Ozark hollow press

All posts in the Ozark hollow press category

25 October 2024

Published October 23, 2024 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 © Roger Bultot

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

PRELUDE TO A NIGHTMARE

The setting sun’s light made the waters of the sea sparkle. Aliseyu basked in its warmth. Hutash had been good to them today. A grand catch of fish would provide a feast for the village tonight.

Aliseyu’s father recounted histories with the other men who paddled their long tomol. Even though he’d heard it many times, Aliseyu never tired of hearing the story of Hutash leading her Chumash people over the rainbow bridge to their home by the ocean.

In the distance, a huge boat with white flags appeared. As it came closer, Aliseyu blinked. Perhaps it was a dream.

On our recent trip to California I learned of the Chumash people who all but perished at the hands of the Spanish. To learn a little more about them CLICK HERE.

******

26 July 2024

Published July 24, 2024 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 © Roger Bultot

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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! 😀

12 July 2024

Published July 10, 2024 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 © 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.

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ONE FOR THE BOOKS

Published June 26, 2024 by rochellewisoff

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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?”

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. 😉

S

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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 © Roger Bultot

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

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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 © Mr. Binks

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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:

10 May 2024

Published May 8, 2024 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 © Lisa Fox

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Happy May, Everyone! It seems whatever issues WP has had with sign ins and commentors continues. I had a few comments from Annonymous last week. I noticed also that I’m not the only one. A few times I’ve had to sign back in to leave a comment. It is rather irritating. If you could leave your name it would be helpful. Thank you.

Genre: Coming of Age
Word Count: 100

MUZAK TO MY EARS

In my teens I was a raving Beatles fan. Oh, the memories each of their songs evokes from different stages of my adolescence.

I still have my collection of vinyl 45 rpm records. Not familiar? Look them up. No time to elaborate in one hundred words.  

One afternoon my mother came into my room as I was rocking to “I am the Walrus.” With a disgusted look she said, “You only tell yourself you like that dreck.”

Seriously I still love the crazy cacophony.  

Imagine my surprise the other day when I heard it as background music in the supermarket.

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Last Dance With Annie, by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, will be available June 4th in paperback, hardcover, and ebook. Preorder on Amazon, Nook, Kobo, and more!

“Much flows through the pages of “Last Dance” and all of it is worth reading. In this well-written, poignant story, Wisoff-Fields offers the reader a front row seat into less-spoken-of and rarely seen realities of lives weighted by years of expectation, exploitation, secrecy, trauma, and turmoil; but also to the powers of love, truth, and creativity to offer healing and feed hope. As Elise and those around her lose, then seek to find their step, we weep with, cheer for, and dance with them. Hurrah, Rochelle, for a story well told!”

Na’ama Yehuda, MSC SLP (Author: Communicating Trauma, Emilia, Outlawed Hope, Apples in Applath)

26 April 2024

Published April 24, 2024 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 © Fleur Lind

TO JOIN CLICK HERE!

The following is admittedly a seven-year-old rerun. I’ve been extremely distracted of late and didn’t feel I could get away with another “my muse didn’t show up story.”…which she didn’t. 😉

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

FAMILY TREE

            “‘And they lived happily ever after.’” Leah shut the storybook.

            Shifra’s raisin-brown eyes, round as bottle caps, sparkled. “Bubbie? Did you love Grandpa at first sight?”

            “He was only eight when we met. Mama took him in…hid him from the khappers, bad men who snatched little Jewish boys from their homes and made them serve twenty-five years in the Czar’s army.”

            “Did she hide him in the closet?”

            “No she was smart, my Mama.”

            “He was like your brother, right?”

            Leah pointed to a tintype on the table of two little bonneted girls and grinned. “More like my sister.

*****

Below is my first attempt at creating a reel on Canva and posting it to Instagram. It works on my end if I click the picture. Let me know how it works for you.

The ebook can be preordered HERE, HERE and HERE! Release Date is June 4! If you’re not an ebook fan, paperback and hard back copies will be available on and after June 4! 😀

5 April 2024

Published April 3, 2024 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 © Sandra Crook

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Genre: Current Fiction
Word Count: 100

BY THE DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT

Standing on the ship’s deck, Marissa enjoyed the warm sea breeze and glittering city lights as they approached the famous bridge.

Her boyfriend’s breath heated her neck. “Marissa, may I ask you a question?”

“David, can’t it wait?”

“No.”

She turned to see he’d dropped down on one knee, holding an open velvet box. The diamond sparkled. Her heart thumped.  

Two years later, cradling her infant son, her heart thumped as the image of that same bridge collapsing into the Patapsco River crossed her television screen. Her stomach sank with it. “David, come see this!”

“Marissa, can’t it wait?”

“No.”

CLICK for the News Story

And for the good news! My book LAST DANCE WITH ANNIE is available for ebook preorder on the following sights: HERE, HERE and HERE! Release Date is June 4!

Screenshot

29 March 2024

Published March 27, 2024 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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Screenshot

Here it is! The official cover of LAST DANCE WITH ANNIE, due out sometime in May or June. The poem in the following story is the beginning of the book and one that I actually wrote when I was in the midst of the battle.

Genre: Non-Fiction
Word Count: 100

HIS SUCCESS STORY

The Dancer

The steps used to

Be simple,

Every leap and turn;

Graceful, exultant dance.

But now

Annie leads me to murky depths

Of despair

And

Threatens,

In the most literal sense,

To devour

Soul, spirit, and body.

I’m tortured by

Pain on the faces of those

Who care.

Helpless to halt this

Insane choreography

I seek resolution

Via self-destruction.

After reading my poem, Wayne asked, “What do you hope to accomplish by starving yourself to death?”

 “They’ll be better off without me.”

*****

In Memory of Wayne Clinton Witcher, my ever-patient therapist. I will always consider myself your success story.

Thru Violet's Lentz

My view, tho' somewhat askew...

Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple

Growing older is inevitable. Growing up is optional.

Linda's Bible Study

Come study God's Word with me!

Just Writing!

A place to improve my writing skills, and that's all.

lindacapple

Writing from the Soul, Speaking from the Heart

Real World Magic

Bringing Visions to Life

Riverbrat

Navigating the mountains and valleys of everyday life on the riverbank.

Our Literary Journey

Driveling twaddle by an old flapdoodle.

Saania's diary - reflections, learnings, sparkles

Life is all about being curious, asking questions, and discovering your passion. And it can be fun!

Invincible Woman on Wheels

Conquering the World

This, that and the other thing

Looking at life through photography and words

Kelvin M. Knight

Reading. Writing. Cycling.

Na'ama Yehuda

Speech Language Pathologist, Writer, Blogger -- life, language, communication, a good laugh, hope, healing, and the grace of connection

Diane's Ponderings

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Penz-o-Paula

Paula Shablo

Lost Imperfect Found

Self-discovery through self-reflection.

Sarah Potter Writes

Pursued by the muses of prose, poetry, and art

Sammi Cox

Author Aspiring

Neil MacDonald Author

A writer's journey

Autumn Leaves

For those who enjoy fiction

Native Heritage Project

Documenting the Ancestors

Living In Eternity

If Eternity Is Forever, Am I There Now?