‘Tis the season ...

... and, the way the days fall, the reason for a fortnight’s deadline to be allowed for these prompts.

Eight superb entries again this week, and I tried a bit of logic. Best use of each prompt word: Kai’s “high-pitched scream”, Bill’s “smudge on the sole of Caprezi's Italian loafers” and Patricia’s “Sheila reasoned”.  But ... but ... I loved Zaiure’s well-worded imagery and thought Antonia’s episode of Infinity one of her very best. Finally, however, the kick of finding a typewriter charmed me so much that Rosie’s Princess Pirate nudges, by the width of an inky ribbon, into first place.

Thank you all, and to all of you, Merry Christmas, or your particular equivalent, and here’s hoping for as rich a 2016 here as we’ve had in past years.

Words for the coming fortnight are: vindicate, paint, crow

Entries by midnight Thursday December 31st, new words and winners posted on Friday January 1st

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.

Neck and neck, times eight!

I suppose with a word like virgin not everyone would confine themselves to cooking oil ... and just eight entries, but truly, in my view, every one a winner, on every level I (unscientifically) judge them on - quality and joyousness of writing, inspired use of the prompts, strength of the voices used and 100% entertainment. From the pragmatism of Kai’s Samuel, through Patricia’s tuning-peg and star signs, Bill’s beleaguered Tony, and the need for sacrificial virgins, Antonia’s despondent Captain and Zaiure’s spell-casters – and Rosie’s feisty Princess Pirate #3, sneaking in at the end.

Not from idleness, but an inability to separate, I confess I cannot pick one above the rest this week and ask you – which would YOU choose? –  and I thank you one and all for the pleasure of a week of winners.

Words for the coming week are: pitch, reason, smudge

Entries by midnight Thursday December 17th, new words and winners posted on Friday 18th

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.

It’s only words ...

... and although I can hear the highly emotional strain with which the words were were sung, I can’t, at the moment, remember who sang it. But three words this week – and not very compatible words –grew nine wide-ranging tales, from death, to death, and around death, and resurrected a couple of detectives too, all most excellently. Because I feel so guilty about Antonia’s cabin boy, I’m hoping that declaring her 124th episode of ‘Infinity’ this week’s winner will mitigate somewhat, and Kai’s 19th, with a smoky detective, earns him runner- up. Thank you all for the enjoyment – hope this week’s words are a little easier. [btw - Rosie belatedly posted a second episode of 'Rosebud, Princess Pirate' ]

Words for the coming week are: obliterate, peg, virgin

Entries by midnight Thursday December 10th, new words and winners posted on Friday 11th

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.

Rejection and compensation

This week, unusually for me I started and rapidly discarded three books, one after another. The first for the style (flippant crime, which fell flat), the second because twice in forty pages my number one bête noir was used (“smiling happily”) and the third was a previously much-enjoyed writer who’d chosen to tell a tale based on a true story, but had omitted the emotion.

Here on the Prediction, I’ve no desire to discard or reject any. Have, in fact, picked three ‘winners’ for the kick of immediate pleasure which each gave me. These are Zaiure, for the kick-in-gut final line; Patricia for the knock-out brevity of ‘Order of the Day’ and Bill for ‘Subject Number Eleven; because the quality of the gory description was admirable, (though I have to say the ‘chameleon coating’ almost beat that )

Words for the coming week are: forensic, seed, imagine

Entries by midnight Thursday December 3rd, new words and winners posted on Friday 4th

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.

The lunatic, the lover and the poet ...

... are, as Shakespeare said, “of imagination all compact”, a concept all ten entries demonstrated in spades this week (do check out Bill and Rosie, who squeezed in at the end). Once again, references were made – and praises extended – to the strength of images evoked. What is even more impressive is the subtlety by which they were conveyed, enabling each of us to carry away our personal, and highly satisfying take on both what we were seeing and what the protagonists were experiencing.

With so much excellence it is, as I keep saying – and Patricia pointed out – very hard to pick any one above the others (not that I am complaining) but for me, this week, Zoë’s ‘In the driving seat’ especially took my fancy. But I thank you all for contributing, and entertaining so richly.

Words for the coming week are: bandage, frustrate, olive

Entries by midnight Thursday November 26th, new words and winners posted on Friday 27th

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.

What you get is not necessarily what we are!

This week, a non-writing friend read ‘A blacksmith’s wife’ and immediately assumed my experiences had informed the unnamed protagonist, otherwise how could I have written it? While accepting I've become a lot more interesting in said friend's eyes, I am more than a little bemused to have been thought so capable of surviving rape and near-murder and so inclined to adultery.

Here, on the Prediction, in a week of exceptional variety of prompt word usage, I revel in your talents, imagination and participation, recognising it is as close as I come to mental Ecstasy. Such variety does, of course, make choosing a ‘winner’ all the harder, but I nominate Zaiure’s ‘Battle Scars’ as top favourite, with Patricia’s ‘Cripplegate 20 and Bill’s ‘His oldest friend’ as runners up. And thank you all for the enjoyment.

Words for the coming week are: elastic, question, puppet

Entries by midnight Thursday November 19th, new words and winners posted on Friday 20th

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.

November Rain

A very quiet celebration of Guy Fawkes here in Teesside last night, thanks to the wetness of the weather, and similarly here, made quieter by Antonia’s unprecedented but understandable absence, she being such a stalwart of Prediction. But less than it might have been with the welcome return of Zoe and Rosy’s post which I hope will be the first of many.  And while I know commenting on others, especially for those who are new, can seem even more daunting than writing the prompt itself, the acknowledgement that others have read your writing IS what makes the Prediction community such an enjoyable place to be part of, so please do overcome your unnecessary fears.  

Serials, both the reading and writing, may be daunting, and I’m not alone in hoping Bill continues with his, but it is Kai’s fifteenth episode which wins my vote this week.

Words for the coming week are: clue, fudge, inert

Entries by midnight Thursday November 12th, new words and winners posted on Friday 13th

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.

All treats, no tricks

If you check the blogs at the RH side of this page, you’ll see I’ll be starting NaNoWriMo this Sunday, writing the fourth in a series of what are best described as ‘murder mysteries’.  They feature DI Luke Darbyshere who came face to face with DI John Pettinger in book three (poor Pettinger struggling, as ever). From past experience, writing and reading Prediction pieces comes as a welcome diversion, so I don’t anticipate any reduction of activity here. So please keep entries – and comments – coming; both essential to the health of this site.

And this week, a thorough treat! From MDJB’s opening words to Patricia’s ‘Last Words’ and Kai’s closing line. Antonia’s supremely clever blending of the prompts and Bill’s triple offering. Every one a winner in my mind, but since tradition says I have to name a Winner, I declare Bill’s ‘Bad Habit’ to be my favouritest favourite this week.

Words for the coming week are: knuckle, reverberate, sense

Entries by midnight Thursday November 5th, new words and winners posted on Friday 6th

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.

Intimations and interpretations

This week’s winner is Patricia for her admirable ability to so effectively, as Antonia says, inject 'you know what I'm talking about'  without spelling it out, in Bird has flown.

One one level, the art, the skill of writing is to manipulate the reader into seeing exactly what you intend them to, but it is always interesting – and informative – when readers put a different interpretation on words one has supposed say something else. It could be said to be the result of sloppy writing, as I think I’m guilty of with last week’s Threshold 85. (On re-reading I could see exactly what Patricia and Antonia had read into it and wish I’d been that clever!) But interpretation is what Prediction is about - the taking of three words and making something unique - and is what each of us so effectively demonstrates here, week after week, for which I thank you all.

Words for the coming week are: filigree, ominous, plug

Entries by midnight Thursday October 29th, new words and winners posted on Friday 30th

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.

Shocking - real and imaginary

Yes. Here we deliberately set out to shock, the ‘rules’ requiring us to write in specific genres so as to do so, but we do so for pleasure, to entertain and because of some sort of writerly compulsion. Last week, for Antonia, Real Life stepped in and demonstrated how much more of a shock it can deliver, but also that writing can be a palliative, if not a cure. 
Not that it cures everything, as the illegal immigrants who this week climbed into the back of a lorry must have found, when they discovered themselves sharing space with a polar bear.

The shock that Bill delivered wins him first place, but Antonia’s brave despatch of the Creature deserves special mention, and thanks are due to Michael for his directing me to onion futures.

Words for the coming week are: alphabet, dairy, vigil

Entries by midnight Thursday October 22nd , new words and winners posted on Friday 23rd

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.

Rule-breaking makes for entertainment

It has to be said that honing one’s craft as a writer changes and occasionally reduces one’s enjoyment of reading. I’ve just finished Stuart MacBride’s ninth in his detective series. High-paced, humorous and thoroughly entertaining, I couldn't help notice how much in the way of superfluous to plot anecdote and information was included. At total variance to what we do here, but good to know it can be “allowed” if that’s what we want t do. And, hard though it is, and aware of my lack of academic knowledge as I am, I still feel it a privilege to read these submissions and choose what I consider, often using different criteria each week, to be the “winner”.   This week, partly for the pleasure of reading her distinctive voice again, but also because it was such a mentally stunning read, I unhesitatingly pick Zaiure, but thank you all for both writing and commenting.

Words for the coming week are: detonate verdict wraith

Entries by midnight Thursday October 15th , new words and winners posted on Friday 16th

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.

Triple strength, five star quality

A small but very strong field to choose from this week, which, given the quality of each is just as well. Not that it’s made my job any easier. Kai’s opening sentence; his use of ‘barrel’ as a verb, draped sheet and the chilling final line drew a vivid picture. Bill’s hardboiled tone and bulletted sentences immediately gripped, delivering another gun-barrelled gut-punch finish. But by the merest breath of wind, Antonia’s barrel of grog in her 116th episode made it to the top – well done! And thank you all for the pleasure of reading and re-reading these.

I anticipate Michael Brown might post his missed-deadline piece in MudStones, and have also added a link to Kai’s blog, where his longer pieces can be read.

Words for the coming week are: febrile, medium, poetry

Entries by midnight Thursday October 8th , new words and winners posted on Friday 9th

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.

Mezzanine in Cardiff Bay

I’m spending a long, leisurely weekend with my daughter and although 6.30 is a slightly unsociable time to be putting the light on in an apartment whose sleeping areas are on a mezzanine floor, I've done so. 
In a week of a surprisingly high political content, I declare Chris this week's winner, but, as a crossword fan, can't resist mentioning Bill's intricate, enjoyable piece. 

Words for the coming week are: barrel,  plural, scant

Entries by midnight Thursday October 1st , new words and winners posted on Friday 2nd

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.

Clouds pink and blue this morning

Yet another week rich in high quality entries, but for once I had less of a problem selecting a winner: Kai’s eighth episode of The Immortal, with Death’s snapping fingers, was so instantly knock-out. Which isn’t to say I didn’t appreciate (among many others) Antonia’s fuse-woven beard. ‘Hirsute’, as well as an ugly word, was extraordinarily difficult to  use with any finesse, wasn’t it? (But I now need to check the definition of 'moribund')

btw - if you post an entry in the ‘wrong’ place - so easy to do! - and want to repost, I can easily tidy up by deleting the  misplaced one, so long as it doesn’t have comments.

  

Words for the coming week are: accent, elect, moribund

Entries by midnight Thursday September 24th , new words and winners posted on Friday 25th

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.

Hours a little flexible

Dark mornings (and lacking the urgency of novel words to leap me out of bed) delays this weekly announcement by an hour or two, and I’m happy to grant a little leeway to those on other time zones, so long as they’re in when I come to judge. (Regulars will have noted I don’t formally close the gates since I’m almost always sound asleep by midnight.)

I’m happier still to welcome returnees Patricia, Tim and Bill and newcomer Kerry, I've added Michael Brown's link to the sidebar and will gladly do so for others, should you wish; also, I thank you for an unanticipated definition of ‘tilt’.

There were several sorts of horror this week;  for me the most awful to contemplate was the mounting awareness of abandonment, so I’m declaring Bill's entry the winner, with Patricia’s elegant ‘The Grand Illusion’ as runner-up.

Next week’s words are: hirsute, punch and wheel

Entries by midnight Thursday September 17th , new words and winners posted on Friday 18th

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.

Starlings: Pointillist skywriting

And Orkney – indeed Scotland – seems to have more than its fair share of such invigorating aerobatics, sufficient to get me up in the middle of the night to jot down words which might otherwise be lost. Hence the lateness of this.

And invigorating were the entries this week, each and every one giving me a buzz of pleasure and excitement. So, hard as ever to choose one above the rest, but because I’ve known Michael aka MDJB’s writing for many years, and can see the ‘Prediction effect’ on the piece he submitted here this week, I’m selecting him.

Next week’s words are: evergreen, redundant and tilt

Entries by midnight Thursday September 10th, new words and winners posted on Friday 11th

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.

Trailing and sailing

Within a couple of hours I’ll be heading north, as far as Inverness tonight, and on Saturday, following the crossing of the Pentland Firth, to Stromness in Orkney. I’ll be in the cottage from which the watercolour used as a background to this blog was painted.  Just a detail of it used here, much enlarged – the original barely six inches by three – but such concentration has thrown up an entirely different scene. As I know each of you, concentrating on just three words, will come up with an entirely different piece of writing.

Last week it was Mashie’s speedy ‘Closed doors’ Punch and Judy response which most excited me, and continued to do so each time I read it, so I’ve no hesitation in declaring him the outright winner, but the crime scenes of Pinkbelt and Kai deserve very honourable mentions as do Michael Brown’s toast and celery - nice to begin the day with a giggle.

Next week’s words are: board, elevate, piquant

Entries by midnight Thursday September 3rd , new words and winners posted on Friday 4th

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.

Touch of Sheryl Crow*

Colleen assured me the hardest part of hosting this site was the choosing a winner. In theory I understood that, having seen how each and every week throws up a variety of interpretations, and ways of using (and sometimes abusing) three simple words. What I didn’t appreciate was the difficulty of NOT choosing the rest.

I have no especial rules which I regularly apply; each week it is what most takes my fancy, has a memorable impact. Sometimes there’s three or four, then I can allow runners up. This week I have a winner –  Zaiure for this week’s episode of Falcon – but the rest of you are too close to call, although Fergus and Michael B Fletcher deserve special mention for their  impressive brevity.

Next week’s words are: estranged, interest, toast

Entries by midnight Thursday 27th August, new words and winners posted on Friday 28th

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.

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCvlM17dMMo]

13th celebrates the sinister ...

Apparently Thursday was left-handed day. Don’t know where these things pop up from (except in the minds of greetings card manufacturers) but it’s one I can claim affinity with.

There was sinister a-plenty this week and my attention was grabbed by two pieces whose horror rested on the nastiness of social interaction. I therefore declare Michael B  and Peter joint winners, with thanks to you and to each and every one of you for participating.

Next week’s words are:  quilt, grumble, tug

Entries by midnight Thursday 20th August, new words and winners posted on Friday 21st

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.

More than seven miles to Babylon, and ...

Seven entries this week to choose from and every one a winner for entertainment and skill in using the prompt words. But by the merest whisper of his crepuscular cat, I’m declaring Michael Fletcher this week’s overall winner, as much for the smile it gave me as his skill in putting so much into so few words.

(Incidentally, Jennifer Johnston’s ‘How Many Miles to Babylon?’ turned out to be a superbly written, poignant, 156 page gem of a novel.)

Next week’s words are:  best, distance, pearl

Entries by midnight Thursday 13th August, new words and winners posted on Friday 14th

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.

Jiggety jig

Back home again and mostly over the jetlag. One week of my  three away was spent with a group of writing friends whereat I wrote a total of twenty prompt-led pieces, limited by time rather than word count – all excellent practice, and very, very enjoyable.

No complaints about the quantity and quality of – and pleasure gained from – this week’s turnout for the Prediction either, both in writing and commenting which is such a strength of this site.

Difficult as ever to choose a winner, but I thought Antonia’s use of the prompts – invariably seamless – hit a new level this week so award her latest Infinity episode first place.  As newcomers, bdcharles and Kai are joint and well-deserved seconds – I very much look forward to reading more of their work.

Next week’s words are  ordinary, crepuscular, violin

Entries by midnight Thursday 6th August, new words and winners posted on Friday 7th

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.

24th July

Presumably first week of the holidays curtailed writing time last week, so kudos to Antonia and Mashie for showing up with episodes of their serials, featuring submarine and Vikings; Captain and Satan himself. I'm declaring Mashie the winner because collection in any shape or form was missing from Infinity.
I've had a relaxing week of prompt writing and exercises, watching humming birds and squirrels from the deck of a house in Tualatin, near Portland OR, but we leave here 3.45 tomorrow morning for New York, which is likely to be a lot more strenuous. in the meantime, I hope you can make something of the following.

P

Next week’s words are  lamp,  pair,  thumb

Entries by midnight Thursday 30th July, new words and winners posted on Friday 31st

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.

17th July

My conscience won't let me have a second week declaring you winners all, but goodness you've made it really difficult to pick a winner.  But since I have to choose I'll declare Chris's 'Ass is grass' the winner by a mere blade's width, and an even narrower blade putting Fergus' porcupine earrings above Mashie's 'Walking the Planck.  And thank you all for your wonderful contributions.

Next week’s words are  deal, collection, toll

Entries by midnight Thursday 23rd July, new words and winners posted on Friday 24th

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.

10th July

10th July- and in a Seattle hotel where the fan sounds like a waterfall behind which a man is playing an accordian.
And truly I cannot pick a single winner from this week's entries so declare you all equally meriting of first place - your words wonderfully entertaining, for which I thank you.

Next week’s words are  jam, porcupine, seven

Entries by midnight Thursday 16th July, new words and winners posted on Friday 17th

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.

Week of heat and drama

STOP PRESS:  Submissions of novel-length SFF required by Hodderscape during August

http://hodderscape.co.uk/open-submissions-the-guidelines/

And, forgive me, I’m well aware this week’s UK max temperature, maybe since records began, is not a patch on other places, including Greece, from where Fergus has delivered  three fascinating episodes, the first of which wins my vote for first place this week:  the stark, staccato delivery adds to the impact of the cold-hearted tale.  In joint second place come Colleen and Rebecca, whose writing never fails to enthral and whose Nate and Seth serial has ever been mouth-wateringly delicious. As Tim says, its a never-ending delight to see the variations wrought by each of you from the prompts

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For this coming week the words are: hawk,  tape,  legacy

Entries by midnight Thursday 9th July, at which time I shall be en route to Seattle.

New words will be posted on Friday 10th July and winners as soon as I am able thereafter.  Apologies in advance for possible brevity or lack of comment from me; I trust each of you will make up for it.

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.

Too spicy?

A drop in entries this week – ‘turmeric’ a challenge too far for some, perchance? –  but no less difficult to choose one above the rest.  In the end I could not separate Zaiure and Newbie so have to declare them joint winners for this week - congratulations to you both - and Fergus, for his second entry, which used the word so cleverly, runner up.  

Next week’s words are  arch,  piano,  vegetate

Entries by midnight Thursday 2nd July, new words and winners posted on Friday 3rd

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.

It's only words ...

Another week of a dozen participants, several submitting more than once (Hooray!) and the standard, it seems, ever-rising.

 As Mashie said, elsewhere – ‘it’s only words’ – but the power they have,  to evoke disgust and discomfort, along with open-mouthed admiration and applause,  has been well-exploited this week.  For the impact of his words in ‘The Lesson’ – and I doubt many of us will forget that skin heart in a hurry – Mashie wins this week’s first place.

My short-list for second place includes Patricia, for ‘Bliss’, Rebecca for ‘Tit for Tat’, Red Ruth and Fergus, with Patricia just nudging ahead.

Via her blog Unusual Diction – link on the sidebar – I learn that Zaiure has published a collection of her ever-delicious flash fiction.   Do let me know if you’d like your blog to be added to the list.

Next week’s words are middle,  turmeric,  wail

Entries by midnight Thursday 25th June, new words and winners will be posted on Friday 26th

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.

Lovely thirteen

What an astonishing response to my first week as Prediction host!!  The last time comments on this site went into treble figures was June 2013, although those on Lily Childs Friday Prediction often reached 200. 

I’m truly grateful for the wonderful response from regulars and from friends from both the Word Cloud and the House of Writers who not only submitted pieces of startlingly vivid writing but also, knowing how we writers crave recognition from our peers, took time to comment on others.

With thirteen participants, judging WAS difficult.  Above all else it was the imagery evoked that grabbed me and enabled me, eventually, to whittle down a shortlist of ... eight.  From Tim’s blue-eyed rats, through Rich’s Code Blue, via moving war-time evocations from Mashie and Baz to Rebecca’s ever-addictive prose and Michael’s succinctness.  But in the end I had to choose so, I went for those who gave me the biggest surprise.  Which narrowed it down to Abi and Gita.  By the merest whisker, Gita’s ‘orgasm that was building but still had a ways to go’ beat Abi’s jism and ‘kinda peachy tang, thick as crude and mighty fillin’

Next week’s words are:  cost, exquisite, slow

Entries by midnight Thursday 18th June, new words and winners will be posted on Friday 19th

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.

Five minutes into the job

And without further ado I'll post words for this week's Prediction:

army
break
blue.
.
The usual rules apply: 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 uses 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.


This week you have until midnight (GMT) Friday 12th June to post.  New words and winners on Saturday.  Next week I'll revert to the pattern of Lily Child's original Friday Prediction, and have a Thursday deadline, with new words on Friday.

All On The Table

Before I get to winners and words.

It's fairly obvious that I am having a hard time getting things done here in a timely fashion.  I know I've mentioned before that my life is rather fraught these days, and has been for some time.

Rebecca and I had hoped that by taking on the admin duties together, we could keep up.  Sadly, her plate is as overfull as mine is these days.

I love Prediction, and I love doing this, but I'm offering it up to anyone who wants to take over, who believes they can keep up with it better than I have been able to.  I simply cannot guarantee right now that I can be here in the timely fashion required.

That being said, I do not want to see Prediction die. If no one else can, or is willing to take on the admin duties, Prediction will continue here under the best care I can give it and I will continue to strive to keep it as current as my situation will allow.

Our winner this week is Antonia Woodville with Infinity 98: As always, Antonia, this is a beautifully woven piece.  Thank you.

The Tome has obligingly provided new words:

Chime
Jug
Poison

The usual rules apply: 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.

You have until Saturday, June 6th.  Winners and words on Sunday, June 7th.

The Gates are Open!

Winners and Words, May 18, 2015. (Because I couldn't think of a better title)

Good morning!

The Tome and I have awakened very early this morning.  Good thing because it appears my winners and words post of last night didn't go through.  *le sigh*  

I know I've said this before, but you have made it so very difficult to choose a winner this week.  Every submission this week was brilliant in its own way.  I honestly feel that they all deserve to win.  That being said, it is my job to choose winners, and chosen I have...

Our winner this week is Michael Fletcher with Reinforcements:  This literally  made me feel if I was being pushed along on rails to the end.  It's that compact and slick, it's amazing.  You used the prompts really well. It's a fantastic combination of subject matter and technique.  Thank you!

Also winning this week is Noah Heinrich with In the Jewel of Cities (Part 2): Such an amazing sense of place conveyed in so few words. I now know exactly what such a place would feel, smell, and sound like, even though I have never visited one.  I cannot wait to read more of this.  Thank you!

Bait
Disturb
Joint

The usual rules apply: 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.

You have until Saturday, May 23d.  Winners and words on Sunday, May 24th.

The Gates are Open!

A Mother's Love.

Good evening!

The Tome has finally arrived home from visiting its Mother and is ready for winners and words.  Who knew it has a Mother?!  Any rate, we are ready to go.

Our winner this week is Zaiure with Spike:, for the sheer lushness of the writing.  This story is gorgeously descriptive.  It was an absolute pleasure to read.  Thank you!

Also winning this week is Patricia Purvis with First Encounter:  I'm delighted with the cleverness of this piece. The prompts are so seamlessly woven that I had to read more than once to find them.  Thank you!

And now for our new words:

Aroma
Ice
Ragged

The usual rules apply: 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.

You have until Saturday, May 16th.  Winners and words on Sunday, May 17th.

The Gates are Open!

Sleepless Nightmare's Bloom.

Good Morning, all!

The Japanese maple tree outside my new bedroom window is starting to bloom.  As my parents and I, now, live in the middle of the city, on a third floor, the city lights often reflect off of and light the tree when it's dark outside.  It looks deliciously creepy that way, to be honest, and I have spent the last few sleepless nights gazing at it.  It's barely begun to bloom, so it still looks mostly bare-boned in the yellowish glow of the streetlights out front.  The blooms are tiny, bright green with deep reddish purple at the branch ends.  The light of the night makes them look sickly yellow and blood red.  I have conjured many dark images and bits of tales while my mind has climbed through it's darkened branches.  Now, if I could only find the time to write them.

I see, however, that all of you have had time to write, and such lovely, dark things you have wrought!  My deepest thanks to all!

Our winner this week is Antonia Woodville with : Infinity 95 :  Antonia, your stories are always beautifully crafted, but something about the tone and phrasing of this REALLY caught my attention.  Reading it was like being carried along on a tide.  Lovely use of the prompts as well.  Thank you!

The Tome has just arrived in our new digs from its travel back East to me.  It looks a bit jet lagged, but has agreed to give forth new words.

Cousin
Rebel
Spike

The usual rules apply: 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.

You have until Saturday, May 2nd.  Winners and words on Sunday, May 3d.

The Gates are Open!

Of Straws and Camels

Hello, lovelies! 

Miss Colleen is consumed with matters great and small...which is to say that she's buried under a mound of crap life has foisted upon her and is currently attempting to dig herself out. My particular camels are not so overburdened, having eaten half the straw that threatened to break their backs. Convenient, that, although perhaps not to the straw merchant. At any rate, I have stepped in to do the hosting honors for the nonce.

What an amazing group of writers we have here! The variety and depth of the stories never ceases to amaze me, and while the nature of a challenge demands a winner, I want you all to know how very much I value you sharing your talents with us. The support we show each other in commenting when we can is another reason to cherish this community. Thank you for any and all of that.

The winner this week is Zaiure for Wolf. There's a surprising amount of world building for so few words, and the tension was delightful.

Runner up goes to Noah Heinrich for The Hunters of 228 Orchard Lane, which has one of the best twist endings I've read in a long time.

The Tome has fled New England and the post-Boston Marathon party crowd (it being more than a little misanthropic) and arrived to cough up these words and slink off for a well-deserved rest:

Belief
Stripe
Monitor

They seem so innocuous, but I have no doubt you will stun me with how creatively you use them.

The usual rules apply: 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.

You have until Saturday, April 25.  Winners and words on Sunday, April 26.

The Gates are Open!

Always moving.

I feel as if I've been in the process of moving forever.  Breaking down one life, packing it, and moving it...alone.  All the while, clearing the remnants of someone else's out of my new space.  It's been trying, and tiring.  This winter has the same feeling to it.  Even though Spring has officially begun, I feel as if winter is still here, holding us down. But we keep moving...

Our winner this week is Michael B. Fletcher with The Craftsman:  I really enjoyed your use of the prompts. And the idea of spells as something to be physically woven has always been of interest to me. This is a really entertaining piece.  Thank you.

Also winning this week is Patricia Purvis with Inn of the Four Seasons:  The story of Camelot being one of my favorites, this struck a lovely and humorous note with me.  Loved the last line.  Very creative!  Thank you!

The Tome has been having a bit of difficulty adjusting to its new surroundings, particularly since almost everything we own is still in boxes.  However, I've managed to get it to spit out some new words for us to play with.

Drug
Figure
Beast

The usual rules apply: 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.

You have until Friday April 17th, with winners and words on the Saturday, April 18th

The Gates are Open!

Casting Out.

As warmer weather draws near, one feels a need to clean up, and clean out...to cast away bad habits and old demons.  Sometimes the demons are a bit challenging to be rid of.  Sometimes they hang around to greet the new ones often come with a new season.

Our winner this week is Zaiure with Bombshell:  Fantastic dialogue and a great last line.  I liked the pacing as well.  Thank you!

Also in the winner's circle is Antonia Woodville with Infinity 92:  Another story will a killer last line.  I am envious of how long you have kept this story both interesting and moving at a good pace. Thank you!

The Tome has offered up new words:

Loom
Dish
Tale

The usual rules apply: 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.

Since I'm so very late this week, we'll go 'til Sat, April 4th, with winners and words on the Sun, April 5th

The Gates are Open!

Winners and words. March 22, 2015

So again, I was sure my closing post had gone through when I posted it. Evidently not.  So I wrote this,using last week's prompts, just now, because it seemed like the thing to do!

“Oh bloody hell.”  Lolly muttered.

She stared at the bottom of the blog page, noticing that yet again her “The Gates are Closed” post hadn’t gone through. She’d about reached the limit of her patience with her rattletrap old computer.

“I’m going to wind up in an asylum if this keeps happening.”

“Now , now…”  the demon whispered in her ear.  “There’s no pride in suicide.  Let me offer you a deal.”

“I just want this fucking post to go through!”

The demon smiled as the entry finally posted and Lolly fell dead.

“The Gates are Closed”

__________________________________________________________

OK!  Random inspiration borne of abject frustration aside, let's get on with it.

Our winner is Noah Heinrich with The Great Game:  I loved the dialogue in this.  Very clever use of the prompts as well.  This was great fun to read!  Thank you.

Also in the winner's circle this week is Patricia Purvis with Cripplegate Junction/Part 5-Cakes And Cautions: On the surface it's a simple little slice of life.  A canteen, some free pastries, and a cute little girl.  But I love ominous you've made it all.  As always, lovely use of the prompts.  Thank you.

And now, the Tome has offered up new words.

Antagonize
Iridesce
Organic

The usual rules apply: 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.

You have until Friday, March 27th.  Winners and words on Saturday, March 28th.

Glimmers of Green

Greetings all,

There are, as I type this, utility trucks and heavy equipment outside of the house next door.  They are digging for and readying to repair a gas leak.  They've been there for some hours now.  It's just 10:00 PM here.  Something tells me I won't be getting much sleep tonight.  It's all right.  I tend to be a bit of night owl these days.  Besides, the windows are open and there's the tiniest breath of Spring in the breeze.

The Tome is perched on my bed near the open window, waiting to bring forth new words. Let us not make it wait much longer, eh?

Our winner this week is Rob Evangelista with part 3 of his as yet unnamed story.  The prompts are gorgeously woven into this.  I had to read it three times just to find them!  Thank you!

In second place is Sandra Davies with A Change of Focus (120):  First of all, I can't believe it's been 120 chapters.  You have kept this story fascinating and going strong.  This chapter is lushly written and honestly made me shiver in sympathetic pain.  Thank you!

And now for new words.

Asylum
Limit
Pride

The usual rules apply: 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.

You have until Friday, March 20th.  Winners and words on Saturday, March 21st.

A break in the white

Good evening,

It looks as if we're going to have a bit of slightly warmer weather, and no snow for a few days.  I was out taking pictures today and I saw snow falling from the trees as it melted.  It was lovely.  One hopes the even temporary easing of winter will bring  a bit of hopeful activity to mind and heart.  One wants to believe the long cold will end and Spring will herald a new lightness of Spirit.  There's Always Hope.

Now that I'm finished with the philosophizing, let's get on, shall we?

Our winner this week is Patricia Purvis with The Fifth Victim:  The Ripper murders have long been a subject of interest for me.  There's a feeling in this that's both clinical and sad.  Thank you.

Also winning this week is Antonia Woodville with Infinity 89:  Lovely use of the prompts.  I'm always amused by the Captain's musings on food.  I'm becoming more and more curious about the beast.  Can't wait to read more!  Thank you.

And now the Tome has granted new words:

Creation
Dice
Lunatic

The usual rules apply: 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.

You have until Friday, March 13th.  Winners and words on Saturday, March 14th.

The Gates are Open!

And here we are.

Good afternoon,

Life seems to have taken both RR and I hostage this last week.  We both apologize for the delay!

Right to it, then!

Our winner this week is Sandra Davies with Problems with mother-in-law:  Smooth use of the prompts, but truthfully, it was the last line that clinched it for me!  Very clever and just really funny.  Thank you.

Also in the winner's circle this week is Michael B. Fletcher with Guardian:  I just like the flow of this, and a ginger werewolf?  A rare thing indeed, in my experience.

The Tome has been growling at me and chewing at my boot.  As my foot happens to be still in it, I'll go ahead and give the little darling leave to give us this week’s words.

Key
Fur
Damnation

The usual rules apply: 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.

You have until Friday, March 6th.  Winners and words on Saturday, March 7th.

Snow Blind.

Good afternoon.

I am beginning to firmly believe that whatever creatures might have come out into the snows of New England to stalk and haunt the darkest recesses of  the mind, have given up the whole notion.  I've lost count of how many inches of snow we now have, though I have just shoveled the walk, and I can tell you that the snow was just about up to my hips. I'm thinking about 3 feet and we're NOT talking drifts here.  

Mind, body and soul feel bone white, ice cold, and dryly brittle, these days.  

However, there are have been stories to read, and an internet connection to argue with, so I've been kept busy!

Our winner this week is  Patricia Purvis with Le Rue Le Veut:  A truly touching little tale of horror.  More so, because of the truth of it.  Thank you!

And now the Tome, which is as fed up with snow as I, has given us some new words.

Ginger

Measure

Sentry

The usual rules apply: 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.

You have until Friday, February 20th.  Winners and words on Saturday, February 21st.

Stir Crazy

This is the part of winter I find the hardest. Snow is no longer a pretty surprise (if it ever really was), but instead a regular inconvenience. While my house is nicely insulated and comfortable, I grow weary of having to spend so much time indoors. Alas, I don't have the tolerance for cold that Colleen enjoys, so the result is that I get a bad case of cabin fever starting about mid-February and lasting until the earth wakes up with that particular warming dirt smell it has here in the Midwest. A couple of months off, that is, so instead, I shall keep myself amused by writing and reading dark tales here.

The winner this week is Foxxglove with her tale of bloodthirsty ambition, Fiddle-Dee-Dee. Thank for your sharing that delightfully dark story!

Honorable mention goes to David Barber, whose Untitled tale of an unknown assailant was chilling indeed. Welcome back, David!

And now for the words I hope will spark more great stories from you all:

Comparison
Express
Responsible

The usual rules apply: 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.

You have until Friday, February 13th (oooh, spooky!).  Winners and words on Saturday, February 14th (also spooky, in a different way!).

The Gates are Open!

Flash Fool Contest

Evening all,
Not sure how many of you enter writing contests, but I came across this one and I thought I'd post it up here in case anyone's interesed.

Flash Fool Contest



Here's the blurb on the splash page.  From there you can get links to submit.  They are charging $6.00 as an entry fee.

"Flash Future is now in the past, and we’re moving on to our next quarterly contest. This go-round we’re cooking up a contest with the theme of#FlashFool that will appear in a mega-issue on (you guessed it) April Fool’s Day. That also just so happens to be The Molotov Cocktail‘s 5-year anniversary, so, yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

The key to this contest will be a twist ending. Genre is wide open. Scare us, make us laugh, blow our minds, makes us feel all ushy-gushy… whatever. We simply require some kind of unexpected ending.

What’s in it for all you little M. Night Shyamalans out there? The following, as long as you can pull off a far less-contrived twist than that hack M. Night Shyamalan:"

$200 for Flash Fool winner

$75 for runner-up

$50 for second runner-up

(We also give mad props to 4th-10th place, publishing them as
Honorable Mentions in our April Fool’s Day mega-issue!)