20 June 2014 -Summer Rerun

Published June 18, 2014 by rochellewisoff

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Below is the photo prompt. I’ve tried to enlarge it but it defies all my attempts. $:\$

PHOTO PROMPT
Copyright -Mary Shipman

*I have out-of-town guests coming this week so I won’t be reading or commenting much after Thursday. I really appreciate all of you.*

This was the fourth story I posted for Friday Fictioneers, 1 May 2012. It’s still one of my favorites and it’s fun to go back there to see who commented and what they said. 😉

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word count: 99

SIMPLE HOUSE

In 1901 taxidermist Jefferson Thomas constructed a home and a thriving business. His petulant mail-order bride hated rural life.

One day her prized ruby from a former suitor disappeared. Blaming Jefferson, she demanded a divorce. Tongues wagged when she abandoned both her husband and child.

A century later a tornado devastated the house to a pile of clapboard. Amid the rubble, Jefferson Thomas III found nothing left of his heritage save a lone wall. He tore off a length of wallpaper and yelped.

A glass eyed, mummified woman stared back at him, a ruby ring clinched between her teeth.

13 June 2014

Published June 11, 2014 by rochellewisoff

REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.

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😉 My story follows the PHOTO PROMPT below and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism. 😀

PHOTO PROMPT Copyright-Ted Strutz

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

BENEATH BUNKER HILL

Determined to keep his promise to Joseph’s orphans and give him a proper burial, Paul searched the grave where dozens were buried. Flies buzzed. Maggots burrowed into the eye-sockets of the nine months’ fallen patriots. Mouldering flesh and matted hair cleaved tenuously to shattered skulls. His gorge rose. He covered his nose and mouth. How would he ever recognise his friend amongst so many?

His thoughts wandered to a day long-past.

****

“Remarkable, Master Revere.” Joseph studied his smiling reflection.

****

Sunlight glinted off a bit of copper in a corpse’s mouth. Paul gasped.

“My dental work. It is General Joseph Warren.”

To know more click here.

2 May 2014

Published April 30, 2014 by rochellewisoff

Thanks to Janet Webb for the message and design.

REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.

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😉 My story follows the PHOTO PROMPT below and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism. 😀
PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Renee Heath

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

ALL THAT WAS LEFT OF THEM

“Tell me about the glorious charge of the Light Brigade, Grandpa.”

“Ah, Tennyson,” said my grandfather with a mischievous twinkle in his faded green eyes. “School?”

“I have to write a report about the poem.”

“‘Cannon to the right…cannon to the left’…tommyrot! Real valley of death was that bloomin’ pestilential hospital.”

“But you were wounded. A hero.”

“Poppycock! We just did what we were told. The true hero was the angel who cared for us. The lady with the lamp, we called her.”

“What happened to her?”

“For all her troubles, she contracted Crimean fever and is a homebound invalid.”

Florence Nightingale circa 1854

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25 April 2014

Published April 23, 2014 by rochellewisoff

WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS

Henry David Thoreau said it best.

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

THE CHALLENGE:

Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)

THE KEY:

MAKE. EVERY. WORD. COUNT.

THE RULES:

Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH.
While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
**IT’S NOT A RACE TO SEE WHO CAN POST FIRST. TAKE YOUR TIME. EDIT. POLISH. THEN POST.**
😉
***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***

- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
- 🙂
😉
Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
Like us on Facebook
😉 My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism. 😀
Copyright – Björn Rudberg

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

ALL THINGS MUST PASS

“‘A sunrise doesn’t last all morning,’” I sing and strum the chords that take me back to a New York television studio thirty years ago.

There to meet a friend, I loaned my Martin to an aging musician for his last live performance.

“You don’t happen to have a capo, do you, Miss Guitar Lady?” he asked.

Something in his serene eyes and genuine smile reached to the depths of my soul.

My fingers move on the fretboard where his once did. I never changed those strings.

And as VH1’s cameras recorded history, George Harrison made my guitar gently weep.

******

It’s not the best quality but here’s the clip that inspired my story. If you’re in a hurry and would rather not commit to 14 minutes the impetus for my story really starts at the 10:00 mark on the bar.

11 April 2014

Published April 9, 2014 by rochellewisoff

WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!

🙂 Two years ago this week, I posted my first flash fiction after seeing Madison Woods’ notice on Facebook. I’m amazed at how fast the time has gone and how Friday Fictioneers has grown! 😀

*******

Henry David Thoreau said it best.

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

THE CHALLENGE:

Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)

THE KEY:

MAKE. EVERY. WORD. COUNT.

THE RULES:

Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH.
While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
**IT’S NOT A RACE TO SEE WHO CAN POST FIRST. TAKE YOUR TIME. EDIT. POLISH. THEN POST.**
😉
***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***

- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
- 🙂
😉
Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
Like us on Facebook
My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism.
copyright – DLovering

get the InLinkz code

*There is only one photo prompt. Any photos appearing after my story go with MY STORY and are NOT in any way a prompt!

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 99

To escape Paris gossip, a pair of lovers spent the winter of 1838-1839 on the island of Mallorca.

FROM MALLORCA WITH LOVE

“George, let me read this to you.

“‘Estimado Señor,

“‘To have a couple living outside the bonds of holy matrimony under my roof brings shame to my head. Your woman’s cigar smoking and wearing of the man’s clothes is a sin.

“‘All this I have tolerated for the privilege of hosting such a celebrated musician.

“‘While you have my sympathy, your disease puts the island in danger. Please burn the linens and leave.”

Frédéric Chopin lit George’s cigar, set fire to the letter and tossed it on the bed.

“Cherie, I am afraid we must do as he asks.”

Frédéric Chopin succumbed to the dreaded Consumption (Tuberculosis) 17 October 1849 at age 39.

Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin at age 34. A novelist, her pen name was George Sand.

Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin at age 34. A novelist, she went by her pen name “George Sand.”

The only thing better than hearing Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor on piano is savoring its sweetness on piano and violin. If you have an extra five minutes, for your listening pleasure (and mine):

4 April 2014

Published April 2, 2014 by rochellewisoff

WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!

Seize the opportunity to free your muse and allow her take you on a magic carpet ride.

Henry David Thoreau said it best.

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

THE CHALLENGE:

Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)

THE KEY:

MAKE. EVERY. WORD. COUNT.

THE RULES:

Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH.
While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

TO THOSE WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION (MYSELF INCLUDED): While WIKIPEDIA is usually a decent source of information, it’s not always reliable one. As a rule, I use it as a jumping off point to other research threads. It’s a good rule of thumb to use more than one source. I speak from experience when I say that a simple 100 word story can bring serious repercussions.

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***
- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
- 🙂
😉
Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
Like us on Facebook
My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism.

copyright-Kent Bonham

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 99

REALITY TV

“I wish my folks were like the Williamses’,” said Cathy. She poked at her ice cream soda with her straw and breathed in the scent of Woolworths’ French fries.

“Aw, they’re just TV phonies.” Doug snickered.

“Look. It’s her!”

At the other end of the counter the perfect mother in starched cotton, pearls and pillbox hat ordered a Coke. With heart-pounding awe, Cathy grabbed her napkin and slipped off her stool.

“Mrs. Williams, I think you’re swell. Could I please have your autograph?”

The actress puffed her cigarette, flashed a red-lipsticked smile and said, “Get lost, ya little brat.”

28 March 2014

Published March 25, 2014 by rochellewisoff

WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!

Seize the opportunity to free your muse and allow her take you on a magic carpet ride.

Henry David Thoreau said it best.

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

THE CHALLENGE:

Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)

THE KEY:

MAKE. EVERY. WORD. COUNT.

THE RULES:

Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH.
While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

TO THOSE WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION (MYSELF INCLUDED): While WIKIPEDIA is usually a decent source of information, it’s not always reliable one. As a rule, I use it as a jumping off point to other research threads. It’s a good rule of thumb to use more than one source. I speak from experience when I say that a simple 100 word story can bring serious repercussions.

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***
- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**

Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
Like us on Facebook
My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism.
Copyright-John Nixon

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
DATE WITH DESTINY

I chew on a date, savor its sweetness and spit the seed into my hand. The Romans will soon be upon us like ravenous hyenas.

Perhaps someone will plant this seed and a date-palm will spread its leaves in our memory.

“Amrit, my beloved, it’s time.” Yonah unsheathes his sword.

“Aim true, husband. Be swift.”

I drop the seed into a jar, utter a prayer and gather my infant son to my breast. His mouth is moist and warm as my life flows into his. I focus on his innocent eyes and wait for Yonah’s blade to set us free.
For the story that inspired this story click here.

14 March 2014

Published March 12, 2014 by rochellewisoff

WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS and HAPPY “BIG ONE” TO JANET WEBB!

Seize the opportunity to free your muse and allow her take you on a magic carpet ride.

Henry David Thoreau said it best.

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

THE CHALLENGE:

Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)

THE KEY:

MAKE – EVERY – WORD – COUNT

THE RULES:

Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH.
While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
- *****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
THOSE WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION (MYSELF INCLUDED): While WIKIPEDIA is usually a decent source of information, it’s not always a reliable one. As a rule, I use it as a jumping off point to other research threads. In any case it’s a good idea to use more than one source. I speak with the voice of experience when I say that even a simple 100 word story can bring serious repercussions.

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***
- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**

Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
Like us on Facebook
My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism.
Shalom,

Rochelle

copyright – Adam Ickes

get the InLinkz code

The following story is dedicated to Lucile Wilson, Doris Wullschleger and Grace Cowling, three special ladies who gave of their time to a group of girls known as Troop 499. They had a lot to do with who I am today.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

TRAIL OF THE TREFOIL

“What on earth are you doing, child?”

Twelve-year-old Rose read Papa’s upside-down lips and said, “I’m using my head.”

“Surely, that’s not what Miss Daisy meant.”

“Surely it is, Papa. Yesterday at Girl Scouts she stood on her head.”

“Rosy-Posy, you’re a delicate little girl.”

“Miss Daisy says I can do anything I set my mind to.” Rose lowered her one leg, planted her foot on the carpet and reached for her crutch. “I’m going to be a doctor.”

“Remember, you’re also deaf.”

“So’s Miss Daisy. She says all that means is that she never hears anyone tell her ‘no’.”

Center: Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low-The founder of Girl Scouts in America

Daisy was an amazing lady. Here’s a bit of history to whet your appetite.

Girl Scout Trefoil

Troop 499-Can you find me?

*Final Note: Juliette Low held the first Girl Guide (later Girl Scouts) meeting at her house in Savannah, GA on March 12, 1912. The troop had 18 members divided into two patrols named the Carnation and the White Rose.

24 January 2014

Published January 22, 2014 by rochellewisoff

WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!

Seize the opportunity to free your muse and allow her take you on a magic carpet ride.

Henry David Thoreau said it best.

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

THE CHALLENGE:

Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)

THE KEY:

Make every word count.

THE RULES:

Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH.
While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***
- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**

Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
Like us on Facebook
My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism.
Shalom,

Rochelle

Copyright – Björn Rudberg

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

JUMPING FLEA

“Better to harvest the sugarcane fields in Hawaii than starve in Madeira,” João Fernandes told his reluctant wife.

During the monotonous, sometimes perilous, four months at sea, he entertained his fellow immigrants on the braguinha.

Enamored with the new music form and João’s lively style, the Hawaiians treated him and his little guitar like royalty. Even Queen Lili’uokalani requested private evening concerts.

One lonely night, homesick for her mountains, Senhora Fernandes waited up for him.

When he greeted her with, “Behold the queen’s favorite musician!” she seized his ukulele and smashed it to pieces over his head.

“Behold your instrument!”

.

Just for fun:

17 January 2014

Published January 15, 2014 by rochellewisoff

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!

May it be a good year, filled with prosperity, happiness and publication dreams fulfilled.

_____________

Henry David Thoreau said it best.

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

In 2014, as in 2013, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.

THE CHALLENGE:

Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)

THE KEY:

Make every word count.

THE RULES:

Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH.
While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***
- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**

Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
Like us on Facebook
My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism.
Shalom,

Rochelle

Copyright – Erin Leary

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word count: 98

THE SINS OF THE FATHER

When I was young, my mother deflected my questions about her time in Auschwitz.

“What’s past is past. Be happy.”

“Are you happy, Mom?”

“Don’t ask.”

I hounded her until she told me more than I was prepared to hear. For years her pain and bitterness clenched my heart.

“Promise me, Rivka,” she whispered from her deathbed.

In the stillness of dawn I scatter her ashes in the Sola River near the camp. As they swirl and sink beneath the water to join those of the beloved grandparents I never met, I feel her fingers release my heart.