18 November 2022

Published November 16, 2022 by rochellewisoff

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 © Starsinclayjars

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The following story is 100% true. Should you care to read the expanded blog post from 2014 CLICK HERE (Boring really). At any rate this is my sordid story is inspireded by Stars’ photo.

Gnere: Embarrassing Anecdote
Word Count: 100

FRACTURED FLICKERS

Until eight years ago I’d never broken a bone. Not even a pinkie finger. Sometimes I felt cheated. I never got a nifty cast for friends to sign.

One morning, heading to the kitchen for coffee I stubbed my big toe. After work I made a beeline for the doctor’s office.

An X-ray showed a fracture at the top joint.

To add injury to injury, before the left toe had a chance to heal, I fractured my right toe getting out of the bathtub.

They don’t set broken toes, but I did get a nifty orthopedic sandal and a boot.

27 May 2022

Published May 25, 2022 by rochellewisoff

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Genre: Friction
Word Count: 100

ENDURING FREEDOM

Relentless sun beat down on the roof of the cramped enclosure. How long could this heat last? Mopping sweat from her brow, she reminded herself she no longer had to endure incessant demands of an unreasonable ruler.

“‘I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.’”

“How much for this one?” A man pointed to a framed tricycle print.

“$30.00 plus tax.”

“Sold. My wife will love it.”

“Thank you for your business.”

As he walked away smiling, Rochelle grinned at Jan. “Another profitable day under the purple tent. This certainly beats punching a timeclock.”

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18 February 2022

Published February 16, 2022 by rochellewisoff

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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.

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February is Black History Month in the States. It amazes me how many noteworthy people history has shamefully glossed over. I recently learned of this lady.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

WRINKLE IN TIME

Sarah scanned the words in her McGuffey’s Reader. For most of her life they’d meant nothing to her. Literacy was a privilege reserved for white folks.

She lifted the book to her nose and breathed in its aroma. Like cloth for a new dress, it thrilled her. It smelled of freedom.

Now she would be able to understand her clients’ written instructions and fill out receipts.

More importantly, she could read to her babies.

“Mrs. Boone, would you like to read the next sentence?”

“Yes sir!” She grinned at the teacher and read haltingly, “‘Come, kitty, my own little kitty…’”

***

Sarah Boone – One of the first African American women to be awarded a patent.

To read more about this highly motivated woman CLICK HERE

28 January 2022

Published January 26, 2022 by rochellewisoff

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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.

Genre: Anecdote
Word Count: 100

THE BRIGHT SIDE

Our junior high art teacher, Mrs. Spears introduced Taffy and me saying, “You two need to know each other.”

We became fast friends. Comparing our latest projects, the highest praise we gave each other was, “I hate you.”

After graduation we went our separate ways.

Forty years later I gave her a call. Since that night ten years ago, we’ve spoken or texted nearly every day as if no time has passed.

A gifted stained-glass designer, she amazes me. My favorites are her handmade butterflies.

When asked the key to her craft she says, “Band-aids. Lots and lots of Band-aids.”

You’re welcome, Taffy. He he. 😉

21 January 2022

Published January 19, 2022 by rochellewisoff

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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.

Genre: Memoir
Word Count: 100
WORLD OF HER OWN

Her fourth-grade teacher dubbed her “Messy Bessy.” Each time the frustrated child attempted to organize her desk chaos quickly returned.

Mrs. Smith moved the girl’s desk to the front of the room. Perhaps sitting beside the teacher would encourage her to mend her slovenly ways.

The kid didn’t mean to misbehave. Reading or illustrating stories she wrote in her head took priority over neatness. She’d simply lose herself in her latest adventure.

One morning, Mrs. Smith jolted Rochelle from the Ingalls’ cabin on the prairie with, “Miss Wisoff, would you care to join the class for our daily spelling test?”

My granddaughter Olive and her faithful companion Poppy

29 October 2021

Published October 27, 2021 by rochellewisoff

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 © Douglas M. MacIlroy (An old picture he sent to me a long time ago).

This month marks my 9th year as FFFacilitator. Something I never expected when I asked creator, Madison Woods how to join. It was love at first write. A great way to learn word conservation. 😀

Genre: Memoir
Word Count: 100

STARGAZING

The closest I’ll ever come to space exploration came through Douglas MacIlroy who used to be a nighttime Keck Observatory tech.

Soon after he commented on a piece I’d written I noticed his green dot at 04:00 on Facebook and said, “Hello.”

Between my early rising and his all-nighters, our online friendship grew.

One morning, Doug messaged me. “Did you get her email? Madison’s stepping down as facilitator.”

“What will I do without Friday Fictioneers?”

“You should take it on.”

“I’m no leader.”

My husband chimed in. “Why not you?”

The rest of the story is written in the stars.

Doug and me a few years ago when he came here for a disc golf tournament. Blogging can lead to unexpected and lasting friendships.

Weekend Writing Prompt – Legion

Published October 17, 2021 by rochellewisoff

A word prompt to get your creativity flowing this weekend. How you use the prompt is up to you. Write a piece of flash fiction, a poem, a chapter for your novel…anything you like. Or take the challenge below – there are no prizes – it’s not a competition but rather a fun writing exercise. If you want to share what you come up with, please leave a link to it in Sammi’s comment section.

To quote Chief Dan, “Sometimes the magic works and sometimes it doesn’t.” 😉

WORD COUNT THIRTY-TWO

A legion of words

Stomps through my mind

Some march straight ahead

Others veer off

Right

Careening left.

I try to catch them

Make them fit together.

Twenty-eight down

Four to go.

No reason for the picture. 😉 Enjoy the goats. 😀

8 October 2021

Published October 6, 2021 by rochellewisoff

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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.

Genre: Fiction
Word Count: 100
PHOTOGRAPHS AND MEMORIES

“Antique photographs fascinate me.” Rochelle rinsed her paintbrush. “Wouldn’t you love to know what the people in them are thinking?’

Russell scratched his chin as if deep in thought. “The kid is probably wishing the photographer would hurry up and get it over with. His father’s thirsty for a tall cold one.”

“The woman wants to loosen her corset.” Dale leaned back in her chair. “Can you imagine being imprisoned in one of those contraptions?”

“Dear me, no,” said the grandmother of nine. “I wonder what Zing and Zang would say?”

“There you go.” Rochelle grinned. “Our next photo prompt!”

*
*
*

3 September 2021

Published September 1, 2021 by rochellewisoff

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.

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Genre: Fiction
Word Count: 100

TRUE GRIT

“‘Wanting to be a writer and not wanting to be rejected is like wanting to be a boxer and not wanting to get punched.’” Elise types, continuing with, “Ray Bradbury said, ‘You have to know how to accept rejection and reject acceptance.’

“Harper Lee suggested the writer ‘develop a thick hide.’

Elise’s muse taunts her. “Hackneyed quotes from successful authors.”

Elise backspaces and taps out, “The author gropes fragile branches keeping her head above muddy waters of despair. That’s depth. Golden verbiage. Pulitzer material.”

“You sure about that?” The muse snorts.

Elise rereads her words. “Ugh.” Control-A-Delete. “I’m going swimming.”

27 August 2021

Published August 25, 2021 by rochellewisoff

The following photo is the PHOTO PROMPT, a cool picture for hot days, depending on your side of the globe. Where does it take you? Tell us in a hundred words or less.

I’m doing it again. Taking a story out of mothballs and republishing it for Friday Fictioneers with a new photo prompt. It’s proving to be a crazy-busy summer and my muse is giving me the silent treatment. A few of you might remember this one from 2013.

Genre: Literary Fiction

Word Count: 100

ORDINARY GIRL

The surgeon told her she’d never walk again.

Not long after that, Grandpa Farthing came for a visit. “How’s my favorite cyclist?”

“Crippled.”

“Pity-party? Here, celebrate with this.” He tossed a book into her lap. “I enjoyed it as a boy.”

“‘Around the World on a Bicycle’?”

“By Thomas Stevens. Rode it on a big-wheeled contraption called a Penny Farthing.”

“You’re joking.”

“Nope.”

Two years later, inspired by Stevens’ determination, she labored to prove the doctors wrong and registered for her first Penny Farthing race.

The official stared at her signature. “You’re joking.”

“Nope, Miss Penelope Farthing at your service.”

You can find more about Thomas Stevens who rode what was then known as an Ordinary Bicycle by clicking here . For more in depth reading the book is available on Amazon.com.