Friday 14 July 2017

Ill-kept promises

I promised myself I’d try and stick to having only one winner per week, but in a week where every entry could have been  a winner that promise had to be broken. Truly, if each of  last week’s offerings had been a prediction, handed over via a crystal ball, quality-wise they offered nothing but good fortune (and I confess, I don’t know from whence came ‘Prediction’)  

But, as I did predict, Patricia’s ‘As Luck Would Have It’ qualified from the first, and although all the others severely threatened, ultimately only Antonia’s untitled standalone was unignorable and I’ve no choice but to declare honours even for them and honourable mentions for the rest of you, right down to Rosie’s 20 minutes before deadline entry.  Thank you all.

Words for next week:  cover olive pugnacious

Entries by midnight Thursday 20th July, 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. Serialised 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 you prefer.

80 comments:

  1. thank you, Sandra! and many congratulations, Patricia!

    OK, Prediction. As I recall, and it is going back some time now, Lily Childs was trying out predictions by opening a book at random and picking a word. It's a method of divination which I have never used but it is interesting. From that the idea came about to pick three words and challenge us to write a story.

    Good words for this week, should produce an infinite variety of stories, all for us to enjoy. I keep reminding Jeffrey, he will admit this, that others do read the stories we post, that they are read by more than just us who comment. Now look at the number on the right hand side here, in its lifetime, the Prediction Challenge has had 112,774 views. That's a hell of a lot of people reading a hell of a lot of stories. We had better be sure we're good!

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    1. Oh great, I thought it was just us. I'd better clean up my act. I used a questionable three letter word today. Congrats on your win last week. Very enjoyable to read your stuff.

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    2. I agree with Antonia there are folk that read the stories, but don't contribute or comment. Back in the day of Lily Childs running the prediction, I was fortunate to work in the same office block, we got chatting and she mentioned the prediction. For months after I read the stories and skirted around the edges before throwing my hat in the ring. Even now I still read them often although just lately too bereft of time to comment or contribute.

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  2. Congrats and huza's for Patricia and Antonia. Well deserved and penned stories.
    Yes, Antonia has reminded me about that, multiple times, you never do know who's reading our stories.
    One of the hard lessons I've learned since participating; reading anothers excellent story, doesn't reduce the quality of your own.
    I 'll also admit to allowing myself to be intimidated by some of the great stories that I've read here.
    I am looking forward to this weeks entries. Some interesting words to work with.

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    1. Intimidation, yes indeed. I remember my very first attempt, and also that after 2/3 more I slunk away, feeling totally out-classed, and didn't come back for many months. All the genres were way out of my comfort zone, but as other writing sites closed down I needed something ... and forced myself to compete.

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  3. What an honour to share to premium podium with Antonia. I am always in such good company here.

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  4. To Forgive Divine

    "Why extend the olive branch now, after so long?"
    "All the fun has gone out of working under cover."
    "Understood. No need for subterfuge anymore."
    "Everyone wants a piece of the action lately."
    "And not afraid to reveal their cards, apparently."
    "I'm nowhere near as pugnacious as I used to be. Tell him that. I've lost a lot of my fire!"
    "Nice one!"
    "So, you'll have a word with the boss? You are still his right hand man?"
    "I'll see what I can do. Making no promises, mind you."
    "And you'll get back to me?"
    "Come hell or high water!"

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    1. Good job in getting the mention last week for your story, Patricia. I was pulling for you. This one is very intriguing. It has a current feel to it, as if you could blend it with all the goings on lately in the world.

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    2. Endless potential in this - very well done.

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    3. it is the fact that this could be read many ways which makes it so clever. Nice one!

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    4. I'm loving this, Satan is gods undercover guy? So many avenues and interpretations in such a clever and tightly written piece.

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  5. What I liked about this is the unknown is this an internal conversation or an external? Eitehr way, some very good dialog.

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  6. Mea Gulpa

    “We never expected to be sensualized. My wife wouldn’t approve of a harem. Silver to us is like poison ivy to you. Some animals have dew claws, we have fangs. People, fangs are neck openers, not straws. However, each myth has some truth.
    Sometime we go feral; Olives have pits. We remove them, no matter how pugnacious. We cover our bets that way. The crazies of my kind are a truththat became your myth. Going feral is an acute desire for blood; a blood junkie. My kind need to hide, yours needed an explanation. After all, Vampires are only human.”

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    1. Clever title for this one, Jeffery. I wouldn't want to be involved with these characters. I value my blood.

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    2. I liked this very much and admire the way it evoked sympathy (well, for me anyway). Some nice comparisons here and the composition was well put together.

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    3. it is a clever way of humanising vampires, like it!

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    4. Vampires seriously can't help themselves. A well written plea for empathy from a vampires perspective.

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  7. Model Citizens

    Once again Henna made the cover of Cosmo, her olive skin glowing with air brushed precision.

    Bethany, in all her pugnacious glory, was quick to point out the magazine’s shift to an aging audience and that she was so glad Henna was able to accommodate them.

    “It’s such a shame,” the coroner said to the detective. “Such a beautiful woman, that Bethany. I don’t believe she had a last name.” The two men shook their heads.

    “What I don’t understand,” said the detective. “Is how the killer managed to get an entire magazine crammed into such a small ass.”

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    1. its the illusion of tightness. I understand that its a law of nature.

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    2. Wickedly enjoyable. As is ghostrunner's explanation.

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    3. Well, that came as a surprise! I don't think I care to ponder the final questioning too much. Great use of the prompt words which seem to just disappear into the substance of the writing. I'm with Sandra in that this is "wickedly enjoyable."

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    4. Why I don't read mysteries, five reads, including the comments before I think I got 90% of the story.
      However, this is a very nicely written and enjoyable story.

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    5. I had to laugh at the ending, brilliant last line. Very intriguing.

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  8. Kursaal (Episode Seventy Nine) -- "Return Of Twittering"

    Ludmilla Bartók decided to end her engagement as Chief Constable Twittering's caretaker. He was boring and his presence at the First Aid Station hampered any potential romantic liaisons with incoming patients.

    She provided a thermos of olive leaf tea (medicinally instrumental in his recovery and to which he was now addicted) and a packet of plain digestive biscuits before accompanying him to one of the Kursaal's lesser known exits.

    Though not as pugnacious as her prizefighting father, Ludmilla had no problem being defensively forceful when challenged.

    It was a trait she would need when Isabel la Gaya discovered Twittering gone.

    ---------------------------------------------------------
    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. I find myself thinking of this as a piece of knitting, a patchwork of squares fashioned on different-sized needles from a variety of balls of wool, different ply and colours, but the whole of surprisingly pleasing.

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    2. One ladies cast-offs are another's white knight. I liked the use of prompts and the prediction of what is to come.

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    3. nicely evoked, I can almost see these characters walking, feel the thoughts tumbling in their heads.

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    4. I always love my weekly fix of Kursaal, although I've not had time to comment of late.

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  9. Cripplegate Junction/Part 105-À La Carte Blanche

    Marmalade wasn't surprised at the empty Dining Car. With the pugnacious chef and tiresome servers otherwise engaged, there was a wealth of delicious opportunities not to be missed. Any enterprising feline should always be prepared to take advantage.

    His whiskers twitched as he sniffed the air. So many enticing aromas.

    The jar of pitted olives presented zero temptation. The taste was bitter and offended his discerning palette. Conversely, there was no cover on the smoked salmon parcels and the caviar dishes were undeniably inviting.

    Marmalade savored his feast, confident the staff would not be returning anytime soon.

    If ever.

    --------------------------------------------------------
    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. Ah ... and is Marmalade perpetrator or merely witness?

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    2. Marmalade is a cat burglar and with nine lives of experience, probably the best. A very well written episode.

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    3. I spend a lot of time watching our cats under the guise of reading a book. Marmalade is so well drawn as a character in this lovely series and it matches a lot of what my two get up to, but I confess to not providing caviar...

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    4. I love Marmalade so much (Sorry a bit gushy, recently lost my cat). He is a cat with attitude and is such a well drawn character as Antonia has already stated.

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  10. The ill of eavesdropping [Threshold 171]

    Shadows cast by silver-grey leaves of olive trees gave camouflage if not exactly cover, enabling me to approach within earshot.
    Together Raven and Law Man had persuaded the Evangelicals to depart, unhappy and sans victory, faces more pugnacious than pacifist.
    Now the pair negotiated; Raven as diplomat a revelation.

    I’d seen him lie; I’d seen his eyes flash fury even as he attempted understanding, I’d seen distaste and cruelty, blank coldness of obsidian. For the last two nights I’d watched as he achieved long-absent orgasm.
    I’d interpreted – believed – it love, but doubt assailed me when, as one, they costed me.

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    1. Every installment comes with a twist that I rarely (if ever) see coming. Raven continues to be an enigma to me...as does the protagonist. I think I prefer it that way.

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    2. Machiavellian pragmatism, though I do have pity for the Law Man. I read this several times as it was that enjoyable.

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    3. more twists, more intrigue - where do you keep finding the inspiration?

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    4. Love the opening line it's very evocative in so few words. The final line rips at you for empathy. A great tightly written palette of emotions.

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  11. Kandar 18: Hair of the Dog

    I remove the satchel, taking out the book. Orc Kingdoms of the Realms why would Pelwrath want this book, in this library? I place it and see an interestingly titled cover; The Family history of Lord Commander Galiel Salevon, in my line of work, such information is priceless. I put it in the satchel and began my retreat. Those pugnacious suits of armor turn their helmets toward me, I hear pass, in my head.

    “Commander, Lady Salevon pardon the intrusion,” Kadish said. “Lady Salevon, Olive, was found dead near the library. There maybe a thief or assassin in the tower.”

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    1. An enjoyable addition, but again, feels a little rushed in places, chiefly because of those pesky little punctuation glitches. Keep an eye on those but otherwise, a very compact and nice little piece.

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    2. this definitely needs expanding, try it on a night when the writing is slow, take this, work on it, draw the images tighter and clearer, using all the words you need, and see how it feels to you. These vignettes often transpose into much bigger works without any difficulty. It's how my zombie novel came into existence.

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    3. Antonia, et.al.

      These vignettes are from a story I have in the WIP stage. I deconstruct sections to repost here. This weeks section was about 300 words.
      As Antonia and others have told me, cut, cut some more and then cut again. Excessive words are the enemy.
      The micro brewed abridged version ends up here. It's provided me an excellent way to edit the story, where and what changes I need or wish to make.
      I hope I haven't violated any rule about stories that are posted here, my apologies if I have.
      My intent is to follow the plot, flow, setting and characterizations I had created.

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  12. he certainly was a pugnacious kid, with his olive complexion and his habit of leaving the toilet cover up. as a child he would sit by the door, panting and waiting for his morbidly drunk father to come home. but what could you expect when his most positive role model was the family dog?

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    1. There's something very grubby about this ... and so briefly evoked!

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    2. There was a certain sadness to this. It most certainly was one of the most unique use of the prompts thus far this week. And put together with a minimum of words as well. Concise and...if you'll excuse the possible pun...very biting.

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    3. Some very nice emotional writing. I enjoyed the last line. Your writing is tight. An enjoyable story.

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    4. a wise man once said "I hate people who own dogs. it tells me they lack the courage to bite people themselves..." thank you all :)

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    5. sharp, precise, very clever. Liked it a lot.

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  13. Change of focus [244]

    It could be said John Pettinger’s features tended to pugnacious. True, the olive green of his eyes suggested battledress but at heart he was a good man, his outer shell necessarily honed by his profession.

    He’d met Valdeta at a time of convalescence; celebrating the return of a once-doubtful future. Hearing of her forthcoming, to-be forced marriage he’d mis-read stoic acceptance as brave cover-up, offered sympathy and ultimately taken – and given – more than he intended. Not unhappily.

    Separation hot-housed memories; they’d bloomed more vivid, honey-sweet. This decade older, well-used woman (self-admitted murderess!) was far from his idea of ideal wife

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    1. Your command of language is enviable. I always enjoy these glimpses into the character and past events of Pettinger. The stand out of this installment for me was: "hot-housed memories" that "bloomed more vivid, honey-sweet." An almost poetic combination of words.

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    2. Olive-green eyes resembling battledress was great. Again, you use narration exceedingly well. An excellent story.

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    3. a character with the true constitution on which stoic is formed :)

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    4. more aspects of Pettinger revealed to be enjoyed.

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  14. The Mad Italian 14.
    I have met someone in this life who epitomises all that is needed in your world today, the pugnacious bulldog himself. No olive branch, just fire and passion in his speeches which resonate in our minds even now. Your politicians tend to cover their tracks when difficult or controversial subjects arise, follow the party line and defraud their constituents who voted them in on the basis of statements made in their manifesto. The bulldog stood up and said what was in his heart. Would that your politicians now could be that honest - but there is no chance of that.

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    1. As you so often manage to suggest, it appears the prompts were tailor made for your narrator.

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    2. no chance at all. excellent work :)

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    3. Perhaps I'm being presumptive in assuming that our esteemed Italian has come in contact with the eminent Winston himself? I truly love these pieces. The voice is unique and the message enlightening every time. What a wonderful addition to this forum.

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    4. Considering the politicians he was around in his other life, this is extraordinarily reflective and very well brought to life.

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  15. Blind date

    ‘A pugnacious little vino tinto!’
    Roger Moore eyebrow quirk, salacious smirk...
    I speared, with feeling, one of the olives, caught the sommelier’s eye, put the olive gently into my mouth. He too thought the man a prick. ‘In which case, I’d better decline it –‘
    ‘Nonsense, dear!’
    Eyes on my cleavage he tilted the bottle. I covered my glass. Bottle jerked sideways. Wine pooled on the cloth, spattering his shirt.
    He reached to dab where it hadn’t splashed.
    Demonstrating pugnaciousness of my own I spat olive stone into his right eye; reached over and stabbed pointed stick into his left.

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    1. ive been on dates like that O.o

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    2. And these sharp little tales that flow so easily from your pen are always as cutting as the conclusions themselves. Yet another gem among a week's worth of jewels in the crown.

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    3. I screamed out then loudly. Sod the neighbors I just thank god I wear big glasses. As always brilliantly written and got under my skin.

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    4. Flirtatious behavior is a skill, Casanova had it, Rodger Moore didn't.
      Enjoyable penned and very good use of the prompts.

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  16. The Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #86
    Going Home


    The forward hatch cover is slightly squeaky. I don't know why, but I do know how to fix it. I've got a bit of that olive oil we captured ages ago. Those Greeks were quite silly. Did they think the Crown Princess of the Land of Pirates would not be pugnacious with tax evaders? Oh well. Free stuff is always nice.
    ---
    Henry’s just come in with the weather. I'd better oil that hatch and batten it down. There's some bad storms in our path.

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    1. This is deceptively simple and unforced - harder to do than one might imagine.

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    2. One could almost be standing on the deck as this scenario plays out. Always a joy and a pleasure to read about Rosebud's ventures...and adventures.

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    3. As enjoyable as this is, it did make me think on how a princess became a pirate and who would have the gumption to either name or nickname her Rosebud?
      Nicely written and pleasantly enjoyable.

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  17. Please forgive my absence, I have been a slave to my day job the last seven months. Will be back to comment shortly hopefully.

    Albany

    The butter’s melted and the olive’s gone from your swollen liars tongue.
    Your pugnacious spirit only surfaces when you’re cornered and proven wrong.
    You thought that you could cover up everything you are,
    But I found the truth about you when I was forced to drive your car.

    Right now you’re where you deserve to be in a room that’s six by eight.
    Held at her majesty's pleasure, for your perversions and your hate.
    Our paths will never cross again because I will disappear.
    And you are in it there for a long stretch, for at least 25 years.

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    1. Oh yes! What a wonderful ba-boom moment. Perfectly rhymed and with impeccable rhythm. I so envy you talent poets!

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    2. Sometimes crime does pay. I guess when you commit a crime against a criminal, they do tend to not call the cops. I detected a hint of Poe, Cask of Amontillado perhaps.

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    3. Good to see you back here William, and to know you read even if you don't have the time to comment. That opening line is a very sensuous but nasty opening to well-deserved come-uppance.

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