Friday 19 February 2016

Daisy fresh, but dastardly

One of the five books I read this week was Howard Spring’s ‘Shabby Tiger’, first published in 1934. Not read for some forty years I was delighted to find was just as beautiful, fresh and wonderful as ever.

Hundred word drabbles are a very different breed to novels, but no-one can doubt the freshness of what turns up on the Prediction each week, prime examples of which are Rosie and Zaiure for their party-themed pieces (late arriving, but worth waiting for). For the vividly-delivered kick of macabre, this week’s top spot goes to Patricia for her ‘Artistic licence’. Her use of ‘Christian’ as a first name is guaranteed to creep me out, after ‘Jane Eyre’. And thanks to Kai for his double helping of 'Immortal'

Words for the coming week are:  hare justify slurry

Entries by midnight Thursday 25th February new words and winners 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.

58 comments:

  1. Well, that came as a surprise. Thank you. Congratulations to Rosie and Zaiure for their wonderful submissions. Talking of Howard Spring, I devoured everything I could find by him at one time. I remember being particularly fond of "My Son, My Son" and "The Houses In Between." Around the same time, another of my favourite authors was Taylor Caldwell. I just adored her "Prologue To Love" and though not of a religious persuasion, found "The Man Who Listens" (simply called "The Listener" these days, I believe) to be enthralling.

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    1. My father was a librarian, so many of the books read up until I married were borrowed. The two I now own (the other is 'Rachel Rosing') are TV tie-ins and published post 1971. I'm sure I've read the two you mention.

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    2. Congratulations, Patricia! I have all Howard Spring's books here, read many times. My favourite, I think, is Fame Is The Spur, required reading for anyone writing about the suffragette movement, he describes it all so well. I used to read Taylor Caldwell too, all the time! Now it's crime thrillers, horror and my steps back into the past with RF Delderfield, Nevil Shute, Howard Spring, Ray Bradbury - for poetic writing and solid storylines. With Nevil Shute I find there is no one to touch him for airplane stories, especially The Rainbow And The Rose, about a bomber pilot. It moves me every time I read it and I read it regularly, I have it on Kindle.

      There's a creepy spooky story in Howard Spring's autobiography. He talks of being terrified of a white staring face which appeared at the window and slowly went away. Many years later he was reminiscing with his brother about the place they lived in somewhere in Manchester. He began to talk about the nights and his brother interrupted to say 'and the white face that appeared at the window and slowly went away...'

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  2. Congrats Patricia! And thanks for the mention. :) Loved Rosie's piece as well.

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  3. Congratulations Patricia, you wrote a fine macabre piece, of a bar setting standard. I find death masks and anthropedermic bibliopegy morbidly fascinating ever since I saw William Corder's artefacts. Great pieces from Rosie and Zaiure too, brilliant writing.

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  4. Change of focus [167]

    ‘Third?’Pettinger felt the thin slurry of bile hit the back of his throat as, grim-faced, DC Henry Moth confirmed, ‘Two streets up from the Hare & Hounds. –‘
    ‘Where Dolly was found.’
    ‘Aye. Same MO –‘
    ‘Chardonnay too?’
    ‘Don’t know. She’s still to come up from the beach–‘
    ‘So, what’s the connection?’
    ‘Apart from them being working girls? Maybe a stretch to justify as theory, but the latest’s Annie Warner. I’m wondering where B is –‘
    ‘”B”?’ Pettinger frowned. Then the penny dropped. ‘Are there twenty-six prozzies in Seaton?’
    ‘And the rest! All the way to Zeezee Sprout.’

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    1. What fascinating dialogue. You have such an amazing talent in that quarter. It's really quite enviable! Hardly a descriptive reference in the whole thing and yet the image is totally vivid.

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    2. vivid indeed and very real, the dialogue brings it alive!

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    3. Love the dialogue, and effortless inclusion of the prompts
      (sorry for the one line comment late to the party this week)

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  5. Might a tight-lidded aquarium do?

    Jugged hare. Heard of in some nineteen-forties story. Never without picturing poor bunny stuffed, tail first, into a green glass ewer. White fluffy scut visible below the handle’s join; feet as well as paws assuming a prayerful attitude.
    Un-skinned, of course. In my limited imagination (I was but six!) I saw its glass-pressed fur as liquid grey-gold slurry. Up-wrenched corners of its mouth and eyes a too-late attempt to comprehend.

    Now thirty-six, I’ve grown tired of listening to explanations for your spunk-stinking, untucked lateness. Attempts to justify lack of even lacklustre performance in our bed.
    And have remembered glass-bound bunny.

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    1. Talk about packing a punch. Unlike "Change of focus" above, which consisted almost absolutely of dialogue, the descriptive imagery here was brimming. I had never heard of a "jugged hare." What a horrifying concept and from what my research revealed, is still a practice today. To each their own, I guess, but your story wasn't about that, was it? I think this is one of your best.

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    2. And, I might add, to even come close to surpassing most of your previous pieces is a triumph indeed!

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    3. Thank you Patricia - I confess the standard of writing here has me more than stretching to keep up; I'm conscious that the serials don't always allow constant levels of horror. And I would add that praise from a writer such as you is praise indeed.

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    4. oh perfection. Everything is there, the horror, the bitterness, the hatred, loved it. Totally outright loved it.

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    5. Well that's a piece that punched me in the chest and I'm innocent. Perfection.
      I am unnerved.

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  6. The Final Solution

    Ignoring the slurry of mud and human waste, Estelle delivered what Mueller had desired since her arrival at Auschwitz. He was barbaric as she imagined but when it was over, she had her reward and was satisfied. The end more than justified the means.

    She carried the twins outside, where their feverish faces could be raised to the hare in the moon. A shawl hid the ulcerated wounds where they had been sewn together along the spine.

    She sang a Roma lullaby to ease the pain of living and dying, grateful that sufficient morphine remained in the vial for herself.

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    1. "Skin-crawling" doesn't even begin to cover my reaction to this. Truly horrific. And 'hare in the moon' is something I only came across this year - thank you for reminding me of it. Truly excellent, Patricia.

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    2. Sadly, this is based somewhat on fact. Many are not aware that in addition to the Jewish population, Hitler's "Final Solution" also included the Rom (gypsies) and homosexuals. Many of my Roma ancestors died at Auschwitz and other camps and the mutilation of children...especially twins...in the name of so-called medical science is heart-breaking.

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    3. Yes. I sort of assumed the basis of this was factual, and did know not only Jews suffered. Saddened to hear of it in your past.

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    4. never have understood why people miss the many others also exterminated. My father in law was a military policeman and stood guard at the trials. He was never the same man again.

      The piece is vivid and coldly chilling, bringing the horror of the Holocaust home in less than 100 words. Up to now I would have said that was impossible.

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    5. You have moved me to tears with this piece. I visited Oświęcim in 1995 and walked to one of the Auschwitz camps, I left a changed person.

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  7. Kursaal (Episode Nine) -- "Ruby And Rita Deviant"

    The Deviant Twins, Illusionarium's headliners, had a metaphorical slurry of tricks up their sleeves. Many were uncommon in interpretation. A hare out of a hat instead of a rabbit, or crows produced from chiffon kerchiefs as opposed to doves. Maximillian Corviday was particularly fond of that one!

    The Vanishing Cabinet, however, occasionally malfunctioned with the final whereabouts of the volunteer open for perpetual debate. Ruby and Rita refused to justify any mishap, simply claiming there was no problem they could not eventually sort with their heads together.

    Not a difficult accomplishment since they were conjoined at the cerebral cortex.

    ---------------------------------------------------------
    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. This captures so vividly - and with subtlety - the underlying creepiness of such venues, and the 'metaphorical slurry' an inspired use of the prompt. Re-reading the whole of the tale, I found myself wanting one of those giant posters in which I could lose myself.

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    2. the creepiness of this whole serial is incredible. Nothing there, nothing overtly there but you can't escape it and with each episode it builds.

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    3. Patricia, I am so glad I took tomorrow as Annual leave, as I fear I will be unable to sleep with the fine standard I have read this week.

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  8. Cripplegate Junction/Part 34-The Turnstile Kiosk

    Marmalade sauntered toward the Turnstile Kiosk, an establishment with erratic operational hours. Often shuttered for days, its facade merged with the masonry at times, making it difficult to find.

    Poppy, the proprietress, offered no justification for her mercurial work ethic. Most simply labelled her eccentric but Violet, her older sister, claimed Poppy was, "brainless as the 'Blowbol's Test' March hare."

    Poppy's inventory included dolly mixtures, sherbert fountains and Woodbines, along with the "Orange Jubbly Slurry," an unpalatable refreshment of her own creation.

    Marmalade was a frequent visitor, ever hopeful for a tin of Kit-E-Kat from the supply behind the counter.


    ---------------------------------------------------------
    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. "erratic operational hours" - simple but so very effective. And the informative research into March hares! Another super episode.

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    2. this cat just gets bolder and more intriguing as the serial progresses!

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    3. Your recounting of Marmalade so reminds me of the refund cat that struts around our garden.

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  9. Taking sides [Threshold 102]

    Burk’s father, obdurate in justifying his refusal to divert: ‘River travel leaves no footprint’, despite the lie given by the track we’d made through the slurry-like green weed while seeking a place of stillness to overnight.

    Even incapacitated, Ravenscar exuded menace, but insufficiently, given his physical incapability, to prevent Burk’s father overruling what he termed a hare-brained scheme to seek sanctuary on O’Bedrun’s land. His reluctance to abandon the boat – the question of where to keep it safe – made sense, and I too exhorted Ravenscar to change his mind – until the arrival of five of O’Bedrun’s sons made words superfluous.

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    1. I reread this aloud because I had a feeling it would roll off the tongue and I was not disappointed. Beautiful use of the prompts. It wasn't until I had done a little research and then read the postings here that I realized quite how many slants could be taken on the word "hare." And talking of "roll," you are certainly on one this week!

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    2. inspired this week, Sandra! Spilling wonderful pieces for me to take into my writing session...

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  10. The immortal 30

    Like a hare darting from the hunter’s trap, Sandie made to turn away. “If you won’t confide your sins in me, I see no way for you to escape the slurry you are in.”

    I placed my hand upon her shoulder and was overcome with a sudden fear of losing something worth saving. If I was going to escape Death’s clutches I would have to justify my existence to powers above my control.

    I couldn’t help but wonder at these alien thoughts. Knowing they were not my own, I forced myself to hold on to her for a moment longer.

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    1. "Knowing they were not my own" - what a vista of horror and speculation those five simple words deliver. The ongoing dilemma is addictive.

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    2. This was a truly wonderful continuation. There's a sense here of a possible "turning of the tide" and I'm not sure it bodes well for our Immortal. Inclusion of the prompts was totally seamless.

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    3. totally seamless and superbly silky in its delivery but with darkness just beneath it. More please!

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    4. I agree with Sandra, the implanted thoughts make for a readable edge of the seat episode.

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  11. Infinity 135.
    Set the hare running, so I did, by dragging them from the hair binding them to they damn women. They got busy but I had to justify my reasons so before the whole fruit cargo disintegrated into slurry, we had ourselves a rare feast of eating and, in the middle of it, heard the lookout call ‘ship ahoy!’
    ‘Where be?’ First Mate yelled back.
    ‘Starb-d quarter!’ hollered back down. I spun the wheel and there she were, a clipper no less, homeward headed I be bound, loaded with tea, spices and gold. Thanks be to God, action at last!

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    1. Suddenly, all action, and more to come - oh GOOD!! And the opening sentence a joy.

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    2. A riotous bounty from this episode, Th opens draws you into the feast of this fine episode.

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    3. This carried such an authentic ring. Quite inspired, in my opinion and I look forward to the upcoming skirmish!

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  12. congrats to all mentioned in dispatches this week.. brilliant writing.
    The captain came through with his offering, thank goodness, because I am actually deep in Tudor times and finding all else difficult at the moment. If you ever read Kiss and Tell, you'll understand why! 12500 words from Kathryn Howard have blown the lid on one of the most offbeat, surreal and secretive relationships in the whole of Henry's life. I am surprised he authorised this revelation but perhaps it was time to set the record straight - she was not the illiterate, uneducated little thing taken for her body alone but a sharp, clear thinking, sexy girl who has great insights into her husband and a very good reason for her dying as she did. I will reveal that... she had cancer and feared the long drawn out dying. All that she and Henry had conspired together to do resulted in her having a clean dignified end. Must be read to be understood. So, with music playing... time to get to work with Katherine Parr.
    Thanks for a superb interlude, brilliant writing, incredible standards here.

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    1. What a fascinating insight into Kathryn Howard. And we thought we knew the little queen!

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  13. Been a very difficult week this week not just with the words, but also personally.
    cresting close to the wind and not where the other 4 pieces started, but a departure from the themes, of love and loss.

    Hiding from the world

    Words tumble from your mouth in a slurry,
    hurtful missives to justify your hate.
    I pull my child closer and keep going in my hurry,
    to get to the border gate.

    Not looking for favour just a chance to be,
    but all of your hatred is directed at me.
    Like a hunted hare you wonder why I hide away
    and think I‘ll come for you with a gun some day.

    Love and peace is all I seek,
    and a land where I can freely speak.
    Alas I learn freedom is all but lost,
    and honest humanity is the cost.

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    1. This carried such a strong message, and to accomplish it in rhyme with the added imposition of required prompts is truly an amazing feat. I tip my hat to your creativity and thus dub you "Wordsmith Extraordinaire"

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    2. That first verse, in particular, is astonishing in the power of its scene-setting, and to create poetry of the subject and rhyme of the prompts is skill indeed. The whole an evocation of modern-day horrors. Thank you William.

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    3. I tend to live in the past, well, running a second hand shop is a big part of that, aside from my writing, so this comes as a big hand dragging back into today. Brilliant. Sad.

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  14. Where does the week go? Oh, well. Tony was having a busy time, too...

    I Kneed a Name

    "How did you find out the killer?" "What was the clue?"

    The reporters ran up the jailhouse steps, ignoring the slurry of ice and snow. They'd risk a busted ankle to get this story. I wanted to bolt like a wild hare but Chief O'Malley had my elbow in his meaty grip and wasn't going to let me. He tried to justify making me the face of this case because I nabbed the goon. After I got the name from him. The real reason is that he didn't want to explain how many knees his boys busted, getting that name.

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    1. Really nice tight writing here, and my knees winced at the thought of O'Malley's tactics.

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    2. Gritty and down-to-earth as always. Lovely use of the prompts and an even lovelier title.

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    3. As ever, the impact of your tight writing delights me, and I especially like the scene-setting second sentence. And the title.

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    4. it is the scene setting here which is remarkable, great writing.

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  15. The Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #13
    Unreasonable Travel


    Look at me, haring across the land like a fool. I can’t hardly justify this trip to myself, how am I supposed to explain to my mother? I left because that last set of messages was scary, but what reputable pirate gets scared of mere messages? And what sane person leaves town when the air is a slurry of rain-dust?

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    1. A poetic picture finely painted in words, I particularly love the imagery of "the air is a slurry of rain-dust".

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    2. This was up to the customary standard of unusual and unique. There is no mistaking your brand of weaving a tale.

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    3. Rosebud's voice is especially strong in this piece, and 'reputable pirate' a joyous combination.

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    4. saying so much in so few words... amazing writing.

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