26 July 2024

Published July 24, 2024 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 © Roger Bultot

CLICK TO JUMP IN

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

TREDEGAR 1911

Tears streamed from my papa’s eyes, soaking his beard. “For this we fled Russia—to be slaughtered in Wales?”

I trembled. Last night I’d hidden under my bed, covering my ears to blot out angry shouts and the crash of shattering glass.

“Thank the Almighty we are alive,” said Mama.

“Ha! If God lived on the earth, the goyim would break His windows, too.”

At that moment a Christian youth entered our tailor shop, head bowed, and handed Papa a banknote. “Father sends his apologies.” The boy took a broom from the floor. “Perhaps we can help rebuild.”

For more on the history CLICK HERE

******

Thank you, Dale for such a lovely review on LAST DANCE WITH ANNIE! 😀

19 July 2024

Published July 17, 2024 by rochellewisoff

Like us on Facebook

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 © Lisa Fox

CLICK TO JOIN

Genre: Cliche Fest
Word Count: 100

AS THE OLD SAYING GOES

“Ever stop to think about old sayings?” asked Brittany. “Like what do they really mean?”

“Who cares?’ Todd braced himself for one of his sister’s tangents. “It’s no skin off my nose.”

“Aha! You just used one. Or what about by the skin of our teeth. Where’d that come from? Since when do teeth have skin?”

Todd rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

“Being your sister is no picnic.”

“That could be taken as a compliment.”

She frowned. “What?”

“The last time we went on a picnic, we were plagued by flies and ants. In other words, flattery will get you everywhere.”

***********

12 July 2024

Published July 10, 2024 by rochellewisoff

Like us on Facebook

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 © Ronda Del Boccio

CLICK HERE TO HOP ABOARD

Genre: Histerical Fiction
Word Count: 100

THE THLOT PICKENS

“It was a matter of time,” I told Lois. “The man was evil personified. He cast a dark shadow on everything and everyone. It boiled down to where and when.”

Lois looked up from her register. “How did you end up doing it?”

“Derringer at close range.”

A gasp interrupted our conversation. I turned to see a blue-haired lady clutching a cantaloupe, her eyes wide and mouth agape.

Busted! My cheeks blazed. I flashed a sheepish grin. “Sorry, I didn’t realize anyone else was listening.”

“Not to worry,” Lois pointed at me. “She’s just a crazy writer.”

It’s not exactly fiction. An author needs to be careful what she says in public. 😉 Believe me, this character really did need killing.

***********

5 July 2024

Published July 3, 2024 by rochellewisoff

Like us on Facebook

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 © Nancy Richy

CLICK TO JOIN

Genre: Humor if it weren’t so true.
Word Count: 100

MOMENT OF TRUTH

The menacing scale in my doctor’s office looms before me. Every six months I’m forced to face the numbers.

I’m sure I’ve gained thirty pounds since my last visit.

Mom would say, “Forget about the number. How do your clothes fit?”

Nurse Godzilla, clipboard in hand, urges me to step up.

The accusing voice in my head screams. “Hippo!”

This is ridiculous. I’m making myself crazy. Will the voices ever still?

Holding my breath, eyes shut, I ascend the monster. Opening my eyes, I’m surprised to see I’ve lost a pound since last time. I grin. I’m safe…until next time.

********

ONE FOR THE BOOKS

Published June 26, 2024 by rochellewisoff

HOP ABOARD

Genre: Anecdote
Word Count: 100

ONE FOR THE BOOKS

A roomful of friends came to share my day. Some of them supported me through my darkest days. They congratulate me through their tears.

This is surreal. What will others think of me when they read my–albeit highly fictionalized—life story?

My artwork graces the books stacked on the table, both hardback and paperback. Friendly chatter fills the winery. Everything is beyond perfect.

Penultimate singer-songwriter and dear friend Bradley sings my song among other crowd favorites.

Before the afterglow of this special time has a chance to fade, the sudden realization strikes me. “Where do I go from here?”

28 June 2023

Published June 26, 2024 by rochellewisoff

Like us on Facebook

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

CLICK TO JOIN

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

WHEN YOUR IMAGINATIONS COME TRUE

“Can Lucy and Katie eat with us?”

Grandma shook her head. “Nonsense. It’s for sure and certain they’re imaginary, Maud.”

“They aren’t nonsense. They live in the fairy closet behind the bookcase. I’m going to write about them.”

“Enough!” Casting his steely-eyed gaze at eight-year-old Maud, Grandpa pounded the table. “Ladies don’t write.”

Maud later wrote, “Down, deep down under all the discouragement and rebuff, I knew I would ‘arrive’ someday,”

During her lifetime Lucy Maud Montgomery published twenty novels, including Anne of Green Gables, over five-hundred short stories, an autobiography, and a book of poetry. She indeed, had arrived.

CLICK to know More

14 June 2024

Published June 12, 2024 by rochellewisoff

Like us on Facebook

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 © Lisa Fox

CLICK TO JOIN

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

WE BEGIN WITH THE YOUNG

“I like the pretty golden bird on the cover of this book, Opa. What’s it about?

Herrick gently took the blue, leather-bound volume from his granddaughter.

“This was given to me a very long time ago.”

“Will you read me a bedtime story from it?”

Gathering Gretchen onto his lap, Herrick closed his eyes and remembered the day the youth leader had issued him a fresh uniform and the virulent tome. So proud he’d been to serve his country. So fervent.

Herrick fished a pack of matches from his pocket.

“Nein, Liebling. I ‘ve a better plan für dieses buch.”

Original artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

LAST DANCE WITH ANNIE is available to order in hardback, paperback or ebook, HERE, HERE, and HERE! Also available on Amazon Canada, Australia, UK, Germany and New Zealand.

7 June 2024

Published June 5, 2024 by rochellewisoff

LAST DANCE WITH ANNIE is available to order in hardback, paperback or ebook, HERE, HERE, and HERE! Also available on Amazon Canada, Australia, UK, Germany and New Zealand. 😉

Like us on Facebook

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.

CLICK TO HOP ABOARD!

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

FORWARD CRAWL

Eight-year-old Johann hurried through breakfast. He couldn’t wait to go to Fullerton Beach. “Swimming lessons, today.”

“What if you drown?” asked his little brother, Peter.

“Drown? I’m going to be the greatest fish in the sea.”

Later, trembling with excitement, he dove into the chilly waves of Lake Michigan, beginning a love affair with the water that never ended.

Johnny Weissmuller, an Olympic gold medal winner, went on to become the most popular on-screen Tarzan of all time.

When a young swimmer asked him for advice, he replied,

“Don’t let go of the vine when you’re swinging through the jungle!”

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

31 May 2024

Published May 29, 2024 by rochellewisoff

Like us on Facebook

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.

TO JOIN CLICK

Genre: Novel Excerpt
Word Count: 100

Tony, Elise’s husband, had never considered himself a candidate for therapy. He’d always believed all that psychobabble was hogwash and hooey. However, since he’d met Dr. Hank Rogers at the verteran’s support group meetings, his opinions had begun to change.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND WELCOME HOME

Tony had great respect for Hank, a Vietnam veteran who’d lost both legs in battle. He was the recipient of two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and a Distinguished Service Cross.

At their first meeting, trying not to stare at the therapist’s stumps, Tony focused on the medals in their shadow box. “You must have some stories to tell.”

“You bet, but we’re not here to discuss my service history, Chief. Surely you have a few medals of your own. Nightmares?”

“I see how it is.” Tony had bristled. “What’s this gonna cost me, Doc?”

“Nothing, save some emotional baggage.”

All Versions are availabe for preorder HERE. Official release date June 4! and if you’re in the area:

24 May 2024

Published May 22, 2024 by rochellewisoff

Like us on Facebook

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.

CLICK TO JOIN

Genr: Memoir
Word Count: 100

ON A ROLL

My father was a cook by trade and a baker by passion.

There was nothing he loved more than cooking for a crowd or creating delicious desserts. Pineapple cheese pecan pie was his signature dish. It’s my decided opinion that the Philadelphia cream cheese company owes him for the publicity. In fact, as I was giving birth to my third son, Dear Old Dad was outside the door feeding the nurses cherry-cream-cheese muffins.

At his funeral a year later, the young rabbi delivered a beautiful eulogy.

I couldn’t help but think, “If Dad were here, he’d bake her a pie.”