Rare-done

 There were some gruesome, gory offerings this week and no mistake - plenty opportunities for stomachs to turn – encouraging to see how well-followed the Prediction guidelines.  Without doubt, the first indication of the standard set was John's 'Desperate measures' with its trademark wicked twist, which earned him top spot, but I'm going to take this opportunity to also mention Julia (aka Practice)'s Ellis 020 for the sharpness of her responses, and Jim for his inventive and (very) final solution.

 Words for the coming week: bubble contort wedding

 Entries by midnight Thursday 2nd December,  new words posted Friday 3rd

 Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all 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.

Weeks of absence, ably filled

And thank you for that, Julia, though I doubt I'm the only one grateful for your participation, well-knowing how fragile the existence of writing groups are. That said, I very much hope to read more of Ellis.

words for the coming week: orifice plug  stretch

Entries by midnight Thursday 25th November,  new words posted Friday26th

And I might be out of practice, but I have not the slightest hesitation in declaring Terrie's 'Fungal transfer' the winner of the week  – truly skin-crawling.

 Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all 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.

 

 

Standing Down

The best news this week is that Sandra is feeling well enough to think about take up the reins again from next week, so this is likely my last plucking out a stimulating trio of words! I have to admit, I have found caretaking The Prediction has been a great kick start to get me writing a little again, and I have really enjoyed rediscovering a community where people interact with each others words. Speaking of words...

John's The Rice Chronicles still have me wondering who was the traitor (Justin Bieber perhaps?), Terri's 'Dillo world continues to capture the claustrophobia of trench warfare, Perry's smoky bacon cereal is something I would definitely try! Sandra's inventiveness and atmospheric vocabulary never fails to impress, Jim's rueful spy and David's sibling rivalry raising a knowing smile, and Antonia keeps up the pace with the bonfire night theme.

However, my favourite this week, for the juxtaposition of the French Revolution and a robot execution, is Patricia's Inhuman - so well done!

Words for the coming week are contract, support, surrogate

 Entries by midnight Thursday 18th November, new words posted Friday 19th November

 Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all 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.

Chilled nights and smoke in the air

Bonfire night is here - I really don't know where the year has gone and how November has stolen up on us already. It was great to see all the variations on the gangster theme last week, with nameless and named men, and nameless and named victims. And those gulls squalling in the background! I loved Terri's spattered shoes, John's half sunken pylons and Jim's rank effluent - a descriptive and atmospheric week for sure. 

However, my choice for winner this week is Sandra with Change of focus [446] because I had absolutely no idea how she was going to manage to get the prompt words into a scene with Pettinger naked on his doorstep - but she managed it - and the chillingly laconic "river deliveries" was a delight! 

Words for the coming week are crackle, smoke, traitor

Entries by midnight Thursday 11th November, new words posted Friday 12th November 

Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all 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.