A fortnight off, much of it very pleasurable,
and now to get to grips with a new year and the achieving of one resolution (made for
the third year running) to get three much-laboured over novels out into the world and a fourth one finished, to which end
I’ve spent several days reading the 360 pages of the first one aloud and am now
suffering from a sore throat.
No shouting needed to pick the first winner of
2019, even though I confess it’s the eighth time I’ve been made to feel
slightly nauseous by the vivid nastiness in Jim Deegan’s Conscription series - excellent stuff!
Words
for next week: appendix barrage cure
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday January 10th,
words and winners posted 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. 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.
Congrats, Jim for your truly horrific and sinister piece. Very enjoyable.
ReplyDeletemany congrats, Jim!
DeleteThe Revivalist
ReplyDeleteHer superfluous appendage, seemingly unfortunate, was anything but. Accommodating the barrage of cure seekers, Gabby did what she could to alleviate ailments. While some healers touted the Lord Jesus and others administered their medicinal marvels, Gabby had another method. While soothing the sufferers with her tender fingers, her third arm, her dagger arm she called it, quickly and covertly severed the ailing body part.
The administrators fielded complaints and though deemed inappropriate, they had to agree her methods were effective. Regardless, it was decided to let her go. The trouble started when trying to decide who would tell Gabby.
At least she's a human and not a mote. An excellent story to start the week.
DeleteJim, congrats on having an excellent story for the top spot last week.
DeleteI love how you've reduced the problem to one of simple admin.
DeleteI have to echo Sandra here, nice neat solution, almost...
DeleteVery entertaining...goes without saying, of course. Reminded me of those old revivals where the "preacher" touted snakes and spoke in tongues.
DeleteSweet!Very entertaining and well crafted.
ReplyDeleteChange of focus [309]
ReplyDeleteFilip suggested he had a choice.
Really?
Valdeta, mother of his son, who was in the habit of treating him as something of an appendix to her life; one who occasionally arrived, inflamed with desire at least as much for his son as for her, given who she’d been with in the intervening years. His absence a variable, untrustworthy cure since the solution – to have Aleks permanently in his life – an impossibility; the demands of his job an insurmountable barrage.
And how – even should he seriously wish it – could he think of bedding the girl Aleks considered his sister?
Seriously?
A lot going on in his head; and you brought it together nicely. I can picture, quite pleasantly, Valdeta arriving inflamed with desire.
DeleteWhoops, John, sorry, but it is Pettinger who does the arriving; is the appendix. (though I admit the 'desire' for his son could be misleading!)
DeleteI'll second John, a lot going on both external and internal. Enticing episode, Sandra.
DeleteYes, sorry about that. I didn't pay attention to comma usage, though that's pretty normal for me.
DeletePettinger entertains yet again, another solid instalment.
DeleteAh, Pettinger. Who are we fooling? "Seriously?" Come on now...!!!
DeleteVery good story. Thank you.
DeleteI'm honored to be 2019's first winner. Thank's much. Let's get even nastier as this year progresses.
ReplyDeleteN O H O P E
ReplyDeleteThe barrage would not stop. I dare not poke my head above the revetment for a glimpse of the battlefield. Surrounding me were the remains of my comrades, my buddies. I knew, yes, KNEW, that I would die, and soon. We fought for our country, and then our very souls, but it was of no use. History is written by the victors, and we were to be nothing more than a footnote in the appendix of this one. We were hated by these foreign bastards, these murderous animals. To them, Nazis were a disease, and they the cure. American bastards.
"a footnote in the appendix" - brilliant use of this! And interestingly twisty end.
DeleteWell told from the viewpoint of a soldier in dire despair. At least he became more than just a footnote.
DeleteAt it's height, membership in the Nazi party was about 10%. I also enjoyed the story being from a different view point.
DeleteDidn't see that end coming
Deletea lovely twist at the end there - clever storytelling.
DeleteExtremely well-crafted little tale with its slant on the "other side of the coin." So many have thrown themselves into a cause believing it to be the best (or only) cause of action.
DeleteThank you, all of you. Just a bit of automatic writing. I'm going to try and knock your socks off next week!
DeleteThrown [Threshold 230]
ReplyDeleteA pain, sharp as when, in childhood, my appendix flared. From Wishbone’s hooves? The spearing of a branch from the Norsemen’s barrage? Shouts impinged upon my consciousness as vision faded. I felt arms take hold and threaten to tear my body apart. Or maybe attempt to cure; splitting me to release increasing, screaming agony.
Raven. I knew his smell. Liquorice and something; not the orange of the fire but sharp as lemon, salty.
I felt myself enfolded. Heard him roar. Some new power to his voice, hoarse and almighty.
All other voices ceased.
Roar became heat became encroaching, avid flames.
Sandra, such a great piece. I hesitate to speculate, if this is the end, but what an outstanding finale.
DeleteVivid descriptions and tense action percolate in this very well written episode. Hopefully this isn't the ending.
DeleteSo much more than these few words. I can't wait for the next bit.
Deleteencroaching, avid flames - does it get better than that for a last line?
DeleteThis does indeed have the feel of a conclusion. I do hope not. There is still so much more to unearth about this fascinating couple.
DeletePretty good building of a moment there. Great visuals.
DeleteA Home spun Tale: A Short Fictional Autobiography-10
ReplyDelete“Mr. Focato, as your life nears its finish, any thoughts on your magnum opus?”
“It’s Sfocato, I want to get the appendix right.”
“The doctors say there’s no cure for your cancer.”
“The Fuzzy Control System with its fuzzy logic killed me, not cancer.”
“What would you change about The Charnel House Murders?”
“Everything...I wish I’d died there. I considered them friends. A barrage of fourteen novellas, to honor that one-way friendship. Many called them gobbledygook others were offended, a few might have enjoyed them.”
He sighed and laid there as he died. He was a lucky man.
Actually, I blame the font. The fs look a lot like ts, especially to old eyes.
DeleteThis was melancholy, poignant and yet, uplifting. One of your best to date, Jeffrey.
DeleteSome people will do anything for the last word. I realised after my father died that there was much I would have liked to continue conversations on. But is never to be.
DeleteI found this sad that Stocato died with regrets. But then, I'm sure many do. Nice one.
ReplyDeleteJohn, thanks for the compliment and your comments during the series. His name is Sfocato
ReplyDeleteYou say Sfocato, I say Stocato...
DeleteJohn, that's a good one. I only mentioned it because Antonia has told me that words have power and names have meaning. I wasn't trying to be a pain, though I'm sure that many of my stories are such to read.;)
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry – 41 -
ReplyDeleteCured of amorous thoughts, Atlas wrestled with a barrage of questions.
'Wondered ‘ow long y ‘ud take t’ spot me,’ Armi chortled. ‘Don’t look so bluddy shocked mate: Ain’t the first time I’ve worn a dress an’ minced about’. He winked. ‘These feckin’ galoshes pinch me toes tho.’
He nodded toward Moloch, ‘Drunker ‘n a dung beetle in a meader full ‘o crap, but knows fings, an’ I aim t’ find out wot, even if I gotta rip ‘im throat t’ ‘ppendix ’
Atlas gasped.‘Y’ crazy son-of-a-dillo, there’ll be ruckshuns if he finds out you ain’t wot he finks.’
Had an enjoyable re-read of past episodes to make sure I didn't miss an iota of the wonderful nuances in this. So vivid, and a credit to your skill as a writer that I, who usually abhors anthropomorphic tales, get such a lot of pleasure from this.
DeleteI'll echo Sandra's comment about how pleasurable this series is. I'll add in well written and planed out.
DeleteSo that's why Atlas found the Dillo girl familiar last week. I suppose that would provide a cure for being amorous. very enjoyable.
DeleteI avidly look forward to these episodes, Terrie, and you never disappoint. So nicely constructed!
Deleteeach instalment is well crafted, a complete story with exceptional lead characters!
DeleteWhat an absolute total joy this episode was. Armi the cross-dresser is a delightful addition to the character's...well, character. How I do look forward to these every week.
DeleteHave to agree with Antonia. What I love is the dialogue that gets you right into the characters
DeleteI am really loving this arc!
DeleteAppendix to Annihilation
ReplyDeleteNo one ever truly knew what its purpose was. There were many theories, but generally, it was thought to be a largely redundant organ, made obsolete by evolution.
Then came the first barrage, a high frequency wave which activated the true nature of the appendix. A trigger which turned us into weapons in a war against ourselves. An ancient incendiary device designed to cause instantaneous combustion. Mass incineration ensued. Populations rendered to ashes.
The only cure for the survivors was its immediate removal. We carry the scar, wondering what other weapons may be surreptitiously implanted within us.
Oh, this is clever. Insidiously threatening for its many possible interpretations and the cold neutrality of its tone.
DeleteLove the bio-engineered aspect of our existence and the inclusion of a kill switch being built in, a very robotic aspect. Also a damnably great use of prompt.
DeleteA woman I'm dating sometimes reads my stories, and with a shocked look, says, "why would you think up something like this?" I'll have her read this to show her I'm not the only one. Well done.
DeleteThis is a brilliant concept for a story, David. A great read!
Deletethis is good! Like, very good. There has to be a reason for the appendix... now we know what it is, it's down to
DeleteBe Afraid
Be Very Afraid...
Amazing take on the true purpose of the appendix and great concept. Wonder which destructive organ will be activated next.
DeleteA fresh and original idea, one both clever and terrifying
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Forty Five) - "Not-So-Needful Things"
ReplyDeleteIn a far-flung corner, stood a hexagon-shaped tent of yellow-and-red stripes...The Mysterium, once the Kursaal's star attraction. A prominent barrage balloon floated above the canopy but even so, only certain performers knew of its existence.
All manner of wondrous things were housed within the dusty interior. Appendix of a mermaid, eye of a cyclops and ebony alicorn. A pigskin tome catalogued medicinal cures, alchemical formulas and other transformational directives.
Some items, however, seemed out of place and not particularly amazing...sketch pad and 2B pencils, shriveled posy of bluebells, dog collar (with leash) and red rubber nose of a clown.
--------------------------------------------
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: The Mysterium is a new attraction. However, the "out of place items" have all featured in previous episodes.
A Mysterium! How wonderful an addition to all the Kursaal's other curiosities. And what. I wonder, is an alicorn?
DeleteThis is an excellent episode, one of many to be sure. Nicely described and it fits like the last piece of a puzzle.
DeleteNot just a distant corner, but a far-flung corner: loved that. The new attraction adds so much to this mysterious place. Very strong.
DeleteThe "wondrous things" in the second paragraph are so artfully described, Patricia.
Deletethis is an intriguing addition, what other wonders might it hold?
DeleteSuch a tease! And I do believe an alicorn would be a unique horn, wot?
DeleteUnder The Knife
ReplyDeleteMy surgical skills are unparalleled, incisions so delicate not even a puckered scar bears witness once the flesh has healed. Removal of a potentially offensive organ is often the only reliable cure, as every hypochondriac will testify.
Naturally, a barrage of tests must be undergone before any procedure takes place. There can be no risk of underlying disease or possible threat the patient will not recover.
I cut out only those body parts non-crucial to survival...the spleen, gall bladder and uterus. However, of all extractions, it is the lovely little appendix which is truly the most tasty.
Confession time: my granddaughter had an emergency appendectomy on New Year's day, hence the word being in my mind. Glad what you describe here was not! ;-)
DeleteSandra, hope your granddaughter is have a speedy recovery. Patricia, a somewhat horrific episode. Very good prompt use and some tight writing. Oh, does the doctor have a store of fava beans and Chianti?
DeleteThis would make a great horror film. I can picture the patients, maybe bound or sedated... waiting. Nicely done.
DeleteI love your concerned attention to your patients - uh, victims - well-being before you slice them up. Nicely done!
Deleteanother killer last line.
DeleteI do hope your granddaughter has a very speedy recovery, Sandra. What a start to the New Year, huh?
DeleteLovely!
DeleteUnexpected Opportunity 4
ReplyDelete“General Mayhem’s security barrage, three checks, just to park the car, idiocy has no cure.”
Jack saw the field surrounding the alien ship. The report stated the field was thirty five meters across, extended underground, and hadn’t been breached. The alien ship looked like a Flying Wing from the 50’s. There were three black canopies protrusions. No visible engines or doors.
“She’s a beauty! Are you a god? Is that what stone age tribes in the Pacific or Amazon jungle thought when they saw a plane for the first time?”
I'll be this generations Neil Armstrong! Not an appendix mention.
I've often wondered what primitive people think when they see modern marvels. It makes sense they invented gods to explain the unexplainable.
Delete"Idiocy has no cure." What a wonderful phrase and all too often right on the button.
DeleteI guess it's our turn to be "educated". Reminds me of the Cargo Cults.
DeleteA SINCERE THANK YOU
ReplyDeleteI slithered through the crowd and stood before the forsaken four. Captivated, I focused on a female as, like a rooster after seed, a bitty beast loosed a barrage of pecks at her eyes. They exploded like milk-filled balloons.
My attention shifted to a miniature mutant that torpedoed itself into a man’s mouth then tunneled through his neck into his chest like a rabid mole. Blood and gristle erupted like fireworks. He sank into his chair with a wheezy hiss as the abomination emerged with the man’s appendix in its beak.
Thanks, God, for providing no cure for consummate evil.
Exploding eyes, tunneling mutants, such great horror writing. And the narrator is no goody-two-shoes, that's for sure.
Deleteand I have to say, thank god this isn't a film I'm watching - my word-fed imagination is incapable of fighting back.
DeleteVery good descriptions and prompt use, blood horror at a high level.
DeleteShudders aplenty at the reading of this one. Love the idea of a "Forsaken Four." What a great title for a novel!
DeleteWell, when cock fighting became illegal, I am guessing something else had to take it's place, and then there were all those unemployed chickens! Wonderful story, thank you JDeegan!
DeleteDreaming The Beast
ReplyDeleteA tale as old as time, one which I never thought I would tell. I suppose the easy thing to do would be to start at the beginning but I'm not sure if that's wise.
The beginning is but a door, even though made only of words printed, could still lead the reader into madness, into the realm of the... (Such a barrage of images, like a sharp pain in the appendix)
Yes, yes, I see how that sounds. You're right. Let's begin at the begining and may the Creator have mercy on our souls... Or at least a cure.
Jerry, this is so good on many levels. We haven't even heard a peep from the beast yet, and we find ourselves saying, "don't open that door!"
DeleteYes, indeed, a multi-level delight, and so smoothly wrought.
DeleteThe Beast is amused
DeleteJerry, I enjoyed the mystery of your story very much. It flowed smoothly and with nice prompt use.
DeleteAs has already been commented, so many levels to this gem of a tale. I love the idea of it being unwise to "start at the beginning." To do so might well be outright folly.
DeleteYou certainly arouse the interest of the reader with this tale, Jeffrey. I'm anxious to see where it will lead.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Jerry. I of course meant to address you with the above.
ReplyDeleteThe Surgeon’s Tale
ReplyDeleteIn my barn, I welcome the unwashed barrage of humanity. I promise cures, I offer assurances. And I do it all for a fraction of the cost; no health insurance required.
But you can’t win them all. The appendectomy patient is doing poorly. I look at the excised organ, not liking the looks of it. A Google search confirms it. It’s a goddamn liver. Shit.
Luckily, my nurse is also my farm hand and is very skilled with a shovel.
I'm reminded of that "shoulda gone to Specsavers!" ad. And much like the barrage of humanity.
DeleteThat's what you get with some healthcare plans and yes, I did like it.
DeleteI am a muse!!! Well, sort of. What a wonderful compliment to be the inspiration for one of your miniature masterpieces, John. But how dare you outshine my original! And I thought you were a gentleman.
DeleteTwo spleens up!
DeleteIf you don't like this, blame Patrica as I was inspired by her story, Under the Knife.
ReplyDeleteI do indeed like this, John. Even the best of doctors makes an occasional mistake. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWah Wah Wah
ReplyDeleteThe barrage of constant complaints is insufferable. The snivelling. The whining. The griping. Never ends. Grates on the last nerve.
Does nobody have a cure for a grumbling appendix that refuses to ever shut up?
There comes a time when reading such excellent stories by you (and others) that surprise is no longer an unusual or unexpected result.
DeleteThere's nothing worse than listening to a complainer, so I'll shut up.
DeleteAside from that, this is a little gem of a story with the short little staccato sentences.
I suspect not Patricia, but no worries if you keep writing about it so smartly.
DeleteMorning Sickness
ReplyDeleteI woke with the familiar pain in my lower side. Wish it was my appendix and not agita.
“What’s wrong, dear.”
“I don’t want to go to school.”
“Why?”
“The barrage of teachers evil gazes before turning their backs on me. I’ve been given ‘naDHa’ghach’ -Discommendation by the Klingon High Council. All the kids say bad things about me, and the janitors, well those mops look painful. Is there some pill I can take to cure this?”
“You have to go to school, you’re the Principal.”
What a great last line. Entertaining story, despite having to stop to look up agita and not understanding Klingon.
DeleteAs a former teacher, I understand this principal's attitude. The setup for the ending is very clever, Jeffrey.
DeleteEchoing, John....what a great last line. Never saw that coming at all.
DeleteKhandar-28
ReplyDeleteLady Salevon, was seething. A book from the temples attic had been stolen. The odor of her favorite perfume faintly lingered. The thief had also killed her wolfhound, Jet. Her husband’s guards were patrolling outside.
“Greetings Victoria,” a voice said.
She spewed a barrage of words, creating a protective field around her.
“Thief and murderer,” she replied.
“Wrong, healer might apply. I’ve the cure for the war outside, care to listen?”
“Why? I’ll call for the guards and then kill you.”
“Remove the appendix, you might save the body, dear sister-in-law?”
“Pelwrath!”
“No, there were three who survived Kal-Zathra.”
Interesting. I always enjoy your pieces that are either totally or majorly dialogue driven.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 171 - Transport Of Delight
ReplyDeleteAlice looked out the window of the abandoned Booking Office, which she'd turned into her personal library. A sanctuary where, lost in fantasy's web, all her woes were cured...even loneliness. Alice often felt lonely.
Here, she frequently hid from the barrage of Miss Constance's questions:
"What is five times five?"
"What is a noun? Verb? Dangling participle?"
But it was also here that the governess had been kind while Alice recovered from her appendix operation, reading stories that transported the child to otherworldly places.
She hadn't seen Miss Constance in some time and wondered what had happened to her.
---------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
Oh, I know that transported feeling ... is Alice going to go and look? Or simply grab another book?
Deleteif she's sensible, it's the grabbing a book solution... who knows where Miss Constance is right now, deep in Patricia's convoluted mind? I mean, where else could this serial have germinated????
DeletePerhaps Miss Constance knew where she was and wanted the exposure to the books and Alice's imagination. Nicely crafted episode, Patricia.
DeletePublish And Be Damned!
ReplyDelete"More appendices to the manuscript? How many is that now?"
"My apologies, but it's important to ensure all the facts are understood."
"Are these the last?"
"Well, there remains a barrage of information that still needs..."
"Enough! You must find a cure for this obsession to constantly revise."
"But..."
"I said enough, John. We will wait no longer. Matthew, Mark and Luke have already completed their chapters."
Big smile here ...
DeleteOh yes, I love this to bits! Unexpected ending there, so funny!
DeleteYes! A very good last line with a great set up. Obsession to constantly revise... that could be an issue with me...well one of them.
DeleteI love this sort of back-door tale. Make you think a bit, then get on with a smile
DeleteThe Mad Italian 88.
ReplyDeleteCould we have thought the situation in Parliament, here and in Scotland, could get worse as we go into another year? Yet it is, with the Scots boasting of limiting the ‘pack’ of hounds to two for hunting, more if needed for pest control. How quickly will that be invoked, is the question. The cure would be a total ban, but…
Meantime the British PM has been facing a barrage of nonsense from the opposition and her own party. If there is ever an end to this Brexit ordeal, it will be as an appendix that she stood her ground.
Good job crafting his observations, which are strikingly on spot.
DeleteI've said it before and I'll say it again. Finger on the pulse, this esteemed...if mad...Italian.
DeleteStop the Week, I Want To Get Off (29)
ReplyDeleteSlow this week. I’ve filed a barrage of adverts to generate interest, nothing so far. I advertised the shop as teddy bear’s rehoming centre and found a Forever Friends bear on the doorstep … I do ask, is there a cure for lethargy? We have plans; we need others to pull their weight. It’s too cold to sit around and wait when there is so much to do which would keep me warm. I sometimes think we are a mere appendix to the lives of others, which is silly, we will be paying rent for the lock-up - when it happens.
I do like the idea of teddy bears' rehoming centre ... not that you'll be seeing mine; he's wrapped up warm, in a cupboard. .
DeleteA "mere appendix to the lives of others" is a great use of language. Don't give up, Antonia, things could be worse... couldn't they?
DeleteAnother very good last line, several of them this week. My writing and reading time is reduced as I've a part-time job in the morning to help my wife Shaun and daughter Tempest with the store. Your passion is unmatched, so I've no doubt you'll pull through. As I mentioned to you, nice picture.
DeleteSo charming. So whimsical. How you manage to weave real-life situations into such lovely little scenarios each week, given that you are restricted to prompt words, is nothing less than completely enviable. I adore these refreshing glimpses so unique from anything else on offer here.
DeleteTwo Christmas bears, 14 Beanie Bears, a Hugs Christmas bear, Miss Bunny in the prettiest dress vies for attention with a soft silly grey bear and a very cuddly lion. All need rehoming... the 100 words didn't give me a chance to say I put the ad on Wightbay and someone wrote
ReplyDeleteIs The East Cowes Rehoming Centre for Bears still available?
I have a huge bag of bears that my mother collected and that I was obliged to fly back to London and collect after she passed away. My father was very concerned as to what would happen to them after he was gone. She did love her bears so. I'm not much of a collector and with the exception of one or two which are obviously collectible and not really suited for play, I do believe I'll eventually donate them to a children's hospital or the like. She'd be very happy to know they brought joy to a needy child.
Deletethanks, Jim, yes, things could be worse, today I took the magnificent sum of 50p for an Elvis CD, and hearing the buyer say 'he was good with the , Philharmonic, wasn't he?' No, he wasn't, that was dubbed, stupid, but the 50p was dropped in the tin and I kept quiet...
ReplyDeleteVery well deserved win last week, Jim. No surprise, of course. That's one magnificent serialization you've created.
ReplyDeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #162
ReplyDeleteSometimes Boilers Explode
Back at Cecily’s Castle, Rosebud and Co. had just settled into the guest rooms when - Crash! - a stand of trees imploded, revealing an invisible siding and an enraged elf, threatening the sky with an ax and a barrage of curses. They seemed to be reaching the appendix of their library as Cecily peeked over the trees. “... you incurable wart!” She snuck back to her window and whisper-shouted, “Rosebud, that evil elf Cleopatra hates is here, what do we do?”
Sheer, exhilarating joy in this - thank you, Rosie.
Delete