13 June 2025

Published June 11, 2025 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 © Dale Rogerson

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Genre: Anecdote/Sales Pitch
Word Count: 100

ARTISTIC PROCESS

When my friend Kathy asked if I could paint a picture of an antique typewriter, I replied, “I’m willing to give it a shot. I enjoy a challenge.”

I studied my model. Had I overestimated my ability?

To make an accurate sketch I used a drafting ruler. I counted each key. Everything had to be proportionately correct. Thank goodness I have a kneaded eraser and know how to use it.

Sketch complete, I relaxed a bit and dove into the watercolor.

Final note: While this composition has been hugely successful as prints and notecards, the original painting is still available.

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As Long as I’m self-promoting. 😉

6 June 2025

Published June 4, 2025 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 © David Stewart

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Genre: Anecdote
Word Count:100

CONNECTING FLIGHT

“Are you ready to go to the airport?”

I shuffled through the piles on my desk. “Daddy, I can’t find my passport.”

“Hurry!” He paced the floor.

Then I remembered I only needed my real I.D.

When we arrived at the check-in, panic set in. I’d forgotten to pack. We rushed home where I flung clothes into my purple suitcase: black swimsuits, black skirt, black pants, black…What’s with all this black?

Next-thing-I-know I’m lying in bed. I open my eyes. Somewhat relieved, I look at the clock. It’s 04:00. Dad’s been gone these past thirty years. Gee, I miss him.

*I wrote this shortly after I woke up from this very dream. Wasn’t sure what to call the genre. 😉

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And just a little something extra. 😉 It’s kind of long and has nothing to do with Friday Fictioneers. It’s an interview I did a few months ago with my author friend Diane Yates.

30 May 2025

Published May 28, 2025 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 © Ted Strutz

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Genre: Missing-you-Ted-Fiction
Word Count: 100

TED TALK

“Ethel,” Cheryl rolled her eyes. “Are you going to play, or aren’t you?”

“I’m just not in the mood for cribbage.”

“What then, are you in the mood for?”

“Let’s talk about Ted.” Ethel whispered. “Do you think he’s forgotten us?”

“Never! We’re his ladies.” Cheryl curved her arm around Ethel’s shoulder. “I miss him, too. But y’know, he’s still snapping great photos and posting them on Facebook.”

“He’s always smiling in his pictures.”

Cheryl swallowed a rising lump. “I’m sure he misses us, too. Have you noticed the twinkle in his eyes? He still has a lot to say.”

*He is still sending photos. Ted Strutz joined Friday Fictioneers before I did. Cheryl and Ethel were his characters. He was encouraging to me when I took over the FF challenge. Four years ago he suffered a stroke. Like Cheryl said, there’s a twinkle in his eye and he still has a lot to say. ❤

23 May 2025

Published May 21, 2025 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

I YAM WHAT I YAM

To the delight of Elzie and his playmates, Rocky Fiegel made his muscles dance. “I fought my way from Poland to Chester, Illinois.”

“Did you really beat up five men at once?” asked Elzie.

“Tough brutes they was, too.” Puffing on his corncob pipe, Rocky gazed at the boys through his one good eye. “I pulverized ‘em with one hand behind my back.”

Whether true or not, Rocky’s tales fascinated E. C. Segar. As an aspiring cartoonist in the 1920’s he created one of history’s most beloved characters.

“Strong to the finich ‘cause I eats me spinach—Popeye the Sailorman.”

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I was fond of canned spinach as a child. Perhaps this is why. 😉 At any rate it was interesting to find that the cartoon character was drawn from an actual person.

Frank “Rocky” Fiegel

Elzie Crisler Segar and his creation

16 May 2025

Published May 14, 2025 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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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

ANY DAY SPENT WITH YOU IS MY FAVORITE DAY

“Colebourn, you’ve got rocks in your head,” said Harry’s tentmate. “The army’s no place for a bear.”

“The beast was going to shoot her” Harry caressed the cub. “I’m calling her Winnie after Winnipeg.”

As WWI raged, he realized the best thing he could do was to find her a temporary home.

At London Zoo he buried his face in her fur. “I’m coming back for you.”

When he returned four years later, Winnie had become a children’s favorite. They loved her with treats and cuddles. She returned their affection. Harry bid her a final fond farewell. Winnie was home.

Harry Colebourn and Winnie named after Harry’s hometown of Winnipeg.

For the rest of the story CLICK HERE

9 May 2025

Published May 7, 2025 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT © Lisa Fox

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I admit this is quite similar to a story/rant i wrote five years ago February Nothing’s changed. If anything things have only gotten worse. So you may refer this as a sequel.

Genre: Anectdotal Rant
Word Count: 100

ONE PILL CAN KILL

Every day a new one appears. If you live in these Divided States, you know what I’m talking about. Prescription drug advertisements.

Who comes up with those colorful names? They’re insane, usually starting with the letters X and Z. They treat everything from obesity to bipolar disorder.

Ya gotta love ‘em—from bright and breezy to sensual and sleezy. They all make me queasy. While happy people prance across the screen celebrating life, the gentle voice over recites a list of possible side effects.

Wait! I got lost somewhere between anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest. What was this supposed to treat?

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Okay, this one starts with A. But it’s pretty much what I’m talking about.

2 May 2025

Published April 30, 2025 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 © Ken Arnopole (friend of Ted Strutz)

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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

GENERATIONS RUNNIN’ WILD

Joanna checked her reflection in the full-length mirror. Her white go-go boots offset her mini dress. Swaying her hips she practiced moving to the Jerk and the Watusi. Tonight, she would dance the night away.

Granny Maybelle’s voice startled her. “In my day young ladies didn’t do such suggestive dances.”

Joanna pointed to a photo of young Maybelle in a fringed dress. “What about the Charleston in the 1920’s?”

Blushing, Granny shook her head. “That dance swept the country like wildfire. Not so different from these 1960’s I suppose. But I’ll have you know I was quite good at it!”

And a little history of the dance if you care to READ ON. 😉

25 April 2025

Published April 23, 2025 by rochellewisoff

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Genre: Novel Excerpt
Word Count: 100

BRAIN FOG

Elise’s cheeks blazed against the cold tile. The last thing she remembered was writing a check at the register when a wave of nausea and lightheadedness swept over her. The helpless feeling of losing control as she lost consciousness rushed back. She squirmed, wishing she could dissolve between the cracks. How many of those “gentle action” pink pills had she taken in anticipation of dinner?

You know you’re too damn smart for your own good,” her frustrated support group leader had snapped at her night before last. “Why do you even bother coming to meetings anyway?”

To learn new tricks…

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Screen Shot…to watch the interview Click the link below. 😉

To read my friend Diane Yates’ blog and watch our interview CLICK HERE

18 April 2025

Published April 16, 2025 by rochellewisoff

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Genre: Fiction
Word Count:100

TRUTH, JUSTICE, AND A BETTER TOMORROW

Mia and Tommy entered the comic book shop. He went right to the Superman section. “Ooh, this one’s vintage. From 1942. Wow! He’s changing from Clark Kent to Superman in a phone booth. What’s a phone booth?”

“It was an eight-foot box where people could pay to make telephone calls when they were out and about.”

“Why didn’t they use their cell phones?”

“Cell phones weren’t invented yet, Goofy.”

As they exited the shop, Tommy pointed. “Look, Sis! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!”

Mia rolled her eyes. “You dork. It is a bird.”

Below is the intro to one of my favorite TV shows as a small child. Incidentally in 104 episodes of this program, Clark Kent never once changed clothes in a phone booth. Great Caesar’s Ghost!

11 April 2025

Published April 9, 2025 by rochellewisoff

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PLANT-BASED REALITY?

I was nine years old when I saw Day of the Triffids, a movie about man-eating plants. They crashed through windows and chomped off heads of unsuspecting humans, engulfing the world in an avalanche of terror.

Eighteen years ago, after surgery, my husband was gifted with a houseplant. Pothos—known for its tenacity. It grew from one end of our living room to the other, until an accident broke off its long tendrils.

Still, it thrives.

Maybe it’s my wild imagination, but should I be concerned about those chomping noises I sometimes hear in the middle of the night?

Does anyone remember this?