11 August 2023

Published August 9, 2023 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT © Alicia Jamtaas

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Genre: Anecdote
Word Count: 100

HOKEY SMOKE!

One summer I went with a group to Alaska. It took time to get used to the sunlight streaming through our hotel window until 11:00 PM. The weather was incredible. Nothing like the summer heat and humidity in the Midwest.

My friend and I decided to take a stroll through a nearby neighborhood that looked like any other US suburb. Until we came face to face with Bullwinkle.

“Back up slowly,” said Clint. “Don’t let him know you’re afraid.”

“Too late.” I trembled, fascinated by the moose’s stature and enormous antlers. “Something tells me we’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto.”

This is a true story. Although the quotes might not be totally accurate. 😉 If you’re familiar with Rocky and Bullwinkle you might recognize Rocky’s favorite esclamation “Hokey Smoke.”

Rocky and many of the other characters were voiced by voiceover legend June Foray:

4 August 2023

Published August 2, 2023 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT © Liz Young

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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

THE WRIGHT WAY

“Do you really think you’re going to fly like a bird?” Fifteen-year-old Katharine giggled as she set steaming bowls of soup on the table.

“Someday you’ll eat those words, Kate,” said nineteen-year-old Orv.

The years zipped by. While her brothers never let go of their dream, Katharine kept their books and managed their bicycle shop. She became their staunchest supporter and spokesperson.

Katharine’s heart fluttered as the Wright brothers’ Model A Flyer left the ground. Who would have dreamt she would see France, let alone soar over it?

“Kate,” Wilbur squeezed her hand. “You are the wind beneath our wings.”

CLICK here to know more about this lesser known Wright sibling.

28 July 2023

Published July 26, 2023 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT © Jennifer Pendergast

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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

A NICE JEWISH GIRL FROM BROOKLYN

“Daddy, listen my new song.” Four-year-old Carol’s blue eyes twinkled.

Firefighter, Sid Klein sank down beside her on the piano bench, weary from extinguishing one blaze after another.

He marveled. “I see Mommy’s making sure you practice your lessons.”

“Far from it.” His wife Genie shook her head. “Our baby girl has a rare gift.”

____________

Nearly seventy years and numerous compositions later, Sid Klein’s daughter, singer- songwriter Carole King thrilled as Aretha Franklin belted out “Natural Woman” at the Kennedy Center Honors.

“I’ve had a remarkable life,” Carole told an interviewer “I sum it all up in one word—gratitude.”

Inductee Carole King performs onstage during the 36th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio.

21 July 2023

Published July 19, 2023 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT © Amanda Forestwood

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Genre: Fiction
Word Count: 100

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER

Stretching his tired arms over his head Kenji drank in the aroma of cherry blossoms. Nowhere were they more beautiful than in Asakusa.

His last customer had been a hefty gentleman. Steep hills challenged Kenji’s muscles. He sighed with relief. No more riders today.

He groaned when a voice came from behind. “Excuse me, sir. How much to ride?”

“Sorry ma’am, I am done for—”

He turned and gazed into eyes that rivaled the glory of the night sky. His heart thumped against his ribs. He bowed.

“I will carry you to the ends of the earth. No charge.”

7 July 2023

Published July 5, 2023 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT © AJ Wilson

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Genre: Historical Faction
Word Count: 100

WOODSMOKE AT TWILIGHT

Had it not been for scouting, I might never have seen the great outdoors beyond my backyard. My parents adhered to the eleventh commandment—“Jews don’t camp.”

Overnights were the best. Following an afternoon hike, we’d gather round the campfire. Our mouths and fingers gooey from roasted marshmallows, we topped off the day scaring each other with ghost stories.

“My uncle found a man’s head in the grass,” said Lucy in a loud whisper.

Margo added, “His golden eyes glowed.”

Back home in my own bed, I wouldn’t sleep for a month without a nightlight.

I miss those good times.

1 July 2023

Published June 28, 2023 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

TO BOLDLY GO

“Shma Yisra’el, Adonai Eloheynu, Adonai echad.” Standing beside his father in the synagogue, Billy sang the familiar words from the Torah “Hear oh Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One.”

He rubbed his throbbing cheek. In Europe, the war against Nazi Germany raged. Reports of the death camps gave him nightmares. His grandparents had come to Montreal to escape such things. Why did the other kids pick fights with him just for being Jewish?

Papa leaned over and whispered, “Does the other boy have a black eye like yours?”

Billy Shatner grinned. “They don’t call me Toughie for nothing.”

CLICK TO READ MORE ABOUT HIM

23 June 2023

Published June 21, 2023 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot

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There are days and weeks when inspiration is a snap. The ideas flow and stories leap onto the page. Without boring you with the details, I’ll just say this hasn’t been one of those weeks.

Genre: All too realistic and hysterical fiction
Count: 100 Uninspired Words

UNINSPIRED

Shelly typed a line from a familiar childhood story, “Run, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me. I’m the gingerbread man.”

Outside her window, birds chirped, heralding the dawn.

“Nope, not the least bit inspiring.” She backspaced over the sentence and tapped out. “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”

“There. I’ve used every letter of the alphabet. Now what?”

Downing the last of her coffee, Shelly pressed the backspace key again and stared at the photo prompt.

She leaned back and pouted. “I hate it when my muse gives me the silent treatment.”

16 June 2023

Published June 14, 2023 by rochellewisoff

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The following is a snippet from my soon-to-be published novel. Gone over with a finetooth comb by my wonderful beta readers, I’ve sent the manuscript back to my publsiher for another round of edits. It’s amazing how each one of my readers fround something different. 😀

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100

EVASIVE MANEUVER

The sun behind Dr. Picard put his face in shadow. Elise winced. “Do you suppose you could move?”

He rose and sank into a different chair. “That’s a step in the right direction. Better?”

“Yes. What do you mean by that?”

“How often do you ask for what you need?”

“Often enough, I guess.”

“How often do you ask your husband?”

“John Wayne Picard, MD, PhD.” Elise read a framed medical certificate on the wall. “Nice bowtie, Doctor. That shade of cerulean brings out the blue in your eyes. Mind if I call you Wayne? Or do you prefer John?”

https://www.ozarkhollowpress.com/

Here I am with my enthusiastic publisher, head of OHP, Lia Wu. ❤

2 June 2023

Published May 31, 2023 by rochellewisoff

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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

RHINESTONE COWBOY

Nuta Kotlvarenko loved cowboy movies, particularly ones starring his hero Tom Mix.

One evening in 1913, Mama handed a passport to Nuta’s older brother Julius. “Ukraine is not safe for Jewish boys. We’re sending you to America where the streets are paved with gold.”

“I don’t want to go.” Nuta’s eyes stung.

***

Following years of odd jobs, Nuta, now Nudie Cohn, found his niche as the rodeo tailor. Stars from Roy Rogers to Elvis Presley paid thousands for rhinestone-studded Nudie suits.

“Nudie,” asked a fan. “Why don’t your boots ever match?”

“To remind me that golden streets have a price.”

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26 May 2023

Published May 24, 2023 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.

Genre: Anectdote
Word Count: 100

LIFE HAS ITS UPS AND DOWNS

After 15 hours of cumulative flight time and layovers, we made it to our hotel in Tel Aviv. I stowed my luggage in my room and boarded the elevator to join my companions in the lobby.

Just before level L the elevator stalled. In desperation I banged on the door.

“The technician’s on his way,” a serviceman told me. “But he’s stuck in traffic.”

I sank to the floor and played video games on my phone; grateful claustrophobia isn’t one of my problems.

An hour later, I was released from my 6-by-6-foot prison.

From now on I’ll use the stairs.

The management was quite apologetic about my ordeal. I told her I’m a writer and would have to write about this. I promised not to use any names. She just laughed and said, “Free publicity.” At any rate, she said they would treat me nice. She was true to her word. Later when I went to my room, this was waiting for me.

A few more pics from the trip. I’ve way too many to share. The lady with the two-towned hair and beautiful smile is my cousin Wendy who lives in Tel Aviv. Could’ve been the highest point of my trip. ❤ One of our missions as a humanitarian group was to take stuffed animals to hospitalized children. (will never forget the smiles).