13 November 2015

Published November 11, 2015 by rochellewisoff

It is common courtesy to give credit where credit is due. The next photo in this sea of memes is the PROMPT.

Let’s give it a go for another week. Click on the line above to learn how to participate. For those who would rather not receive constructive criticism there’s no obligation. It’s also good to remember that concrit is the suggestions of the giver. There’s no pressure to agree. Personally I received some good suggestions last week.

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Wednesday, November 11 is Veterans Day here in the States. Thank you, Jan, for your twenty-eight years in the United States Navy. And thank you to all the men and women who have served in the military.

Genre:Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

Since I’ve agreed with another fictioneer’s concrit and changed a line, it’s been requested that I post my original post so everyone can see what I changed. I think it’s a good idea so here it is. No need to read if you don’t want to. It’s basically the same story with some minor tweaking. 😉

Here’s the original version:

WHERE THE GRAPES OF WRATH ARE STORED

“Water…somebody…please.”

Clara knelt next to the Union soldier and held a cup to his lips. The stench of defecation and decaying flesh made her stomach roil. Her back and neck ached from three nights without sleep.

“Don’t you remember me, Miss Clara?”

In her mind’s eye she saw the bright child in her long ago Texas schoolroom.

“Of course I do,” she whispered. “Save your strength, David. We’ll talk later.”

In one heart-stopping moment something ripped through her right sleeve, the cup dropped and David fell back, quivering in the agonies of death.

Clara Barton never mended the bullet hole.

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Here’s the update:

WHERE THE GRAPES OF WRATH ARE STORED

“Water…somebody…please.”

Clara knelt next to the Union soldier and held a cup to his lips. The stench of feces and decaying flesh made her stomach roil. Her back and neck ached from three nights without sleep.

“Don’t you remember me, Miss Clara?”

At once she recognized the bright child from her long ago Texas schoolroom.

“Of course I do,” she whispered. “Save your strength, David. We’ll talk later.”

In one heart-stopping moment something ripped through her right sleeve, the cup dropped and David fell back, quivering in the agonies of death.

Clara Barton never mended the bullet hole.

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Character Study – Lafayette A. Tillman

Published November 10, 2015 by rochellewisoff

Her neighbor and the policemen filed into the living room. She (Havah) shut the door behind them. The taller officer, an imposing presence with dark skin, fascinated her. Although she had read about them in Professor Dietrich’s books about Africa and American history, she had never met a Negro face to face.

At once, his kind expression and gentle manners allayed her deepest fears. He bowed at the waist. “Please excuse our rudeness, ma’am. I’m Officer Lafayette Tillman and this is my partner, Pat Mulligan.”

~~Taken from From Silt and Ashes by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Published by Argus Publishing

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency

Original Artwork – © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

As From Silt and Ashes, the sequel to Please Say Kaddish for Me, opens, Havah and Arel Gitterman have been in Kansas City for only five months. Plagued with post-traumatic stress, Havah suffers vivid nightmares of Kishinev. In this first chapter, Havah dreams she is fighting off pogromists and, in the process, screams and breaks her front window. Their next door neighbor, who is certain that Arel is beating his wife, calls the police.

One of the officers who shows up at the door is Lafayette A. Tillman, who actually lived in Kansas City.

Born in Indiana in 1859, he studied music at Oberlin College in Ohio and attended Wayland Seminary in Washington D.C. He moved to Kansas City with his wife Amy in the 1880’s where he opened a barber shop and they raised three children, Lon, Portia and Junne.

During the Spanish-American War he joined the volunteer infantry where he was appointed the rank of first lieutenant in a black regiment. When he returned, some influential white citizens who appreciated his loyalty and patriotism secured him a position on the police force.

Havah finds an unexpected ally in Officer Tillman who can’t believe what she and Arel have suffered at the hands of so-called Christians. More than once he proves himself to be a true friend to the Gitterman family.

Check out my author page on the Loiacono Website. For all of the character studies thus far, click on the link Rochelle Wisoff-Fields Art and Blogs or my website RochelleWordArt.

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Available Internationally on Kindle and in Print

If you’ve read and enjoyed, please leave a review on one of these sites. It helps sell books. 😉

Shalom,

Rochelle

ANGUS & ROBERTSON AMAZON B&N BAM BOOKWORLD FISHPOND SHELFARI BOOK DEPOSITORY WATERSTONES GOODREADS IDREAMBOOKS

6 November 2015

Published November 4, 2015 by rochellewisoff

(Not the Prompt)

The following photo is the PHOTO PROMPT. Please give credit where credit is due, ie the photograph contributor. It’s not just a nice thing to do, it’s PROPER ETIQUETTE.

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For those who would like constructive criticism on your story it’s my pleasure to introduce to you

FRIDAY FICTION CONCRIT SUBGROUP

for details click HERE

PHOTO PROMPT – © Connie Gayer …(Mrs. Russell)

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Genre: Historically Speculative Fiction

Word Count: 100

BLACK SUNDAY

My Ephraim’s shiny eyes was bluer than the April sky. I set him on a blanket where he cooed and sucked his fist. Then I laid out picnic fare for me and Tom.

“Our wheat’s a-dyin’ of thirst, Cora-Lee,” he said. “I hear tell them know-it-alls in Washington says we’re destroying the land and causing this here weather change.”

“Hogwash!”

Suddenly a black cloud ripped across the prairie and snuffed out the sun. I choked on dirt as we ran for cover. That day in 2035 Ephraim’s tiny lungs filled with dust and his colorless eyes don’t shine no more.

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Could it Happen Again? Click .

Character Study – Theodore Roosevelt

Published October 31, 2015 by rochellewisoff

“Kishinev?” His smile faded. “Then you are…Jewish?”

“What if I am? This is a free country.”

“It was a travesty—a dastardly travesty.” He shook his head.

His blue eyes, moist and caring behind his spectacles, put her (Havah) at ease. She showed him the scar on her hand. Trying to recount her history in her new language proved a challenge but he seemed to understand for his gaze never wavered except to wipe away a stray tear.

When she finished he pressed his handkerchief into her hand.

~~Taken from Please Say Kaddish for Me by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Published by Argus Publishing

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency

Original Artwork – © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Although pogroms against the Jews in Eastern Europe’s Pale of Settlement were nothing new, the one that took place in Kishinev April 19-20, 1903 was the first to receive international recognition. President Theodore Roosevelt called it a “dreadful outrage upon the Jews.”

Jews in the United States put together a massive petition protesting the slaughter. Jewish leaders convinced the President to present it to Czar Nicholas II.

In an attempt to pressure the Czar for reform the petition was sent to the American chargé in St. Petersburg. He refused to accept.

In Please Say Kaddish for Me and From Silt and Ashes Havah will experience the President’s compassion firsthand.

Check out my author page on the Loiacono Website. For all of the character studies thus far, click on the link Rochelle Wisoff-Fields Art and Blogs or my website RochelleWordArt.

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Available Internationally on Kindle and in Print

If you’ve read and enjoyed, please leave a review on one of these sites. It helps sell books. 😉

Shalom,

Rochelle

ANGUS & ROBERTSON AMAZON B&N BAM BOOKWORLD FISHPOND SHELFARI BOOK DEPOSITORY WATERSTONES GOODREADS IDREAMBOOKS

30 October 2015

Published October 28, 2015 by rochellewisoff

*A SPECIAL WORD OF APPRECIATION*

Thanks to all of your who responded to my message last week. Your words of affirmation renewed my Friday Fictioneers resolve for another year. It was also interesting to learn that others share my pet peeves and added a few of their own.

The most often mentioned pet peeve, aside from serials and multiple prompt stories, was that of certain blogs that make it difficult to leave a comment. I personally made the switch from Blogspot to WordPress three years ago and have no regrets.

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The next photo is the PHOTO PROMPT. There is only one prompt per week on which to base your story. However, it is perfectly all right to add other photos to go along with your story, just not to replace the prompt. Our rules are simple and few, this one is non-negotiable. Please remember to credit the photographer. It’s not just a nice thing to do it is PROPER ETIQUETTE!

PHOTO PROMPT – © Dale Rogerson

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

GODS AND BEASTS

April 20, 1931

Dearest Brother.

Thank you for the sugar and the ham. I wish you could be here to share my strudel as I am quite alone in the world.

Remember when you came to visit me in Vienna and we went shopping? It was as if a brother dropped from heaven. I still have the dear brooch you bought for me.

How unfair of the insurance company to terminate me because of you. One day these insignificant beings will realize their mistake when your name shines and blazes over Deutschland.

Happy birthday,

Your loving sister,

Paula (Hitler) Wolff

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Character Study-The Abromovich Children

Published October 18, 2015 by rochellewisoff

Adoration for his children radiated from Evron’s dark eyes. “Who wants to read the first line of tonight’s psalm?”

Tuli slid off Havah’s lap. He hopped up and down. “I do! I do!”

Hoisting him onto his lap, Evron held the book for him. “Our little rooster always reads first. He just started Heder and hasn’t learned to read as many words as the rest of us. The first line of the psalm is usually the shortest.”

After Tuli sounded out three words Zelig read his portion. Ruth and Rukhel read the next two lines together. Their pronunciation of the Hebrew words and understanding amazed Arel. “Your daughters read the Holy Books?”

Evron, beaming with pride, kissed each of his children before they returned to their places on the floor. “Why not? The Almighty has blessed them with sharp minds. Why shouldn’t they have the same opportunities as their brothers?”

~~Taken from Please Say Kaddish for Me by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Published by Argus Publishing

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency

Original Artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields Top-Ruth and Rukhel, Bottom L. to. R.-Zelig, Velvil, Tuli

Soon after Havah comes to live with Evron, Katya and their four children Havah’s skill as a midwife is tested when Katya gives birth to her fifth child.

Identical twins, Ruth and Rukhel, the eldest of the Abromovich clan, had hoped for a little sister but are delighted with their new brother Velvil. They are bright, happy girls who are prone to finish each other’s sentences. Shayndel observes, “It’s as if Adoshem gave those girls two bodies and one heart.”

Zelig is a studious boy who one day would like to become a rabbi. Old for his age, he prefers reading to playing games. His noisy sisters and brothers often test his patience.

Tuli, an affectionate child who loves to draw and read, is at once Havah’s favorite.

*****

Check out my author page on the Loiacono Website. For all of the character studies thus far, click on the link Rochelle Wisoff-Fields Art and Blogs or my website RochelleWordArt.

Available Internationally on Kindle and in Print

If you’ve read and enjoyed, please leave a review on one of these sites. It helps sell books. 😉

Shalom,

Rochelle

ANGUS & ROBERTSON AMAZON B&N BAM BOOKWORLD FISHPOND SHELFARI BOOK DEPOSITORY WATERSTONES GOODREADS IDREAMBOOKS

Character Study – Katya and Evron Abromovich

Published September 21, 2015 by rochellewisoff

“Evron, open up. It’s your baby brother.” Itzak pounded his fist on a wooden door that looked like it might split in half at the slightest touch.

While she waited between Gittel and Shayndel for someone to answer, Havah rubbed her sore neck. She had slept in the wagon most of the way to Kishinev in a most uncomfortable position.

Finally the door swung open and a man who looked like Itzak, only taller, beckoned. His laughter even sounded like Itzak’s. “You we’ve been expecting, Little Brother. But we had no idea you’d be bringing all of Svechka with you.”

Havah followed Gittel and Arel over the threshold into the small house. Although not much larger or better constructed than Tova’s shack it was warm and welcoming. Garlic and onion aromas made her stomach grumble.

After the brothers embraced and exchanged back slaps, Evron pulled back and winked at Shayndel. “We haven’t seen your lovely wife since she was a little girl with yellow braids. And now look at her. She’s a rose in full bloom.”

Evron’s wife Katya, a bony woman with buckteeth, slits for eyes and beak-like nose, hugged her blushing sister-in-law. “Never is a woman more beautiful than when she carries life inside.”

~~Taken from Please Say Kaddish for Me by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Published by Argus Publishing

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency

***

Original Artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

When Evron signed the marriage contract with Katya, Itzak Abromovich felt sorry for his brother who was forced to marry such a homely woman. But he never needed to waste his pity for Evron sees only Katya’s inner beauty and is deeply in love with her.

Their tiny house is already full of children–two girls and two boys–and there hardly seems to be enough space for them, let alone five houseguests. Havah soon learns that Katya and Evron always have room for friends and family.

When Gittel introduces Havah as an orphan Katya embraces Havah and says, “I don’t see any orphans. Do you? I see only mishpokha, family.”

Havah finds love, hope and a safe haven in Katya and Evron’s humble Kishinev home.

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Check out my author page on the Loiacono Website. For all of the character studies thus far, click on the link Rochelle Wisoff-Fields Art and Blogs.

Available Internationally on Kindle and in Print

If you’ve read and enjoyed, please leave a review on one of these sites. It helps sell books. 😉

Shalom,

Rochelle

ANGUS & ROBERTSON AMAZON B&N BAM BOOKWORLD FISHPOND SHELFARI BOOK DEPOSITORY WATERSTONES GOODREADS IDREAMBOOKS

11 September 2015

Published September 9, 2015 by rochellewisoff

The next photo is the PHOTO PROMPT. Where does it take you? Tell us a story in a hundred words or less.

Note: It’s friendly gesture, if not common courtesy, to acknowledge the photographer.

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

MY COUNTRY ‘TIS OF THY PEOPLE YOU’RE DYING

Eighty winters have passed on Colville Reservation since Chief Joseph told us stories of our people, but his face is ever before me.

“My heart is sick when I remember their good words and broken promises,” he said. “They confiscated our land and pursued us for three moons until we were only forty miles from Canada and freedom.”

My twelve-year-old heart thumped wildly. “Why did you surrender?”

“Our children were freezing and their mothers had no food.” Chief Joseph’s weary eyes became distant clouds without lightning or thunder, heavy with rain. “I will fight no more against the white man.”

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Chief Joseph and Family c. 1880

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Nez Perce Canoe

This is kind of long but worth the listen if you have the time.

28 August 2015

Published August 26, 2015 by rochellewisoff

*Note: It is also common courtesy to give the contributor of the photo credit in your post. The next photo in this gallery is the PHOTO PROMPT. Does it suggest a story to you? Tell us in one hundred words or less. My story will follow the inLinkz icon. I enjoy honest feedback and comments.

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

HAINING, JANE; PRISONER NUMBER 79467

When I was six they sent me to the girl’s home where I found Jane Haining the house matron. Sometimes I had trouble understanding her brogue-accented Hungarian but her love transcended all language barriers.

She mothered each of us as her own “wee bairns”, whether Jewish or Christian.

When the Nazis took over Budapest she disobeyed orders and refused to return to Scotland, saying, “If these children need me in days of sunshine, how much more in darkness?”

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I study the numbers tattooed on my arm and I’m haunted by the question, “Why did I live and that angel die?”.

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21 August 2015

Published August 19, 2015 by rochellewisoff

The next photo is the PHOTO PROMPT. In a hundred words or less, what story does it tell?

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Genre Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

BEFORE KILROY

“Papa, tell me about your crazy friend Joseph Kyselak.”

“Not crazy, eccentric, Ilsa.” I squeeze my daughter’s hand as we walk down the street. “You’ve heard this story a hundred times.”

“Tell me a hundred and one.”

“Very well. Joseph bet me that within three years he would be famous all over Austria.”

“He is, isn’t he?”

I miss his easy laugh, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit. Cholera took him last year, but not before he won the wager. If you visit Austria you’ll see his name everywhere.

Ilsa traces the letters Joseph engraved on a nearby wall. “Kyselak”

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