6 December 2013

Published December 4, 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 –Randy Mazie

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Literary Fiction

Word count: 100

CLOSE ENCOUNTER

Darlene rescued the tiny, squalling creature from a smelly garbage can. He squirmed and squeaked as she cuddled him on the way home.

“It’s E.T., Mommy. Can I keep him?”

“He needs special care, honey.” Mom gently wrapped him in a blanket and picked up the phone.

To Darlene’s delight, after months of social workers’ visits, Mom said, “He’s ours, sweetie, but we can’t call him E.T. What shall we name your new brother?”

“Elliott!”

Five years later, when Elliott scribbled green flying saucers all over her math homework, Darlene screamed, “You little monster! You really are from outer space.”

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

When Friday Fictioneers Meet

Published November 21, 2013 by rochellewisoff

HEY YOU GUYS!

If you came here expecting a 100 word flash fiction, you might be disappointed. While I realize I’m breaking my own rule by linking something other than a short story I thought this post would be of interest to Friday Fictioneers. It may not be a short story, but as you can see there is a short facilitator.

Friday, November 15, 2013 at Ye Olde English Inn in Branson, MO, the entertainment capitol of the Midwest eight of the, sometimes, over one hundred writers met face to face and person person. From left to right: Beth Carter, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, Madison Woods, Janet Webb, Karen Nelson, Russell Gayer, Jan Morrill and Kent Bonham.

Some of you may remember K.D. McCrite who wrote for Friday Fictioneers until success as an author has whisked her from our midst. She was the speaker for our morning session. She left us without excuses. 😉

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!

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.”

15 November 2013

Published November 13, 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 – Kent Bonham

get the InLinkz code

**Note: My response time after Thursday might be a little slow. I’ll be hosting fellow FF’r Janet Webb (meeting her in person for the first time! :D) and she’ll be accompanying me to the Ozarks Writers League-OWL-conference Friday. I’m looking forward to seeing a few more of us there. Wish we could all meet face to face. ;)**

Genre: Literary Fiction

Word Count: 100

DAUGHTER OF VOICE

For two years I saved to travel to the Holy Land where I dreamt of walking in the footsteps of the great Bible prophets.

After five days of touring ancient ruins and being dragged into schlock shops, I’d had no transcendent revelations and didn’t feel any closer to heaven.

On the sixth day I saw the violinist. No crowds gathered around her, yet she performed with captivating passion that would’ve humbled Paganini. I dropped several coins into her open case. And there…

…in Jerusalem’s Cardo, amid patrons and peddlers, I came face to face with the unpretentious face of God.

The Cardo

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.”

1 November 2013

Published October 30, 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. (Should you find that you’ve made an error you can delete by clicking the little red ‘x’ that should appear under your icon. Then re-enter your URL. (If there’s no red x email me at Runtshell@aol.com. I can delete the wrong link for 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 – Douglas M. MacIlroy

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

FAT MAN

“Ichiro is honorable,” said Okasan. “He’ll be a faithful husband.”

“He’s too fat and reeks of fish.”

“Instead you’d rather shame your family and become a prostitute?”

“Geisha. They are artists.”

“So your father says.”

Since dawn Yuki had tried to reason with her mother, but, no matter what she said, Okasan’s face remained an obdurate fortress, damaged by years of sorrow and betrayal.

“It’s after 11:00. I’ll be late.”

“Please, my only child, don’t leave your home.”

Yuki turned her gaze to the calming garden pond.

“Nagasaki’s no longer my—”

Savage-radiance seared brilliant koi colors into her eyes.

.

August 9, 1945

25 October 2013

Published October 23, 2013 by rochellewisoff

WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS

For me this week marks a significant anniversary. One year ago, Madison Woods passed the FF baton on to me. It’s sometimes been a wild ride. I’m particularly thankful for the friends I’ve made. To read my transitional story click Ron Pruitt’s photo below.

(Scroll down for this week’s prompt.)

……….

***Now back to matters at hand. ***

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. (Should you find that you’ve made an error you can delete by clicking the little red ‘x’ that should appear under your icon. Then re-enter your URL. (If there’s no red x email me at Runtshell@aol.com. I can delete the wrong link for 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 – Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

get the InLinkz code

Genre: Biographical Fiction

Word Count: 98

THE BEAT GOES ON

“What’s the matter, Princess?”

With his thumb Bob brushed a tear from Laura’s cheek.

“I’m flunking kindergarten.”

“Why?’

“I don’t know howta skip.”

“Can’t let that happen. Follow me.”

Outside, in the driveway, he showed her how to hop from one foot to the other.

Haltingly she followed his lead. Then he played a tune on his synthesizer, his recent invention, to accompany her.

“Find your beat.” Gradually, he increased the tempo.

Her heart pounded with excitement. “Look at me! I’m skipping!”

Historians remember Bob Moog as the Edison of electronic music. Laura remembers him, simply, as “Dad.”

For more Moog

Robinson Crusoe has a message for us

Published October 12, 2013 by rochellewisoff

I had to share this from a magnificent writer, Valerie Davies, in New Zealand. I urge everyone to read and enjoy.

Shalom,

Rochelle

valeriedavies

My grandmother collected beautiful china and old books. My memories of the china was that it actually wasn’t beautiful… At eight I found her collection of Staffordshire figurines rather clumsy, and her Meissen angels and other pieces a bit gutless and wishy-washy. (I think I still do – but give me Chinese blue and white, Japanese Imari, old Chelsea, and I’d feel differently.)

Her old books were heavily bound in leather, and were often large quarto volumes. I skimmed Foxe’s Martyrs, was appalled by the despair in the picture of the Slough of Despond in Pilgrim’s Progress, but was very taken with Robinson Crusoe. All these books were illustrated with engravings, protected by a flimsy piece of what seemed like tissue paper.

I hadn’t learned to take liberties with books back then, so I solemnly plodded through Defoe’s dense prose, until I came to the picture of Crusoe seeing…

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