Sheltering from the football and selecting a shortlist I
realise, for alliteration’s sake, I should pour myself a Smirnoff. Not that vodka will help – I get the strong
impression that each week each of us is spurred to further heights by others’
posts. Jim takes a new path by
trying out three endings to his Problem, each of Patricia’s strong-voiced posts
held new delights and I truly loved the hugging humanity of Joe’s ‘The Virus’, but top place, by a
whisker, goes to Dave for ‘These
things are all fakes’.
Thank you all for your participation – both in offering such
a bounty of tales and for commenting.
Words
for next week: barbaric nuisance smut
Entries
by midnight Thursday 5th July,
words and winners posted 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. 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.
I enjoyed your cleverly written entry Dave. worthy of top choice.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Dave. Great story. Well deserved
Deletebrilliant, Dave, you deserved top billing!
DeleteTake a bow, Dave. Your tale last week was unquestionably worthy of the top spot!
DeleteThank you all! The praise of peers is the best! I will do my best to be worthy.
DeleteCongrats Dave for the top spot and to Jim, Patricia and Joe, very good stories all. This Jeffrey using my phone.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Dave and also congrats to the honorable mentions. Lots of good stories this week. I suspect next week will be fun with these prompt words. Good choices, Sandra.
ReplyDeleteJust desserts. Well done, John. Our smut queen leaves nothing to chance.
DeleteQueen of the Night
ReplyDeleteThe self-proclaimed smut queen stopped mid strut. She instantly regretted the 7” heels and tugged at her form-fitting micro skirt. The familiar shabby young man, who until now had just been an uncomfortable nuisance, blocked the alley.
“Who goeth there?” he said, laughing through his greasy barbaric beard.
“Leave me alone.” Her eyes darted left and right. She didn’t dare turn around. He had a pending quickness about him.
“Just hoping for a little freebie.” He pulled out his manhood and proffered it.
She knelt before him and severed it with one slash of the razor knife. Smut queens, by necessity, were always prepared.
Oh, god - you had me at 'pending quickness' even before I got to the next line ...
DeleteAhem. Well done John. Lovely use of prompts. (And how the hell do we follow that?)
A cleverly dramatic build up and great images pulling you along into the final line that, with a wince, literally serves you up a slice of horror. Brilliant John.
Deleteand I wonder why I'm not writing stand alones lately... loved it.
DeleteNot taking NO for an answer can prove quite costly. Very nice combination of narrative and dialog, John.
DeleteNicely written and with excellent delivery, sharp and to the point.
DeleteAnd so, this week starts off with a bang and somehow, we all have to follow John's offering (as Sandra has already pointed out), and talking of offerings (...insert snicker...) So nicely done and with one hell of a final punch. I'm not surprised, given the source.
DeleteAnother wonderful installment. You've created an amazing world. Fine work
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry – A Business Arrangement
ReplyDeletePink fairy tucked several packets into his brother’s tool-belt, and watched as he disappeared down the secret tunnel. ‘Stay safe.’ he whispered.
Upstairs, Big-Brenda waited, sprawling artfully, on the parlour sofa.
‘Sorry to be a nuisance but yuh got a visitah Mr Pink; a big, barbaric, lookin’ visitah. Sez yuh sent fer im. Eez in me room.’
‘Ahh, my special customer.
When we’ve completed our business you complete yours; remember looks can be deceiving, be tasteful, nothing smutty, please.’
At dawn, with Pink-Fairy’s coins in his tool-belt and new mission in mind, Atlas left the whoremadillohouse wearing a huge grin.
Terrie;
DeleteThese have all been very enjoyable for me, so my thanks for a well done series, an excellent example for me to emulate. whoremadillio house, what an excellent word. You have used the prompts nicely.
How long can you keep this up? Each piece transcends the previous one and I'm applauding, awed. And hoping 'For a long time yet' your answer.
DeleteI looked up armadillo in Wikipedia, to confirm my suspicion that they are mammals. And then I saw an incredible thing, that pink fairy is a type of armadillo. I thought you just made up the name. Love the world you are creating.
DeleteThanks, John for sending me hot-foot to check them out = Terrie such a skilled operator.
DeleteI always look forward to your entries, Terri, and your writing never disappoints.
DeleteI am glad the diaries are entertaining. I am really enjoying writing them. The armadillo family genus have such wonderful names and lend themselves to brilliant character creations to write about I couldn’t help myself and the S.A.S diaries were born John. Did you see photos of the pink fairy and screaming hairy armadillos?
DeleteAtlas is the archetypal giant armadillo, so is Brenda. There are three banded (Armi,) nine banded, (Nigel) seven banded, and naked tailed, armadillos. I was thinking the Pangolins at the Palace will need a few instalments too…. so I have motivating storylines trickling out of my head daily.
This means there will be a few more instalments yet, Sandra.
An armadillo wearing a huge grin. Your creative vision just expands and expands, Terrie. I just adore this serialization. I did not go looking for the names you gave these intriguing creatures since I somehow felt they were authentic. But still..... AND delighted to see there will be more installments (deliberately ignoring the "few" reference).
Deleteloving this, it's so clever and being based on 'reality' makes it even better.
DeleteINCIDENT IN AN ALLEY
ReplyDeleteBarbaric howls filled the alley as the two vampires eagerly grabbed for Clarise. No divvying this succulent prize - each wanted all. Clarise was jostled about like a cork in a riotous river.
Suddenly released, Clarise crawled away as the fiends collided, twisting around each other like smutty, copulating snakes.
When she returned, the vampires had sated themselves on each other, had altered to human form, and were sleeping like exhausted lovers.
Clarise nodded and a thin figure lurched ahead, anxious to sink lengthening fangs into such juicy plunder.
Clarise turned away. Watching her son feed had become a nuisance.
DeleteThis is packed full of brilliant images J.E. My favourite is 'jostled about like a cork in a riotous river.' What an expertly executed offering.
I agree with Terrie, some very descriptive imagery here and a very good last line.
DeleteThe title aloe sets up expectations, and then you fulfill them in spades. As ever, your choice of words sparkles.
DeleteWow, who knew vampires were such horn dogs. Very enjoyable and well done.
DeleteSome totally magnificent imagery. I think my favourite is "smutty copulating snakes." This was an ending I did not see coming...always the best kind.
DeleteVery vivid imagery, J.E. Your descriptions are wonderful.
Deletevivid, attention holding, what else can I say?
DeleteWow! Thank you all so very much! I had no idea my small offerings would be so well met! I am humbled.
ReplyDeleteMe, Dave. Not sure why it didn't put my name on my comment.
DeleteTheodore glared at the rotten wheat in his sprawling fields. Loose Smut had ruined the crop over most of the area, and he was irritated beyond belief. Not that the gods had brought such trash to him, but that his measures to protect his fields had not taken, despite promises to the contrary. The shaman had made it clear that the proper sacrifice would ensure success, but the evidence proved otherwise. Now he had no crops, and no more children. Maybe the gods wanted more sacrifice. He considered a certain false shaman to be a pretty good bargain for them.
ReplyDeleteWhen you've lost everything. A sad and chilling story.
DeleteAnd I'm inclined to agree. Well-grounded tale this, gradually revealing a change in horrors.
DeleteMan, those gods are so greedy. This sacrifice, though, may be just what is needed. Great story.
DeleteThere's just no satisfying some gods, Dave, and your tale points that out in very interesting fashion. Nicely done!
DeleteThat sneaky reference to "no more children" is absolutely chilling. It was kind of hidden within the text, but assaulted my eye immediately. I'm with Theodore. Let's get that damn shaman!
DeleteSteven King was once asked what scared him. Without hesitation, he said "My children dying". That was why "Pet Semetary" took him years to write. To me, there is nothing more horrific.
DeleteScary stuff. He lost everything. Now, I think the Shaman will follow suit. Nicely done.
Deletesneaky horror images which burst out later, when you think about the story. Clever stuff.
DeleteThe Censor
ReplyDeleteSomeone has to monitor smut. It's a necessary nuisance that takes up all my time but I do it for the public good. Nothing gets past me. Nothing.
Nudity, full frontal or otherwise? Banned!
Barbaric instances of sadism or masochism? Excluded!
Erotic behavior, romantic or pornographic? Prohibited!
I'm on the job 24/7. Thoroughly studying every detail.
And nothing gets past me. Nothing!
Oh this is brilliant on so many levels Patricia. A Smut monitor working tirelessly to rid the public of what they feel are awful immoralities.
DeleteI love the repetition of 'Nothing gets past me. Nothing.' and yet hand in hand with such professed diligence I was so aware of that veiled hint of enjoyment while 'thoroughly studying every detail.'
This made me smile.
VERY entertaining!
DeletePatricia, another well thought out and presented story. Some people really do get into their work.
DeleteAh ... so THAT'S what you do inbetween writing Prediction tales. I often wondered.
DeleteReally good, Patricia. This sensor obviously knows what's good for mankind. I just hope this site isn't discovered anytime soon.
DeleteAn extremely novel approach, Patricia!This one grabbed me right from the start, and the middle section was splendid!
DeleteWonderful, Patricia. I think the Censor may enjoy that job just a tad too much.
Deletemore cleverness... this is so so good!
DeleteCongratulations on last week's win, Dave. Great little tale well worthy of top honours...and you beat out some magnificent little stories!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ma'am. I am having a blast! And yes, those stories are absolutely great. I'm glad I don't have to make the decisions.
DeleteYou and me both! How Sandra manages to pull it off week after week is amazing! I've stood in for her a couple of times and let me tell you, the decision is agonizing.
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Twenty One) - "The Amorous Affairs Of Arbuthnot Jester/Part Nine"
ReplyDeleteArbuthnot Jester was not above indulging in a smidgen of smut when fancy struck and the lady amenable. Nothing barbaric or crude, of course, with a mutually satisfying end result. Arby might be many things but selfish wasn't among them. Not wishing to be a bumptious nuisance, he was never pushy, which only made him more endearing in the eyes of his smitten inamoratas.
How they sighed.
How their hearts fluttered.
How like butter they did melt in his deft hands.
Small wonder he was known as "Adorable Arby."
And he was happy to live up to the name.
---------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Arbuthnot "Arby" Jester has featured in previous episodes.
A very touching story, not pretentious or mysterious. It's simple and there in lies it's enjoyment. bumptious nuisance is catchy,
Delete"deft hands" says such a lot - and I found this an especially enjoyable episode.
DeleteWhat I like about this is Arby seeming quite normal in such a fantastical world of misfits and strange goings on. I'm sure a quirk or two will soon mar Arby's adorable ways.
DeleteWell, John, Arby is what's known these days as a "little person" and he is missing two fingers on his left hand (courtesy of a knife-throwing mishap)...but apart from that!
DeleteA very enjoyable read. Well written, excellent use of the prompts.
Deleteit was good to see Arby again, enjoying himself too!
DeleteChange of focus [288]
ReplyDelete‘It’ll be a nuisance, but I think a visit to Khakbethia is called for. To identify her.‘
DC Henry Moth’s glance at Pettinger sharper than he’d hoped. ‘What sort of place, Khakbethia?’
‘Country beautiful, people barbaric. Still living in the Dark Ages –‘
Hesitant, ‘And you’ve a son there –‘
‘Aleks. Yes. But, more importantly I know her family –‘
‘Pretty?’
‘Petzincek.’
‘Yours too I heard –‘
Exasperated, ‘If you lot spent less time digging for smutty secrets –‘
‘It’s our job, boss. Is it true you killed your father?’
‘No.’ Pettinger had never been sure Raptor was his father.
The intrigue may be moving to Khakbethia, it seems. I really like Moth and how he gets under his boss's skin.
DeleteOh yes. Not sure that Raptor had been his father. What an intriguing nugget that is! Like John, I have a fondness for Moth, but it's Pettinger who has my heart!
DeleteThat was so clever and so well written. Great last line.
DeletePettinger is boss and Moth wants to be, not sure he's up to it, though. This is another good instalment.
DeleteThe attention to details with your last line. As usual, very nice prompt use and good dialog.
ReplyDeleteDelivery of a secret fantasy
ReplyDelete‘It’s a smallish nuisance, yes.’
In her world that meant catastrophic. Instant dismissal for the culprit. For some crime as heinous as the wrong choice of cup for her afternoon tea.
But she wasn’t in her world. And those five words, hinting at an unspeakable problem, confirming an unavoidable and regrettably indefinable absence, the last she’d say.
Smut-dusted fingers seized her phone. Scarlet mouth, in a face the more barbaric for its creases being grimed with black smiled wetly.
‘Sweetling, you should’ve known the best place to come for more than fifty shades of grey would be a charcoal-burner’s hut.’
An enjoyable story Sandra. Good description and it flowed smoothly.
DeleteOh, what a wordsmith you are. I particularly liked the 'smut-dusted' sentence.
DeleteHow smoothly this piece flows from one sentence to the next, Sandra. Reading is so enjoyable when the writing is easy to follow.
DeleteSheer perfection from the title to the final revelation. A lesson on how to compose a piece within a word limit that tells a complete tale.
DeleteI am amazed at how much you give us within one hundred words. Superbly crafted.
Deletea quote I saw recently:
Deleteeasy reading is damn hard work. Nathaniel Hawthorne.
This is easy reading which means you put real big effort into it. It's good!
Thank you all - much appreciated.
DeleteA Bard from Gor
ReplyDeleteThere was a barbaric bard from Gor,
Who’s smutty ballad’s hero's had valour.
The throngs thought him a nuisance
But where held in impuissance
So he always sang an encore
It;s so hard to rhyme nuisance, but you did it. Enjoyable little piece.
DeleteNice sense of rhythm and rhyme, Jeffrey. You have a definite talent for pieces such as this. Not easy to take three prompt words and put together a coherent poem.
DeleteNicely crafted. Interesting and creative, Jeffrey
Delete“Come here” [Threshold 211]
ReplyDelete‘Not repugnant’ he’d said of me. Barbaric, backhanded sort of compliment, true, but typical. Equally so his dismissal of Carlotta – a woman who’d trapped him into marriage then arranged to have him murdered, who concealed death-dealing syringes in the back of cupboards – as no more than ‘a nuisance’.
I tried to read the need behind his invitation. Was it me he wanted? To fuck me or have me change his sheets? (Given the choice I’d do the latter prior to the former. Unless it changed his mind.)
I approached.
He reached a hand to my face.
Fingertip caressed.
‘A smut.’
The narrator really has her hands full, trying to interpret Raven's thoughts. A nice continuation from last week.
DeleteRaven is ever the enigma and yet, those tender moments are to be cherished...as I'm sure our protagonist (name still unknown) knows only too well.
Deletea smooth continuation, as John says, taking this on a bit further but revealing very little. There is so much more to come - I hope.
DeletePure As The Driven...
ReplyDeleteShe was smut-free, above the base instincts that drove weak and less exemplary mortals. To even think of her in terms of barbaric acts or unsavory behavior was sacrilege. But such a reputation could be difficult to maintain. To keep things under wraps was more than a nuisance at times. It often became an out-and-out burden.
Which is why she looked forward every now and then to donning the black leather and stilettos, slipping into the fishnets, oiling the whip secreted in her hope chest and visiting those seven wee miscreants who lived on the edge of the forest.
Ah ... and ahh again. Deliciously clever. Especially that final line
DeleteIt's hard to use narration and it not coming across as an info dump. Well done on that and with the prompt use.
DeleteSo, she's not as white as the pure driven snow? Very cool story, P.
DeleteMy favourite so far, Patricia, a wonderful twist to a traditional tale. brilliant.
DeleteWe all know who it is and I bet we've all wondered if she was as pure as she was painted … and now we know.. The only thing is I now have this image of the Disney depiction clad in the attire described above singing whistle while you work and cleaning house. :-)
me too, Terrie, me too!
DeleteA Semblance
ReplyDeleteIgnore those naysayers,
they’re just a nuisance.
I’II protect your soul
allowing emotions to flow.
I’ll cry for you,
when the barbarians overcome.
I’ll laugh and smile,
so you don’t let others down.
You’ll have no need to fear me,
the name you selected, fits me so well.
At midnight's hour,
we’ll finally part
I’ll let you fly, like a dove
I’ll give you smut and love,
Because you’re so brittle,
I’ll ask so little.
I’m your creation,
and you’re my loving burden.
I’ll handle your guilt,
correct your shame.
And never let you forget, who you are.
Wow. Just after I think I have read what I think will be the top entry you go add this wonderful piece Jeffrey. Brilliant use of the prompt words it flows, resonates, and supplies my poetic soul with a small feast. Thank you.
DeleteWith the excellent entries so far, I suspect Sandra is definitely going to have a difficult task of picking top slot this week .
Your poetic soul is blossoming this week, Jeffrey. The first one was a gem and this one, the jewel in the crown.
DeleteNice, Jeffrey. Well written and intriguing. You have some really nice language usage techniques.
DeleteA Change of Heart
ReplyDelete“Please, John. Not like this. This is barbaric.”
“C’mon, Gloria. Don’t be a nuisance. He’s just a dirty smut dealer. And, what he did to you. Well, he has to pay.”
Gloria shook her head, staring at the axe. “No, Baby. Just shoot him. Dead is dead. Don’t torture him.”
On the ground, the old man smiled up at them. “What you smiling at, you bastard?” John grabbed the axe, hefted it.
“I sold her video. Everyone will see her beg. See what I made her do.”
Gloria gasped. A change in temperature. Icy cold. “John, hand me the axe.”
The female is often said to be deadlier than the male. This is the perfect example. Silly old bugger, thinking he could get away with such a reveal.
DeleteFrom the title to the final line, perfectly constructed. And perfectly understandable, on Gloria's part.
DeleteDead is dead all right, but that smut dealer will never know how much satisfaction Gloria got with that axe. Very nicely done, Joe!
DeleteThis is a perfect little story, told so well. Very matter-of-fact and entertaining.
DeleteJoe, a very well written story and as Sandra mentioned, very good last line.
ReplyDeleteNuisance Neighbour
ReplyDeleteDear Sir,
I wish to register a formal nuisance neighbour complaint.
How the local authority came to conclude that moving organic life forms into an area such as this was a good idea is completely beyond me. Their behaviour is barbaric. Not to mention the smut they engage in on a nightly basis.
As a rate payer I am outraged and expect action to be taken to rectify the situation as soon as possible.
Yours Sincerely
Mrs Anne Droid
Once the humans move in, it's all down hill from there. Very creative, right down to the complainer's name.
DeleteAn epistolary entry is a rarity - and this is a prime example of how successful they can be. Good indeed David.
DeleteDavid;
Deleteverily I say, no android has been more humanized than Mrs. Anne Droid.
I loved this. So entertaining and so innovative. The name of the letter writer is nothing less than inspirational!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely brilliant!
DeleteThe Mad Italian 62
ReplyDeleteThey say there are ‘new’ talks going on over customs and borders. The nuisance factor is simple, no one expected the populace to vote Leave and everyone was thrown into confusion. Smut and barbaric sarcasm was written, nothing prevailed to make the people change their minds. They have spoken; we wish to come out of the EU. Why is something so simple being made incredibly difficult? Everyone involved has their personal agenda to consider; it is that which gets in the way of a sensible settlement. But it will come, the will of the people dictate that it be so.
It's so amazing how someone from an earlier time can have his finger on the essential pulse of the modern world. As enlightening as always.
DeleteDemocracy at it's purest, the will of the people. So well represented Antonia.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 147 - Blowing Smoke
ReplyDeleteSmut from the engine's chimney covered everything in a thin layer of soot. Poppy, waiting on the platform, was not pleased. Such a nuisance, making her suitcase grubby and giving the entire station a murky appearance that played tricks on the eyes. On the mind.
Phantasmal figures struggled within restraints nothing short of barbaric as they were taken away. Others presented no resistance and some were being transported on gurneys. Poppy found the images disturbingly familiar. Half-forgotten. Buried.
And then, through the gloom, a rippling orange banner. A belisha beacon of hope.
Marmalade!
Now, everything would be hunky-dory!
-------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------
Marmalade as Belisha beacon! - love it.
DeleteWhat a unique use of smut and I like how you added in murky. As always smoothly flowing story.
DeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #136
ReplyDeleteSometimes People Are Stupid
After the crash the more barbaric competitors became a nuisance. One threatened doom for a minor scratch, one arson for a dent. You’d think we wouldn’t have to deal with such nonsense in this century, but here we are.
Oh joy. Someone’s trying to disqualify Roxie because they’ve noticed her purple fur under the smut and coal soot caked on us. They’re fine with felines who race model cars, unless they’re purple?!
Oh joy indeed - I feared you'd left us and was missing my weekly dose of Rosebud. Lovely first sentence here. As well as the rest.
DeleteGlad I was able to catch this gem before the week ended. Always enjoyable.
ReplyDeletePersecution
ReplyDeleteHe held his breath as long as he could, but eventually, the bubbles blew out, and he died, easily. I warned him, I begged him to stop his feckless lifestyle. Grow up! But he ignored my pleas, and so became my victim. To execute a full grown man by drowning him in the canals of Venice California is no easy task, thus the chains and weights. I watched a few more seconds, and then floated back up and out of the water, then up into the sky, free of my worthless body, finally. I really am my own worst enemy.