But in trying to pick a winner I found myself more drawn to the more subtle uses of them, of which Holly’s ‘Glamour’ was a prime example, hinting at things gone possibly wrong which sent my mind soaring to identify. For those qualities, I declare Holly this week's winner, But, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, the criteria shift every week, so keep the horror coming.
Words
for next week: abstract insult
tongue
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 18th July,
words posted Friday 19th
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 uses 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! That tongue was horrifying and brilliant.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention. :)
Holly - it was you the winner! I'll try and re-word to make it clearer.
DeleteOh haha. Thank you! :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHolly, awesome story for the top spot for last week. Jim, your's was pretty darn good as well. Congrats on honorable mention.
DeleteHolly, you take modesty to a new level. Congrats.
DeleteWell written and well deserved top slot Holly, and close second Jim. Both so different both so enjoyable.
Deletecongrats Holly and Jim, hardly a whisker between the two of you for the top slot.
DeleteCongratulations, Holly (top spot) and Jim (almost top spot). I know I failed to comment last week, but I DID read and, as always, the submissions were outstanding.
DeleteThe congrats go to you, Holly, and you deserve them!
ReplyDeleteThe Casanova Papers: Day 2
ReplyDeleteA family reunion would be an abstract description and for them, a tongue-in-cheek insult.
I’d met Lady Dulcinea before and was happy to leave with my head each time. Henriette says it’s proof she doesn’t hate me. I was introduced to her sister, whom she’d never mentioned before, Maven Ouest from the Zaluski Library in Warsaw. A lovely lady, who complimented Henriette, like a lace glove. Her cousin from the isles of Nippon, Tome Gozen, the third of her name. A Shinto priestess from the Washimizu Hachiumangu Shrine. We all shared one common thing: Stolen books. They were also vampires.
There are a lot of people and places to keep track of in this one, but the fact they're vampires makes up for it. Wouldn't want to be at this family reunion.
DeleteI really liked the phrase 'complimented Henriette, like a lace glove' and the last two sentences create a good hook to keep a reader interested. ... I want to know more about these stolen books and thieving vampires.
DeleteA very cosmopolitan addition that was most enjoyable. Lovely choices of names.
DeleteHIGHER EDUCATION
ReplyDelete“Major! You speak with forked tongue!”
“Careful, Chief Under Wear! I won’t tolerate your insults! I’ll have you know I have a Master’s Degree in Philosophy from a prestigious eastern university.”
“Uh… it’s Chief THUNDER BEAR, Major, and such an abstract discipline as white man’s Philosophy does not impress me.”
“No, Chief? Well, this might. You’ve violated the treaty. You must be punished!”
“Really, Major. How so?”
“I’m going to shoot you.”
Chief Thunder Bear raised his hand and scores of armed braves emerged from the trees. “I have a PhD in Indian Affairs, Major, earned at Little Big Horn.”
Jim, nicely done to include the insult, good writing and nice dialogue.
DeleteJim, if this site had an entertainer of the year prize, you would likely be nominated. The major told the chief he wouldn't tolerate insults as he's insulting him. Very nice work.
DeleteSo tongue in cheek Jim, clever and brilliant use of the prompts.
DeleteNice, as always, to see a jumped-up jobsworth get his comeuppance, especially when it's done so skilfully.
DeleteI've never heard the word jobsworth before. I looked it up. I like it. I definitely have to get out more...
Deletejobsworth is a standard with the British, John, and covers just about every 'idiot' who tries to pull rank with people. The crazy guy who works in the local post office has a tall hat with JOBSWORTH on it, he wears it on special occasions...
DeleteJim, one hell of a good story!
Most enjoyable piece with delightful dashes of history included. And I learned a new word today: "Jobsworth." I had never heard that before but it is so relative to this story.
DeleteBest Served Cold
ReplyDeleteHank could insult the Lavurian’s in their mother tongue. He’d learned the abstract metaphors that could yank their chain. He should have known that eventually they’d want to get their own back.
July 1944, me and Hank were pilot and gunner on a B-25. We were returning from a bombing raid along the Rhine when we were abducted.
Over the years we’d convinced ourselves of the inevitable Utopian aftermath of Hitler’s downfall. The Lavurians found poetic justice in revealing to us what a complete dog’s ear our species had made of everything whilst we’d been gone.
Aliens with a morbid sense of humor. Dave, I really liked the story. Nice use of the prompts, liked "...what a complete dog's ear our species had been."
DeleteSadly, David, there is a lot of truth to your entry. I loved the dog's ear metaphor.
DeleteIt would be satisfying to show a species all the screw-ups. Especially having been repeatedly insulted in your own tongue.
DeleteA wicked sting in the tail, this one, David
Deletethis one's clever. This week's words have brought out some excellent story ideas.
DeleteCleverly composed indeed. And a joy to read for its apparent authenticity.
DeleteEye of the Beholder
ReplyDeleteThe abstractionist stood by his displays, insulted by the reactions of the gallery goers.
“My child could do this,” said one.
“This sucks,” said another.
“Wait, look closer,” said the first. “The features really pop when you study them.”
“My god, this tongue looks real!”
“And so does this breast!”
The abstractionist smiled. “I call it Total Woman,” he said, fondling the razor knife in his pocket.
What some people will do to become recognized, eh, John? Great dialog provides a splendid path to the conclusion.
DeleteVery good dialogue to drive the story, nice how you slipped in the medium he works with.
DeleteI just knew the last line would pack a punch and it did. Artistic horror cleverly incorporating the prompt words.
Delete"abstractionist" the perfect word, which ought to have warned, but didn't.
Deleteoh, gruesome... and brilliant.
DeleteMagnificent in its depiction of gore. Most apt titles for both the written piece and the artistic piece. Love that the abstractionist (and what a wonderful word that is) carried with him his instrument of creation.
DeleteR
ReplyDeleteA
I
N
I stepped into the rain, Looked up toward the sky. The deluge was cold, bitter and bold, As it joined the tears I cried.
My hands rose toward Heaven, I insulted God long and loud. The sun broke through a moment or two, Then dissolved in an ominous cloud.
My tongue died in my mouth, My hands curled into fists. The message was clear, confirming my fear, I was stricken from God’s waiting list.
Forlorn, I sank in the mud, Overcome by an odd abstract pain. All my tomorrows flooded with sorrow, Each day I had left it would rain.
I didn't realize this was poetry until the 2nd or 3rd paragraph. It's like very nicely written prose that rhymes. What a punishment, to be forever in the rain...
DeleteDescriptive in its imagery and a heartfelt message. Rain (water) is a symbol of purification. Very well done poem.
DeleteYou captured so much emotion in this. Conveyed the anger, sadness and bitter loneliness really well and inserted some challenging prompt words too.
DeleteI dropped RAIN in as a poem of 4 stanzas, 16 lines, yet it appeared as is. Not knowing how to alter it, I had to leave it unchanged. However, the more I read it, the more I liked it. Perhaps I've created a new poetic form (joke).
Deleteit's good, like the way it laid itself out actually. Liked the content too - good one!
DeleteLike John, it took me a moment or two to realize I was reading the poetic word. This was quite lovely and the layout was novel and interesting. Absolutely inspired use of the prompt words.
DeleteNot sure what happened to my earlier comment. Especially impressed with 'My tongue died in my mouth' and think there's worse things than endless rain.
DeleteThe Shapeshifter Chronicles: Investigation
ReplyDeleteAlbert Smythe was reviewing the three murder scenes. Each was employed at one of the buildings that burned, had their throat bitten and ripped open, and their tongues were in a frying pan as some sort of meal. Three messages had been found, in blood on the loo mirror.
“Luna Din has returned.”, “The sheep can’t insult the sheepherder.”, and “My children will find what was removed.”
The blood was the victims, the pan of food was an Iranian dish, Khorak e Zaban.
“Nothing abstract about our killer.”
“Director.”
“Hair analysis finished, Marilyn?”
“Canis Armbrusteri-- The dire wolf’s ancestor.”
What if there really was a warewolf? Could he be tired and convicted in court? Or would he be put down, like a rabid dog? Thought provoking.
DeleteNot sure I am fully grasping the references here but this was, nonetheless, an intriguing read.
DeleteThree’s Company
ReplyDeleteJillian sulked and turned to Marsha. “I was thrown out of the ménage a trois.”
“Perhaps you need to brush up on your cunnilingus.”
“You insult my tongue. Besides, I’m a receiver.”
“I’ve noticed,” Marsha said. “At the risk of sounding abstract, giving is just as important.”
“So,” Jillian said. “Shall we get back together?”
“Oh, I would simply love to, but Amy and Trina are waiting.”
Jillian’s nostrils flared. “What?”
“Didn’t you hear? I’m the new member of the trio.”
There's got to be give and take in every relationship, right, John? I wonder if Jillian will figure that out?
DeleteIt's always bad when you're the last to hear the news.Unique and a worthy story, John.
DeleteAllegedly, it's more blessed to give than receive ... your giving us this was certainly one such.
Deletenice twist here and well told through dialogue.
DeleteThis simply cried out at the end for a "Ba-Boom" on the drums and also brought forth a rather hearty chuckle.
DeleteChange of focus [336]
ReplyDeleteThe church organ twiddled abstract fragments; near drifting into wedding mode a couple of times which, anticipating a rousing “Here comes the corpse”, caused Pettinger to grin. Hastily, fearful of causing insult, he concentrated instead on the tip of the Drug Squad DC’s tongue which repeatedly emerged from between an attractive pair of lips.
Another unsuitable expression. Not wiped by her murmured, ‘About that drink...?’
Then Smith began to make a move.
‘Hang on. I don’t know one from t’other – is he heading for Saints or Sinners?’
DC glanced.
‘Can’t tell. They’ve done a merger. That drink?’
‘Yeah. Okay.’
Very enjoyable dialogue, Saints and Sinners did a merger. Good line.
DeletePettinger does like the ladies, that's for sure. Unless one is very accomplished playing the organ, twiddling is an accurate description of the sound. Very enjoyable installment.
Deletethe story moves on at a rapid rate and yet there is time to stop and take in the personalities of the characters. Not sure how you do it but you do.
DeletePettinger always has an eye out for possible conquests. It's all part of his charm. Have to say, "Here comes the corpse..." continues to resound in my head. Remarkable continuation, as always.
DeleteSleeping In Silhouette
ReplyDeleteCurled and fanged,
hung from tongues of netted light,
thin shards of twisted bone sing insults
to the flow and fold of abstract shadow.
Rare, blue-moon crystals shine along the wrinkled hem,
and spark the endless curve and chanting lilt
of spiraled, molten, mocking sound.
It echoes down the restless,breathing, curtained night
and glitters through the joyless, sleeping, swathe
of torn and liquid lantern-dark.
Brilliant images created through your splendid use of language, Terrie.
DeletePoetry that shrieks to be painted ... gorgeous.
DeleteVery good imagery, Terrie. the flow and fold of abstract shadow, was the best line. Could be a winner.
Deletevivid poetry, leaps off the screen.
DeleteVisual imagery in written form and such a beautiful title. I really have nothing further to add.
DeleteYour clever use of adjectives really makes the descriptions pop. Nicely done, Terrie.
ReplyDeleteUnnatural desires[Threshold 259]
ReplyDeleteIn the abstract, an interesting dilemma.
In practice, imminent horrific.
This man, thick-lipped, large-tongued and salivating (at thoughts of us or infantile inability to control?); unprepossessing in the extreme.
Were I confident we were all of similar mind I’d no doubt we could ditch him and go our own way.
But a) we each saw ourselves as leader. And b) I’d no intention of risking them within a dozen miles of Raven.
Then truth dawned, ugly insult to our femininity.
This man not interested in sexual imprisonment; he intended to lead us into the clutches of the church.
Sandra, excellent first two lines. This has a slightly poetic feel. Very well done.
DeleteAh yes, the new guy. Nice introduction, with lots of ways it could go. The clutches of the church... I like that one.
Deletea worthy addition, yes? What havoc will he create in this ongoing saga?
DeleteAs intriguing as ever, but what truly captured me here was the fact that our protagonist is reluctant to allow any of the female persuasion anywhere near the lure of Raven.
DeleteIn The Name Of
ReplyDeleteMy origins? Almost certainly inherently abstract but nurtured by twisted tongues of prejudice and discrimination.
My purpose? Not initially intended to be insulting or hurtful or threatening.
But human nature depends upon a delicate balance and lines that should never be crossed are, nonetheless, consistently breached.
I now possess a life of my own. A will of my own. A motive of my own.
Nothing and nobody can stop me.
Definitely a case of nurture rather than nature, and alarming with it.
DeleteDid you personify hate? Though I could see a few others. A hauntingly lovely story.
DeleteWhoever you are, you certainly are no one to mess with. I surely wouldn't. Direct, powerful language here, Patricia, sets the perfect tone.
DeleteSounds like Trump a bit. Not that he would ever cross any lines. A beautiful piece, Patricia. The first paragraph is pointed and fun to read.
DeleteThis is intriguing, there's much to think about and place on people we know who are like this...
DeleteThe First Battle: End Game
ReplyDeleteAbstract was never a word associated with a H.U.D. I bit my tongue as I saw my marines dying. The front line was close to being overrun. The reserve line held but only had fifty-seven effectives.
“Would they be insulted, knowing what a grasshopper was?”
I cried as ‘Mine Shaft’ was initiated. Their armor might save them.
Three twenty thousand ton ‘buster’ missiles detonated, one on each ‘side’ of the Notch Pass and another under it, the equivalent of thirty-nine thousand tons of TNT. The ground rumbled and leaped into the air, everything there was transformed into gravel and dust.
Jeffrey, you created a great doomsday situation, and left us with a little hope as well. An enjoyable tale, though a bit bleak for now.
DeleteAn intense battle scene for sure. Nicely put together though...as John mentioned...a little on the bleak side. But such is the effect of war.
DeleteYou create a very dire situation, Jeffrey. 'The ground rumbled and leaped' is such an appropriate phrase.
DeleteStop the Week; I Want To Get Off (55)
ReplyDeleteMonday, we were offered some goods… brand new tumble dryer for one! Good items, more to come later, provided no one kicks off and insults anyone else – tis a tricky family situation… tumble dryer sold next morning. The new walking boots with extra long tongues are still there, as is an abstract coffee table and 2 side tables, but the right people will come in for that. The power golf caddy may be harder to sell. The days are hot, there is work going on next door in the derelict shop (at last!) and all is on the move.
Lovely descriptions of new additions to the shop...and what a totally impressive use of "tongues." Hope you'll keep us up to snuff on next door's movements.
DeleteEnjoyed abstract coffee table was the highlight of another excellent slice of your life.
DeleteYes, the use of tongue appealed to me too ... as well as the thought of donating a tumble dryer!
DeleteIt's funny, the one item that will likely not sell quickly is the one I would want. Maybe it would improve my golf game. Enjoyable tidbits in this one.
DeleteThe Mad Italian 114
ReplyDeleteThe question is, are his words really insulting, is his thinking that abstract and – oh, sorry, another question, why isn’t he banned from the social media platform? It is unseemly, undiplomatic and extremely unpopular with a goodly amount of voters and yet he perseveres with the comments. My thoughts, my considered opinion is that his tongue should be silenced for the duration of the presidency. But he should consider increasing his security – for he should be in fear of his life. I doubt he is, but then he ever has been arrogant and all powerful – in his own eyes.
I do believe that the Mad Italian is channeling my personal thoughts this week. Of course, he manages to express them so much more eloquently.
DeleteSeems to me that the president had better watch his back. It also seems he deserves an untoward fate. Well done, Antonia!
DeleteOur President has never been told NO which it's something a bully doesn't deal very well with. He works like an illusionist, distracting us with anaction so we don't see another. Very good story.
DeleteMore that one American has wondered why he's allowed to tweet. but then again, we're all allowed to tweet, some more eloquently than others. I always enjoy the Italian's insights.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 196 - A Boy And His Dobbin
ReplyDeleteOnce found, Cousin Christopher suspected he'd receive a tongue-lashing, which was what Violet called it. Miss Constance never insulted delicate sensibilities with such abstract and vulgar turns of phrase.
However, Dobbin remained missing and Christopher would go nowhere without his prized hobby-horse. The boy had searched many areas, including the Nookery, where a leather strap (brass bell attached) and yarn remnants of a mane were unearthed.
Christopher's name was still being called but not all voices were familiar. Some appeared to originate from the Sanitarium garden. He also heard neighing in the distance and the welcome clip-clop of wooden hooves.
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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.
----------------------------------------------------------
Mysterious goings on are revealed this week - where has Dobbin gone or rather, who has Dobbin and why are they cruel enough to deprive Christopher of his much loved toy? Cripplegate is one nasty place.
DeleteYou brought back memories of a show called "Circle of Fear-Dark Vengeance" was the episode, with that last line. Another excellent story.
DeleteA vivid re-capturing of the sense, the memories of childhood books.
DeleteThe Sanitarium really makes me nervous when it appears in your stories. You've created a tension filled, fear stirring setting whenever we venture to or near this place. I have an inkling many of the unanswered goings on are rooted in the Sanitarium.
DeleteA Matter of Construction
ReplyDeleteMy collar lies open, exposing the neon blue spirals that glint down my breastbone. It’s hot, too hot for my coveralls to stay zipped tight.
A woman passes, hissing to her rigid husband as if I’ve personally insulted her. I flick my tongue and arch a taunting brow, silently pleased when she gasps and pulls him away.
My euphoria fades, and I slump against the wall. When will they stop pretending I’m no more than an abstract idea, something dreamed, feared, not real.
I deserve to be here, just as much as those blood bags do. I’m alive too.
Marvellous depiction of what it must be like to live in the shadows. I particularly like how the appearance of the non-blood-bag entity is left chiefly to the imagination.
DeleteWhat I liked is there was no foundation, for me, with this story. It comes across as a vignette. It ahs a tension, a light horror ambiance, that was enjoyable.
DeleteAnother example of your ability to go to places others don't. The opening sentence stunning.
DeleteI love how this neon chested creature feels euphoria when he scares people and depression when they leave him. Such human qualities for a non-bloodbag.
DeleteAlmost missed this week! Burning out my eyeballs finishing up the final draft of my novel. I'll try to come back and comment before the end of the weekend.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with that Holly - know the feeling all too well!
DeleteI don't know that feeling, but good luck with the novel.
Deletenow there's a story fit for a horror anthology, one which leaves the reader to work out what's going on. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteYou do know your horror anthologies, Antonia. Miss you at Horrified Press.
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Seventy One) - "Double, Double Toil And Trouble"
ReplyDeleteArbuthnot Jester, often accused of a smooth tongue, found the allegation insulting. Flattery expressed by the diminutive Arby was always heartfelt and sincere. Same could be said about pronouncements of devotion, although such declarations seldom endured. To Arby, love was something of an abstract notion.
Primrose Lee, elixirologist extraordinaire, considered herself but one of Arby's many hapless castoffs. She devoted much time and energy into methods of how to make him pay for his nonchalant perfidy. Finally, she devised the perfect concoction.
Some vital ingredients proved rare, but Primrose obtained them all.
She labelled it, "Elixir Impotentia Erecti."
---------------------------------------------------------
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 Jester and Primrose Lee have both featured in previous episodes.
Well, now there's a punishment that fits the crime.
DeleteAnd now we wait with bated breath for the outcome.
DeleteAn impotent Arby? Never! Brilliant writing, Patricia. I'm working my way down to your winning story and I can't see how it could top this one.
DeleteAnd Sandra, I liked your bated breath comment, though I'll admit I thought it was baited breath. But as I've said, I don't get out much.
John, baited comes from bait, lures on lines, breath can't do that... so that's how you remember which one it is. I see the wrong word used many times in fiction which has not been properly checked. This is clever writing, love the title for the new elixir!
Deletethinking about it (never questioned before) 'bated' presumably a contraction of 'abated'
DeleteMouthy
ReplyDelete"Loose lips sink ships" is a slogan associated with some ancient conflict. Don't know which. They are legion. Regardless, this is not an abstract observation. Gossipmongers are dangerous and have caused the demise of many a civilization.
It is an insult to our omnipotent deity that this crime (for crime it surely is) be punishable by death. Only the all-powerful possesses the authority to snuff out life. And so, the transgression results in removal of the offending instrument of communication.
Trouble is, how do you stop the damn tongues from continuing to wag even after they have been extricated?
Such well-writ common sense observations got me nodding in agreement - hand-over-mouth gagging.
DeleteI think one would have to extricate more than just the tongue to keep it from wagging. There's always, sign language and Twitter. And take you, for example: if you had no tongue, you would have no problem communicating, such you have done so well here. Bravo.
Deleteextremely chilling observations, congrats, Patricia, it was an obvious one for the top spot this week. Brilliantly sharp writing, with sharp observations.
DeleteThat is a chilling last line.
ReplyDelete