Friday 15 July 2016

Grand and inter-National

With less than eight hours to go before the deadline, this week threatened to be a two horse race, one of which is automatically disqualified, the other a triple delight from Patricia, who gave me a fright. Misreading in its title the ending of ‘Cripplegate Junction’ I re-read the whole of it and was astonished (and envious) of how smoothly it read and how well-plotted, even while knowing that it could not be so. From the joy which Patricia brings these out each week I sense she is as addicted as I  to the weekly ‘necessity’ of writing something. 
William and Rosie were last minute but very welcome and Antonia, the Prediction’s most stalwart supporter, did not let us down. For her grog-befuddled Captain in Infinity 155 I have a great deal of pleasure in naming her this week’s winner.

Words for the coming week are: carrier minute temporary

Entries by midnight Thursday 21st July, new words and winners posted on Friday 22nd

Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all of the three words above in the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialized fiction is, as always, welcome. All variants and use of the words and stems are fine. Feel free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever social media best pleases you and, if you like, remind your friends that we are open to new and returning writers.

55 comments:

  1. Knocked out, so we are, the Cap'n and me, at being chosen winners! I wanted to do that episode on Wednesday but the Captain just wasn't around. He arrived in good time on Thursday, though.

    Been suffering chronic writer's block, the books are there, I am busy revising them, I just can't get into them properly. Last night I managed a bit of revision, added some words, filled out a scene and overnight thought of something else that can go in, hoping this is the thin end of the wedge and I will get writing again. Need to... this particular book is 'money' straight off, so it needs to be written. I'm 15,000 words into it.
    The Challenge keeps me ever interested, though, without you I'd be really in the Slough of Despond!
    Thanks again.
    Patricia's instalments were outstanding this time, especially Marmaduke. Now I live with two bossy cats, I can empathise with him even more!!

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    1. Congratulations Antonia, I always look forward to reading the Captains exploits. Last weeks episode was particular fine, well done.

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  2. Well-deserved win, Antonia. Like I said, I am totally enamoured with your Captain. If this is evidence of writer's block, then may I please be afflicted with the same symptoms! And thank you so much for those kind comments about my little offerings.

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  3. Kursaal (Episode Twenty Eight) -- "The Wheelman"

    "The Orbiter" was the Kursaal's tallest attraction. If the big wheel were a clock, each of the twelve zodiac-themed people-carriers would have been suspended at five minute intervals. It was operated by a personage know simply as The Wheelman.

    The ride closed temporarily for an hour each night so The Wheelman could catch the 9 o'clock performance at the Hoochie Coochie Tent, where his reserved seat was front and centre.

    "The Orbiter" was a disorientation, sometimes over in a twinkle and sometimes lasting a month of Sundays.

    There were no repeat customers.

    It was a once in a lifetime experience.

    --------------------------------------------------------
    To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale, please visit:
    http://www.novareinna.com/kursaal.html
    A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
    ---------------------------------------------------------

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    1. What a joyous sentence is '"The Orbiter" was a disorientation, sometimes over in a twinkle and sometimes lasting a month of Sundays.' Followed by a final killer line.

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    2. loved this description of the Orbiter, outstanding.

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    3. I'm Intrigued by the Hoochie Coochie tent. Definitely a killer last line, quite literally.

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    4. The Hoochie Coochie tent was featured in a previous episode, William. However, I'm pretty sure that it's EXACTLY what your mind happens to be conjuring!

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  4. Another entrance [Threshold 123]

    Although minute the creak of unoiled hinges was heard by us all. Ravenscar’s tilted head directed me towards the inwardly-opening door. Anticipating attack at man height I was confused by a wet nudging to my groin. A deep-throated rasp, whimpers of pleasure.

    Vetch’s cry of welcome was premature; he’d not anticipated my father’s wolfhound bitch would be so steadfast in memory. Cathra’s joy at seeing me – she’d been my carrier from birth, canvas-slung, ‘til I grew too heavy – near knocked me off my feet.
    Vetch, taking advantage of temporary confusion, unwisely attempted retaliation which brought her teeth around his throat.

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    1. Love the turn about that switches power in this weeks episode.

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    2. An intriguing continuation. Love the addition of a wolfhound and the fact that she had once been a baby-carrier. What a very rich character-filled story this is!

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  5. Just out of interest, Sandra, which entry was disqualified and why?

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    1. All of mine! I can't vote for me, so you'd've been the (well-deserved) outright winner.

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    2. We need to do something about that rule!

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    3. 'Tis fine - I get more than enough self-indulgence.
      btw I thought of you earlier today - a character in a Chelsea Cain novel went to Beaverton to buy donuts.

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    4. From Donut Day or Beaverton Bakery perhaps?

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  6. Cripplegate Junction/Part 54-Worth A Thousand Words

    Arriving at his Sentry Box, the Conductor compared, in minute detail, the acquired vintage photographs. One was cropped but otherwise, they appeared identical. He was not among the gathering.

    The Station Master was prominent, as were Violet and Poppy, members of the "Temporary Kitchen Staff" according to the listing on the larger picture. Both held carrier bags, presumably containing shopping.

    A tiny kitten was curled in a pannier on the arm of Miss Constance and two children, faces indistinct, sat cross-legged on the grass; but it was the image peering from an upper storey window that drew the Conductor's attention.

    --------------------------------------------------------
    To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
    http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
    A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
    ---------------------------------------------------------

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    1. It's getting harder and harder to comment on these without repetition - week after week you present a beautifully-embroidered tale full of tiny but telling detail - this, is no exception, and the stitching of the prompt words invisible. Lovely indeed.

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    2. now I am keen to know what was in that upper window... and have to wait to find out, that is, if you deign to tell us, of course!

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    3. A tiny kitten? I expect Marmalade might have something to say about that. I too can't wait to find out what is peering from the upper storey window.

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    4. Ah, William, I assumed the tiny kitten was Marmalade. The vintage photographs a master-stroke in adding yet another dimension.

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    5. How very perceptive you are, Sandra! (Correct, of course!)

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  7. Attention To Detail

    Welcome the mistress of minutiae and carrier of compulsion.
    Accept the transformer of the temporary into permanence.
    Embrace the one who will steal your sanity.
    And succumb to obsession.

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    1. Wonderful! Title, poetry of language and succinctness of message.

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    2. oh yes... such precision with words.

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    3. That is such a precious and poetic incantation. I bow to your brilliance.

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  8. Change of focus [189]

    Grubby vest top revealed sweat-glistening shoulders worthy of a hod-carrier at the gates of Hades. Tongues of tattooed snakes appeared to minutely flicker but that caused by the fluctuations of light emanating from the single fluorescent tube.

    Zephaniah Jones’ confession signed, DI Pettinger, curious about what impelled him, took advantage of a temporary delay in transportation.
    ‘Was it just local women you killed? Or have there been others, elsewhere?'
    ‘Only this place. No shit on my doorstep.’
    ‘You don’t have to use them.’
    ‘They need teaching to keep themselves clean.’
    ‘Why alphabetical? Why choose them, specifically?’
    ‘Jezebel says their names.’

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    1. but of course she does. In this twisted story just about any strange happening makes a kind of sense.

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    2. Excellent cliff hanger that leads the mind to a million and one places all at once. Excited to see where this goes next.

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    3. This is magnificent and my most favourite of Pettinger's installments to date. There is so much to drool over here: "hod-carrier at the gate of Hades" and "Jezebel says their names" are my two top choices, but every word is a sparkling gem. (I get to my feet with enthusiastic applause!)

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    4. Thank you all - I sweated a fair amount over this - it refused for days to come right, so glad it pleases.

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  9. Softness Came from Starlight

    I woke under a dappling willow tree, morning clocks ticked away by crickets hiding in the stargrass. They buzz like suburban mowers. Reminds me of the white panelled house of my grandmother, now gone.

    A maple leaf gondola, a carrier of ants on the stream, passes by. I scoop a handful of water in cupped hands, cool liquid fills the cracked desert of my lips. It sends the travellers on a different course. Everything is temporary I remember.
    I pack my life and leave on journeys spent watching the sun dip into the mirage sea.

    Everything is temporary. But me.

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    1. Lovely to see you here again Tony - and what stunning imagery and subtle invasion this delivers. I especially love 'morning clocks ticked away by crickets hiding in the stargrass'

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    2. I'd been sending out thoughts that you'd return, Tony, and here you are. How's things, how's writing and how's life?
      Silly question in the middle there, we can see how the writing is, outstanding as always, full of imagery and rich with subtle meanings.

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    3. I love the image of "a dappling willow tree," and the dreamy poetic imagery that follows. An excellent return that leaves me in awe.

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    4. Absolutely beautiful in its imagery ... a canvas painted with words comes to mind. That last line is incredible. I understand from previous comments that you are a former contributor. I hope you continue to enthrall us.

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  10. Infinity 156.
    I needs to try and find sommat that will kill the thing. Then I needs to find some person who be carrier to the thing and it baint me. Someone needs to be let in on the secret – I can tell them it be a temporary hoodoo thing, that’ll get them worried enough to help. I need a minute – sure I do but a minute bit of what? Nary a book on board with the answers I be seeking. I think I need a visit to the island by my ownsome and get to talk to another of they tricksy-men.

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    1. And yet another turn in the Captain's search for ... what? Domination? A sort of peace, even? And I'm sure he'll out-tricksy any one of them, sooner or later.

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    2. I look forward to the installments where the Captain becomes introspective and self-analyzing, which adds much to his depth of character. Amazing reading from you week after week!

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    3. I was looking forward to this weeks instalment, and I was not disappointed.
      Loving the phrase " talk to another of they tricksy-men."

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  11. Friendships Loss is Honours Gain.
    Don't wait in joy for static tears to fall,
    Our friendships demise deserves no funeral pall.
    My heart the temporary carrier of loss,
    You're the spreader of hate who couldn't give a toss.

    Though I was not the target of your vitriol,
    Your hateful words have took their toll.
    While innocent's were defamed, I could not stand silent.
    And would not condone your call for violence.

    If you stopped for one minute of thought,
    You may understand what damage your words have brought.
    You assure yourself others stand beside your throne,
    but in truth my friend you stand alone.

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    1. Yes, a thoughtful and accurate pondering on the nature of friendship, and the things that destroy it. Very clever William.

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    2. Absolutely lovely. I continue to struggle to find words that do justice to your talent of meaningful poetry week after week. This time around, "absolutely lovely" will have to suffice.

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  12. Little Martyn 1665 - Part 7

    Back inside Elsa’s lodgings.

    In fear of becoming a carrier of Elsa's ills, Reverend Jones took a minute to gather his thoughts and spit the vileness into the fire where it hissed and crackled like the devil. The women looked first at Jones then to each other. They both knew the calmness to be temporary, and should seize the advantage whilst his back was turned. He didn't feel his skull split with the first strike of Sagworth's metal cane, nor the knife from Elsa. Both women united in an unlikely alliance, at least until they got rid of the body.

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    1. How matter-of-fact shilling is that final line, after the heat of the action; a clever twist of mood.

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    2. That, I did NOT see coming! My first thought was, "You go, girls!" I guess I'm going to be damned for that, huh? I love the serializations here and this counts among the best. Great job!

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    3. 'chilling' not 'shilling' of course! Apologies.

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  13. The bigger they are...

    He walked like a prince, head up, not looking at anyone. Too important to tote his own bags, a crowd of carriers trailing behind. And such bags, you'd think he was moving in for a year. Headed for the penthouse, naturally, how could he share a floor with the ordinary folk? The strain of walking through the bustling lobby, even for a minute, was obviously not something he should be expected to bear. It made me grin, thinking how temporary all this was, when I tapped on his elbow and said, "Mr. Peter Archibald? These papers are for you."

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    1. I am frequently appalled at how quickly I dismiss a novel because of a less than grabbing opening paragraph. This would have me slavering to read on. And on.
      I don't know what the trick, the secret is, but you obviously do. Well done Bill.

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    2. Smoothly delivered as always Bill. Loving your work.

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    3. Magnificent. A "grabber" from beginning to end. What a lesson in arrogance this is! But pride often goeth before a fall, methinks.

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  14. The Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #34
    Business Advice, or How to Annoy a Flying Yurt


    Henry is not a carrier pigeon. He is a good natured crow who sometimes brings weather reports around. He is much too polite to ignore the businessmen of minute importance who flock to the docks in the hopes of buying someone’s cargo. He has sometimes spent hours in temporary service before Natasha swoops in to tell them off. Only the most foolish truly believe a ship would carry unsold cargo, the liability is far too great. I wonder why they all return every single day?

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    1. A fine lesson in economics,encapsulated in a magical instalment.

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    2. I find your writing to carry more than a soupçon of the enigmatic. This week's installment is no different.

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    3. Enigmatic, yes, lightly, and certainly intriguing. Am glad to see the pigeon mentioned at last - I suspect the rest of us were deliberately avoiding it but yours is perfectly-placed.

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