Categotry Archives: Friday Fictioneers
Ella’s Deli
Her editor said, “bring more local color into the book.” So she looked around the city and found several stores that were unique to Madison. One was Ella’s Deli, where a merry-go-round out front told you what it was like inside. She included it in the book. Her editor said, “what kind of place has toy trains under glass for tables? It’s not realistic. Take it out. The Challenge: Write a story in 100 words or less The Challenger (Hub): […]
Belfast
On the south side of Belfast, Marge hired a Black Taxi driver to show her around. On the southern side of the wall, all the murals of Belfast depicted a wish for peace and harmony. Marge took pictures. On the Northern side, the murals depicted aggression and supremacy. Marge got out to read the graffiti. “So many people want to take down the wall. Why hasn’t it been done yet?” “I hope they don’t” the cab driver said. “Not until […]
Point of View
“It was an extraordinary place. See the train in this picture? People would jump on the roof as it passed and ride that way for miles!” Marge tapped her tablet to bring up the next picture in her power point presentation of her most recent trip. “What I want to know is where you were standing when you took the picture. It looks like you are above the train.” “Oh I was! I took a hot air balloon. The train […]
Rock Star
Angelique finished the show with a few karate moves she’d picked up while on tour in Japan. High kick, left and right punches, then a roundoff all executed in leather, lace, and spike heels. Thunderous applause for her signature rebel songs. “Great set, but you were a couple feet off the mark on Lonesome Rider. The spotlight missed you.” Her manager handed her a towel as she strode off stage. “Would have been fine if you’d let me sing what […]
Building
He didn’t care what his family said. Too far from town. From school. From work. Too dry. Too cold. Too hot. Too everything! They threatened mutiny. But still, he would build his dream home on this precious plot of land. The first attempt burned to the ground. The second washed away in a freak flood. The third caught in an earthquake. Yet still, he was sure. This was where he intended to lay his bones. One way or another. The […]
Kelp for Hair
Becky nearly drowned. She’d jumped off the pier into the briny deep only to find a forest of seaweed swaying in the wake of her intrusion. The feathery green tendrils wrapped around her arms, legs, and hair. At first she though it only a nuisance. As air ran low she thrashed. In the desperation, she clawed her way to shore. When at last she rose from the water, coughing and heaving, her friends said she looked like a mermaid and […]
Spring is in the Air
Seasons look different in the big city. He was used to the muddy slush of Spring where hot and cold traded places and flowers battled with snow. Spring should be at least a little green. And if not, there were friendly neighbors to share the misery. Instead, all he got was gray brick. Frustrated he tried to find a park. Big, fat snowflakes drifted down all around him. “For God’s sake! It’s already April!” He shouted, shaking a fist. “Fool.” […]
Through the Darkly Woods We Go
Craig crept slowly forward. Although the castle with it’s artistically draped ivy looked as peaceful as anywhere else in the computer generated world, you never knew when a level 50 vampire or even a field boss might jump out and drag your poor character into a major battle. If he could get into the castle proper, he might be able to lay his hands on a good sword. Then… “Craig! Are you done with our taxes yet? I need to […]
Dye Job
Marge fingered the scarf thoughtfully. She’d purchased it in Indonesia while touring a textile factory. There had been dozens of women working hand looms in the front room. They talked about how it was hard work with long hours and low pay, but the job kept their families together. When Marge got home she saw the pictures of a machine loom in a back room. The fellow traveler had gone a few steps further to investigate a noise. Now, looking […]
Cat Burglar
He ninja crawled across the bedroom in the dark of night, squeezed through a too-small gap in the window, nearly lost the bag of stolen jewelry when it hung up on a tree branch, and dropped two stories to the seat of his Vespa. Alley cats scattered. He kick started the Vespa, but only made it a few feet on flat tires. Laughter came from the window above. “You win!” His friend called down from the window. “You would have […]
Urban Renewal
“I love the sense of history to this place.” Matt said to Martin as they stepped into the old diner. “You like dirty blond brickwork? And faded lettering?” Martin took a stool at the cracked-linoleum counter. “I’m sure it looked better originally. Maybe bigger windows?” Matt looked around dubiously “Nah.” Deb, the waitress slid cups in front of them and filled each with coffee. “This place was always a dive. It’s the kind of place you always talk about blowing […]
Eternal Love
Anna came off the stage from a standing ovation with a huge grin on her face. She’d performed perfectly. As she walked to the dressing room a young man handed her a bouquet of flowers. “There represent my love for you. Promise you will keep these forever.” “You want me to press them or something? I’ll keep them until they wilt,” she assured him. He grinned. She was so giddy from her success she didn’t realize until she tried to […]
Silly Sally
Sally tried to raid a wild beehive. She thought she knew plenty about bees. For instance, pine needle smoke should put them to sleep. She made the fire small, then climbed the tree. The nest broke loose. She fumbled, trying to not hurt the bees, and flipped the nest into another branch. Bees poured out. She fell awkwardly to the ground, ran to the river with bees chasing, came out drenched and stung, all for one finger full of honey. […]
On A Cold Night
“Mind if I warm up at your fire?” Toby approached the bums deferentially. It was always better to put them at ease first. “Sure. Tell a good enough tale and we’ll share the bottle.” They all nodded. “I got a tall tale or two.” Toby sat. “I knew a man who killed people for fun. He liked to hunt them in parks and truck stops. From each one he took a tooth.” “Is that true?” “Nope. Pure fiction. Worth a […]
Modern Dance
Three old Blackfeet sat around a campfire in lawn chairs. The tipi was set up with skins laid down already. Dinner lay in scraps around them. There was plenty of wood for the fire. There was nothing left to do. “Good powwow,” one remarked. “Mmmhhmm.” “Could have more of the grandchildren, though. Not enough for a good dance.” “I can fix that.” An elder pulled something out of a pocket, poked around, then stood. He twisted one way, then another. […]
