TIME FOR THE FANTASTIC FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!
Calling all muses. Fire into action! Ready! Set! Write!
THE CHALLENGE:
Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going over or under the word 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 FICTION. (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).Thanks to Blogspot bloggers for disabling their CAPTCHAs.
- Make note in your blog if you’d prefer not to have 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.
***************
My story will follow the prompt for those who might be distracted by reading a story before writing their own . I enjoy your comments.
copyright – Jennifer Pendergast
Genre: Literary Fiction
Word Count: 100
THE THOUSANDTH MILE
“A journey begins with a single step,” said Jared as he sprinted down the trail.
“Surprise me. Say something original”
“Last one to the oak tree’s a rotten egg.”
I chased him but never caught up. Who could? Jared set track records in high school and college.
When I reached the tree he took my face in his hands. “I leave for Afghanistan day after tomorrow.”
Originality I didn’t want to hear.
Two years later Jared still spouts clichés and platitudes. I don’t mind.
On prosthetics he wins his first 10K and grins. “A journey begins with a single step.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AsW2UqFlOk&feature=player_embedded
Yes! I’m first this time after nearly missing it last time! Thanks for a lovely prompt Rochelle!
Oh my Rochelle – the pic has a gazillion ideas… alas it is late and I really should retreat, no doubt my mind will wander as I try to fall asleep
Hmm. Wonder if I can put yet another twist to John and Jennifer tale to this picture…??
Dear Rochelle,
Your story is a winner that captures the indomitable spirit of our wounded warriors to a tee. The video was an excellent choice, too. Thank you for sharing both. I love how you step way outside of the box after you gaze at the prompt. Mark of a great imagination and a handy tool for anyone, but especially an author.
Aloha,
Doug
Dear Doug,
It’s always encouraging to hear from a writer of your high caliber that I’ve achieved my goal. I’m looking forward to reading your offering this week.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Hmmm, I will definitely be pondering this one. Love the pic, reminds me of one I took years ago at the Shaker Village in Kentucky. Liked your little story, too. It alone could lead to an entire novel — Opp I think I might have already written that one…
Dear Buffalo,
Thanks for stopping by to comment.
shalom,
Rochelle
that’s a brave, driven man and is the furthest thing from a personal cliché. well done.
Dear Rich,
Thank you for your kind words. I don’t see a story from you this week. Whassup with that?
Shalom,
Rochelle
in the past week i wrote about 9,000 words for a legal issue coming up soon. so i just “feel” anything for the picture. not that i couldn’t have on another day. i think i was just spent for the week. but thanks for asking.
I understand. That kind of writing is draining.
mentally and physically.
indeed.
Rochelle,
What a great story about someone who never gives up. It goes well with the picture and the arduous journey that’s implied in it. To be able to keep going under those conditions shows true spirit. Wonderful story!
Thank you for your kind words, David. I’m glad you saw the implications that cannot really be put into 100 words. I’m thinking a longer work for this one. I feel an expansion coming on.
Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Dear Rochelle
What a lovely story. Indomitable spirit and determination winning through against adversity, and a love story to boot! What more could we ask for.
Perfect
Dee
Thank you, Dee. Glad you liked it
beautiful story, Rochelle. love when stories motivate us to become better no matter what obstacles falls in our way. ♥
I write it, but wonder what i’d actually do in the same situation. Thanks for your kind words, Sunshine.
shalom,
Rochelle
fiction writing is much like acting in a way, one gets to act/write scenes away from the ordinary daily life roles we end up with. maybe that is why it is sooo addicting.
you’re welcome, Rochelle…have a great week!! ♥
Very nicely done Rochelle, and totally inspiring. I wish I could have followed the links but my connection is appalling this week. Well done.
Dear Sandra,
Sorry about the connection woes. Glad you dropped by and commented. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank God for those men and women who serve, even to the point of giving their lives and thank God for blessing some with the vision and ability to make the technology to give back a small part of what’s been lost. Thanks to writers with the ability to tell the stories and touch our hearts.
janet
Thank God for fellow writers who give stellar compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Good story Rochelle. Then again yours always are. The photo is inspiring. I have no idea what I’ll write yet.
Glad you like it, Renee. And your story…still has me reeling.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Rochelle,
You’ve no idea what your words mean to me.
Fondly, Renee
For some reason I love spiral staircases maybe it’s what you can’t see
thanks for the great prompt (once again) Rochelle
your story is a beautiful success story. Bravo to the survivors of war
Thank you, Moondust.
A good story Rochelle…Does he shoot his reality TV girlfriend?
Hey this is me….
Dear Tom,
Only you would ask that question. Stay tuned for the next episode
Holy Cats, Jennifer! That picture is making me dizzy… but I have an idea.
I’m not reading Rochelle’s story, or any of the other ‘Wednesday Fictioneers’… 14 with stories submitted already and I’ve just woke up. I guess that’s what I get for not being a night owl and living on the West Coast… or living even further West and gazing at the stars all night. But then, I guess he would call us all Easterners…
Okay, I’m finished… http://tedstrutz.com/2013/03/06/2124/
Thanks for making this writing exercise available Rochelle. I hope you don’t mind that I posted mine today. I love yours, btw. Inspiring. Our son-in-law just returned from deployment in Afghanistan.
Dear Honie,
The sacrifice of the someone in the military is a favorite theme of mine.
As for your posting today? Look around you. So far there are 30 including my own. Yes, it’s perfectly all right. Again I enjoyed your story and hope you’ll be inspired to join in again.
shalom,
Rochelle
Rochelle – as a veteran myself, I too am intrigued by posts about the human/family side of military personnel. Thanks for the encouragement.
I’m a Navy wife. He’s retired now but I can’t tell you how proud I am of my sailor and others like him.
Great, touching story.
Hey thanks for dropping by and commenting, Ed. Nice to see you here.
Shalom,
Rochelle
A very touching story, Rochelle. Unfortunately it is all too true for many…
Dear Carolyn,
All too true as evidenced by a whole baseball team of wounded warriors in the video. I can’t help but admire their strength. Glad you liked the story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I have been reading your posts for a few weeks now and having read your excellent story tonight I felt inspired to have a go myself. I would appreciate your thoughts if you have the time to visit. James
Dear James,
Happy to inspire and glad you joined us. Hope it won’t be the last time.
shalom,
Rochelle
This is lovely, filled with the depth of feeling one would expect from the past and present of this brave persons life! I like your take on the photo prompt!
Many thanks for your kind words, Penny.
This is a very exciting challenge!! I loved your story…you most definitely made every word count in a such deep and meaningful way!
I just submitted my like for my first attempt. Thank you for this opportunity
Welcome, Christina and thank you for your kind comments.
Hi Rochelle, This is an intriguing photo and enjoyed your inspiring take on it
Thanks, Nightlake. Happy you enjoyed.
Okay… I didn’t see that coming from the prompt. Shows what spirit can do.
Always expect the unexpected.
I’m an O.Henry fan.
Rochelle loved the inspiration and fortitude in this. Agree with Ted this is not what I imagined…but that is the beauty of these challenges, all different voices have something to share.
Indeed, Rambly. We all see things from a different perspective, don’t we? And the global nature of this FF family makes it all the more fascinating.
Indeed it does Rochelle
it’s a very unique interpretation, inspiring, touching and beautifully written…
Thank you KZ.
Fighting with the link demon. If it doesn’t work, you can find my write for this week here: http://walkertoennien.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/friday-fictioneers-challenge/
I hope I put the link in correctly. If not here it is:
http://julesinflashyfiction.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/friday-fictioneers-the-stair-an-emotional-feast/
Thanks for this challenge. I may not be a regular but I will be back. Because I was inspired by Alastair’s story I also added his link at my story site.
I admire all service personnel, having had family in both the Navy and Army. Currently we have both a niece and nephew in service. Our family is also in a different type of service, being volunteer firefighters.
Dear Jules,
Having been a Navy wife, I have a great appreciation for the military. I also admire firefighters. A necessary job that takes courage and dedication.
Thanks for you comments,
shalom,
Rochelle
No tears this week, but an inspirational read none the less!
Oooh! It’s me! Thanks for using the pic, Rochelle. I can’t wait to see what everyone’s done with it. Your story was beautifully written – you really managed to capture a whole tale in 100 words – and I liked how the love between them if very clear, but playful rather than soppy.
Interestingly, I had originally thought I’d do something metaphorical with this pic, but … well, I’ve gone rather literal in the end.
Dear Jen,
Thanks for the loan of the picture. Fascinating and, as you can now see, it spawned some interesting stories.
Glad you liked my take on it, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I’ve just finished reading all 95 contributions this week. Kudos to you for leading such a diverse and talented group of writers!
A man with spirit – and he secret message of the story is the golden hearted friend he has….and maybe that is what is needed more than anything – then again,he would not have that kind of friend if his nature wasn’t what it was in the first place…friend or girlfriend/wife. Thanks – well-penned..of course!
Dear Managua,
Thank you for your insightful comments. I think there’s a whole lot of story left to be told between the beginning and end. I do see her as his wife, in which case, she’s his friend and girlfriend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Very inspirational. Well done.
Thanks, Pete.
Brings a vivid picture to mind. Good job.
Thanks Jenn. Happy you liked it.
A powerful story Rochelle, and great how you went a thousand miles from the picture, too. Great stuff as ever.
Thanks Anne. That’s usually my personal challenge…to see something in the picture beside the picture.
Hope that made sense.
shalom,
Rochelle
shows the human spirit in it’s greatest form. Well done!
Thanks, Jackie.
Lovely story, real fighting spirit!
Thanks, Trudy.
A beautiful and uplifting story – loved it.
Thanks for the uplifting compliment, Sarah.
Wonderful story of an indomitable spirit, Rochelle–inspirational.
Thank you, VB. I’m happy that you think so.
Thank you for reminding me that when I seem to be going in circles, it’s really upward spirals – like the hero in your story. Ann
Dear Ann,
Life could be considered a spiral in one direction or the other, couldn’t it? Thanks for your comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
Because I feel so bad about how the 100 word limit nixxed me, I went back and added the full scene to the bottom of the post. So, if you want the 100, only read the top. Thanks, and I love ya all!
Great story and I loved the video!
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/friday-fictioneers-482013-bye-bye-genre-horror/
Thanks Scott. The video was something inspiring so I had to include it for anyone interested in watching it.
Glad you did.
Shalom,
Rochelle
It is heartbreaking that so many of our young men and women have to fight in wars that won’t ever solve the problems of the world. Your story expressed the heart ache.
“…wars that won’t ever solve the problems of the world.”
Yep. Couldn’t have said it better. War won’t solve anything.
Only over population maybe.
Unfortunately, as long as there are humans , there will be wars. Glad you saw the heart ache part of the story, Kim.
Shalom,
Rochelle
As beautifully told as they are, your stories always have a sting in the tail. But that’s a good thing. As ever,
Lindaura
Thank you, Lindaura, Happy to sting for a cause.
Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I like your stories of hope. You’ve got a very deft touch, and it’s definitely not easy.
Always a pleasure!
Always a pleasure to hear you say so.
Thanks Danny.
I LOVE THIS…AND I MEAN IT…I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT…VERY VERY VERY WELL DONE
THANKS BOOMIE!!!!!!
The perfect story and compliment to the picture without it having to be about the picture. Really well done.
Thanks Linda. You made me smile.
Regardless of politics, it’s very difficult not to respond emotionally to the people who make these types of sacrifices. I loved the positive ending to this story.
Dear Michael,
Politics be damned. Our service men and women are to be lauded for their sacrifice. A favorite soap box of mine. Glad you liked the story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I admire his positive attitude and spirit. A fitting tribute to our wounded warriors. Well done.
Dear Russell,
Our wounded warriors can’t be praised enough. Thanks for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Not all of us will witness what this young man and his love will endure. It happens way too often to our fighting men and we should not forget their experiences. His spirit is strong and not willing to submit to the limitations imposed on him. What a great composition Rochelle.
Thank you Joe for your insightful comments. I agree we should never forget.
Wonderful and inspiring, Rochelle.
Thanks, Bee.
I have really come to enjoy your style of writing these 100 word fiction pieces Rochelle. You always have a zing at the end of the story, and it usually tugs on the strings to my heart. Wonderful!
Dear K,
Thank you.
Happy to have tugged once more.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Hi Rochelle
A lovely uplifting story this week – I like how you’ve used the prompt for inspiration without interpreting it literally. Yours is only the second story I’ve read, but I have a feeling this is going to be an interesting week!
Thanks El,
I try very hard to avoid the obvious. It makes it more of a challenge that way. And it has been an interesting week indeed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Wonderful story Rochelle.
Many thanks, Björn.
One of my all-time FF favorites. Well done. Tell me, Did Oscar P, who is in the news for shooting and killing his girlfriend, inspire you? Love this sweet tale, Rochelle.
Hi Beth,
Nope, can’t say that Mr. P had anything to do with this story,inspiration or otherwise. Happy you like it. Thanks for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks for the inspiring story, Rochelle. We must never take our soldiers and all their sacrifice for granted.
I agree Amy. I grew up in an era where the military was abused and disrespected. A shameful period. Nothing like seeing the light on vet’s face when I thank him (or her) for serving.
I love the character that shines out of this one. I’m late this week
Better late than never, Iris. Thanks for your kind words. I’m late getting around to reading them all.
shalom,
Rochelle
Hi Rochelle. Please look at http://pviljoen.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/praise-poem/
It’s something I wrote for a local politician (she’s already moved on to heaven) but would like to dedicate it to you too.
Dear Petruj,
You’ve moved me from stunned to speechless. Your poem is beautiful and to even be considered anywhere close to the same league as Mrs. Suzman is a great honor. Not sure I deserve it but thank you.
Shalom, Rochelle
I think I found you on Facebook. So is it Petruj or Petrus? Or maybe it’s someone else.in South Africa. Just asking.
I love finding out where our writers are from. Fascinating to me that we’ve become such a global community.
You’re an activist of a different sort and I just wanted to give something in return for what you are doing with Friday Fictioneers. I’m certainly very inspired and am doing things I never thought I could. This is a valuable platform for feedback and critique and it must be hard work for you. Shalom. Petru
It’s difficult to move into significant depths in the short frame–as here! Well done.
Many thanks, Pet.
Wow, for 100 words this is both gripping and descriptive. I almost wish it went on a little longer to find out more of the story! haha Fantastic. I’m so glad I found this weekly writing prompt. I’ll be submitting my own soon, as well, and am excited to welcome constructive feedback from my fellow bloggers and talented writers
Again welcome, Marisa. Happy to have you among us.
I’m thinking of writing this one into a longer piece because I think there’s much more story to tell. Thank you for your comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
Very inspiring story; well done, Rochelle. And absolutely no girlfriends were harmed in the making!
Thanks Perry. Glad you liked it.
Amazing story enjoyed it !