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Challenge Taken: Moon of Change – The Prologue & Epilogue
Whimsical Wednesday Writings: A challenge is a challenge, so I thought; since I love tormenting myself -why not do it in style! What you delve into now will be a little fun, experimental piece I decided to embark on. I also concluded it would be fab to combine four/five challenges (five; purely for the fact that, I have continued with the idea from the last flash fiction challenge I took on by Ken Broad; see: Moon of Change); yep I do have my moments of insanity! Let’s see if you love or hate what you are about to read.
Before we get going, I want to have a quiet word with the challengers: Billie Jo, I really struggled with the Summer Solstice theme 
-I think I need to research into it some more -thanks for brain hurting exercise! 
. Sonia, ermmm… I worry if I have fallen under the cliché radar… *looks up to the sky* -well, I guess the style is not a typical cliché, is it? Haley, I am secretly hoping I am safe with your challenge this month -I think I got it all; unless my clear beginning, middle and end is dubious. Ken, I know I did well last time round 
So I wonder what you make of the additions to the story. As for me; I think I managed ok with the task; now it is all over to you lovely readers, it’s time to cast your vote.
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Challenge Issued: Triptych Blues
This a gentle reminder of the Flash Fiction Challenge I issued last week (it’s literally a copy from 21st June 2011 post with amended bits in it -mainly the clarified rules); I have amended the rules slightly as I believe it was not too clear; I hope you can take part and enjoy the challenge!
Tuesday’s Triptych Tapestry: Yes, you read the title correctly; I am issuing you with a challenge -a Flash Fiction Challenge (should you accept it)! As you already know, the last two months I have taken part in some fabulous Flash Fiction Challenges which were issued by fellow bloggers: Billie Jo Woods, Sonia G. Medeiros, Kenneth (Ken) Broad and Haley Whitehall; so it was only natural, on my part, to want to get involved fully and challenge you all too -Writers, Poets and Artists -yep my fellow counterparts AKA (also known as) the Collective Creative Circle (it’s easy to join and only has one condition: If you are creative then you too are part of the crew; so hop on over!).
The rules are quite simply this:
Being an artist at heart; I have decided my triptych prompts will be based with an art theme running through it. The prompts will have three parts to it:
- Painting/Photography by an Artist
- Random lines of Poetry by Poets
- An Art Movement/Writing Genre
I will endeavour to select the above through the methods used by surrealist automatism (this will involve selecting imagery by opening books/webpages in a random manner). You can choose any of the given prompts -or if you are brave and up to a challenge then use all three prompts! The choice is yours. Word count will be limited to 500-1000 (if it is slightly less or more I will not quibble).
If there are artists who feel inspired to take part with imagery or any poets who want to enter with poems -you too can join in -hey why not make it a mixed media piece!
Please ensure you provide the link to your entry in the comments of the appropriate post or allow for a pingback so we can track your entry for reading as well as for collating in the next Flash Fiction Challenge.
Your three prompts for the next two weeks are as follows:
Marc Chagall, Bouquet with Flying Lovers – Sourced from http://www.humanitiesweb.org/human.php?s=g&p=c&a=p&ID=57- Two lines of poetry:
Step the plot defying blue cast-steel—
“Here is the march along these iron stones”
- Art Movement: Dada/Dadaism / As for the Writing Genre; I have decided to give you the artistic reign (so ultimately it’s your choice).
*If you are looking to enter with a Poem or a Visual Image then the word count is not applicable (having said that; fellow Poets, if you are generous with your words then maybe keep in mind to not over-exceed the maximum word allowance).
Well that’s the rules, the deadline is at midnight GMT on 4th July 2011 (I will be collating all entries in the next Triptych Tapestry which is scheduled to be posted 5th July 2011).
Enjoy and above all have fun!
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
Challenge Issued: Triptych Blues
Tuesday’s Triptych Tapestry: Yes, you read the title correctly; I am issuing you with a challenge -a Flash Fiction Challenge (should you accept it)! As you already know, the last two months I have taken part in some fabulous Flash Fiction Challenges which were issued by fellow bloggers: Billie Jo Woods, Sonia G. Medeiros, Kenneth (Ken) Broad and Haley Whitehall; so it was only natural, on my part, to want to get involved fully and challenge you all too -Writers, Poets and Artists -yep my fellow counterparts AKA (also known as) the Collective Creative Circle (it’s easy to join and only has one condition: If you are creative then you too are part of the crew; so hop on over!).
The rules are quite simply this:
Being an artist at heart; I have decided my triptych prompts will be based with an art theme running through it. The prompts will have three parts to it:
- Painting/Photography by an Artist
- Random lines of Poetry by Poets
- An Art Movement/Writing Genre
I will endeavour to select the above through the methods used by surrealist automatism (this will involve selecting imagery by opening books/webpages in a random manner). Word count will be limited to 500-1000*.
If there are artists who feel inspired to take part with imagery or any poets who want to enter with poems -you too can join in.
Your three prompts for the next two weeks are as follows:
Marc Chagall, Bouquet with Flying Lovers – Sourced from http://www.humanitiesweb.org/human.php?s=g&p=c&a=p&ID=57- Two lines of poetry:
Step the plot defying blue cast-steel—
“Here is the march along these iron stones”
- Art Movement: Dada/Dadaism / As for the Writing Genre; I have decided to give you the artistic reign (so ultimately it’s your choice).
*If you are looking to enter with a Poem or a Visual Image then the word count is not applicable (having said that; fellow Poets, if you are generous with your words then maybe keep in mind to not over-exceed the maximum word allowance).
Well that’s the rules, the deadline is at midnight on 4th July 2011 (I will be collating all entries in the next Triptych Tapestry which is scheduled to be posted 5th July 2011).
Enjoy and above all have fun!
Update: I forgot to add to the rules: Please ensure you provide the link to your entry in the comments below or allow for a pingback -I don’t know what my mind was thinking then!
Challenge Taken: Moon of Change
Saturday’s Showcase Sketches: I have been feeling a lot better today; so I wanted to celebrate it with a Flash Fiction Challenge I had been looking forward to sink my teeth into (and showcase it here too) -I know I am cutting it fine, as today is the last day for submission -but I am certain the spell caster Ken Broad won’t mind. Ken set the Super Snap Challenge as thus: Three visual prompts were chosen by Ken; our task was to be inspired by one or all and write a story within 500 words (if possible -if not we were granted to have fun with it -so I did!). I had soooo much fun with this story the actual word count excelled the 500 limit to an impressive 1175 (without the title) -not bad for a days’ work me thinks! Before I forget -the chosen image(s) will be displayed in appropriate places as the story develops. Enjoy!
(As always there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
MOON OF CHANGE
It roared as it passed by me; I tried to duck in an attempt to avoid the current; my hair tinged slightly as I fell onto the soft muddy soil by the edge of Lake Windermere.
Oh great! Trust me to find a way to ruin the occasion! Isolde will not be pleased –I could not dwell on that now -I had to concentrate on how to avoid Tristan’ rage. -By the way I’m Mark Gethin –a Wizard wannabe –well wannabe is not the rightful term (it’s the preferred word from my perspective); I have been selected –or rather; my bloodline has chosen me as it comes direct from the great Wizard himself, Merlin –great expectations and all; I have this huge pressure to follow in the footsteps of my great-great-great-grandfather; to be honest, I’m no Wizard –in fact I am pretty lame. I do not possess the strength of Tristan nor his mastery control over lightening –the ones I am trying to escape now.
The electrifying sound whizzed past my ears -that one just struck the tree behind me! It landed just inches from my side; singed to a toast.
“Tristan, I really think you have gone overboard now!” I yelled with all my might above all the thunderous noise accompanying the lightning.
“I will not have a useless, undeserving, hapless Wizard with no sense, courting my sister –especially one who cannot defend himself let alone her!” His arms raised and pointed upwards then turned towards me as another shot of white brilliance thrust past me.
I cowered behind the shrubbery; he had a point, I was nothing special –other than my status and what I could be! I didn’t know what Isolde saw in me –I certainly did not deserve her… Her ethereal radiance married with her wisdom, she was just powerful with those qualities alone –not to mention what became of her on a full moon night such as tonight, I had to get to her; I promised… I lowered my head in dismay as I observed the muddy brown slush on my majestic robes –Merlin’ robes; I was not the man he was –how undeserving… A pair of pointed polished black shoes invaded my vision; it was accompanied by a sleek black robe with tiny elegant silver motifs of lightning bolts –Tristan! As I looked up his staff dug into me.
“You are truly pathetic!” he sneered. His staff pierced further into my ribs.
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Getting Organised!
We are now in the early hours of Tuesday instead if Monday -I know I had promised to unveil the schedule yesterday; I had an odd day -and now I am extremely tired. Before I disappear into the land of Zzzzzzz’s I wanted to let you know I have put together the schedule for the blog; What to Expect (The Schedule) -I’d be interested to hear what you think of what I have come up with and if you can envision it working
This post was intended as part of the Monday’s Meandering Muse; which will mean the next scheduled post will be on Wednesday; until Whimsical Wednesday Writings takes off; I will use this slot to post the flash fictions I have taken part in; so keep an eye out for the Shadowy Sunday Flash Fiction I have attempted, it will be here and visible on Wednesday!
Have a great evening/night -I better go before I yawn…
*switches off laptop and flops onto the bed and starts dreaming*
Challenge Taken: The Keepsake
As I mentioned yesterday, this is the challenge I have been working on; struggling would be the best word to describe it! I have been trying to combine two challenges together and alongside this, my subconscious and conscious mind has also been battling it out; how this story should pan out and how it will turn out to be. Eventually we agreed to disagree and opted for an amicable compromise. What I envisioned and what it became is so far apart I am unsure how this actually fits Bille Jo’ Spacey Sunday -Flash Fiction Challenge in addition to that, the word count has far exceeded Haley Whitehall’ May Flash Fiction Challenge; so I am truly disheartened with my attempts this time round. Maybe I am being tough on myself -post food poisoning… What are your thoughts did I achieve the two challenges or did I fall short?
The Rules:
Spacey Sunday: Write a flash fiction piece of 1000 words or less in any genre you want (a space theme not in the sci-fi genre could be a real challenge). You must use the spacey theme.
Friendly Note: I used the following definition as a guide for Spacey:
| Main Entry: | spacey/spacy |
| Part of Speech: | adjective |
| Definition: | eccentric |
| Synonyms: | beat*, bizarre, crazy, dizzy, erratic, far out, flaky, flighty, freakish, kooky, nutty, odd, oddball, off the wall, off-center, offbeat, out in left field, out to lunch, peculiar, quirky, spaced out, strange, way out, weird |
* = informal/non-formal usage
(Taken from Thesaurus.com)
May Flash Fiction: You must start your story with the sentence: ”He should have never been there in the first place.” The story must be 500 words or less. Your story needs to have a clear beginning, middle and end.
What a tough challenge; ladies you certainly made me work hard on this one; I only hope it’s an enjoyable read even if I have failed both challenges on this occasion.
Enjoy!
Crescent Moon & Star Royalty Free Stock Vector Art Illustration Image sourced from http://gejebe.onsugar.com/search/moonThe Keepsake
He was not meant to be there in the first place; the alarm sounded, drilling into his bones. Alex yanked Simone’s sleeve with urgency.
“What are you doing?!!”
“One second, I’m nearly done.”
“Simone! They’ll come, let’s go!”
“Not without my keepsake.”
“Simone!”
“I told you not to come! Now be quiet –I need to concentrate.”
Equipped with special coated elbow-length gloves she reached into the fish tank brimming with electric eels. Alex gasped; Simone held her breath. The eels wrapped around Simone’s slender wrist -their touch should have electrocuted her.
“James worked wonders with these gloves.” She enthused.
“That’s just splendid!” Alex said in contempt.
Simone shot him a depreciative glance.
Muffled voices came from behind the study’s door.
“Simone!” Alex’ voice; exasperated.
“Got it!” she grinned holding a small clam in her palm.
The door creaked open. They ducked under the mahogany desk holding their breaths; the patio door, from where they entered, was slightly ajar; if they made a run for it they could be seen. They stayed crouched, cramped; hearts racing.
Footsteps shuffled towards the desk; stopped then went towards the patio doors.
“They must have left by now” the voice deep; the click of a pistol eased.
Alex shot a pleading look at Simone. She glared back
“No!” she hissed.
They did not hear the steps. A metal barrel pointed at them; nudging them to stand up.
Simone flicked Alex with annoyance as she rose begrudgingly.
Alex did not budge; his stance unresponsive; his eyes glazed. Suddenly he twitched –his body jutted to and fro as his head hit the desk repeatedly.
“We don’t want no funny business, just get out.” The voice barked.
The banging continued.
He kicked Alex “Move!”
Simone jerked forward towards the man with the pistol “Hey! Stop that!”
The second man pushed Simone against the fish tank, water gushed to the ground “I’d behave if I were you –you aren’t doing yourself any favours.”
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Challenge Taken: My Safe Haven
I have been a little quiet lately -please accept my apologies -had a case of food poisoning so I had to rest -fortunately I am well now so I can get back to my writings. Last week I was actually working on two other Flash Fiction Challenges when this one just leapt out and surprised me, Ken Broad over on Fictional Campfire has devised a cunning plan; he is incorporating imagery to entice our imaginations to run wild; being an artist at heart this challenge instantly caught my eye; words just flowed quicker than I could imagine. Ken did it again! He seems to have a knack of forcing me to write without any reason! -This is a good thing -I just wanted to point it out as this is another piece that I just simply had to write in one go without really truly thinking too much about it. I am begining to wonder if Ken has some kind of secret spell cast that just invites people to write, write, write!
So yep, I have taken another challenge and here it is in Ken’s words: “Your job (should you dare) to write a story of no more than 500 words in any genre that might be inspired by that picture.”
So here it is in just over 500 words (656 excluding the title 659 including the title) *blushes*
My Safe Haven
It always felt safer here; ever since… It’s better than the woods –though being outside made me feel more alive; the freshness of the air; the crisp sounds; crystal clear –regardless of the time… I miss it sometimes; on days like this I miss it more… I crawl out of the dark crevice in the wall in the cloisters where I was squatting in; I peer around the corner of the stone wall towards the entrance; the fog had lifted –finally! The sun was beaming through the tall narrow stained-glass windows; I would be safer today. I smile; the first smile, in what felt like, weeks; I had done it!
A thought creeps into my mind…
I could step out…
No! That’s just plain foolish!
They won’t know.
Are you sure?
-I quiver ever so slightly.
-They can’t get in; we’re protected in these walls; the abbey was centuries old; years since any religious ceremonies took place, years since…
I look down the long corridor; I needed to get back to my room; I was unable to get back the last two days; something was not right…
I flinched.
They couldn’t have gotten in.
How certain are you?
Doubt crept in.
No they just couldn’t! -We secured it; we –I cast the spell.
Terror filled my eyes as I glimpsed something in the corner of my eye.
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Challenge Taken: Secret Sunday Flash Fiction
I couldn’t resist… I think I’m becoming addicted to these Flash Fiction Challenges! You will have to grin and endure what I unleash in these short pieces of writings. Though, having said that, I do have a confession to make, the piece below is actually an amended section from an improvisational WIP I’m working on with a friend and the full story is on our joint blog DiRosaYikici.
Back to the task at hand… Billie Jo Woods has issued a Secret Sunday Flash Fiction Challenge: Write a flash fiction piece having no more than 500 words. You can write in any genre you want but the story must include a secret of some sort. Deadline May 7th 2011 -I realise I still have 2 days to accomplish this -I panicked so I cheated! Should a new story idea come about after I have posted this I would gladly share it with you. I hope this is still an enjoyable read.
For the inquisitive minded the word count is 493 which includes the title.
Where There’s a Will There’s a Way
I slumped down onto the floor and allowed the fear, panic, shock and relief to overtake me in an instance; I could not believe what I had just done –breaking and entering was not high on my to do list being the law-abiding citizen I was -and here I was waiting for the adrenaline to subside and the disapproval to sink in; it didn’t come. My mind was too occupied with the note I saw –I surely did not imagine that –the same note in Rob’s diary… What was going on?! Was Rob trying to tell me something? This was becoming too weird, too much of a coincidence… And why my neighbour downstairs! What has he got to do with anything?! -More importantly why me?!!! As I pondered and tried to make sense of what had just taken place I heard his sweet voice speaking to me again.
“Stay focused my love, this will all make sense soon –you just need to trust your instincts and me, I will not let you down. See I haven’t left you, I am still here with you as always.”
I shook my head; I must be going delusional –hearing Rob’s voice seemed hardly normal –it seemed more likely to be a schizophrenic tendency than anything else –but the note … the diary –they were –no they are real! That I was sure of…
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