Those of you who have long had
Windows 10 will no doubt be familiar with its read aloud facility but it was a
revelation to me as George ploughed through all 405 pages of ‘Drink with a dead
man’, the fourth in my ‘Love triangles with murder’ series, mis-pronouncing
names, not noticing italics, and assuming en dashes (of which I’m very fond) were
hyphens and thus running words together. But showing up missing words and my lack
of commas.
And this week’s winner is David,
for the chilling portentousness of his ‘Once Upon a Time in 1979’. Thank you
all for your contributions – posts and comments being the lifeblood of this
site.
Words
for next week: bright enunciation scald
Entries
by midnight (GMT) Thursday 25th December,
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 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.
Many congratulations, David. Great imaginative story...!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, David!
Deletebrilliant, David, your imagination continues to work overtime!
DeleteYours was a great choice for #1 honors, David!
ReplyDeleteChange of focus [354]
ReplyDeleteAt ‘sister’ Pettinger’s face brightened. Then some dramatically-enunciated line from some play – likely Shakespeare – impinged: a sister described as “grave-wizened and a scald of a trollop”, reminding him he’d sisters of similar ilk. Very likely he was being highly over-optimistic.
‘Would she be … willing? It’d be quite time-consuming. And not too far –’
‘She’s local. Has boys of her own, and a daughter. It should be no problem –‘
‘I’d need to meet her. And Aleks. You he took to immediately, so if she’s like you –‘
‘She isn’t.’ A smile. ‘She’s a brilliant mother. Much better-behaved than me.’
I knew he'd be intrigued with the sister, well behaved or not. Entertaining piece, Sandra.
DeleteI like the
Delete'She isn't.' A smile.
Such simplicity saying far more than a paragraph would. Such good writing.
Ah, an unalike sister. Could mean anything really. Can't wait to find out what Pettinger (and us) are in for.
DeleteQuite an image that sisterly description is. :) I also loved the line with 'She isn't' followed by a smile.
DeleteMy sunny disposition [Threshold 280]
ReplyDeleteI looked on the bright side. We were together, just the two of us, heading, side by side, towards a destination in common; a shared future. Well-mounted (both horses willing). Well-breakfasted (following a night of little sleep but a quantity of blood-scalding sex, the thought of which caused me to blush anew) and
Raven was a man of oft-confused and tangled thoughts whose garbled enunciation led his desires to swing from one extreme to another. From wanting me to despising. My task was to order them for him, translate and clarify.
While permitting him to think the intent entirely his.
I detected a little double meaning from the 'well mounted' comment. Nothing like blood scalding sex, that's for sure (when it can be had).
Deletenow there's a thought to conjure with... blood scalding sex. Wow!
DeleteMethinks this lady does know her man very well. But then I don't think I had any doubt on that score.
DeleteFinale
ReplyDeleteSome speculate the flashes will be so bright as to cause blindness.
Others theorize the enunciated roar will be so loud as to cause deafness.
Yet more surmise the heat will be so intense as to scald the blood and blister the flesh.
They are all dead wrong.
And? Ye gods Patricia, you can't leave it here!! Can you? Stiletto-sharp writing.
DeleteSandra, yes, she can leave it here, and she will, to torture us. Stiletto-sharp it is.
Deletevery sharp indeed. Are you up for more, Patricia?
DeleteOooh an immediately engaging piece with a killer final line. I'm so curious what is going on!
DeleteDo Not Adjust Your Set
ReplyDeleteTelevision terrified me. The sinister annunciation in the voices of announcers. The manner in which the brightness of the screen seared my eyes. The waves of radiation that would scald my flesh. The endless subliminal messages.
I managed to keep myself clear of its malevolent influence.
But in the dayroom of the psychiatric prison there was no escape.
The anagram in the title of News at One spelt out my initials and what I was expected to do.
ES eat now.
I did as I was bid. Gorging myself on my fellow inmates as the TV boomed canned laughter.
nothing like canned laughter emphasizing the cannibalistic act. Nicely done, David.
DeleteCanned laughter indeed. One of man's most dreadful developments.
Deleteoh my, didn't see that ending coming. Great story
DeleteThis was very clever. Very clever indeed. That "canned laughter" adds a most sinister touch.
DeleteThe Bray Chronicles
ReplyDeleteFrom the bright lights of Las Vegas to the scalding sands of Death Valley, there’s nothing quite like the American west to satisfy the needs of the depraved. No more cold Canadian winters for me.
Bring your enunciation skills but leave your manners and reservations behind. Talk the talk, I always say. The rest will fall into place; especially if you happen to have Moroccan blood coursing through your delicious veins.
If this message intrigues you, respond to the Instagram message below. As indicated, Moroccans go straight to the front of the line.
Regards.
Bartholomew Bray
Interesting that he's so up front about depravity ...
Deleteblatant demand for depravity and more, it would seem.
DeleteThis is some invitation, non? Nice carrot for any Moroccans, but not sure it would be prudent for them to bite.
DeleteSame Old Story
ReplyDeleteShe should have known better. Too good to be true. The clear enunciation of her name calling her to take center stage, bright and beautiful in the spotlight.
And then...
The scalding humiliation of cascading pig's blood.
Two shorty short shorts from you so far, quite the treat. I always wondered about that scene, wondered if they did it in one take. A very vivid image you spin.
DeleteFrom John's comment I gather it's a film reference I'm ignorant of, Nevertheless, it's a shocking visual to be presented with.
DeleteA movie called 'Carrie.' A Stephen King masterpiece.
DeleteStephen King spun it out a good deal longer, but here Patricia shows how easy it is to abbreviate - she does it so well!
DeleteThe Bray Chronicles
ReplyDeleteBartholomew Bray sat on the stiff cot, his seemingly bipolar cellmate poorly enunciating the Lord’s Prayer. He shouldn’t have been so up-front about depravity. Who knew Instagram accounts were traceable?
A bright faced guard with Moroccan features unlocked the door and indicated for Bray to follow.
“You know, we have the death penalty here in Texas,” the guard said, smirking.
Bartholomew’s blood was practically scalding as they walked, both from anger and desire. He coughed and produced a folded piece of steel from his esophagus. With the miniature stiletto in hand, he waited for the right time.
"a folded piece of steel from his esophagus" - how ingenious! This a perfectly crafted continuation of last week - and once upon a time you claimed you didn't do serials.
Deleteoh clever, we couldn't have Mr Bray terminated just yet -
DeleteThat Bartholomew is most certainly a force to be reckoned with. As my father used to say: "No flies on him." I'm with Sandra...how could you ever possibly claim to have no talent for serializations?
DeleteVery clever hiding the stiletto. Can't imagine how that would feel! I also loved how his blood was 'practically scalding' from 'both anger and desire."
DeleteThis Bray fellow is full of surprises. His adventures, amorous and otherwise, are very entertaining, John.
DeleteAppearances can be deceptive
ReplyDeleteLow winter sun blinding bright, flashing silver round the edges of the platform’s patchwork-repaired tarmac; Sean Scully in fifty shades of grey.
Dalek-enunciated announcements of trains approaching, of delays, of platform changes. All ignored by the trainspotters on this platform, awaiting the passing through of the Mallard. One of which, although I haven’t seen you yet, I know will be you.
At last I spot your silhouette. Position myself close behind as it approaches, all backs turned the other way. Time it so the sudden shove ensures flattening, as well as fire and scalding.
Then realise, whoops, it wasn’t you.
Oh my. Silhouettes, though normally reliable, don't always prove accurate. The whoops really speaks volumes of the mindset of the pusher. Exciting and entertaining piece, Sandra.
Deletewhoo hoo, nasty one! the wrong victim, oh my...
DeleteFor some reason, this reminded me of "Brief Encounter." I think it was probably the black-and-white atmosphere of a train station. Regardless, I will once again reiterate that in the interests of fairness, you should allow your pieces to be judged with the rest of us. Loved the use of "whoops." So cavalier!
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 213 - Jolly Good Company?
ReplyDeleteClive Bailey wondered at the crowding of his compartment. He remembered Poppy entering followed by Marmalade, but the little girl with bright blonde braids (cradling a decapitated doll's head) and the young boy clutching a toy train. When did they arrive?
Clive's ruminations were interrupted by Cripplegate's tannoy system crackling to life. The ensuing announcement began with precise enunciation:
"The train now standing..."
Before deteriorating into incomprehensible gobbledygoook.
Poppy watched Violet maneuver her refreshment trolley.
"Take you up on that cuppa now," she told Clive. "Just make sure it's not scalding hot. Violet always makes it far too hot!"
--------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
Suitably, and satisfactorily, disorientating.
Deletemore complications in the strange world of Cripplegate.
DeleteIt's great seeing Clive and Poppy getting together for refreshments, but I'm not sure I'll like how it turns out. So many strange happenings going on, who knows what to expect, which is what makes this series so entertaining.
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Eighty Six) -
ReplyDelete"The Amorous Affairs Of Arbuthnot Jester/Part Thirteen"
Beneath a silver-bright crescent moon, Arbuthnot Jester and Quinn Underwood picnicked on asiago bagels and gooseberry wine before returning to the Kursaal. Romantic ambience made for an amorous Arby and though Quinn's intimate liaisons ran contrary to what he offered, Arby tried his luck.
Quinn enunciated wordless objections with a scalding scowl but Arby, not so easily thwarted, embraced the challenge. His consummate kisses roamed from Quinn's hand, to shoulder and then throat.
To her astonishment, Quinn found the experience decidedly titillating.
A fact duly noted by the watcher who had tracked the pair since leaving the Travelling Circus.
--------------------------------------------------------
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, Quinn Underwood and The Watcher have all featured in previous episodes.
This an intriguing scene ... can't help but wonder what was in the gooseberry wine!
DeleteI'm eager to know who the watcher is and more than that, who they report back to...
DeleteThat Arby sure has a way about him. I think the watcher will enjoy the show for awhile before acting on his pending goal... whatever that is. Nice, Patricia. I'm trying to decide if I enjoy Kursaal or Cripplegate more. I'll keep reading and let you know.
DeleteThe Watcher obviously is more than a Peeping Tom. His true intentions should prove interesting.
DeleteStop The Week; I Want To Get Off (74)
ReplyDeleteSomeone decided to decimate the Christmas display by buying a lot of boxed toys and Santas… she came back the next day, bright and early, to buy three snowmen from the centre… I will be creating new displays ere long… (!) I need to wash and scald the sink after cleaning rusting wood chisels, (handles are fine) around spending time with customers who don’t always enunciate clearly or is that me getting old and denying it? Certainly they are a joy, so many different people, so many different conversations. No new stock yet, waiting on something nice. Any time soon…
Busy, busy and sounds like life is never dull, but also rarely easy. Fingers crossed for more stock.
DeleteI'm sure the sale of the Christmas display will only lead to bigger and better things. You must let us know if that "something nice" shows up. I'd be most interested to know what it is.
DeleteThe ever-changing Christmas display is good news for the store, though more work for you. It sounds like the woman customer is really into Christmas. I put up two trees this year. I carried them both up at the same time and set one on the coffee table and one on the mantle. They're very small, but suits my bachelor lifestyle for now.
DeleteSounds like you picked the right things for the Christmas display! :) I imagine there is a certain energy around this time of year too while people select gifts.
DeleteThe Mad Italian (133)
ReplyDeleteAmericans meet English and others and enunciate their intentions – defying others to throw scalding words at them and destroy the flimsy accord that 70 years of NATO should have built, but didn’t. Sometimes it looks bright; sometimes it looks dark, depending on the mood of the American leader. Methinks he does pontificate too much but perhaps others prefer that? The impeachment hearing goes on and that could mean a drastic change in his thinking, if he is capable of such a thing. Meantime the scrabble for places in the new government goes on. The election date nears all the time.
I'm not sure I will ever fully understand the mechanics of politics. Unlike Leonardo, I seldom have my finger on the pulse.
DeleteHe does tend to pontificate. Interesting take from the Italian.
DeleteEyes [Shepherdess #11]
ReplyDeleteHaera shielded her eyes against the bright sun and watched the City of Feathers recede. Beside her, Dathasha beamed like a child, head back, and arms extended. Likely she was pleased to be sailing away from the riotous clamor of the Kethan market.
“It scalds, doesn’t it,” Dathasha said.
Haera looked away from the beryl water. “What does?”
“The gods’ voices. Is Hestair among them?” To her luck, Dathasha’s enunciation was incorrect.
Mind carefully going blank, Haera resisted the urge to touch the Soulstones as they warmed inside her vest.
“Careful, Dathasha. We do not need their eyes on us.”
Read the previous episodes here.
I love that "Mind carefully going blank" - says so much.
DeleteThank you for another Shepherdess episode, Holly. I love the settings you create.
Deletelovely way of using the prompts to build the world a little more for us.
DeleteBeautiful continuation that perpetuates this feeling of mythical saga. Inspired use of the prompts.
ReplyDeleteThe Cambion Proposal
ReplyDelete“Corvus menzatale, gharza dumak. I summon you, Lathark, with the offering I’ve provided.”
She chanted the words over and over as she placed the bi-chambered vases, neck down in a hole. She had perfect enunciation. The room was brightly lit by candles, and her nude body cleaned with scalding water.
At each of the points of the pentagram she placed a vase; First Moon’s, Virgin’s Moon, Mother’s Moon, Grandmother’s Moon and at the apex, Conjurer's Moon. The five red gemstones, from the far shores of Ixatha, began to glow, as blood flowed from the vases.
A very creative tale, Jeffrey. Your use of the vases and the pentagram were particularly clever.
DeleteWelcome back, Jeffrey...and with such a strong reintroduction story too. Hope you're here to stay.
DeleteI wondered if we would see you again, and here you are! Looking to read more of this serial.
DeleteWell, I'm glad I revisited. I swear I left a response here this morning. I forgot what I said, but something about welcome back and the atmospheric qualities of the story. This nude woman promises to make for a compelling character if you continue with her, even is she wears clothes next time.
DeleteThank you all for the positive feedback and the welcome.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete