what a shame. Yes, it was his girlfriend/wife speaking from the other side. At least in the midst of his hallucinations.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I just love ragtime music. It puts me in a dreamy place. It’s too bad Scott Joplin didn’t get more recognition while he was living. Excellent and inventive piece, Rochelle! I loved how you wove his poem and the backstory and then brought it all together into the present (in your story). Expertly done!
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Dear Amy,
I love ragtime also, in fact the Chrysanthemum is among my favorite Scott Joplin pieces. Thank you for your affirming words. I worried a bit over this one. .
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sounds like a terrible way to go, but nice story.
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Dear Claire,
It does sound like a horrible way to go. I almost took Quinnon out that way but it just didn’t fit the story. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice piece, Rochelle. I learned a lot today.
Well done spanking the slackers… a Drabble is a Drabble is a Drabble. I’ll try to come up with 100 for this Fri.
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Dear Ted,
I’m always happy to pass along a new bit of knowledge. I’m glad you caught my note, although someone has already ignored it. Sigh. Ya buy em books and buy em books and they just eat the pictures.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This story is touching. I don’t know much about western music. Learned something new. I have to read it many times and go through comment section.
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Dear Indira,
I’m always happy to pass along something new, even if it’s old. 😉 I love Indian music, what I’ve heard of it, ie Ravi Shankar although I’m certainly not an expert.
I’m glad you liked the story and hope you didn’t have to work too hard to understand it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A little dear. The style was new to me. Last two lines and your reply to comments explained everything.
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Great idea for this week’s pic. Nicely done! So many great talents get overlooked.
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Dear Caerlynn,
One has to wonder how many great talents we’ve missed. I’m glad someone had the foresight to use The Entertainer in the 70’s movie The Sting.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fascinating piece, Rochelle. I love the back-and-forth of it.
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Thank you, Lorna. It was an experiment on my part that worked. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s worked very well!
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Dear Rochelle,
Dare I admit I never knew of the man? I know his music. I know what syncopation is and yet I didn’t know Scott Joplin. Thank you for your excellent writing skill and the links which helped me to grow a bit today.
Shalom,
Lynda
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Dear Lynda,
I’m sure you’re not alone in knowing the music but not the man. Thank you for your affirming comments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’ve really outdone yourself, Rochelle! This is hauntingly beautiful and full of such emotion. It took me a few read throughs to understand what I was reading, but I’m glad I did. 😄
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Dear Melony,
There’s nothing more thrilling than finding out that something different worked. I can’t say I regret you’re having to read more than once. 😉
Thank you and shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for the interesting read.
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You’re quite welcome, Dawn.;)
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That was great, a multidimensional story in so few words. Very well done!
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Thank you, Trent. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You always have such interesting writing prompts for fictioneers.
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I do my best, George.
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An amazing talent — Scott Joplin and you! 🙂
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Many thanks for such a wonderful comment, Lillian. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So this week I learned:
1- A new word :syncopation
2- About Scott Joplin
3- A new way to write weaving in dialogues of various people over various timeframes and verse to tell the whole life of a person
Need I compliment you more Rochelle? 🙂
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Dear Ansuami,
What a tremendous compliment! Many, many thanks.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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great dialogue. i confess i didn’t know him, but now i know. thanks. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
I’m happy to introduce you to a favorite of mine. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So many great talents have died young. At least, he left a sizable body of work behind to keep his memory alive. Great story based on history, as usual, Rochelle. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
He did leave quite a legacy, didn’t he? Amazing talent. Tragic life. Thank you for such nice comments…always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Poor fellow. A great musician indeed. Seems he had more success in death.
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Dear Patrick,
Not only success after his death, but a whole generation beyond.
Thank you for coming by to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Every week a little nugget of gold! And the music was perfect.
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Dear Liz,
Thank you for your shining words. They made my day.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for reminding me about ragtime music, it always makes me smile – as do your thoughtful stories. I’ve been struggling with my word count and will try harder although I’ve only squeaked over by 2-3 words. Still. Alicia
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Dear Alicia,
I’m happy to provide you with two smiles for the price of one.
Squeaking by with 2-3 words over isn’t terrible. It’s when someone goes thirty and above that causes me to be a bit cranky.
Thank you and Shalom,
Rochelle
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So tragic. A mind and talent lost inside with no way out. Thank you Rochelle for sharing this story.
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Dear Laurie,
At least Mr. Joplin left a wealthy legacy with his music. Glad you enjoyed my story and took the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, I love this story, and I love the structure of it! AND I love Scott Joplin’s music. Thanks for a great story, and for the history and the music, as well!
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Dear Vijaya,
I was a bit nervous about posting this one. The style was somewhat out of my comfort zone. Your affirming words make me smile. Mission accomplished. Thank you so very much, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle YFBM
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🙂 You’re most welcome!
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Knew none of the background of Scott Joplin except I thought “The Sting” was overrated. Mr. Joplin certainly not so. Great piece as always with fascinating back and forth interior dialogue.
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Dear Perry,
To be honest, the only thing I remember about “The Sting” is “The Entertainer.” Although Mr. Joplin’s life and death were tragic, his music was amazing. Glad you enjoyed my story and took the time to say so. it means a lot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great piece! I read it a couple of times to really get the “feel” of it. I didn’t know how Scott Joplin died. It seems many of the “greats” went out early and under-appreciated.
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Dear Ali,
I can’t say I mind the fact that you had to read my story twice. 😉
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear C. Evelyn Croup,
I’m not sure they had a Surgeon General in Mr. Joplin’s day, if so, why wasn’t there a government warning on that thing that gave him syphilis? I ask myself, “What would Bill Clinton do?”
Once again, you challenged our brain, which is always difficult for those like myself and the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz. I did enjoy the syncopated dialogue. Well done.
Mr. Bo Jingle Writer
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Dear Mr. Bo Jingles,
A male friend once told me that a man is merely a delivery system. (You may complete the rest of that sentence.) Alas, there were no antibiotics in that day and I shudder to think what Bill Clinton would do.
Happy to expound and expand. Hope all read well on the scan.
Shalom,
Herself, C. Evelyn Croup.
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Another wonderful piece Rochelle!
Regards
Jim
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Thank you, Jim. Nice to see you here again.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a pleasing piece of music to the ears. Ever so refreshing, and for the mind too, as I have learnt something new. Thank you.
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Dear Checkii,
Thank you for your refreshing words. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I did not know that, and I am saddened by it. I cannot say how many times I played that record when I was a kid. Ragtime was one of the first records my parents gave me and I am sure they grew to regret it.
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Dear Samantha,
Ragtime is a favorite of mine. And Scott Joplin’s at the top of that list.
Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi! I’m participating in a Blogging 101 workshop. One of the suggestions was to participate in an event that reflects my interests. I started blogging to practice my writing. I found your site. Here I am.
I am not clear how to create a pingback to your page. I did create an Inlinkz and added that to the end of my post. I also copied the URL from your January 22, 2016 page and pasted that after the Inlinkz.. Maybe those will work. Where on your page would one go to read the weekly submissions? Thanks for doing this. I hope to improve my writing, and to better follow directions.
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Dear Kathy,
Welcome to Friday Fictioneers. I’m not sure about pingbacks. That’s one of those things I haven’t really figured out myself.
As for the link to your submission here, you’ve actually linked it to my page so I’m going to edit out of your comment.
To read other submissions simply go to the linkz list and click on the icons that will take you to individual stories.
Rather than leave your link here, the best way to have others read your stories is to add your link to the list. If you click the blue box on the lower left of the linkz list it should give you instructions. However for today I’ll add your link for you. The link you should add is YOUR STORY URL which would be this: https://snapshotsofeverything.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/crossing-the-velvet-rope-friday-fictioneers/
I hope this isn’t confusing. Meanwhile I’m going to link you. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting format! I have no idea who any of these people are, but I feel a strong desire to research. So sad. 😦
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Dear Madilyn,
I did give a link at the end of the story. That’s a good place to start the research. If I’ve aroused your curiosity, my story is a success.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like how you put this together, Rochelle. You capture the disjointed reality that was part of his final moments, I imagine.
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Dear Margaret,
I’m pleased that came across for you. That was exactly my intent. Thank you for taking the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
Unrelated to your flash fiction here, I’d like to post a link regarding an article I thought you will probably be interested in. A new book was published regarding Auschwitz, a biography by a son about his father. The article is particularly well written so I’m not hesitant to mention it: https://gerryco23.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/my-story-isnt-about-auschwitz-its-about-life-after-auschwitz-goran-rosenberg/
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Dear Petruj,
So may stories out there. This does look interesting. Thank you fro the link.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you so much Rochelle. That was a lovely sad story and I am so grateful for the recording of The Chrysanthemum. I have spent hours trying to play this and I have never heard Joplin play it himself.
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Dear Hilary,
I’m glad you enjoyed the story. I’m a great fan of ragtime and Scott Jopllin myself. However, I don’t think the recording I posted is actually being played by Mr. Joplin himself. According to YouTube this one is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euM9giVINgg
Thank you for taking the time to stop and read.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, I’ve been and listened to that too. It’s wonderful, a little firmer and the beat more marked. I think the other player may have had a ‘better’ piano.
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And better recording equipment. 😉
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Dear Rochelle
I bit late dropping by… I really like how you merged this into a really lovely piece. I felt sad and then annoyed that he died so young. I have been a fan of Scott Joplin’s music for a long time and you brought him back to life.
Best wishes
Dee
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Dear Dee,
I’m glad this piece worked for you. It was little different form for me and I was somewhat nervous about posting it. Such a nice comment is never late. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love Joplin. It’s deceptively hard to play. I always rush his pieces.
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Dear Joe,
I admire anyone who can play. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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When I was young I despised lessons. I am so glad I took enough to keep playing through the course of my life.
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