3 June 2016

Published June 1, 2016 by rochellewisoff

Summer Showcase

Summer is the time for vacations, picnics on the beach and reruns on the telly. For me it’s a time to meet a deadline in July for my third novel in my series entitled AS ONE MUST ONE CAN. Many thanks to those of you who responded to my plea for your favorite reruns. 

Sunrise FF Banner

Like us on Facebook

Our Mantra:

Snorkeling in St. Thomas

The following photo is the PROMPT. This week’s retread request is from Sandra Crook. If you’re one of those who wrote a story for this prompt feel free to re-post it and enjoy the respite. The photo is from Piya Singh for whom I have no link. Remember that all photos are private property and subject to copyright. Use other than Friday Fictioneers by permission only. 

Thanks to Piya Singh for this week's photo prompt.

Thanks to Piya Singh for this week’s photo prompt.

get the InLinkz code

Here’s my story, first posted 7 September 2012 when Madison Woods was FF Queen. I’m really appalled at how lax I was in replying to comments. I apologize to those of you to whom I didn’t reply. How rude was that?

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

CEASE-FIRE

             Despite his outspoken arguments against the Confederacy, to please Father, Amelia’s twin brother James enlisted. A year later he perished at Clark’s Mill.      

            Afterward she spent afternoons in the abandoned slave quarters reading Andrew’s letters in secret. The last one came seven months ago. 

 “When the war’s over we’ll live in New York…”

            Had she lost him, too?

            From the corner of the shack a Union soldier stumbled toward her, his face chocolate brown beneath his rumpled cap. Her knees buckled. He caught her and crushed her against his broad chest.

            Breathless, she devoured his bronze lips. “Andrew. Dearest Andrew.”

 

106 comments on “3 June 2016”

    • Dear Melony,

      Being close to the end of my novel is exciting, but also daunting. Having a deadline even more so.

      I’m glad you liked my story. I was pretty much of a newbie when I wrote this one. And I’m glad you’ve joined us. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

    • Dear Sandra,

      We’ve had quite a turnaround in the group in 4 years, haven’t we? It’s fun to revisit. Glad you liked this one the second time around.
      As for the novel…I vacillate between loving it and wanting to start over. Thanks for the support.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

    • Dear Neil,

      That was one of the critiques the first time around. A few felt that James was unnecessary. Perhaps one day, I’ll expand this into a larger story. At present, I’m taking the time off from writing flash fiction. 😉 My thought at the time was showing that Amelia is a Southern belle and her brother sacrificed himself for the Confederacy. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Always appreciated.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

    • Dear Michael,

      That’s a scenario I hadn’t considered. I will tuck that away for future reference in the event that I expand this.
      I’m pleased you liked the story and took the time to say so.

      Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

    • Dear Björn

      I have high hopes for this couple and their forbidden love. There was a community in New York where interracial marriage flourished.

      Thank you for your comments and for being a part of Friday Fictioneers. One of my best life decisions was to beg Madison to let me follow her. Sometimes it is a challenge but, in the long run, this is a great experience and a wonderful global community.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

    • Dear Ansumi,

      Indeed. I saw it as a slave cabin where Amelia and Andrew would sneak away before he escaped and joined the Union army.

      Thank you re my story and my novel in progress.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

    • Dear Liz,

      Glad you liked the bronze lips. 😉

      I’m making good progress on the third book, although there are times I want to chuck it. That’s when I turn off the computer and go to bed. The next project on the agenda is a coffee table book to go along with the three novels. It will contain all of the illustrations and character studies. That will keep me busy for a while. After that, it’s up to the muse. 😉

      Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

    • Dear Janet,

      So nice to see you and Sunday amongst the other faces. I hope you enjoyed the story for the first time, as it were. Actually I think Bill commented on it. Thanks for the wishes on the 3rd book it is moving right along.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

    • Dear Clare,

      It’s always fun to repost some of the older stories since we do have new people coming in all the time. Keeps us all on our toes. 😉 I’m glad you liked my story and took the time to say so. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

  • Hello, Rochelle! Figures I’d come back on a re-run week. Still, I’ve never read this one before. Nice twisty social commentary on this one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Helena,

      You know the old saying, “They’re only old if you’ve heard them.” For many, this is new and for a few of us “old timers” it’s a respite. You can expect more reruns for the next couple of months. 😉 I’m glad you liked my story and took the time to say so.

      Good to see you back.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

  • As someone who married outside her Hindu Brahmin community, and not only that, but married a total pardesi (foreigner), I like Amelia’s choice of life partner. Yes, they will have some major troubles to face together as an inter-racial couple, but perhaps, love will triumph. (Fortunately, in our case, we had almost no setbacks to our Union).
    I think James was a good side bit to add, especially because he was outspoken against the Confederacy, but caved to pressure, whereas she simply went secretly over to her Union soldier, and had a re-Union. Sometimes, good jiu-jitsu is what we need when facing an enemy larger than ourselves, namely Racism.
    A beautiful story, Rochelle!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Vijaya,

      I’m glad your union has worked out. My family wasn’t overjoyed when I married outside the Jewish community. According to my grandfather I was marrying outside of my tribe. Our parents gave our marriage six months at the most–45 years ago. 😉

      I’ve a few friends in interracial relationships. Their children tend to be striking and as far as I can tell they’re happy. Of course Amelia and Andrew lived in different times but there was a community in New York where interracial marriages thrived. Hence, Andrew’s reference to New York.

      Thank you for your wonderful comments that make me glad I reposted this story.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  • Rochelle,
    good luck on your upcoming book. Sounds like you have a busy summer ahead of you. It took me a couple reads to get the situation but I really like it. Sounds like they need to run away to New York together after that.
    Have a great week,
    David

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear David,

      I’m glad you took the time to get my story. No doubt they ran away to New York. Very different times those. I’d like to think we’ve grown up since then, but I’m not so sure we have.
      Busy summer indeed. The novel is taking up a lot of time and headroom. But I have to say that I’m enjoying the hell out of it. 😀

      Thank you for stopping by.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

  • Re-run to you, maybe, but like many others, not to me!
    I love the inclusion of James because it shows that both siblings had the same belief and James would probably have been her and Andrew’s biggest supporter…
    You rock, Lady!
    I cannot wait for Book 3… sigh…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Dale,

      I’m glad that you’re enjoying my adventure in recycling. 😉 The first time around and this time the consensus is a little divided on whether or not I needed James in the beginning. It does seem the majority think he’s necessary to the story. I kind of thought so or I wouldn’t have put him in, right? (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.) I’m willing to bet, that being her twin and Andrew their former slave, James knew about their relationship and supported them. There’s a lot of story here, isn’t there? Hmmm.

      As for Book 3, I’m nearing Part IV.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  • I’m glad at least Andrew made it back, and sad that James died for a cause he didn’t believe in. I guess Andrew will be more accepted in the North, though I think a mixed relationship back in those days is still going to be challenging (let’s face it, some people won’t accept it even today).

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  • Good story, Rochelle. I know a lot of the slaves fought for the North. A lot of soldiers didn’t come back, but some did. I hope they succeed in New York. This story was new to me and I enjoyed it. Well written as always. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  • I love to get a glimpse of the FF past, and like the happy ending. They won’t have an easy life, but at least he survived the war. Good luck with the novel.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Gabriele,

      It’s hard to believe I’ve been with Friday Fictioneers for four years. Joining is one of most impacting things I’ve ever done. I wasn’t running the show when I wrote this piece. It’s fun to look back on it and see who was a part and who commented.

      Thank you. The novel’s trucking along and nearing the finish line.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  • Great that she hasn’t lost everything, whatever hardships the future may hold. Nice one Rochelle. I’ve just sent my first novel to be critiqued and there’s no feeling like it. Congrats on getting towards the end of your third.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Cletus,

      The fun part of these reruns for the summer is that I’m letting some of ‘all y’all’ choose the prompt. I’m must coming along for the ride. I wasn’t even the queen when I wrote this one. Glad you enjoyed this one. I like it, too.

      Shalom,

      Gepetto

      Like

      Reply ↓

  • Dear Rochelle

    I love the passion of this story, heightened by the danger of discovery. I can almost taste his bronze lips!

    Sorry I’ve not been around for a while again. Have had a fallow time re creative inspiration. Marketing a book is a draining experience. I’ve decided to get back to writing to spark my energy, rather than wait for that energy to come to me.

    It sounds as if you’ve been very productive on the writing front during my absence from FF.

    All best wishes
    Sarah

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Sarah,

      As you can see, I’m heavily entrenched in my 3rd novel. So for the next couple of months it’s summer rerun time. I’m grateful for the respite and, it seems, so are a few others.

      Marketing is the toughest part of all of this for me. I wish I could afford a publicist but that’s not going to happen unless I can get a volunteer. 😉

      I’m glad to see you back and happy you liked my rerun. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

      • Dear Rochelle
        It’s not a rerun for me, but that’s good under my present circumstances of needing to push myself into creative action.
        Ditto, re a publicist. Marketing is a killer that cuts into precious writing time. Yes, a volunteer would be wonderful 🙂 At least you’re skillful enough to do the artwork for your book covers. I’m not able to afford the artist I used for my first book, so I’m in a bit of a quandary this time round.
        I haven’t bought or read your 2nd book yet, but do intend to in the next couple of months. Will let you know when I’ve reviewed it.
        All best wishes
        Sarah

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply ↓

        • Dear Sarah,

          I so appreciate the reviews and support. Had it not been for Friday Fictioneers, I’d never have had the audience that I do. I hope it’s working that way for you. I really do need to read your book. Is it available on Amazon.com?
          I’ve been fortunate with the artwork. I’m told it’s highly unusual for an author to be able to use their own artwork. My agent is the reason. She’s as sold on my art as she is on my writing.
          Best wishes and shalom,

          Rochelle

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply ↓

  • Greetings, Rochelle!
    Congrats on the soon to be published third book!
    The story really captures the sense of uncertainty and fear felt by Amelia. I stumbled a bit over the close repetition of ‘her’ in the sentence ‘He caught..,’but otherwise thought it read very smoothly.
    Best of luck leading up to your deadline!
    TMWR

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear TMWR,

      I’m glad you liked the story even if it caused you to stumble a bit. Thank you for your well wishes re my upcoming book. Working my poor typing fingers to the bone. Not really, I’m pretty pleased with where the story’s going. Not sure how I’ll end it yet but I’m pretty sure my characters will let me know.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  • Good story. It was a strange war – brother against brother. Seems we haven’t recovered from it as yet.
    Wonderful news on your book. Must be a very emotionally taxing time – I can only imagine. I have the others on my to read list.
    As for the comments, I always feel rude and a poor soul for not reading and responding as much as I wish I could. You do a phenomenal job.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear MTO,

      It was a strange and horrible war. And you’re right, it’s one we never really recovered from IMHO.

      I’m happy that my books are on your list. 😉

      Yes, reading and commenting can be a challenge, which is why I’m taking a break from the story writing part. I’ve become judicious about whose stories I comment on.

      Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  • With James included, it’s a bigger story. I like that he’s there. Amelia’s decisions and actions contrast with her twin brother’s – she follows her heart and her principles, while he goes along with what is expected despite not believing in it. So I’m glad Amelia and Andrew get a happy ending, although their struggle is far from over, I’m sure.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Margaret,

      I’m glad you came along for the ride with this story. There seems to be a bit of a divide now, as there was 4 years ago about including James. I tend to agree with you so I’ll leave it alone. Perhaps one day I’ll work it into something bigger.

      Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  • Dear Rochelle

    A good story which has stood the test of time. It’s so interesting to read the reruns of old posts and see just how far we have travelled on our writing journeys. Thank you for this one, I think it was one of my very first attempts at FF.

    Congratulations on your third book, I’m sure it will be another success.

    Well done Fairy Blogmother!

    Best wishes
    Dee

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Dee,

      I was thinking you came into FF before me. But it’s been a while ago, hasn’t it? I’m glad you stuck it out.

      Thank you for all of your sweet comments and continued participation. It makes it worth being the Fairy Blogmother (love that).

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

    • Speak to me so I know someone's reading me. (Your comments brighten my day.)

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple

    Growing older is inevitable. Growing up is optional.

    Linda's Bible Study

    Come study God's Word with me!

    Just Writing!

    A place to improve my writing skills, and that's all.

    Up From the Ashes

    www.dalectables.com/

    lindacapple

    Writing from the Soul, Speaking from the Heart

    Real World Magic

    Bringing Visions to Life

    Riverbrat

    Navigating the mountains and valleys of everyday life on the riverbank.

    RACHEL FOY

    Our Literary Journey

    Driveling twaddle by an old flapdoodle.

    Saania's diary - reflections, learnings, sparkles

    Life is all about being curious, asking questions, and discovering your passion. And it can be fun!

    Invincible Woman on Wheels

    Conquering the World

    This, that and the other thing

    Looking at life through photography and words

    Kelvin M. Knight

    Reading. Listening. Writing.

    Na'ama Yehuda

    Speech Language Pathologist, Writer, Blogger -- musings, anecdotes, stories, quotes, life lessons and growth

    Diane's Ponderings

    Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

    Dad's Airfryer Adventures

    #fryingwithair

    Penz-o-Paula

    Paula Shablo

    Lost Imperfect Found

    Self-discovery through self-reflection.

    Genie in a Box: Words and thoughts from Eugenia Parrish, Author

    Sarah Potter Writes

    Pursued by the muses of prose, poetry, and art

    Sammi Cox

    Author Aspiring

    Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings

    Neil MacDonald Author

    A writer's journey

    Autumn Leaves

    For those who enjoy fiction

    Be Sorry . . . Less

    Native Heritage Project

    Documenting the Ancestors

    Issa A. Dioume

    (WRITER)

    Living In Eternity

    If Eternity Is Forever, Am I There Now?

    Rereading Jane Eyre

    Author Luccia Gray