‘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.