Last prompt words for 2022

 And the penultimate winner of the year is Jim, for ‘Something Silly’ – his variation of ‘Night before Christmas.

 My thanks to him, Antonia, David and Holly, plus all who contributed to Prediction during 2022. I wish you all a happy and joyful festive season and much inspiration for 2023.

Words for the coming week, should you need some writing inspiration: appoint coast lip

Entries by midnight  Saturday December 31st, new words  Friday 6th January 2023

 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.

Blind dating?

 Apologies : I do realise that on several occasions I’ve made a mess of the deadline dates. In part it was lack of a wall calendar, a problem addressed for next year by buying myself one, but I have double checked those below and trust I do better in 2023.

 This week, three entries and a proper choice to be made. Despite the gruesomeness of Jim and Antonia’s pieces I pick David’s ‘A berry Christmas’ for the smoothness of its delivery. 

Words for the coming week: darn  scratch unconscious 

Entries by midnight  Thursday December 22nd, new words Friday 23rd. Deadline thereafter maybe a couple of weeks. Shall we say New Year's Eve?

Stroke of luck

Jim being the only Predictioneer (apart from me) to respond to this week’s words, I was extremely pleased he rectified his omission of one prompt word and thus I wasn’t put to the embarrassment of disqualifying him.

As we approach Christmas and all the time-consuming tasks that encompasses, I anticipate a few similarly quiet weeks to come, but as it’s no effort to think up prompt words, I suggest for the coming week:  berry stock tantalise

Entries by midnight  Thursday December 16th,  new words Friday 17th. After which I might suggest a couple of week's break.

Well that was a much livelier week!

Thank you all, even though it’s forced me to take the cowardly way out and declare Holly’s ‘We're All Afraid of Something’ and David’s ‘Saturday Night at the Movies’ joint winners for the visual joy and intrigue they both brought. 

Words for the coming week: flash  introduce  weave

Entries by midnight  Thursday December 8th,  new words Friday 9^th 

 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.

Two’s company, even though there’s plenty room for more

 So thank you Jim, for your participation – post and comments – and hope Antonia’s absence is down to no more than getting to grips with a new computer.

In the hope others will find time to participate – always in short supply at this time of year – I offer

Words for the coming week: educate ribbon squash

Entries by midnight  Thursday December 1st,  new words scheduled for   Friday 2nd as I’ll be away, 

 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.

Envy is allegedly a sin

Another week when it would be wrong to decide one had merit over the other – so my thanks to Antonia and Jim both for their entertaining entries and their comments on mine.

Currently I’m editing a second draft of ‘Snap is not a children’s game’, the fifth in my ‘Love triangles with murder’ series; struggling to find ways of including a few more cliff-hanger endings, because it badly lacks tension, while reading and much admiring writers such as David Mark, Emma Viskic and  Sharon Bolton, each of whose series are both beautifully-written and compelling. 

Words for the coming week: accuse purse question 

Entries by midnight Thursday November 17th,  new words posted Friday 18th 

 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

Brief flash left fingers crossed

 Patricia’s posting of a previous piece looking successful, I had hopes the gremlins had been shown the door, but seemingly not. All the more pleased to read Jim and David’s postings, and hope next week’s words enable more.  

Words for the coming week: bell revelation torso 

Entries by midnight Thursday November 17th,  new words posted Friday 18th 

 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.

Circularity or recycling?

 With so few  – but always strong – participants I have a sense that I am recycling “winners” for the sake of fairness, especially when, in truth, it is hard to decide which I deem “better” than the rest. I trust, however, that you understand this and forgive me if you feel you’ve been overlooked. This week I decided David’s ‘Tangled Roots of War’ intriguing enough to take the top spot, but additionally thank the rest of you for commenting – invaluable if this site is to thrive.

Words for the coming week: industry tall unreliable 

Entries by midnight Thursday November 10th,  new words posted Friday 11th 

 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.

Agitation

 As seen from my window. A gusty Friday morning, trees tossing orange and green, leaves flying, grey clouds heading eastwards in a hurry.  A good day to stay in and write. And re-read last week’s offerings with a view to naming ‘winner’. This week, having applauded Antonia’s epic entry, I pick Jim’s A DETOUR – PART III  as much for its future promise as current entertainment, and thank you all for your comments and participation.

 Words for the coming week: forge hour spot

Entries by midnight Thursday November 3rd,  new words posted Friday 4th

 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.

Loyalty cards deserved

 Another week of nigh-on inseparable, but, for me, Terrie’s ‘Stirrings’, detailing  Bailey’s activities pipped Jim and Antonia at the post. Nevertheless I thank you all for continuing to contribute to what has become a slim-line offering of predictions. No blame intended – I am too often finding it hard to find time + impetus, and am acutely aware of a general slump in most writing sites. To the extent that I’ve told myself  the time might’ve come to put the site to rest. Which seems a shame, but if there’s anyone willing to take over, better to do so while there’s still some activity. 

Words for the coming week: poet scoop twinge 

Entries by midnight Thursday October 27th  new words hopefully posted Friday 28th 

 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.

Rats (again)

 Chemical bullets, creepy woods  and tattooed infidelity bad enough, but Antonia’s swarming rats are the stuff of nightmares, so this week I declare her winner while thanking all contributors for posts and comments.

Words for the coming week: cut quick trespass

Entries by midnight Thursday October 20th  new words hopefully posted Friday 21st

 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.

Inseparable trio

 I’ve read and re-read several times, Jim’s ‘A bad idea, Holly’s ‘Forewarned (31) and Antonia’s ‘More Rats and more rats’ and find myself unable to separate them in terms of winner-deserving status, so it’s a triple crown this week, with thanks to all three of you for participating so entertainingly.

So, words for the coming week: dodge   inhibition   no-one

Entries by midnight Thursday October 13th  new words hopefully posted Friday147th

 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

Words in action

 So many excellent pieces describing interactions, fights, intended escapes – lessons to be had from them all – but my ‘winner’ this week is David’s ‘The Ghost Hunter’s Ghost’ which deposited goosepimples to run down my spine.

Holly mentioned the ‘trickiness’ of recent prompt words , and I have  wondered whether that the cause of a reduction of entries, but at the same time I am conscious that too bland a selection can fail to inspire at all. I hope my choice of  words for the first week of October –  ignorant  script  wreak – spark creativity (though there’s no accounting for Blogger functionality) : 

 Entries by midnight Thursday October 6th  new words hopefully posted Friday 7th

 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

I’m heading south-west

On Saturday, we’re taking a flight from Teesside International Airport (five minutes up the road from us) and flying to Newquay in Cornwall for a few days. Weight restrictions, plus the disappearance of the power lead for my Chromebook means I’ll not be taking a laptop so here are prompt words for next week:  craft extricate faint

and for the week after (Friday 23^rd): footstep shave wax

 I’m not sure whether this past week’s absence of contributions was due to lack of time, inspiration or connectivity, but suggest, for continuity’s sake, next week you name your favourite post from these. Normal service should resume soon after the 24^th

 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. 

And once again, apologies

Yesterday’s sad news of Queen Elizabeth’s death seems to have further disrupted  to my concentration; I’ve wandered around the house unable to settle to anything.

However, I promised words for today and am offering you: duty London mourn

 Entries by midnight Thursday September 15^th  new words hopefully posted Friday 16^th

I hope to find time to comment on this week’s entries in the next couple of days 

 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

Apologies

Domestic emergency necessitating a 200+ mile trip to daughter in hospital meant posting this was late and a lack of time to read and judge, but especial thanks to Holly for contributing twice. Plus, of course, I omitted to update the dates!

So, words for the coming week:  blind puddle wire

Entries by midnight Thursday September 8^th  new words hopefully posted Friday 9^th

 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 

Soon be September

Which puts that  that mournful Sixties lament: “Might as well rain until September” (not that rain wouldn’t be welcome here; I’m just surprised how fast the year has gone.)

Despite the relative innocence of last week’s words, they still conjured up plenty of throat gagging nastiness, but I most admired Nestean’s twisty thinking in Jim’s ‘The Chosen III’, which promises much in the way of future episodes.

 Words for the coming week:  drape  electric  wrench

 Entries by midnight Thursday August 25th,  new words posted Friday 26th

  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

The fascination of variations

Each week you are offered  three random words. Each week, each of you takes those words and uses them to conjure  up something new, unique and entertaining. That ‘unique’ has always appealed to me because, as a writer it underlines the fact that there is no single ‘correct’ answer; that whatever I do with those words is  ‘right’, and the joy is in seeing just how various are the ways in which the words are combined, to tell a tale that’s never been told before. This week, a lot of intrigue and individual uses; a lot of pleasure in the reading thereof. But I felt quite strongly that Antonia’s ‘Sometimes the Hunger takes over…’ deserved the top spot.

Words for the coming week: shake pink wheel

Entries by midnight Thursday August 25th,  new words posted Friday 26th

 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.

Flexibility of rules

And, yes, I admit, despite strict adherence with my own word count, I don’t do the necessary cut and paste to check others. And on this occasion, I’m accepting Anonymous Dave’s explanation he meant to substitute ‘logs’ with the required ‘triangle’ because the ‘terrible fruit’ of the described scene gave such a kick to the imagination.

Thank you all for a week of high class entertainment.

 Words for the coming week:   ash   stitch welcome

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

 

 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. 

Sorry for the delay (but longer to ponder)

And with apologies - a visit to family in Suffolk and a school-friend in Norfolk took up all lap-top time - I have now read and much enjoyed all entries and am putting Jim in the top spot for his Seeking Refuge Part II   -- scary place, threatening happenings and a worrying conversation. 

Words for the coming week:  divert, gravel and triangle. 

entries by midnight Thursday August 11th,  new words posted Friday 12th

 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. Lots to catch up on, but in case you are waiting for words for next week, have a go at: divert, gravel and triangle

Winners later today.

Best-laid plans

Sadly the effect of unprecedented heat on the UK’s rail system led to the closure of the East Coast line between York and London’s Kings Cross so my trip to London came to an abrupt halt, me unable to either meet with my friend or get to the exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery, as planned.

Which meant I had time enough to read and enjoy all the Prediction had to offer, to thank all of you who posted and commented, and award Terrie top spot for her intriguing ‘Love endures’

 Words for the coming week: evolve   muscle scorch

 Slightly extended deadline: entries by midnight Monday August 1st,  new words posted Tuesday 2nd

 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.

Living in the north-east

 Has, for the most part meant we’ve escaped the high temperatures much of the south of the UK experienced of last week. Next week, however, I’ll be heading to London for the first time in seventeen years, to meet a writing friend visiting from Alabama, and will need to think carefully  about cool clothes (in the temperature sense!)

Here, the final line of Antonia’s short piece  winner provided chill enough to declare it winner – well done to her and to all of you for contributing such entertainment this week. 

Words for the coming week:  blush fiction tantrum 

Entries by midnight Thursday 21st July, new words posted Friday 22^nd (but maybe not the winners)

 

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.

UK’s political mayhem

 I doubt anyone could’ve predicted the events here of the past 24 hours – and it ain’t over yet.  I’m glad to see it has not brought the submission of Prediction posts to a standstill, and the standard – which this week  included resurrections and God-lit candles ­– as high as ever. While I sympathise with Antonia’s saddening situation it is David’s frequently-demonstrated  ability to do widescreen in 100 words that wins him this week’s top prize. And, as always, thank you for commenting.

Words for the coming week:  ragpicker scourge steam 

Entries by midnight Thursday 14th July, new words posted Friday 15th  July 

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.

Pleading Mercy for my absence

 Apologies, but mind-space as much as time ran out last week; I did make progress with ‘Mercy for a Friday Child’, having had good advice and encouragement from writing friends and didn’t want to waste the inspiration. So thank you to those who did contribute, and to Holly in particular for her intriguing ‘Salacity [23] which left a lot of space for imagination to roam. 

Words for the coming week:  burn quicksand  result 

Entries by midnight Thursday 7th July, new words posted Friday 8th  July 

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.

Becoming too Venetian

 A confession: I never count the words for entries when choosing winners (and have been known not to notice when prompt words are absent) so if those required by Blogger to remain Anonymous could identify themselves by adding their name it won't be counted and would be helpful. Which is not to say so many of you are unrecognisable by your style. This week it is the inimitable style of John’s ‘I’m innocent I tell you’ that ticked the box for me, but I thank you all for your participation.

Words for the coming week:  bubble, hope weak

Entries by midnight Thursday 30th June, new words posted Friday 1^st  July

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.

Left us all with fingers crossed

Antonia, that is. One of the more disturbing but beautifully written  posts this week – all  intricate but light in touch as filigree – and it’s also good to see so many comments, which I think is an important element: if only to let us know what we’ve posted has been read. This week, the top spot goes to MRMacrum for his ‘The Secret of God’ – a large tale told in a small number of words.

Words for the coming week:  cast ringlet suicide 

Entries by midnight Thursday 23rd June, new words posted Friday 24thth 

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.

"Goodwill to all" short-lived as ice-cream in the sun

Which is a pity but I suppose that's the nature of being human. And it could equally be claimed, to some extent, folk posting here are similarly striving for top-dog-status (though with a good deal more charity of heart.)

So many lovely phrases displayed for our delectation this week, amidst tales of tremendous gore and gruesomeness, and since the depiction of horror is to some extent, why we write  here (some with more dedication that others)  it was obvious to me David's 'The dustbin men merited top place, I also found Holly's 'Gravity fails' more than a little terrifying.

Words for the coming week:  available,  third, yoke 

Entries by midnight Thursday 16th June, new words posted Friday 17th 

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.

June a month for jubilation

 

Not least because some of us managed to find our way to Holly's Prediction @ Wordpress. [Now mothballed, with a signpost back  to here, in case we need to use it again] And jubilation also because Jim managed to get Blogger to do as he wanted, and post 'Anticipation 1' which I thought strong enough to earn the number one spot this week.  Thank you for your persistence. (and sorry Patricia has decided enough is enough.)

 Words for the coming week: baptise olive tentative

 Entries by midnight Thursday  9th June, new words posted Friday 10th

 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.

Hats off to Holly

 Who has set up a new home for Prediction at https://predictionfiction.wordpress.com in the hope that those apparently locked out by Blogger can continue to participate.

 Like all new places it looks unfamiliar - stark and in need of decoration - and we aren't sure where everything is, nor, exactly how it works, but for the sake of such regular contributors as Jim and Patricia, I hope it can be made to work.  For the time being, I am posting in both places, so no-one is left not knowing where we've moved to, and I hereby declare the week's top spot goes to John for his perfectly-titled 'Odd, but possibly true'

 Words for the coming week (fingers crossed all will have a go, in  the new place as well as the old): cotton triangle yesterday

 Entries by midnight Thursday  2nd June, 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.

No solution

 Having deleted some 90+ posts - many with comments numbering in the hundreds - without solving the problem of some of you being able to upload posts. I've paused: it was an uncomfortable exercise, erasing history.  Only one idea since - does it work if instead of copy/paste you compose, type out word by word, your entry? SO frustrating, not least because your words are sorely missed.

 Some rich offerings did make it, I'm glad to say, and top spot (not that it was easy to choose) goes to David, for the intriguing promise of  his 'Wedding Day''

               Words for the coming week (fingers crossed all may play) merge saffron torque

Entries by midnight Thursday  26th May, new words posted Friday  27th 

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.

Problems ☹ ☹ ☹

Firstly, apologies for my lack of posts this week -- a week without time spent on 'Mercy', my current wip, left  me desperate to pick it up again and note down the random ideas I had while away (and I'm not done yet!) A good time had, though, weather kind and I re-established my liking for mussels, scallops and whisky.

Jim's struggles to post fill me with despair as I have no remedy to suggest. There seems to be some blame levelled at Google, who apparently recently took over Blogger, but the lack of logic – why do comments stick but not posts? – defeats me. If the problem persists all I can do is ask if someone else has the know-how to set up a site with similar functions.

What MIGHT be a solution - the site might be full. I propose going to the archives and attempting to delete some of the 472 posts, starting from December 2013, trusting you have all saved what you'd like to keep

What was easier this week was the picking of a winner - I was enchanted by Antonia's incorporation of Charon in her untitled piece, but much enjoyed all other entries.

 Words for the coming week (fingers crossed all may play) decide lace tide

Entries by midnight Thursday  19th May, new words posted Friday  20th

 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.

Mulling words while travelling on ferries in the mist

 Internet connection being dodgy, I'm suggesting mist, ferry and pass as prompt words for next week. 

And one chair/non desk in room also .a factor .Normal service resumed thereafter

Heading North

A week planned in Scotland, fingers crossed, visiting (among other places) the western Islands of Skye and Mull. Neither of us big on walking, long distance or uphill, but nevertheless expect to enjoy what each has to offer.

 Which means that,  although  I'll schedule  prompt words, to appear, as usual, on Friday 6th May, I am unlikely to find the time to properly peruse the week's entries and  pick a winner; it would be a good thing if each of you were able to indicate a favourite from the entries using this week's words. This week, as so often, I am finding it exceptionally hard to choose but eventually decided Terrie's superbly continuing SAS Diaries deserved the accolade.

Words for the coming week: detonate lip spice

Entries by midnight Thursday  5th May, new words posted Friday  6th

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.

Days are getting longer

Evenings lighter later; mornings woken by the sun. And leaves are bursting out all over. Happens every year, and every year it thrills.

With the Prediction we get a selection of new thrills every week and, as so often happens, each succeeding post has me thinking 'This will be the one that comes top this week' only to find the next one  is even better.

This week it was like skittles in reverse, the ditsy lunacy of  Antonia's 'Interpretation' and its undercurrent of coercion truly unsettling and finally leaving the others colourfully spinning.

 Words for the coming week: churn diligent power

Entries by midnight Thursday  28th April  new words posted Friday  29th April

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.

'Negotiating with the dead'

 is the title of a book on writing written by Margaret Atwood, and was the first 'How to' I read, given to me as a Christmas present by my elder son. Over the years (ten or more) he given me several others; all have been gladly received, not least for the recognition that I can never  claim to have finished learning how to write. That I also have the opportunity to do so each week on Prediction is part of the pleasure of participating, as each entry is capable of showing something worthy of note.

John's ' Some like it in the raw' an obvious example, of course, and this week's clear winner.

Words for the coming week (courtesy of my younger son): eagle question trepan

 Entries by midnight Thursday  21st April  new words posted Friday  22nd April

 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

April unpredictable

 And not just the weather; my husband woke Monday morning with Covid, so we had to cancel hotel and restaurant bookings made for a couple of days away to celebrate the 59th anniversary of when we first got together. Time does fly! (glad to say he's recovering well.)

Three different prizes this week – one to David for  making me laugh over his 'The Suet Crisis; one to Antonia for, as Jim said, her 'casually efficient use of the prompt words', and one to Jim for the olfactory wealth of 'The Worm VII'

Words for the coming week: grill  harmony model

 Entries by midnight Thursday  14th April  new words posted Friday  15th April

 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

 

Another half a dozen new books

I treated myself to today, well-knowing my excuse for reading them – 'research' – is as transparent as window glass. But it is fascinating how different books evoke different emotions, and I am in awe of those writers whose words keep me glued to my chair for the whole of an afternoon and evening, desperate to find out what happened, while simultaneously not wanting it to finish because I am enjoying it so much.  Much bigger is the problem of where to store them all, because I frequently re-read books many times so don't pass many on.

As, indeed I read and re-read the Prediction posts, admiring of deft phrases and world-building. This week both winners are expert practitioners of either: Terrie, for SAS Diaries 186, and Holly, for 'Casual Distraction'

Words for the coming week: crude, pudding, sorrow

Entries by midnight Thursday  7th April  new words posted Friday  8th April

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 

Cherry pink and apple blossom white

Music that, for me, never fails to evoke the hectic excitement of a funfair at night. Our local funfair arrives in the autumn, but there's plenty of pink blossom and new leaves bursting out to give a Spring-like cheer. And I'm sure I wasn't alone in cheering David's inspired and joyful 'Extract from the Encyclopaedia of Unusual Substances' which is how I managed to restrict myself to a single winner this week, but nevertheless thank you all for your participation.

Words for the coming week: boot persuade puncture

 Entries by midnight Thursday  31st March  new words posted Friday  1st April

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 

Small but perfectly formed

 The number of entries this slightly shortened week, but nevertheless all welcome for variety and entertainment. Perhaps simultaneously daunted by undoubted winner Holly's 'Thirsty' [8], as I was, or Jim's 'The Worm [III], but also good to see Antonia  inspired to fiction again. 

Words for the coming week: scrawny soil stuff 

Entries by midnight Thursday  23rd March  new words posted  24th 

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

A little bit of less-than-petty thieving.

Apologies, because it feels like I'm repeating myself  every week, but everybody is producing such a wealth of wonderful offerings it would be rude not to acknowledge them, despite how much harder it makes my weekly task of picking a 'winner'. Especially when I know we all benefit. What I am going to try, though, is picking the weekly prompt words from the previous week's offerings, because so often am I reminded of words I regret having  forgotten.

This week's winner is John, for the cleverness of 'In hindsight, I should've known'

 Words for the coming week: robust, rust, wraith

 

Deadline brought forward one day because we'll be visiting family next weekend

Entries by midnight  Wednesday 16th March  new words posted Thursday 17th

 

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.

Quite a bit of conversation

And all to very good effect, adding further richness and liveliness to every piece. As a consequence, it was once again hard to pick a single winner, so Holly, for her 'Divining a direction' and Julia/Practice for episode 29 of 'Ellis' are required to share the top spot. Thank you all for contributing and commenting.

Words for the coming week: eyewitness stripe wield

Entries by midnight  Thursday 10th March  new words posted Friday 11th 

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.

Successive eclipses

This week it seemed to me each piece posted was very soon eclipsed by the  one that followed it – such a rich experience reading them one after the other, but as happens less often, for me there was one stand-out piece which ultimately eclipsed the rest, and that was Jim's 'The worm' – The opening sentence such a feast of language and description: I trust we'll see more of Gork.

 Words for the coming week: elbow flash  sock

 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.

Entries by midnight  Thursday 3rd March  new words posted Friday 4th

 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.

Six varieties of lime

 Six varieties of lime

And all of them inventive in their usage in this week's crop of postings; one of the especial pleasures  of hosting this site. For the instant hook of the opening line, and neat stitching of the gruesome story, Terrie's 'Sewing lesson' wins top spot, closely followed by the similarly neat dialogue of John's 'Conflicting details.' .

Words for the coming week: eclipse throat vary

 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.

Entries by midnight  Thursday 24th February,  new words posted Friday 25th February

Eas(ier) does it

 An impressive  set of very smoothly-executed prompt-insertions this week, which brings accolades for

Antonia, and a dead heat between Terrie, for her 'Small marauders' and Perry, for 'Snark loves company', a truly delightful pair. Thank you all for the rich entertainment. 

Words for the coming week: cable lime protect

 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.

Entries by midnight  Thursday 17th February,  new words posted Friday 18th February

Irresistible sparkling

 As you might expect when 'magpie' is one of the prompt words, even so Jim managed a ripe bit of gruesome in his 'Keep your mouth shut', and Antonia's insertion of all three in her un-numbered 'Stop the week' was as smooth as ever. This week, however, David's clever and delightful 'Sing a song of pig pens' flew to the top of the list and stayed there, cheering me every time I read it.

 Words for the coming week: bookmark  limp wreak

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

 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.

A week of Tardis tales

 

Not Doctor Who, but his mode of transport (if that is what  the police box is).  Every one of this week's hundred-word entries, told a bigger tale than the words it used. Perry handled his large cast of characters with aplomb and plenty tension in 'Caution'; Julia's 'Ellis 027' came with a rich back story, and Jim's 'No further questions' successfully trapped a cocky defendant.  David's 'Lost Apollo' was epic, as was Holly's 'Dungeon crawl'. Took a while to separate David and Holly, but I eventually awarded top spot to Holly. As usual, I thank you all for your participation, especially the all-important  comments, acknowledging our words have been read.   

Words for the coming week: common cynic magpie 

Entries by midnight  Thursday 3rd  February,  new words posted Friday 4th

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.

A tendency to serious?

 

Certainly several thought-provoking pieces this week, with a subtle use of the prompt words, which makes me feel I need to be more rigorous in my choosing a winner. So, from a shortlist of four: the sly sarcasm of John's 'Valuable antiques', Perry's wide-angled 'Wilder', David's, 'The cabinet of icons' and Jim's 'Coming of age' , I finally picked Perry. Not easy to differentiate, but I thought I ought.

                                               Words for the coming week: appoint kangaroo urgent 

Entries by midnight  Thursday 27th January,  new words posted Friday 28th

 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.

Blogger gremlins

Fewer post this week and regrettably for not good reasons. Patricia has struggled to get hers to stick and we've been unable to find either a reason why or a way round it. And I've no idea how to cure the problem. Nevertheless, the uses to which three simple, everyday words were put was, once again, impressive. John's 'Misplaced optimism' contained not only a horrid fate for a salt mine worker, but a pretty shocking pun as well, but the inclusion of crab's claws in David's resonantly-titled 'Fight them on the beaches' grabbed him this week's first place.

Words for the coming week: kite,  shade, unwrap

 Entries by midnight  Thursday 20th January,  new words posted Friday 21st

 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.

 

Didn't think of the consequences!

 Because if I had, I'd've realised more time would equal more posts thus making it all the harder for me to choose a winner. Plus, it seemed to me, each post had been  extra-polished too, whether from more time or other Christmas or New Year cheer. So, I thank you, for a week of high-quality reading, which put music and wonderfully surprising images into my head. And once again am forced to erect a platform, on which I place Jim, for 'Something in the air', Terrie, for both SAS Diaries 178 and 'Obscura Mythica', Julia, for 'Old year night', Holly, for 'Surge', and Patricia, for 'Autumn Equinox'.

Words for the coming week: newspaper, salt, substitute

Entries by midnight  Thursday 13th January,  new words posted Friday 24th

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.