100% top quality this week, so I’m going to permit myself to indulge in my liking of the
Scottish accent, and the knee-jerk reaction to anything with crows in it, and
name David’s ‘On A Cold and Frosty Morning’ my undoubted favourite. Which is not, of course, to say I didn’t gain a great deal of enjoyment
from reading each and every one of the others – thank you all.
And thank you
too for the endorsement of the importance of this group – I was enormously
pleased to see three of us coincide here around 16.53 on the fifteenth, and aim to keep it going as long as I am able.
Words
for next week: deviate emery stunt
Entries
by midnight Thursday 23rd July , words and winners posted Friday 24th
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.
Congrats David. A well deserved honor.
ReplyDeleteDavid, outstandingly story, one to send shudders down the spine. Crows were scurrying away in Tescos car park yesterday, I can't see what's going on under the car, I have to hope they get out of the way, I would not wish one of their curses on me right now!!
DeleteA most enjoyable and cleverly written entry for last week David . A well deserved top choice.
DeleteThat was a stand out entry, David. No surprise it was the pick of the week. Many congratulations.
DeleteYour entry, David, was no doubt the standout one for last week.
DeleteNefarious Activity
ReplyDeletePublic enemy number six fumed in his lair. What the hell else could he do to move up? He’d raped, pillaged, murdered, stolen. He needed a devious stunt and he needed it now.
The office of J. Keller and Associates came highly recommended in criminal circles. J. Keller himself consulted with public enemy number six.
“You must become a cabinet member to stand a chance.”
“A cabinet member?”
“Yes, the Trump administration has the public enemy market cornered.”
With a spring in his step after calling in a huge favor, public enemy number six rang Roger Stone’s doorbell.
I had to google Roger Stone, one of the problems of not sharing rogues in all the countries, they'e all got some of their own... before that last bit, I was drawn into the story.
DeleteOh great, I read emery as enemy. I can't explain it.
Delete
DeleteEntertained me, anyway John - thank you.
I was getting Dr. Horrible vibes at the beginning. :) I wish reality was more funny!
DeleteTo be honest, John, if you hadn't mentioned the hiccup, I don't think anyone would have noticed. Great little tale!
DeleteBRAIN-FRIED -
ReplyDeleteI must deviate a little from the ‘Dillo’s this week.
I may have lost my marbles, or some thought-sucking alien pulled one of those abduction stunts, whisked me away, probed my ... mind and sucked out three-days worth of memories.
I opened ‘The Prediction’ site to post comments and couldn’t believe there sat a new weekly posting....
I definitely lost track of time this week - honestly thought it was Wednesday - which is why I posted no comments.
Anyone who says it’s an age thing; be warned, I am as abrasive as emery-cloth when it comes to my age
truth - there definitely will be 'Dillos at some point this week, I promise.
DeleteNo comments on age here. This is cool Terrie. Very unique and entertaining. I often lose track of time, but not two days typically. I would hate to get my... mind probed by an alien.
DeleteI definitely had four consecutive Sundays last week Terrie - my sympathies.
DeleteYeah, I'm never sure what day/time it is anymore. I think I've been visited by a few thought-sucking aliens myself. :)
DeleteI've lost a whole day before now... these things didn't happen before Covid-19... not that I#m paranoid or anything...
DeleteIt's so hard to keep track of the days lately, Terrie, so don't feel bad. On the other hand, if you hadn't been so confused, then we wouldn't have been given this little gem to enjoy and that would have been more of a disaster!
DeleteHi Diddly Dee, An Actor’s Life for Me
ReplyDeleteLurlene filed her fingernails with a scavenged emery board, pondering on why Declan always deviated from their itinerary. Their route was meticulously planned, but he always had this hankering to see what was round the next corner.
Predictably, the grass was never greener. Just ash and dust. Another tin shack community, eager to applaud a couple of ageing thespians, nostalgically recreating scenes from the days when there was a wonderful thing called cinema.
Declan insisted doing his own stunts. She relished the opportunity to punch him once in a while. She smiled sadistically, recalling they were doing Fight Club tonight.
What an appropriately gruesome name is 'Lurlene' David, and I love the 'scavenged' emery board which brilliantly set the tone of the whole piece.
DeleteThere is so much about this to like David.
DeleteAs Sandra said, a brilliant opening line to set the scene, with imagery that keeps adding to it. I also have to agree with John it has the makings of a Netflix's series
Reading this gripping entry, I was reminded of the actor John Carradine, who often played an ageiing thespian.
DeleteI can envision enjoying a Netflix series about aging actors touring a desolately landscaped wasteland with brilliant writing and well crafted scenes. If only someone would come up with ideas...
DeleteAn intriguing story and I loved what the line 'She relished the opportunity to punch him once in a while' implies about the characters. :)
Deletebrilliantly crafted post virus or bomb scenario, ones I love.
DeleteThis was so very entertaining. I've never seen "Fight Club" so don't "get" that reference but it's not necessary in terms of spotting a good story when you read one.
DeleteIn Plain Sight
ReplyDeleteShe crouches in the corner, shaping...sharpening...her nails with an emery board. Her growth is stunted and she is dwarf-like in appearance. Her saving grace, the elegant fingers of which she is so proud. Long, lithe and lethal.
She deviates from her self-appointed task only momentarily to stare ahead. Eyes seemingly vacant yet somehow cunningly aware.
God willing, she cannot see us.
Ouch - caught me out again, Patricia, with a brilliant killer ending.
DeleteI fear that those in hiding will enjoy only temporary safety. Such crisp, vivid writing, Patricia!
DeleteYou definitely write good horror when you put your mind to it. Whenever someone sharpens their nails, no good will come of it.
DeleteOoo this gave me chills. Definitely an excellent final line, and I love the description of her 'long, lithe, lethal' fingers. Great image.
Deletedefinitely chills with this one, Patricia!
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 115
ReplyDeleteCinereus soothed the gerbil, ‘no daft stunts now Moses, you’ve ‘ad a bad time of it.’
‘Where are we? Me eyes is fecked; feels like one’s bin stabbed too,’ Moses sniffed suspiciously, ‘I smells… honey badger.’
‘We’re in an ol’ den.
Sorry ’bout the eye I used nadders fang in it to knock yu’ out.’
Moses leaned on his paw-less stumps, flinched, and fell back against the coal-black dais of emery-rock where he lay, ‘Gotta talk t’ y’ leaders … must tell ‘em about The Brothers … an’ Namwec… all evil on legs…wont deviate from their white-furred bitch-of-a-mothers plan.’
Ooh, goody! I sense a whole host of trouble looming, in many shapes and sizes.
DeletePoor Moses is indeed having a bad time of it, and I fear more misery is to come.
DeleteI feel the honey badger is near, maybe returning to his old den. A really suspenseful episode. Looking forward to the next one.
DeleteIt definitely sounds like something bad is coming! I hope they're ready. I enjoyed the conversation about 'nadders fang.'
Deleteloads going on in one instalment! Hints of nasties ahead, hints of story twists... clever writing.
DeleteWill these 'dillos ever be anything less than entertaining and providing us with such enjoyable shenanigans? I doubt it when they originate from such a creative mind. Yet another stunning episode, Terrie.
DeleteNOT A NIGHT TO BE OUT
ReplyDeleteNight has spread its ebony cloak across the sky, and a menacing, emery-rough wind is stunting the leafy trees. Woe, made invisible by the protective folds of darkness, silently lurks, making this a perfect night for fear to flourish.
Yet, there are some who find solace in the eerie desolation offered by daunting environs. Others, however, are forced by unwanted circumstance to face this dread-filled night. But all are vulnerable. All are prey. Perhaps aware of the dangers that hide in the darkness, some skitter swiftly along toward some inviting refuge while praying that nothing deviant is following.
I am.
What a great description of the wind, in fact such clever and evocative language throughout. I especially liked the juxtaposition of the hauntingly eerie language with the underlying creepiness that unfolds.
DeleteI especially enjoyed the 'menacing, emery-rough wind'
DeleteThere are so many great lines in this, Jim. Like the ebony cloak of darkness and invisible woe. A really good read.
DeleteBeautiful phrasing in the first line. In my first read, I thought 'refuge' was 'refugee' and that the narrator is following someone who is also up to no good. :)
DeleteI've learned over the years it really is better to post my contributions one day and come back with comments the next, because if I read these outstanding pieces, I would withdraw mine... this is so smooth, yet so menacing at the same time. it's hard to pin down the right words to describe it. For now I'll settle for creepy.
DeletePoetically created and yet that lingering menace that provides chills. What last line could be more apt for horror than a simple "I am."?
DeleteChange of focus [386]
ReplyDeleteThe minor deviations in angle John Pettinger made to mouth and eyebrows changed involuntary amusement to tolerant dismissal. Addressing Sally Vicksen – who’d last night more than adequately scratched an itch that had, through a dearth of sustained attention, gone from requiring fine-grade emery to something verging on industrial – ‘It doesn’t pay to upset the press –‘
To little avail.
‘Press or not, stunts like that are highly unprofessional!’
‘She’s young, Sally, (which wasn’t received as intended). ‘Shallow.’ (Better.) ‘Lacks the appeal of experience.’ (Now quit while you’re ahead!)
‘So, what were you –?’
She near as dammit named Dodger’s murderer!’
I can see Stepcart getting upset over this turn of events of itch scratching. Nicely done, Sandra.
DeleteEnjoyed the phrase 'who’d last night more than adequately scratched an itch that had, through a dearth of sustained attention, gone from requiring fine-grade emery to something verging on industrial.'
DeleteHolly stole the line I was admiring in this instalment, Sandra!
DeleteI pretty much devour each and every episode, Sandra. This was no exception. Would have loved to have seen Sally's expression with the utterance of that "She's young" blunder.
DeleteFirst Appearances
ReplyDeleteArmed with her list of acceptable physical deviations, she inspected the neverending row of candidates. Some performed acrobatic stunts to capture her attention. Others serenaded her in tones that ranged from rich tenor to the rasp of abrasive emery paper.
She sighed. It was going to be a long day.
Who knew how many she'd have to kiss before the prince revealed himself?
As Terri says, your unique and clever version of a well-known tale; a skill I do not possess. Sweet.
DeleteI hope she is patient enough to kiss her way to the prince, and I hope he doesn't prove to be a disappointment. Very clever, Patricia.
DeleteYour imagination never fails to entertain, Patricia.
DeleteHaha a fun surprise at the end! That was definitely not what I was imagining. I love the voices ranging from 'rich tenor' to 'abrasive emery paper.'
Deletethis is so humorous you almost miss the horror element, all those frogs, all those cold creatures... wonderful twist on the old tale, for sure!
DeleteA really enjoyable piece Patricia.
ReplyDeleteAs usual a cleverly written 100 words in which we know the how the original story goes but your version opens up so many alternative opportunities.
‘Separated at birth?’ [Threshold 309]
ReplyDelete“Not impossible” my sweet arse!
Yes, he had brothers: the calligraphic twins, whose last stunt ended with them riding gingerly into the setting sun. Deviant, wart-ugly Toad, who set my skin emery a-crawl. On Raven’s birth his mother, sent mad by his blackness, led his grandmother to score the cicatrised ‘RIP’ into his belly. Was she similarly maimed?
Raven perceived my innocent enquiry as the duplicitous stunt it was. 'How would I know?’ Then further teased, ‘She could’ve been spirited away –‘
Reduced to questions once again, ‘Then why her sudden resurrection? Why here? What does she want from you?’
There's just one thing after another with these two, Sandra. I love it.
DeleteWhat a chilling past Raven has. I would not want to meet his mother or grandmother.
DeleteRaven is a most mysterious, cold, ruthless character, one who will bring many twists to the storyline.
DeleteThere are some installments that overflow with mystery and intrigue. This is one of the best. What a fascinating character you did conjure with Raven, Sandra.
DeleteSnap: After Baz and after Theo
ReplyDeleteMaking true the claim ‘trouble always comes in threes’, even before the closing reverberations of the door beside the entrance to Horseshoes bar were heard, Lucy’s personal phone rang out.
Ed.
No greeting, just, ‘You need to look for somewhere else to live.’
Had they not, for two years, once been lovers she might have missed the emery condemnation in what enemies might claim the snake-oil of his voice.
‘Ed, I can –‘
Undeviating. ‘You know the rules. Have always known a stunt like this would see an ending –‘
‘But, Ed, I am ending it. I promise.’
‘Too late.’
Sounds like Lucy pushed Ed a bit too far this time. Very nice exchange of dialog, Sandra!
DeleteA great tension building episode. It looks to be over, but then again...
DeleteVery curious what Lucy will do after such a dismissal.
Deletewhoo, no arguing there, she's out and that's that. Tight vivid writing.
DeleteYou had me at "snake-oil of his voice." How wonderful a turn of phrase is that? You are certainly in top form this week, Sandra.
DeletePhase
ReplyDeleteTattoos writhe across his skin, barbed feathers flashing in iridescent purples and blues. His hands raise to the sky, and for a moment, it looks as if the lightning cracks between his palms.
“Emery, no!” I scramble forward and slip in the mud. He’s going to get himself killed.
“Stay back!” Strain pulls Emery’s mouth into a grimace. His body shudders, brown skin phasing to smoke.
Angry words buzz in my head. Nea! Do not deviate from the plan! Your last stunt resulted in—
I clench my teeth, ignoring her. “Emery! I’m with you!” I thrust my tattooed arms skyward.
Can't seem to edit my post, but decided to change the second sentence to 'His hands rise to the sky...' :)
DeleteHolly there is no way to edit on here - you need to delete and re-post, then I can tidy the deleted. Comments disappear as well.
DeleteHi Sandra! Yeah, I meant I'm not seeing a delete button for my post for some reason, so I can't delete it. Will it let you delete and then I can try again?
DeleteSorry for the mess everyone! I reposted below so please comment on that one. :) Oddly I can delete the new post but not this one.
DeletePhase
ReplyDeleteTattoos writhe across his skin, barbed feathers flashing in iridescent purples and blues. His hands rise to the sky, and for a moment, it looks as if the lightning cracks between his palms.
“Emery, no!” I scramble forward and slip in the mud. He’s going to get himself killed.
“Stay back!” Strain pulls Emery’s mouth into a grimace. His body shudders, brown skin phasing to smoke.
Angry words buzz in my head. Nea! Do not deviate from the plan! Your last stunt resulted in—
I clench my teeth, ignoring her. “Emery! I’m with you!” I thrust my tattooed arms skyward.
This is real cool, Holly. I like how you show us Emory's feathers and let us figure out the rest. A good story of blind faith, despite the dangers.
DeleteSo much rests on that pivotal 'He’s going to get himself killed' Vivid as ever your writing is,Holly.
DeleteThe tension in your writing delightfully traps the reader in this tale, Holly! Nicely done!
Deleteall the entries this week are vivid, memorable, this one fits well into the Good Reads.
DeleteYou have a talent for creating the mythical with your tales, Holly. Magnificent use of the prompt words.
DeleteStop The Week; I Want To Get Off (107)
ReplyDeleteUsually criticism acts like an emery board, bringing angry thoughts up front, but the two men walking past the shop busy saying ‘another junk shop’ were stopped by the jingle of keys and me unlocking the door, ‘oh, is this your shop? It’s nice…’ and a quick deviation across the road like a couple of speedy stunt men. I laughed for ages… there is still a way to go, there’s a log jam of jobs which I can’t do and Shaun is struggling with but I know all will be right when the time is right. Not a moment earlier.
The two men, deviating across the street after you caught them in a slur... great stuff. I'm glad you took it well.
DeleteThe tongue is a popular weapon by those who commit suicide. Perhaps those two men were aware of that fact.
DeleteNot a wholly ignorant response, then, shows an awareness of tact.
DeleteI'm glad it brought humor. I can't help but laugh at the mental image of the chagrined men rushing across the road.
DeleteWell that brought an involuntary chuckle and no mistake. Did they have the good grace to at least slink their way across the road?
DeleteThe Joys of Mediumship No. 14
ReplyDeleteA week of no visits, not to leave messages, anyway, but my head feels like I’ve been acting out stunts all week. Migraine headaches every day, two lots of flashing lights yesterday when one is usually enough. Noise is an emery board grating across the senses. So I deviated into working on the magazine, always a good thing to do, calming and at times I need that. Spirit are close, I hear voices at night (so does Kai Kat) but not at a level I can understand a single word. Meditation brought me a komodo dragon, work that one out…
I can't say I envy your abilities... s price to pay, I'm sure, with the migraines and all. Even during a quiet week, you make this series interesting, to say the least.
DeleteMigraines are never pleasant. Very curious about the meaning of a komodo dragon. :)
DeleteSounds like many paths may have become crossed this week, Antonia. Sorry to hear about the migraines. I'm not a sufferer fortunately, but my mother was.
DeleteThe Mad Italian (166)
ReplyDeleteYour PM is like a stunt man, leaping from one obstacle to another and somehow surmounting them. He would deviate from every major decision already made, if he could, but there is no way to do that. His decisions are an emery board, scraping away the top layer, then the next, until what is left is life as you knew it with the addition of social distancing, (it’ll never catch on) and masks, which are contentious. There is trouble ahead for someone who is not entirely in your world, where money is short and tempers even shorter at times.
Wouldn't it be great if decisions could be taken back or deviated from at times? Just say, 'never mind.' and move on. An entertaining week from you, Antonia.
DeleteLove the idea of decisions as an emery board.
DeleteLooking back at some of the decisions which have led us to where we are of late, one can only wonder at the wise nature of the choices....course, I've always had a tendency to do that regardless of the current circumstances.
DeleteHigh Dive
ReplyDeleteThe platform diver realized he was just another glorified stunt man in a sea of mediocrity encrusted obscurity. He’d performed many times, 55 feet up, a relatively small pool of tepid water and a handful of onlookers seeking disaster.
He’d placed his will in the morning’s outgoing mail, for whatever good it would do. His mother would just say, “I told him so.”
Today he was deviating from the act. He climbed the emery stickered ladder as a large crowd gathered.
“It’s a pool of glass shards!” a woman said.
The platform diver shuddered. This was going to hurt.
Heart in mouth, as ever, but happily diverted by your use of emery.
DeleteOoooh I doubt this ends well. A clever, engaging, and cringe-worthy story. :)
DeleteI can really think of nothing more to say than..."Ouch!" Well, that and congratulations on a splendiferous story.
DeleteGosh, Diver!... don't be so hard on yourself! Then again, if your mind is made up - go for it! You come up with some very different, but always entertaining, entries, John.
ReplyDeletewho's the real villain in this, whoever filled the pool with glass shards or the woman there obviously to do nothing but enjoy the carnage...
ReplyDelete