Wednesday 28 November 2018

Obsession - 100 word story

After writing a humorous story last week, this week's Friday Fictioneer's photo inspired something more chilling. 

I am going off vagabonding in December, so this is my last story for 2018. Seasons Greetings and see you in the New Year.


PHOTO PROMPT © Nick Allen




OBSESSION


It all began in childhood. The Wizard of Oz sparked her imagination and became an obsession. An obsession that continued into adulthood. An obsession that wouldn't be ignored. And so she studied to become a biologist.
...  ...  ...
She entered the home-made lab. The rasp of metal against metal masked the terrible moans emanating from the pens. She hadn't perfected her art but she continued to strive.
The oil cans stood in a row. She anointed each individual, giving them relief.
A man lay in the last pen. Time to turn him to tin, like the others. Perhaps this one would succeed.



I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE



If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.


On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 


Wednesday 21 November 2018

JIMMY THE JOKER - 100 word story

Here's a little tale for the Friday Fictioneer's photo prompt adapted from one of my travel essays that was originally published back in 2003.


PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson




JIMMY THE JOKER


I once went hiking with Jimmy the Joker. He picked the trail: lonely and hemmed in by trees. Shadows danced. We heard a scuffing.
'Moose?'
'Probably a bear,' said The Joker.
Hah!
We found a river with a dinky waterfall. I unpacked our picnic.
'Uh-oh, bear.'
I ignored him.
'I'm serious.'
I sighed and looked up. And froze.
It stood on the opposite bank. The waterfall didn’t look so dinky now.
'Bears swim.'
'I know.'
The bear abruptly retreated.
'It didn't want to get wet!' I said.
'Maybe, but there’s a bridge up ahead.'
What?’
'Just joking,' said Jimmy.




I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.


On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 



Wednesday 14 November 2018

THE MEETING - 100 word story

The photo prompt for this week's Friday Fictioneers immediately made me think about vagrants and lost souls. But I didn't want to write an obvious story. So I went for something a little more surprising for my protagonist. 


PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields


THE MEETING

Kate looked around in astonishment. Seriously? Checked her GPS. Nope, these were definitely the right co-ordinates.
Bent almost double, she picked her way between the rocks in her inappropriate heels looking for a way to cross the water. Kate was not about to ruin her shoes.
Downstream from the bridge she spotted stepping stones.
Gingerly, she crossed and made her way back under the bridge.
Exasperated she considered her options. She could almost see the funny side. Almost.
But when Kate had told him to surprise her with an unusual date, this was not what she had had in mind.



I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.



On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 



Wednesday 7 November 2018

THE LAST WOOD NYMPH - 100 word story

A beautifully carved tree stump for this week's Friday Fictioneer's photo prompt helped me to come up with a whimsical story.


PHOTO PROMPT © J.S. Brand

THE LAST WOOD NYMPH


She was the last Wood Nymph in the valley.
Her fellow nymphs had disappeared when their trees became sick.
Then Men came to fell her tree. She watched in helpless horror.
The owner, Willie, supervised. He made them cut it high, which saved her.
After The Cutting Men left, the nymph spoke. 'Why?'
'I'm sorry,' said Willie. 'I had to do it. Your tree was dying and you would have died too.'
'I might as well be dead,' she said, looking at the tall stump with terrible sadness.
'I'll make it beautiful for you again,' said Willie. 'I promise.'




I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.


On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 



Wednesday 31 October 2018

ZOMBIE EYES - 100 word story

It's Halloween. Of course I had to write a Halloween story and this week's Friday Fictioneer's photo prompt was perfect for that.


PHOTO PROMPT © Jeff Arnold


ZOMBIE EYES

My cousin always gave me the creeps.
When she visited on Halloween, I wasn't happy.
Angie had arrived dressed like a zombie. The clothes were superfluous, she already had zombie eyes.
'You and Angie can go trick or treating,' said Mum.
We went knocking on doors.
Old Freddy shouted and sent us on our way, as I knew he would.
Angie didn't like that. Once home she sat and stared at Dad's chess set and I swear a piece moved.
We heard later that Old Freddy had died.
They said, from the look on his face he died of fright.

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.



On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 


Wednesday 24 October 2018

HOW TO SPEND A FORTUNE - 100 word story

After a bit of vagabonding, I'm ready for some more fiction writing. This week's Friday Fictioneer's photo prompt, prompted this story.


PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot



HOW TO SPEND A FORTUNE

When Edith won the lottery she was catatonic. The amount was so ridiculous she couldn't comprehend it and sat in her flat in a daze. Her little wrinkly eyes stared at nothing. She barely ate and her already tiny wizened body turned bony. Anyone who saw her was reminded of one of those hairless Sphynx cats.
She ignored the telephone and doorbell: she knew it was her greedy children.
A year later something in Edith clicked.
Five years after that Edith stood under the domed ceiling and sighed, satisfied that she'd spent her money wisely.
Her children thought otherwise.



I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.


On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 



Wednesday 12 September 2018

PLAYTIME - 100 word story

I didn't want to write an obvious 'clock' theme, so I've used the Friday Fictioneers photo prompt this week to open my story instead.



PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll


PLAYTIME

Reggie woke before his special clock sounded the hour. He chuckled. Silly really, but waking unassisted felt good.
His jauntiness faltered as the eczema in his groin flared. It took effort not to scratch.
He bought a newspaper and sat facing the adventure playground. The background noise of children playing delighted him.
Shouts interrupted Reggie’s reading. '…disgusting… bastard… paedo…'
He looked up. 
A young woman was yelling at him. '...think I don’t know what you’re doing under that paper? I’m calling the police, you filth.'
Stupid mistake! He knew his time was up.
'No, it’s my eczema,' Reggie whispered, mortified.



I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.


On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 




Wednesday 5 September 2018

MRS H'S GUEST HOUSE - 100 word story

Moonlight conjures many ideas so I was pleased to see this week's photo prompt from the Friday Fictioneers. 
Here's my take on a classic:


PHOTO PROMPT © Gah Learner


MRS H'S GUEST HOUSE

When Jenny started howling at the moon my world altered.
A deep growl had woken me: a dissonance that stretched and elongated into a full blown howl. It filled the empty spaces in the house and it was coming from Jenny's room. This really wouldn't do.
'I can't have you disturbing other guests,' I said.
Jenny bared her teeth.
When I went to close the curtains against the bothersome glare of the full moon, I saw Jenny loping across the lawn. She stopped and stared at me.
I joined her and we threw back our heads to howl in the moonlight.





I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.



On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 





Wednesday 15 August 2018

RUTHIE - 100 word story

'What a photo!' was my first thought about his week's Friday Fictioneers photo prompt. There was only one way for me to go with it...


PHOTO PROMPT © Yvette Prior



RUTHIE

'Why do you always argue?' Ruthie slumped, plucking at her bandaged throat.
'Because I care,' said Raymond.
'I'm fresh out of hospital and fresh out of smokes.' Ruthie pouted. 'And where's my whiskey? Did you drink it?'
'Don't be ridiculous.'
'Pleeese, mate.'
'I'm not going to help you commit suicide.'
'Stop being melodramatic. Pleeese, Raymond. I neeed my babies.'
'Don't ask me to do this.'
'PLEEESE.' Ruthie began to tear the bandage.
'Jesus, Ruthie.' Raymond threw a packet of cigarettes down.
She scrabbled for a lighter.
Raymond found the whiskey.
'Thanks, mate.'
He stared at her. 'Knock yourself out, Ruthie.'





I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.



On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 







Wednesday 8 August 2018

KEEPING IT CLEAN - 100 word story

It's Friday Fictioneers time again. I love the window boxes in the photo prompt, but how to weave a story around them was quite a challenge.


Photo prompt  © Ronda Del Boccio




KEEPING IT CLEAN


Sheila tapped the soap three times and washed her hands. Tapped twice, washed her hands. Tapped once more and washed her hands.
She contemplated her new, empty window boxes. So sleek. So pristine. So beautiful. But what could she plant?
Flowers were a definite no. Too much mess.
Something green? Something simple? Something clean? Oh, yes.
She had an idea.
An hour later the boxes were filled.
With a tentative finger, Sheila stroked a blade of grass.
Damn!
Sheila tapped the soap three times and washed her hands. Tapped twice, washed her hands. Tapped once more and washed her hands.





I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.



On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 






Wednesday 1 August 2018

PLAIN SIGHT - 100 word story

After a short summer break I looked at this week's Friday Fictioneers photo prompt and came up with this little story. Is Willie harmless or sinister? You decide.


Sandra Crook


PLAIN SIGHT

When Willie nearly burnt his house down, Jane took him in. His foibles were mostly manageable, but when Willie built a stack of broken terracotta and kindling, Jane got annoyed.
'You've created an eyesore, Dad.'
'Now then, Jane lass. Where else can they hide?'
'And just who are they?'
'Hush, lass, someone might hear.' He leaned towards his daughter. 'My stack allows them to hide in plain sight.'
Jane gave up. 'Alright, but no lighting fires.'
Willie crouched in front of the pallets. 'Alright lads,' he whispered. 'She hasn't caught on.'
The stack shivered and crackled in reply.
Willie chuckled.



I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.


On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 








Wednesday 27 June 2018

VERY SUPERSTITIOUS - 100 word story

This week's Friday Fictioneers picture of a music room gave me an idea. Let me know what you think.


PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields



VERY SUPERSTITIOUS!

Hey, cool room. 
How am I doing? Writing’s on the wall.
I’m not very superstitious, but the baby broke a mirror. Thirteen months old and now she chokes on boiled eggs.
I put new shoes on the table and stepped in doggie-do.
A black cat crossed me. Tripped and landed on my tush.
Annie spilt salt. Her cooking ain’t worth Jack Shit now!
I wish I didn’t believe in things I don’t understand…
Anyway, how’s your song writing? 
Seriously? 
Well, stroke my rabbit’s foot and give it a catchy tune because a hit song about superstition would be a wonder, Stevie.




I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE 




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.


On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 






Wednesday 13 June 2018

JUST A BIRD - 100 word story

This week's Friday Fictioneers photo prompt of a bird at the window (a partridge, I think) prompted a story about our interactions with wildlife.



PHOTO PROMPT © Jean L. Hays



JUST A BIRD

The little girl looked at the bird.
The bird looked at the little girl.
'Hey, bird.'
....
The drought was sapping her strength. The humans had food. And she needed to feed her slowly starving chicks.
She stared at the child, willing her to understand.
....
Maddie gazed at the bird and frowned. It looked skinny. She picked up her father's jar of fishing worms and gently tipped some of the contents onto the window sill.
'Thank you,' said the bird.
'You're welcome,' said Maddie.
Her mother called from another room. 'Who are you talking to, Maddie?'
'Just a bird.'


I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE 




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.


On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 





Wednesday 6 June 2018

THE FORGER - 100 word story

Ah, the Met. I fell in love with this museum when I visited New York so this week's photo prompt from the Friday Fictioneers brought back great memories.

We've all seen images of those famous paintings but there is absolutely nothing like seeing the originals.



PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot


THE FORGER


It was 2am. Ned sat in front of his favourite painting to eat his sandwiches.
He stared at the painting.
He wasn't a bad artist himself: just never had the breaks. Instead he made a few extra dollars from painting peoples' pets.
But that didn't scratch his itch.
Every night Ned ate his sandwiches and sketched the painting. He used the sketches to paint his own copy to display in his dingy apartment.
The copy was flawless.
On his last night on the job, Ned made the swap.
Nothing like a security guard to know how to beat the system.




I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.




On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 



Wednesday 30 May 2018

SMALL ADS - 100 word story

I looked at the photo prompt for this week's Friday Fictioneers challenge and it led me along a path of loneliness and delusion.


PHOTO PROMPT © Connie Gayer




Lonely, handsome, solvent young bachelor looking for beautiful soulmate.

I am easy going, strong, funny and affectionate.
I live on a farm far away from the rat race.
My house is large and very beautiful and I need a woman to share it with.
You want to live in a quiet place? This is it.
You want to eat fresh vegetables? I have a kitchen garden.
You want to drink fine wine? I have a small vineyard.
You want to swim? I have built a natural plunge pool.
Come!
Escape your life and live the dream with me.




I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

Wednesday 16 May 2018

ALCHEMY - 100 word story

A pair of old boots as a photo prompt? I didn't get it - and neither did my character.




PHOTO PROMPT submitted by Courtney Wright.


ALCHEMY


Hannah was bored listening to the artist pontificate about the alchemy of his Pieces.
‘Isn’t he marvellous?’ said Toby.
They contemplated a pair of wrecked boots.
‘I don't get it.’
‘Your approach is wrong. You must embrace the alchemy.’
‘Alchemy, schmalchemy.’ She gulped her champagne.‘What does that even mean?’
‘He’s talking about the magic within his work. When you embrace a Piece, it changes before your eyes: transmutes, transforms.’
‘Yeah, right.’
Across the room a beautiful man smiled at her.
Hannah perked up. ‘Now that’s an alchemy I could embrace.’
Champagne-brave, she was off.



I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 


If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first. 



Wednesday 9 May 2018

KING KONG - 100 word story

As soon as I saw this week's Friday Fictioneers photo prompt I started thinking about the reasons why we visit iconic cities.




PHOTO PROMPT ©Jill Wisoff




KING KONG

Soft focus. The city coalesced out of the murk. She sat in the taxi, straining to pick out the building she had come to see.
'Your first time?' said the taxi driver.
'Yes. I must see the Empire State Building.'
'Why?'
How could she explain how her first cinematic experience had impacted her life?  Nearly eighty years!
And there it was! Breaking through the fog.
'Could you slow down, please?' she said.
'He doesn't exist, Ma'am.'
'Pardon?'
'The big ape. You won't see him up there.'
The old lady laughed in delight. 'No, you're wrong. I can see him already.'





I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE




If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first.