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.
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The following photo is the PROMPT. This week’s retread request is from Cuzzin Kent Bonham. If you’re one of those who wrote a story for this prompt feel free to re-post it and enjoy the respite. Remember that all photos are private property and subject to copyright. Use other than Friday Fictioneers by permission only.
PHOTO PROMPT © Janet Webb
Three years ago I wrote a story for this prompt that had to be pulled for reasons told in the following hundred words I later wrote for a similar prompt. Since I am not at liberty to post the original story for this prompt…
Genre: Hysterical Faction
Word Count: 100
CLEANUP IN AISLE FIVE
Through hours of research I’d found the perfect subject for my weekly flash fiction—a family’s battle over wealth with a tragic end.
I posted it to good reviews. But months later, a venomous barrage of remarks sent shockwaves through my world.
“I hate your writing, you ignorant slut. It’s all lies. My father was murdered.”
“I’d take down the post,” said a friend. “But don’t let her anger rent space in your head.”
I learned that day about the power of friendship. I also learned when fictionalizing recent events, it’s best to change real names to protect the guilty.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Neat story as always, m’lady.
But you know that I, probably like everyone else, really want to see the original!
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Dear CE,
Sorry, not at liberty to post the original. That’s what got me in trouble three years ago. A lawsuit doesn’t sound the least bit appealing to me. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Goodness no! Teensy bit curious though! 😉
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Don’t let her anger rent space in your head…what a great advice.
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Dear Loré,
At the time I really needed to hear it. It was a night(mare) to remember. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved the renting anger space. I’ve got several rental agreements going on in mine and that’s such a graphic way of putting it. But then you’re not only a great writer but a great artist too! And a master of the last line. I’ll be in touch. 🙂
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Dear Sandra,
I have a few renters who need to be evicted as well. At least that one’s not there anymore. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Don’t let — anger rent space in your head. If only.
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Dear Michael,
We all rent out that headspace, don’t we? Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle, that’s horrific. What an awful thing to happen. I hope you were able to take your friend’s advice – not easy, when someone has been so vile, but essential for your wellbeing. A fascinating, disturbing tale.
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Dear Lynn,
After my friend talked me off the ledge I was able to take the story down and let it go. Part of the dialogue is fictionalized although she had a lot to say and some of it much worse. Once more truth is stranger than fiction. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Just horrific. Obviously, I don’t know the true details and what the man did (clearly it was upsetting for his family) but unless you were doing a hatchet job (and I’m sure you weren’t) that kind of overreaction doesn’t help anybody. Sorry it was so horrible for you and I’m so glad you were able to put it behind you. All best wishes, Lynn
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Truth is stranger than fiction because fiction has to make sense. Ah, the lessons we learn by our mistakes. I’m glad that you got out (relatively) unscathed. 🙂
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I did learn a lesson, Archon. It could’ve been much worse. Pity, though, it was a great story. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom in the midst of chaos,
Rochelle
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Superb as usual dear Rochelle. Wonderful is power of friendship indeed.
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Dear Indira,
When it comes to friends, I’m a wealthy woman indeed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You have made me richer too dear. Shalom.
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Do you have the link the original froggy? Or the date of the first prompt?
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I don’t have the link but it was October 2013. I took my entire post down.
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Thanks. I was looking for the photo so I wouldn’t have to upload it again. But I found the linky too in case anyone needs it
http://www.inlinkz.com/wpview.php?id=322952
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Thank you, Dawn.
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Like so many others, the anger renting space took over space in my mind
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Thank you, Neil. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nicely written!
I do hope the story isn’t an indication to real head-space renting though.
I remember this photo prompt fondly; it served me well those three years ago. – I wonder if I can think of something new?
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Dear Peter,
For me the reruns have been a Godsend in getting my third novel ready by deadline. I’ve left it up to the longtime FF’rs to decide if they want to write a new one or take a break.
This story, it turns out was cathartic for me. No headspace rented to that former tenant, I assure you.
Thank you and Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good to hear. Oh and I’ve a few photos I’d like to send, can you point me in the right direction?
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Send them as Jpegs to Runtshell@gmail.com
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I somehow found it funny and laughed in the end. Nice one
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Dear Shaktiki,
In the end this story was funny. Feel free to laugh. .;) Live and learn. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I recall this story and the anguish you went through. It was a great story and lesson. Keep on keeping on.
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Oh no! So sorry to hear your story turned into another sad tale. But boy, I’d like to hear the original. We’ll never tell 😉
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Dear Karen,
Alas I’m not at liberty to share that story. It was a good one, though. I tried rewriting it as fiction but it just didn’t have the same impact. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Always appreciated.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And that’s why I never go online with my real name. People lose all restraint… I’m glad things don’t linger in your head, I love the rent space line, too. And I won’t tell you how much time I spent trying to twist my mouth like you do on that picture. XD
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Dear Gabriele,
I hope your lips don’t hurt from trying to twist them into such an unnatural position. 😉 I got the expression from Lucille Ball way back when.
Actually I’m very good at letting thoughts and people take up residence in my head. This was one time I was able to let it go.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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WOW! Just.. .wow! I’m so sorry you were treated so horribly. That person has some serious issues and I don’t think they really had anything to do with you. She just needed to take her hatred and venom out on someone and you were the perfect target. I can’t imagine you writing anything that would conjure such vile remarks, but I’m glad you have turned it around Rochelle. Rock on my lovely!~
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Dear Courtney,
Apparently this woman did have issues with years of this family scandal. There were conflicting stories of how her father came to his end. As I said, this was months after I’d written the story. I suspect I caught the brunt of a drunken rant. At any rate, I apologized and removed the post. I never heard from her again, thankfully. And I was fortunate that night of finding my friend online who talked me off the ledge via Skype. Live and learn.
Thank you for your encouraging words. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lesson learned, I suppose. I hate that it had to happen the hard way.
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Dear Alicia,
it was a trying night, for sure, followed by trepidation of legal repercussions. Fortunately that never happened. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Whew!!!!
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What a horrible ordeal that sounds like! I’m so sorry you had to deal with something that nasty. Thank you for sharing, so the rest of us can learn from your terrible experience. Change the names to protect the guilty, indeed! But also to protect ourselves.
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Dear Joy,
Alas, I did try to rewrite the story with fictionalized names and it just didn’t have the same impact. But one does have to be cautious with our lives on display on the internet these days. Live and learn and keep writing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re so right; we have to be much more cautious than I think most of us realize. But as you say, learn from it and keep on writing!
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Dear Georgette,
Yes, I remember the big stir you created, you rabble-rouser, you. I suggest you play it safe and just write about people like Perry and that crazy cousin of yours (like I do). I’m not aware that they’ve done anything of historical significance, but they are pretty entertaining characters. I would definitely support Kent should he attempt to run for Animal Control Officer in a local election.
Just saying’
Raul
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Sorry, Raul. Too many crazy dogs running for National Dog-Catcher as it is. The field’s too crowded. However, I would support Perry for “pooper scooper” so he could work his way up.
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Dear Raul and Cuzzin Notnek,
Oh the stories I could tell. C’est Moi? A rabble-rouser? You know, they say there’s one in every crowd. Life goes on…obla dee, obla dah, la la la, life goes on.
Shalom,
Georgette
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I guess we learn some lessons the hard way, wish we didn’t have to though.
Great story though.
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Dear Chioma,
Some lessons are harder than others. We don’t soon forget those, do we? Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle!
🙂
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Yes, we do live and learn. It’s unfortunate that often times it has to be so invoved and affect others in so many ways. I like the saying “space in your head” ….that is hard to control, but with practice we can overcome it. Wonderful story, and I’m sure most of us can relate to it.
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Dear Jessie,
it was a painful lesson. One I’ll never forget. In today’s litigious society, it was a sweaty palm moment. So I was happy that simply removing the post was the end of it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, I wrote a piece a few years ago that was about someone real and it went viral and for a few days I was on cloud nine – until I started getting a few nasties like you did. I took the piece down but later changed my mind and put it back up. I haven’t had any more bad comments but I completely understand why you chose that path. I’m still curious though…
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Dear JWD,
I fear you’ll have to remain curious. 😉 I’m glad your story had a happy ending. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, Anger never pays the rent ! Wise advice.
I haven’t been participating in FF for the past 4 to 5 weeks but I did make up for it by finally reading “Please say Kaddish for me”. I didn’t expect it to be a page-turner …was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Look forward to reading the next two.
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Dear Ansumani,
Your words are music to my eyes re Please Say Kaddish for Me. I’m happy you’re finding it to be a page turner. As I write I’m in the final stages of As One Must, One Can. Cleaning her up and getting her ready for prime time. I hope you’ll take the time to leave a review on Amazon.com. Those reviews help boost sales.
Thank you for coming by. You have been missed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I will leave a review on Amazon soon. Can’t wait to read the next one…so toil away 🙂
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Rochelle,
good to be back in the group. I think I remember that story, or at least the backlash you shared about it later. Changing names is always smart, I think. Nice story even if the situation it stemmed from wasn’t nice. 🙂
-David
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Dear David,
Every picture tells a story, don’t it? (Thank you, Rod Stewart.) Somehow the story didn’t work as well without the real names, as it involved the family of the inventor of the shopping cart. He shall remain nameless here but you can find him if you Google. Live and learn and keep writing. Glad you’re back.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That sounds like a very trying time, Rochelle! Sorry you had to deal with that. Glad it didn’t turn into something even worse.
That said, you took that and turned it into a story about a story! Ever the artist! Well-done.
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Oh, and that is a BRILLIANT face you’re making in that photograph, in stark contrast with the slightly worried-puzzled face next to yours.
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Dear Vijaya,
Thank you for your kind words re my story about a story. We live, learn and keep writing. I’ve been told my face is made of Silly Putty. This comes in handy in my other life as a mime. The face next to mine…well that’s Cuzzin Kent there and I can’t account for him. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story of a terrible time for you. I loved the last line, changing “innocent” to “guilty” in the popular phrase.
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Thank you for your encouraging words, Ali. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Right! Note to self: don’t use real names. I’m not sure I want to know what happened!
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Dear Petru,
Not to worry. I never heard another word from the woman once I took down the post. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good! I’ve been on the receiving end of ‘spam’ in response to some feminist stuff I blogged. So I know what it feels like. It’s serious stuff!
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I remember your warning about the material. That’s really scary. This account of it was good though and a sound warning. Good writing as always, Rochelle. —- Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
Some lessons bear repeating, don’t they? Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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… and boy, what a lousy day yesterday was. Glad it’s all in the past.
Like they say, unless life gives you water and sugar, your lemonade’s gonna SUCK. Right?
Five out of five clean-up’s in aisle five.
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Dear Cuzzin Notnek,
Some days are definitely tougher than others. That day certainly SUCKED mightily. Thank you for the five clean-ups. I’d like to thank the Academy…
Shalom,
Cuzzin Shelley
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Hahaha!
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Why are people so unpleasant? Sorry you were treated so appallingly. Like some others, I’m more than a little curious about the original!
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Dear Clare,
In light of the records and the family scandal, I can understand the woman’s being upset. She wasn’t exactly diplomatic, though. As to the original, it’s now classified information. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Now I want to read the original, renters be damned 🙂
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Dear Subroto,
Classified information. 😉 No head vacancies today.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a terrible experience Rochelle!
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All’s well that end’s well, Colline. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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it goes without saying that we can’t really please everybody.
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Ain’t it da truth, Plaridel? 😉
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Of course I’m curious, but understand. If it was 2014 instead of 2013, from the shopping cart and a family’s battle over wealth I would have guessed it was about Market Basket, but the date is wrong and I doubt if you would have received threats over that. Anyway, sorry about the ordeal.
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Dear Trent,
it was actually about the family of the inventor of the shopping cart, who shall remain nameless on my blog. I daresay if you Google it, you’ll find it. Hint: I started my search with ‘history of the shopping cart.’ 😉 Happy searching.
Thank you for swinging by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for the hint! Still sorry it caused so many problems.
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Families…gotta love ’em..and they do make excellent subjects for our flash fiction. (hehehe)
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Dear Dawn,
It was such a juicy story. Oh well. Be it ever so dysfunctional, there’s no place like home.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Uh oh. I knew I should have picked a different name for that character. Well, maybe he won’t notice.
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Dear Alice,
it’s best to take timeline into consideration when writing a faction. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My advice is get an effigy of the person making you angry and taking out your wrath on the effigy.
Otherwise it seems like a lot of drama, perhaps the next blockbuster could be built around it.
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Dear Kevin,
She really wasn’t worth the time it would’ve taken to make the effigy. Obviously there was a scandal the family tried to sweep under the rug as evidenced by the court records and conflicting articles concerning her father’s death. I believe I was the brunt of a drunken rant. Once I took down the post I never heard another word. I suppose it could be a blockbuster. So many ideas, so little time.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I often feel like that. I watch life all around and learn from it. I teach it but have great difficulty maintaining people’s anonymity.
Good one!
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Dear Sabina,
It was a lesson learned. Although there are a lot of actual people in my historical fictions, it never occurred to me that since this was more current history, there might be backlash. A little more caution from here on out. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oo-er! Your experience touches a nerve this week. A friend on another forum asked for submissions for a special occasion. When she rejected one she recieved streams of vitriol.
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Dear Liz,
I know how that goes. Thanks for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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How clever to write a story about a story, and it provides plenty of food for thought. The experience you describe sounds just awful, I’m glad your friend was there to hold you up and suggest a strategy.
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Dear Margaret,
That friend was a lifesaver that night. It made me grateful for Skype. Thank you for such a great comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yikes! Your story got me thinking. Writing can always provoke emotion, though not always the ones we hope for from everyone. Thanks for sharing a little of your experience!
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Dear Emily,
While we want to provoke emotions as writers, this wasn’t the one I was going for. 😉 So if my experience can help someone else to take caution it was worth it. In retrospect, it wasn’t all bad. I mean my work got noticed. Right? That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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