11 July 2014

Published July 9, 2014 by rochellewisoff

Below is the PHOTO PROMPT. What does it say to you? Tell me in one hundred words or less.

PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Kelly Sands

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

SAUVIGNON BLANC 1940: THE GRAPES OF WRATH

Nine-year-old Laurel shivered and rubbed her eyes.

“Are we going to die, Mum?”

Her mother held her tight and shouted over concussions that juddered the shelter.

“The storm will pass.”

The ceiling caved in, their lantern shattered on the floor and her world went black.

In the morning sirens sounded the “all clear” and by afternoon civil defense workers had dug their way through to them.

Laurel squeezed Mum’s cold, stiff hand. “Wake up. Please, wake up. The bombers are gone.”

****

In the cold darkness of the wine cellar the storm still raged.

Eighty-one-year-old Laurel shivered and rubbed her eyes.

27 June 2014 – Summer Rerun II

Published June 25, 2014 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT Copyright-Madison Woods The photo is actually from Lura Helms for whom I have no link.

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Here’s another of my favorites revisited. 😉 originally posted August 16, 2012

Genre: Literary Fiction

Word Count: 100

CASUALTY OF WAR

In the woods on the outskirts of town is the Tree of Life. Not to be confused with the original, this one earned its name from a century of discarded oddities which have grown into its branches.

Jason and I carved our names into the bark the day before he left for Viet Nam. We’d marry when he returned.

When the final letter came my heart cratered to my stomach.

He’d met Trinh-Lee, his true love.

Today you can still read the crude print that says, “Jason loves Karen.”

Just below it, imbedded in the trunk, is my disengagement ring.

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

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*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.

6 June 2014

Published June 4, 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 – Douglas M. MacIlroy

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Genre: Poetic Musing

Word Count: 95

NORTH STUDIO

He left delicate strokes of life

On rice paper.

Katsushika Hokusai embraced age,

Unshaken by his advancing years.

Seas swirled beneath his skillful fingers

As the eternal mountain loomed ahead.

Infinite wisdom rippled from the artist’s hand.

Here is her life.

Once young and wasteful,

Kishiko lights a candle.

Undimmed eyes stare into velvet darkness.

Sixty years flow behind her

As brilliant pathways loom ahead.

I am the artist.

Here is my life.

On the path,

Kindled by passion

Unafraid of the future.

Strength in my arms

And excitement in my steps,

I am Kishiko.

Hokusai had a long career, but he produced most of his important work after age 60. I find great comfort in this. To learn more about the prolific artist, click here.

30 May 2014

Published May 28, 2014 by rochellewisoff

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.

***SPAM FOLDER ALERT***

THERE SEEMS TO BE A TREND WITH WORDPRESS OF COMMENTS BEING SENT TO THE SPAM OR TRASH FOLDERS. I MAKE IT A POINT TO CHECK THOSE DAILY. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT KIND WORDS YOU COULD BE MISSING!!!

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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 –Jennifer Pendergast

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Genre: Literary Fiction

Word Count: 100

POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE

“We’re graduated,” said Diane cradling her diploma. “Let’s go celebrate.”

“Not tonight, Miss Valedictorian,” I said. “I’m bushed.”

“Aw, Mike, don’t be such a stick-in-the-mud.”

“Tomorrow.”

“Now.”

A sucker for her sweet pout, I gave in. Four other kids piled into my jalopy. I hung my tassel on the rearview mirror and stepped on the gas. With youthful abandon we laughed at nothing and everything. We owned the future.

“It wasn’t your fault, son,” said the police after the inquest. “The guy who t-boned you was three sheets to the wind.”

“I’ll tell Diane next time I visit her grave.”

23 May 2014

Published May 21, 2014 by rochellewisoff

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.
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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 – Erin Leary

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Genre: Literary Fiction

Word Count: 100

AFTER THE WORSE

“Cheryl, I want a divorce,” he said.

“I just need more time.”

“I can’t do this anymore.”

After David left I found a grief website where I met Keith who’d also lost a baby to SIDS.

“My wife blamed me, Julie.”

“She was in pain, Keith. She didn’t mean it.”

“How do you know?”

“Trust me.”

We never shared photos, but our conversations grew more intimate. In time we agreed to meet in a nearby park.

As the fog lifts I see my true love for the first time. His tear-filled brown eyes engulf me.

“David?”

“I love you, Cheryl.”

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.
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😉 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.

18 April 2014

Published April 16, 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.
- 🙂
😉
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 – Douglas M. MacIlroy

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Genre: Literary Fiction

Word Count: 98

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE

When other kids give Mrs. Loftis flowers she’s all giggly. But when I bring them she gets frowny.

Why don’t she like me? I read better’n anybody else in first grade and I color in between the lines. Mommy says it’s my ‘magination.

Tonight sirens and mad grown-up voices wake me up. I run to Mommy’s room. She’s crying. So’s her boyfriend.

There’s a gun on the floor and a policeman is putting handcuffs on…Mrs. Loftis? Her face is all twisty and red.

“You cheap husband-stealing tramp!” she shouts.

Guess it’s not me she don’t like after all.

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.
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My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism.
Copyright-John Nixon

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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.