This week Pegman takes us to the capital of England, a modern city with a history going back to Roman times.
Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to write up to 150 words inspired by the week’s location. You can use the photo supplied with the prompt, or find your own view from the virtually endless supply of streetview or photospheres throughout the city.
Once your piece is polished, share it with others at the link up below. Reading and commenting is part of the fun!
Thanks to Karen and Josh for facilitating the challenge.
Click the Frog to Join the Fun!
The following is an excerpt from two of my books FROM SILT AND ASHES, the second novel in my Havah Cohen Trilogy and from A STONE FOR THE JOURNEY, the coffee table companion book. The art store was established in London in 1855 and still is a successful business today.
I couldn’t decide between the two photos so I’m including them both. 😉 The second is lifted from a film shot in 1903. I used it as a visual to write the scene.
Genre: Historical Fiction Excerpt
Word Count: 150
THUMBNAIL SKETCH
With a leather portfolio under his arm and his medical bag in his hand, Nikolai wandered London’s streets. Since his chief errand was accomplished, he had no particular destination, so he seized the opportunity for an afternoon of sightseeing.
Passengers crowded themselves into square compartments atop coaches whose side and back banners advertised such necessities as Lipton’s Teas and Nestlé’s Milk. Above all else, London’s churches fascinated him with their clock towers. A man never needed to ask the time in Britain.
Now and then, he paused to read shop signs. One particular shop caught his interest with its display of paints and drawing papers. He read the sign aloud, “L. Cornelisson and Son. Artist Colourman.”
Suddenly, a flagrant dervish of henna hair and purple feathers in chartreuse skirts swirled past him. Curious to know what a woman of her ilk would want in an artist’s shop, he followed her.
Dear Rochelle,
I love how you did this! Perfection!
Shalom and lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I can always count on you, my friend. Thank you for such a huge compliment.
Shalom and lotsa hugs,
Rochelle
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Of course you can!
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😘🥰🍷❤️
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Masterfully written, as always, but what I like best is the tantalizing invitation at the end. I definitely want to know more!
Great to see you on Pegman 😀
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Dear Karen,
You comments make me smile. Of course, the author will be delighted to tell you how to know more. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A “flagrant dervish of henna hair and purple feathers in chartreuse skirts swirled past him.” The image is irresistible!
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Dear Penny,
She is a very likable character, although quite gregarious. 😉 Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think we all know the artist with the purple feather, she also writes books… I think it was the word ‘dervish’ that sealed the deal.
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Dear Ted,
As writers, we do put a bit of ourselves into the characters, don’t we? 😉 Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Vivid and sparkling. You really took me there. Glad to see you stop by.
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Dear Josh,
Vivid and sparkling? Wow. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A colorful character indeed!
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Thank you, Cie. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A great teaser for The Rest of the Story. Very visual writing that makes you want to know more. But then, that’s what a good writer does.
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Aww, thanks, honey. ❤
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Love the image of that woman; likely to stay in the mind for ever.
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Dear Crispina,
The woman, Mary Alice, is quite a colorful lass. I enjoyed writing her. Thank you for your kind words. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Pleasure
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This is wonderful. I can see so much in your descriptions. Excellent piece.
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Dear Lish,
Your comment makes me smile and my head swell a bit. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a fantastic picture you paint here. The quiet artist meandering about the city being lured in by the exotic creature with a keenness for art materials. What an interesting couple they make and what a perfect title – a thumbnail sketch of the city and of your two characters. Colourful, succinct writing, Rochelle
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Dear Lynn,
Although these two will never be a ‘couple’ they are two of my favorite characters in my series. Thank you for such a magnificent comment. I’ll have to shrink my head now. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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They make an interesting pair – ‘couple’ or not. Always a pleasure to read your stories, Rochelle.
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