Outclassed

A slender week for entries but evidence (if such were needed) that I’m outclassed when it comes to creating tales of horror, since both David’s ‘Apples from Eden’ and Jim’s ‘The Voice’ were such perfect, clever and impactful examples of how to unsettle their readers, with skill, inventiveness and freshness – a skill they demonstrate week after week.

Which makes the selection of words for each coming week a pleasurable, but minor challenge; I seek a catalyst and a couple of non-obvious companions, then sit back and enjoy seeing how they are used. This weeks I found on the spines of the pile of books I’ve yet to read.

Words for the coming week: pearl, razor, trespass  

Entries by midnight Thursday 4^th May, new words and winners Friday 5th

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.

That the clock is ticking …

 Is something no-one can deny (unless they insist on digital) and this week, unreal or not, Antonia gets the accolade for her untitled  description of vaults and money fountains. Odd how long childhood dreams persist. Less odd – positively excellent – is the persistence with which you all turn up to contribute to this tiny place of Prediction: you are what keeps it alive. 

Words for the coming week (the first of which I read in in one of Helen Simpson’s excellent short stories): demulcent mobile wax 

Entries by midnight Thursday April 27th, new words scheduled  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.

Flexing writing muscles

 Is one of the benefits of this weekly challenge, and this week all participants rose to it unerringly, despite the (aimed at) disparity of the prompt words. 

This week, I don’t think any one will dispute my choosing Dave’s untitled confrontation between guard and prisoner as winner, since we were all impressed with it.

Words for the coming week: clock erupt unreal  

Entries by midnight Thursday April 20th, new words scheduled  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.

Tosca superb!

 As were all of this week’s entries, and because, from those offered by Terrie, Jim and Dave I could not pick one as having more merit than the rest I’m declaring every one of you a winner.

Thank you for your contributions, your comments  and especially to Terrie for having indicated a favourite from the week before. 

 Words for the coming week: cushion flex wince 

Entries by midnight Thursday April 13th, new words  Friday 14th

 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.