28 May 2021

Published May 26, 2021 by rochellewisoff

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Genre: Fiction

Word Count: 100

INNOVATIONS

Millie Levy loved to learn about inventors. Famous or obscure. It didn’t matter.

“I wonder what Alexander Graham Bell would say about the iPhone.” She mused. “Or what Edison would think about LED lights.”

Millie’s brother Eli rolled his eyes. “Who cares?”

“I do. Get this. Maria Beasley invented a barrel-making machine in 1878. And J.F. Glidden was first to patent barbed wire in 1874. He made a fortune off cattle ranchers and farmers.”

Grandma Rachel pointed to the tattooed numbers on her arm. “I wonder what Mr. Glidden would say if he knew how Hitler used his precious invention.”

***

Weekend Writing Prompt – Eerie

Published May 23, 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.

The Ruskin Heights tornado claimed 44 lives and injured 531 more on May 20, 1957.

Although I wasn’t quite four, I will never forget the eerie yellow-green sky or thick hush the day a tornado demolished a nearby community.

21 May 2021

Published May 19, 2021 by rochellewisoff

Dear Friday Fictioneers,
😦 Our friend and fellow Friday Fictioneer in Friday Harbor (of all places) has suffered a stroke. We wish him a swift recovery. And for those who would like to send him a card or note to cheer him on, email me at rwisofffields.wordart@gmail.com for the address.
Shalom,
Rochelle

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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: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

THE GOLDEN DOOR

5 July 1887

Dearest Anya,

“Greetings from the city of New York. Last night I went to watch fireworks and see the new Statue of Liberty. She is magnificent. I can’t wait until you see her with your own eyes.

You ask how I am. What could be better than living in the land of opportunity?

Angry shouts echoed from downstairs. Shlomo stopped writing his letter and surveyed his one-room apartment. He continued, “There are no Cossacks.” A baby howled in the flat next door. Shlomo’s stomach rumbled. He looked out at the peaceful street and wrote, “All is well.”

***

Original artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

14 May 2021

Published May 12, 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.

You might remember my story a few weeks back about Korean American actor Philip Ahn. He was the eldest of four children. How could I resist shining a spotlight on his little sister Susan?

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count : 100

AMERICAN HERITAGE

“Appa,” eleven-year-old Susan blinked back tears. “Why must you go back to Korea?”

“There is work to be done.” Dosan caressed his daughter’s cheek. “Do your best to be a good American citizen but never forget your heritage.”

***

“How do I know you’re not the enemy?” asked the enlistment officer.

“I’m not Japanese. I’m Korean American.” Twenty-seven-year-old Susan bristled but stood her ground. “And proud to serve my country.”

“Okay, sign on the bottom line.”

***

Refusing to surrender to sexism or racism, Susan Ahn Cuddy served during WWII and became the first female aerial gunnery officer in the U.S. Navy.

***

WEEKEND WRITING PROMPT – SOLITUDINARIAN

Published May 9, 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.

Over the past year and a half I’ve carefully avoided the C word or any issues surrounding it. There are plenty of rants, whines and opinions raging without adding my own. However this week’s word (after looking it up) elicited my unavoidable response. Seriously I do enjoy social interaction to a degree, but find a lot of it exhausting. Thanks for adding to my vocabulary, Sammi. It actually does describe me to a degree.

WHAT’S A FOURTEEN-LETTER WORD FOR INTROVERT?

When asked in a Zoom interview if quarantine had adversely affected me, I carefully considered my reply.

“In all honesty, my life hasn’t changed much.” I grinned at the young man on my screen. “I paint. I write.”

“Is there any social activity denied you that you really miss?”

I thought about my morning walk to the shut-down fitness center to gaze longingly at the empty pool. “Now that you mention it—swimming laps. Not very social, huh?”

“Do you consider yourself antisocial?”

“I prefer to call myself a solitudinarian.”

CLICK to see the interview. My part begins about 11:55

Disclaimer: The preceding conversation doesn’t actually appear in the video. 😉

7 May 2021

Published May 5, 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.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Word Count: 100

TALES FROM THE CRYPT

“What was it like when you were a kid, Grandpa?” asked Trevor.

John leaned back in his recliner. “We were poor. In fact, we didn’t have a TV until I was in high school. The five of us lived in an 8 foot by 40-foot trailer. No iPhones like today.”

“And you walked three miles uphill to school and back every day. And ate dirt for supper. Right?”

“Okay, wise guy. I’m done.”

“Please Pa-Pa, go on.” Gina scowled at her brother. “Are you really that old?”

“Old?” Trevor cackled. “When Grandpa was born, the Dead Sea was only sick.”

WEEKEND WRITING PROMPT – WAYWARD

Published May 2, 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.

FUTURE AUTHOR

Mrs. Ervine’s glaring stare bores through me. “What is the capital of Texas?”

My nine-year-old heart crashes against my ribcage. “T?”

“Not funny.” The teacher leans into my face. “If you’d been paying attention, you’d know it’s Austin. How many times do I have to tell…?

I knew it would one day catch up with me. Daydreaming. Wayward thoughts cavorting in space, ever colliding…

“Miss Wisoff, what did I just say?”

“Could you repeat it, Mrs. Ervine?”

30 April 2021

Published April 28, 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.

PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

THE GREAT MISSISSIPPI FLOOD OF 1927

“I’m so glad the waters are finally receding.” Myrtle smoothed her blonde hair with one hand while sipping her lemonade. “It’s been an awful year, hasn’t it?”

Geraldine crunched an ice chip, savoring the cold on her tongue. “Dreadful. Just dreadful.”

“Daddy says he’s not sure how we will ever recover our losses.” Tears trickled from Myrtle’s blue eyes. “Momma’s carpets were washed away, Grandma’s china shattered and my best frocks are simply ruined.”

“Bless your heart. Why, I hear tell all our farmhands went north. Can you believe those selfish darkies deserted us in our hour of need?”

*

We don’t always like the characters we write, do we? I hope my story made you angry.

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23 April 2021

Published April 21, 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.

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No heroes this week. Just a slice of life.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Word Count:

YOUTH HAS NO AGE

A cool breeze ruffled Elise’s hair. She hugged herself to stave off the night’s chill. Calliope music and the cloying scent of fairy floss did nothing to lift her spirits.

She slipped her brand-new Medicare card from her purse and scowled at it.

Ben wrapped his arms around her. Colored lights limned his silver-white hair and twinkled in his mischievous hazel eyes. “It’s only a number, honey.”

“Yeah. A really big number.”

“Pfft. Come on, Birthday Girl, let’s go for a whirl on the Ferris wheel.”

She stood on tiptoe and kissed his smile. “You know I’m afraid of heights.”

Click picture to view my ever-growing art page. Thank you.

WEEKEND WRITING PROMPT – UNCANNY

Published April 18, 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.