The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Genre: Non-Function
Word Count: 100
AROUND THE BLOCK
Who chose this prompt anyway? Oh, yeah. I have only myself to blame. Not only did I post this photo, I snapped it as well. It’s one of those cute little shops in the Cotton Exchange in Wilmington, North Carolina.
One would think, given the place’s rich history, I could find something to write about.
Lemme see. I could write about the Chinese Laundry that resided there in the early 1900s. Or what about the barber shop that was destroyed in a fire? Nope. Google’s leading me nowhere and my mind’s stuck in neutral.
Sorry, y’all. Nothing to read here.
*******
WE HAVE A BOOK!
LAST DANCE WITH ANNIE is still set for release June 4th. But this past weekend I received two hardback author copies of the book at our Ozarks Writers League conference. My publisher had a few advance copies for sale as well. 😀 The first autographed copy goes to my husband. 😉
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Hi Rochelle, excitement with your group’s book, I trust readers will enjoy your creation.
The ‘little’ shop is one of those places you can spend a long time enjoying the ‘only looking’ (when approached by a shop assistant) experience.
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Dear James,
I really enjoy shopping at the Cotton Exchange. So many shops to browse in. And every so often I snag something I “can’t live without.” 😉
Thank you re my book.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love your story’s genre. 😀
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Thank you, Joy. ;D
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Do you know what I liked most about that piece, Rochelle? The genre tag. Brilliant!
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Dear Neil,
Yeah, I had fun with the genre tag. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Most of all: CONGRATS! Way to go.
And I will steal your genre tag. 😀
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Dear Gabi,
Thank you for the congrats. 😀 I’m pretty thrilled with the looks of the book. As for the tag…steal away. I took your “Reciprocation is the life…” quote. 😉 All’s fair in love and blogging.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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When I draw a blank I can easily skip the week. Not so sure you can do that as easily…
Congrats on the early copies of the book and upcoming release 🙂
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Dear Trent,
A few times I’ve thought of just posting the prompt and not writing a story. Usually I’ll resort to posting a rerun. I have gathered many in twelve years. (Twelve years this month!) Or at time I write one of these writers block type pieced…but a person can’t really do those too often. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have had a couple of the arguing with the physical manifestation of the muse stories, but they only go so far… Wow, 12 years! I’ve been blogging 10 and hit FF maybe 7 or 8 years back. Hmm, actually just under 8 1/2 – I just checked and first FF was 12/10/2015.
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Ha! I can’t believe you got writer’s block on your own photo. 😀
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Dear James,
Yes, feeling a little sheepish about that one. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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To write a story about not writing a story is something only an author as skilled as you could achieve! Nice one, Rochelle!
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What a lovely thing to say, Keith. A comment that makes me smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m so pleased and happy for you! The story is so timely, I’m sure this book will be well-received 🙂
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Dear Linda,
I have very mixed emotions. I appreciate your beta reading and support. They mean a lot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think I can understand the mixed emotions. It’s a very personal story, and probably took you to some places you didn’t want to go. I’m sure, though, that it will be worth it!
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Feels like stream of consciousness, which rewarded you with 100 words. Nice fill-in. Congrats again on the new book.
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Dear Lisa,
I think it was more of a stream of unconsciousness. 😉 Thank you and thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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lol You are welcome, Rochelle (x2.)
Shalom,
Lisa
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I love your Genre: Non Function. lol. I just started your book today and am at Chapter 18. Enjoying the bits and pieces of life that I recognize. Good writing.
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Dear Jan,
Your loving support mean so much to me. I hope you like the whole thing. ❤
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Sometimes mistress muse just doesn’t want to play, but you made it work! This one was hard for me too, funnily enough.
I’m glad you (and hubby) got that advance copy of the book. Must be so exciting to hold it in your hand!
Jen
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Dear Jen,
As I said, I’ve no one to blame but myself. 😉 Sorry you struggled with it, too.
There’s something about a hardbound book that a paperback can’t match. Although we just got the advance paperback copies and they’re nice, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, every short story needs conflict and this is some good meta conflict here. 🙂 We’ve all been there, although I don’t think my mind goes to the historical like yours does. Well done and may the muse return from her shopping trip for next week. 🙂
-David
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Dear David,
Yeah, we all have those times, don’t we? I resorted to a rerun for the one coming up. Lots of distractions in my life this week but that doesn’t stop Friday Fictioneers from coming around every Wednesday. And I’m just not ready to call it quits. Now if Annie hits the best seller list….;) Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are remarkably faithful with it. You’ve come to embody Friday Fictioneers for all of us, I’m sure.
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Congrats, Rochelle, to you and your husband for being the first one …It was interesting read anyway. You can get away with this one, dear. Shalom.
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Dear Indira,
It’s not the kind of story I want to write too often. They can get to be tedious. Thank you for the well wishes. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My pleasure, dear.
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Congratulations on your book! That’s got to be a rush, having it in your arms after so much blood, sweat, and tears.
I enjoyed your progression thought process while being stuck on the photo prompt! 🙂
Angela
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Dear Angela,
It was a thrill to hold that hardback book in my hands. 😀 Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hello Rochelle, looks a great place to have a rummage, it was also good to learn about the history of this place. Congratulations on ‘Last Dance With Annie.’
Very best wishes
Dee
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Dear Dee,
There are so many fun shops in that shopping complex. This is one of many. Next time I’m there I’ll have to find out some more history. Thank you re Last Dance with Annie.
shalom,
Rochelle
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loved the picture prompt. it made me continue my story from last week. 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed, Plaridel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your book looks lovely! Best wishes on is success
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Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We’re all a bit non-functional sometimes, Rochelle. No-one fails to function as brilliantly as you, however. Very funny, and you still managed to throw in some history. Congrats on the book.
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Dear Margaret,
What lovely things to say. Thank you so much, re my story and my book.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Okay. will let you slide this time. But this should be (I was going to say must, but who am I?!) one of those images you reuse but with a story, preferably about one of the topics you suggested.
Now, you know, I never read any stories before writing my own because I do not want to be influences, even subliminally, but everyone is not like me. So I am curious to see if anyone took either of your topics and made them their own.
I’ll read on to find out.
Congrats again on the book.
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Dear Dawn,
I never know from one story or prompt to the next what will come out. Who knows? I might just use one of my own suggestions. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congrats on your book, Rochelle! What an exciting time in your life!
You gave me a good laugh about having nothing to say for this week’s prompt. It’s good to know this happens to other people, too …. total brain freeze!
Peace and all the best –
Nancy
🩶 🕊️ 🩶
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Dear Nancy,
I think we all go around that writer’s block from time to time. I’m glad you laughed. Mission accomplished. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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sometimes the story just doesn’t come, especially when caught up in the whirlwind of the debut of you new book! Congratulations. I’ve been to Wilmington NC and I just could not recall the Cotton Exchange. I googled it but could only remember the exterior and not the interior. I need to back to Wilmington at a time of year when it’s not a broiling 100 degrees!
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Dear Michele,
It’s usually pretty hot when I go to Wilmington as I go every year in August. My brother and his wife retired there. Needless to say, we spend a lot of time on the beach. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Woohoo, the book is here! Fantastic
And I love a little prompt piece thinking and failing to find a story. We’ve all been there!
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Dear Laurie,
I’m pretty jazzed at having a hardback copy of my book. 😉 thank you for understanding. Yeah we all go through it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sometimes, I wonder who posted the picture that has my mind spiraling into a wordless void. Then, I remember that it’s up to me to cone up with the words, and I’m thankful to have a picture to get me going.
Congratulations on your book. It’s nice to know you have that one fan who gets a copy to get that journey started
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Dear Nobbin,
Here I am on Tuesday night rushing to reply to all the comments. I’ve been so distracted this week. Glad you were able to get your stuff together to write a story. Thank you re the book. Yeah, that fan is pretty loyal. 😉
Shalom and good night,
Rochelle
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No worries. I’m behind on everything myself.
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