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.

10 January 2014

Published January 8, 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-Dawn Q. Landau

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

WHITE NIGHT

Like a frightened animal, she huddled in the darkest corner of an abandoned shack on the beach. I offered her refuge in my winter home in Bridgetown.

“The reverend promised us Paradise,” she whispered over lunch.

“We saw the bastard on the news. How did you escape?”

“I told the guard ‘Father’ wanted flowers for the meeting. I hid under bushes all day, ran all night and then stole a fishing boat. Floated for weeks.”

She licked her blistered lips.

“Scorcher today.” My husband burst onto the patio, pitcher in hand. “Kool-Aid anyone?”

“No, thank you.” She choked. “Not ever.”

.

“Reverend” Jim Jones

The following link is a bit lengthy if you’re only in the mood for 100 word stories. But if you have some extra time and want to read a true survivor’s story:

click here.

27 December 2013

Published December 26, 2013 by rochellewisoff

WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS

As always, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.

Henry David Thoreau said it best.

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

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Note: Due the fact that Christmas fell on Wednesday this year, this prompt is being posted Thursday, the 26th. I’m also leaving the link open an extra day to make up for it.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 – Douglas M MacIlroy

get the InLinkz code

The Following story is dedicated to my husband Jan.

Genre: Literary Fiction/Tribute

Word Count: 100

LIVING LEGACY

“A-one and a-two…” said the man on television.

“I hate Lawrence Welk.” I stamped my foot.

Mom’s brown eyes flashed as she jumped from her chair to turn up the volume. I grabbed her around the waist and we fell to the floor where she tickled me into submission.

A tower of strength, she always won.

Somewhere along the line, between responsibilities and business-as-usual, without my notice, the tower crumbled.

In semi-darkness, she stares at a blank screen. I search her listless eyes but the spark is gone.

“Mom? I miss Lawrence Welk.”

Her brow crinkles. “Do I know you?”

.

20 December 2013

Published December 18, 2013 by rochellewisoff

WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS

As always, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.

Henry David Thoreau said it best.

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

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

**NOTE: Since next Wednesday is Christmas, when many will be busy with festivities and family, I won’t post the photo prompt until Thursday the 26th. I will also extend the link one more day. So there will be a one day overlap in link lists. Thank you for your patience and understanding.**

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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- Jean L. Hays

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

KIA ORA

In March 1956, the year I turned fourteen, my best friend was murdered. They found her mangled body wedged in a rock crevice at Koutu Point.

For days I refused to get out of bed. No amount of Mum’s tea and sympathy could ease my broken heart or stem my anger.

The winter wind off the Tasman Sea brought waves of loneliness.

Never again will Opo and I swim together in Hokianga Harbour, but whenever I watch a dolphin spin above the water in gleeful abandon, I see her.

I hope the fisherman who blew up my Opo exploded, too.

Original artwork.
Copyright -Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opo_(dolphin)

13 December 2013

Published December 11, 2013 by rochellewisoff

WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS

As always, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.

Henry David Thoreau said it best.

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

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

**NOTE: Wednesday after next is Christmas (already?) In deference to those who will be busy with festivities and family I won’t post the photo prompt until Thursday the 26th. I will also extend the link one more day. Thank you for your patience and understanding.**

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 – Adam Ickes

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Literary Fiction

Word Count: 100

UNEXPECTED GIFT-UNEXPECTED TIME

Charli’s hiking boots are caked with dried mud that defies my cleaning efforts.

From her first cry, I dreamed of dressing my firstborn in pink pinafores with ruffled lace. But, before she turned two, Charli made it clear she detested pink.

Since then, I’ve given birth to another tomboy and a son who happens to love pink. Go figure.

After the accident on her thirteenth birthday, the boots were the only part of Charli I didn’t sell, toss or donate.

I listen for the doorbell. In a moment I’ll meet the girl to whom I gave my daughter’s untamed heart.

Guest Blogger-Ironwoodwind-Douglas MacIlroy

Published December 10, 2013 by rochellewisoff

Kia Ora all (Mostly FF friends, one beloved Kiwi and assorted friends and family kind enough to read from spots around this wide word)

I am in New Zealand for a bit and posting this story late. WiFi is very, very sketchy where I am hanging my hat about now (All around Southern Island) so if you comment, I’ll appreciate it more than you’ll know (because I won’t be able to answer in kind. I’m posting this to try to stay in the groove and let you all know why I’ve fallen off the edge of the earth. (And if ever there was a place to fall off and stay off, this land is it.) Anyway, thanks for understanding.

Cheers,

Kia Ora,

And, as always, Aloha,

Doug

Copyright -Randy Mazie

DNB (DEPARTURE FROM NUCLEATE BOILING)

After the meltdown a reporter asked me to describe our industry.

“It’s what the adage ‘one oh shit wipes out a thousand attaboys’ was invented for.”

What really happened? CLOFA in reactor three led to DNB and fuel element failure. Nuclear power is a dodgy business. Everything works fine until it doesn’t, then it’s all assholes and elbows as people try to limit the damage and cover their ass. My crew and I hit our dose limits trying to get the emergency pumps running.

We patrol the exclusion zone now. Should be habitable in three-hundred years.

Price of progress.

29 November 2013

Published November 27, 2013 by rochellewisoff

WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS

As always, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.

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 – Ted Strutz

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Literary Fiction

Word Count: 100

CHARON’S FIRST MATE

Dawn broke over the estuary. Marion watched her husband launch his fishing boat and head out to sea.

She drank in his image, every beloved line and crease. The sunlight reflected off the water and limned his white hair. He waved and smiled.

In the weeks following, detectives interrogated her.

“He left? Just like that?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“To spare me his suffering.”

“Admit it. You murdered him for the insurance.”

“And you got your badge from a Cracker Jack box.”

They never found his body.

Marion walks along the beach. Sunlight reflects off a white seagull. She smiles and waves.

.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charon_(mythology)

Scroll down for message:

.

THREE MAJOR HOLIDAYS THIS THURSDAY, THE 28TH!

CHANUKAH

THANKSGIVING (for us Yanks)

It’s the perfect time to say I am thankful for Friday Fictioneers. All of you have a special place in my heart.

and…(drumroll)

MY ANNIVERSARY!

42 years married to Jan Wayne Fields

I love you, Pop-Pop

22 November 2013

Published November 20, 2013 by rochellewisoff

WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS.
As always, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.

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.
- InLinkz has seen fit to change the format of the link box and automatically pastes the story title into the second box. IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF YOU WOULD DELETE IT AND TYPE IN YOUR NAME SO THE REST OF US KNOW WHO THE AUTHOR IS. Thank you.
- 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 – Sean Fallon

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Literary Fiction

Word Count: 100

REVISIONS

“Goodbye, wrinkles.” Cynthia glared at her reflection.

After forty years of marriage, seeing her trim figure clad in a clingy silk nightgown still excited Lester. She slipped into bed and snuggled against him.

“Don’t do it, Cynthia.” He curved his arm around her slender shoulders and reveled in her perfume’s scent. “Please.”

“I’ll be gorgeous again.” Her lips, as she whispered, tickled his ear.

A week later, the surgeon’s mumbled apologies filled Lester’s dismayed mind like ashes blowing across a deserted cemetery.

“Internal bleeding…respiratory failure…cardiac arrest.”

In his empty bed that night, Lester caressed her fragrant nightgown.

“Goodbye, Gorgeous.”

EMERGENCIES OF A DIFFERENT SORT

Published November 9, 2013 by rochellewisoff

A few days ago I managed to burn the roof of my mouth on a baked potato. Please don’t ask for details, it’s embarrassing. If that’s not bad enough, the burn turned into rather nasty aphthous stomatitis. Mouth ulcer.

By Friday I couldn’t eat, because the tiniest nick caused so much pain I wanted cut off my head. After getting my boss’ okay to leave the bakery early I went to a close-by pharmacy with an urgent care.

This particular store refers to this as a “minute clinic.” There I waited over two hours to be seen by the solitary, overtaxed nurse practitioner.

“Why am I seeing you today?”

“My mouth hurts.”

While she entered my particulars into her data base, I went on to explain how I’d injured myself and how much it hurt.

What I expected next was that she would look at my poor mangled mouth, write a prescription and send me to the pharmacy counter to have it filled. And, of course, that’s not what happened.

She had to take my vitals.

“Blood pressure is a little high, but pain will do that.”

Then she listened to my heart for a full minute.

“Have you had heart problems?”

“No.”

“Your heart rate is too low. It’s between 40 and 44.”

“I work out. It’s always been low.”

“This is dangerously low.”

After scaring me into thinking I would soon be corpse du jour, she informed me that she was sending me to ER and no way would she allow me to drive.

“Do you have dizziness or pain.”

“Yes. I haven’t eaten all day because my mouth hurts.”

“I’m more concerned for your heart. They will give you lidocaine at the hospital.”

At her insistence I called my husband to share my news. I could hear the controlled terror in his voice. Then I sat for another forty minutes until he arrived. He took me to the hospital close to our house. Another forty minutes of evening wasted.

“You feeling okay, honey,” he asked.

“No. I’m starving and my mouth hurts.”

When we reached the ER, I was quickly ushered to an examination room, changed out of my icing-crusted uniform into one of those famed hospital numbers of song and story.

This time the nurse hooked me up to a heart monitor, automatic sphygmomanometer and stuck little rubber contacts all over me to prepare for an EKG. Then the interrogation began.

“What meds are you taking? Any allergies?”

I answered each question to the best of my ability. Then the doctor came in and asked more questions.

“Are you having any pain?

”

“My mouth hurts.”

By then, I’d played “Who’s on First, What’s on Second” with at least four professionals.

The doctor shined her little flashlight in my open mouth. “Yep. I advise using Anbesol. I don’t have any so you’ll have to go to Walmart.”

Then she told me she was going to hook me up to an IV, take some blood and check my electrolytes.

The whole ordeal took another two hours culminating with the doctor telling me everything looked great and that I just have a low heart rate.

“I’m sending you home.”

As the nurse wrapped up the visit she asked me if I had any pain.

“My mouth hurts.”

8 November 2013

Published November 6, 2013 by rochellewisoff

- WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS.
- As always, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.
  
  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.
  - InLinkz has seen fit to change the format of the link box and automatically pastes the story title into the second box. IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF YOU WOULD DELETE IT AND TYPE IN YOUR NAME SO THE REST OF US KNOW WHO THE AUTHOR IS. Thank you.
  - 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-Al Forbes

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Literary Fiction

Word Count: 97

MERCURY RISES

Of all the gods, Hermes, the messenger sent from Heaven to visit Earth, fascinated me the most. My adoration took wing the moment we met. How had I, a mere mortal, been so fortunate?

We played hide-and-seek in the sunlight and danced when there wasn’t any music. Once he spirited away my favorite necklace and hid it. I seethed until he returned it, twined around the stems of a fragrant bouquet.

Nyx casts her shadow across our efflorescent valley.

From his IV jungle of tubes and catheters, my Hermes whispers with a breathless rasp, “Mom, it’s time.”