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ROW80 is getting (me) Organised!
Thursday’s (Belated) Topical Tête-à-Tête:
Firstly, I want to say I am saddened by what I have seen in the news and what ordeals you have had to face on the East Coast. I have just seen reports of another bout of storms; hurricane Katia and a tropical cyclone on the Gulf 
I do hope these do not come inland and cause any destructions; you are all in my thoughts and prayers, I do wish you all to stay safe and out of harm’s way. 
I’m sending you all a little something -I hope it brings you good luck; the Irish swear by it. Secondly, I want to apologise for the lateness of this post (I seem to have lost my synch with my daily routine -hope to get back on form soon(ish) -I have been working on my schedule at least, so that is something positive, for more details see below). Today’s topical discussion is rotating about how things stand with me in relation to the writing world -I thought it is rather apt considering my recent sign-up to the Writers’ Platform-Building Campaign.
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
ROW80 is Getting (me) Organised!
I have had an odd few weeks and I am certain you all are aware of how erratic I have been (maybe erratic is the wrong word choice, but I’m tired and that’s the closest word I can find, so I’m sticking to it) -the word erratic is more geared at my working pattern rather than my own person… There has not been much stability on that front and I worked out why thanks to my new ROW80 page and progress bars over on the right of this page -now why did I not do that sooner! It seems I have been allocating a lot of my time to writing blog posts as opposed to my actual Novel (no wonder that’s been a wee bit stagnant *shakes head in bewilderment*); therefore, I have had a rethink and made slight amendments to the schedule -just so I can breathe a bit better; I was beginning to suffocate -Eak! So, that’s sorted and taken off my ‘to do list’ (geez, there’s so many things to do -I think I’m going to see stars) *faints* -ok, okaaaaaaaaaaay I was pulling your leg. 
Now let’s get back to some serious stuff…
Flash -A-aaaaaaaaaaaaa
Don’t ask me why, but that song (yes the one from the rather cheesy film Flash Gordon) is playing in my head over and over again -I just had to use it as a title because, I want to talk about -yep, you guessed it, FLASH Fictions. (I know, I know -very bad sense of humour; but I’m tired -that’s my excuse and I am sticking to it!) As you know, I have become addicted to writing flash fictions and now the collection of stories has amalgamated to a total of 10+(ish) since I started back in April 2011 (word count being 6125 in total). From your responses, there has been a few stories which cried out to be expanded further and the other stories were appreciated as they were. As time progressed I began to think about these, and one of my main thoughts were (and still is) is to collate them in a book as a collection of short stories; some I’d work on (e.g. Moon of Change being a firm favourite amongst you all) and those that work well without any developments will just be edited to perfection. Therefore, the question on everyone’s lips (including mine); which of the following stories would you like to see being collated in this book project of mine I am about to embark upon:
The Quest for the Hidden Dagger
Moon of Change & Moon of Change – The Prologue & Epilogue
I’d appreciate it if you could select your top 5 and list them in preference order and let me know which one’s you’d like me to developed further. Please note them in the comment box below or email me directly at ozlem@yikici.co.uk -I aim to ensure the forthcoming collection’s word count is near 10,000 words; which means there will be a couple of surprise stories/snippets added to make the count. To make this interesting and give you some incentive to participate, I believe a contest is in order (my very first one); I will select 5 people’s name from the list of commenter’s’ below and they will receive a copy of my book once it is published. Exciting huh? Well, what are you waiting for… get-a-voting-and-a-compiling… 
and Finally…
Before, I head off to the land of Zzzzzzz’s (which I need to get going to very soon(ish)); this is for those who missed my very first interview over at meanderfit.com -aptly titled ‘Ozlem Yikici – The London Novelist‘. If you want to find out how the interview went please pop over to Mindi’ blog and have a read -as well as a wander… Well, that’s me done and dusted -so to speak, wishing you all a good night and I will no doubt have words on Saturday, until then, stay safe, be happy, keep smiling and don’t forget it’s a beautiful world out there in the vast universe we call Earth! 
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
***
As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as ‘all good discussions start with just one word‘.
Pdf document: ROW80 is getting (me) Organised!
If there is a topic you would like me to look into and explore in my own yikici-kind-of-way then please feel free to leave a suggestion in the comment box below or for those of you who are a wee bit shy drop me a line via my contact page or email me at ozlem@yikici.co.uk
Challenge Taken: Once-Upon-A-Time
Saturday’s Showcase Sketches:
As mentioned in yesterday’s post, I have been working on this month’s flash fiction challenge -again I’ve tried something different and hope it reads well, I may need to re-edit at some point as I still see it as a possible longer piece; some more depth is needed methinks and also more work with weaving in purism… Anyhoo, I will let you be the judge on that also -so please let me know your thoughts and I’ll take them on board. Now back to the challenges at hand and also the lovely challengers.
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
The challenge(s) I am aiming to meet are as follows:
Challenger No 1: Ken Broad (has serious magical powers) issued another fab picture prompt (see somewhere below) and his challenge rules can be viewed here.
Challenger No 2: Billie Jo Woods (always surprises me with challenging challenges -are you really trying to push my boundaries?) set the question ‘Where did I come from?’, click here for her rules.
Challenger No 3: Sonia G. Medeiros (I salute thee who’s challenges as well as stories are as fresh and compelling as the next one) challenged us to create doorways -here’s her rules.
Challenger No 4: Haley Whitehall (introduced me to flash fictions and now I’m addicted -so you can blame her -go on -I do ) challenge involved aspects of dreams and the various forms of it, for more insight on her rules click here.
Challenger No 5: Little Moi (couldn’t leave myself out), my rules (which you should know by now) are here.
For the ever inquisitive the word count is (a little over by) 514 (with the title it is 518). Enjoy!
ONCE-UPON-A-TIME
Once-upon-a-time…
Lyn
I always thought bedtime stories were made-up fantasies for kids. Make-believe as some adults would say… So, I never questioned it –not until today. Today I sit on a dust-ridden couch in a dark, dank room which smells of some vile, putrid fragrance which I care not to ponder too much on or else, I may just gag until my death comes –it’s my room they say; I know better, I know how their lies fall freely, I know what this is and where I am. This is not my home -damn my alter-ego for tricking me and placing me here; a re-occurring nightmare which I plan to end –I have hopes and dreams –I will find my way back to where I came from.
…in a world where two worlds existed independently of the other; opposites to a point they were identical –yin and yang in some respects; mirroring each other but worlds apart; a collision course set-in-motion, adventure in the air; our heroes, Lyn cursed Glyn for what he stole…and he for what she ignored…
Glyn
Serves her right for being so naive in her fluffy-white clouds, dreams of meeting her prince in some lame tower –it was all too simple, not a trick –she was willing it to be true –and for my part, it was; I am a man –maybe not of prince material, but a man at least. There was a tower –well a lighthouse if I must be exact –but a tower nonetheless. I will not be guilt-ridden for making her wishes come true! She saw her prince and now she can wait some more; I have no plans to return back to my rancid cell-of-a-room –she can have that all to herself, after all it had been created from the impact of her decisions in this world –now it’s my time to reap the benefits –not wallow in leftover scraps from her royal highness!
…Two worlds, where one makes decisions and the other accepts the options left with no choice –a world where their actions are shadowed by the decision-maker, a world where their voice cannot be heard…
Glyn
Who does she think she –the Queen?
I have a right mind to-
A lesson she needs and a lesson she shall get –there are rules to abide by, she should know –everyone knows; if there isn’t there should be, I’ll instil it if I must and then I’ll make sure the rules stick.
…a world where the silent voices fights back…
Lyn
I need to find that lighthouse where…-if I get my hands on Glyn I’ll give him a piece of my mind! I never thought I would be part of a tale –the tale of the ‘Distant Worlds’ where I am Trinity and he is Neo; a tale I’ve read a million times –how did I get here? How did I end up as a story, how did I fail to read the signs?
“Day 164: Cozied Up” by Snugg LePup (Image sourced through: Flickr)
…where the rules become stories, where stories become real and where reality is questionable by all except you…
The End.
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
***
It’s really bizarre how this story kind of unintentionally wove these challenges together(ish) on its own (not much planning here); some may be more visible than others (brownie points if you can spot them in the story). So the million dollar/sterling (doesn’t have the same ring now does it?) question is, how did I fare? Yay or nay? Any places to improve on?
Do you take part in flash fictions? Where can we read them? How and why did you start?
As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as ‘all good discussions start with just one word‘.
Pdf document: Challenge Taken – Once-Upon-A-Time
If there is a topic you would like me to look into and explore in my own yikici-kind-of-way then please feel free to leave a suggestion in the comment box below or for those of you who are a wee bit shy drop me a line via my contact page or email me at ozlem@yikici.co.uk
Care to join me for some collaborative work or be a guest blogger? If so, email me at the above address.
Challenge Taken: Ferocious Fireworks
Saturday’s Showcase Sketches:
I’m a wee bit behind schedule today (should have finished this yesterday), my muse deserted me last night -of all the times she should be doing that! *not speaking to her now* -punishment comes to mind *evil grin* -ok, ok I take that back *apologetic smile* I know I know I have my WIP’ to think about too *grumbles*. Now that that’s all cleared *ahem* let’s get back to the matter at hand; today’s post. Since Wednesday I have been thinking about the challenge Ken Broad set (all those delightful pictures!); it’s only come together yesterday and today (just), I’m still wondering if it reads ok (been experimenting as usual). Please feel free to share your honest thoughts.
If you are wondering about my ROW80 goals, I will provide an update following the challenge and flash fiction below.
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
The challenge is as follows:
Here are the rules for Ken Broad’ challenge (in his words):
- Have Fun
- Each month I will find 4 photos to post. Your job (should you dare) to write a story of no more than 500 words in any genre that might be inspired by one of the pictures.
- If rule 2 isn’t working for you, please refer to rule 1.
- New extra rule, use one or all (or somewhere in-between) of the photos. If in doubt on how to proceed, please refer to rule 1 as well.
***
The chosen image(s) will be displayed as I see appropriate. Incidentally, the word count is 360 (with the title it is 364). Enjoy!
FEROCIOUS FIREWORKS
I cannot believe how easily I swayed Meena’s parents; well, I was naive not to consider the impeding war on their doorstep. They wanted her safe, how ironic…
Image sourced from: http://farm1.static.flickr.com
I gritted my teeth and exhaled slowly as the plane hit another cloud –turbulence! I jolted in my seat. I should have opted for the long drive back to the city rather than this rickety plane –it seemed to be on it’s last legs why did I agree to this!
Meena looked over the side, amazed at what she saw…
-did the plane just tip –or was that my paranoia? Great! That’s all we need –I knew the safari journey had to be better than this.
I gently pulled Meena back onto my lap. The pilot had specifically said no movements.
I closed my eyes…
Image sourced from: http://farm4.static.flickr.com
I remember the joy filled curiosity in Meena’ eyes when I first took her to Piccadilly Circus –she stood still momentarily as she watched the happy chaos that was unfolding around her, the illuminating neon lights, the electronic billboards displaying various advertisements, the statue of Eros, the cars, the people, the animated crowd. She looked up and gave me a huge warm smile, it melted my heart –I had made the right choice, she was happy, content and safe.
Image sourced from: http://farm4.static.flickr.com
“There must be something more you can do!” My eyes pleaded to the surgeon.
“I’m sorry…we did all we can.”
I blinked; moisture flowed down my face in silent torrents.
These words could not be…
…be true to my sweet…
…
-no –she was going to be fine!
He just…
…he’s just…
My thoughts faltered as the world shook around me –no that was me; trembling at the acknowledgement of the truth. My legs gave way.
How could I…
…what would I…
…where could I…
Image sourced from: http://farm5.static.flickr.com
It was just moments ago, we were watching fireworks –bonfire night had come so soon; we planned to visit her parents…
Safe –how ironic!
Those kids should have been supervised!
Isn’t there an age restriction on those!
Of all the dangerous things out there –my Meena’…
Hysteria shook me as I left the morgue…
My sweet child…how I was wrong…
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
ROW80 UPDATE:
Since Wednesday’s check-in I hoped to wow you my good intentions and spot-on targets -you noticed huh? Hoped -yep, that implies unlikely results -ho hum… I blame the lovely warm weather and my disorientation from my extended stay over at Katie and Neil (see Wednesday’s post).
What I have actually achieved:
Well, let’s see, I have not even typed a single character on Becoming or even the WIP2 -maybe tonight -I hope I do so tonight *wishful thinking*. I have; however written three blog posts (word counts: 1303, 630 and 1022 respectively -so I mustn’t grumble) and updated my various profiles on the world wide web (Twitter , Google+ , LinkedIn , Goodreads , NetworkedBlogs and Facebook) -yep I’ve been networking!. I guess thats still a positive thing -though I seriously need to focus -guys where are you?!! *peers out across through the screen*. I have also wandered across to a few ROW80 superstars and parted words of encouragements (I’m glad to have fit that in amongst all the chaos -yay!) Upcoming Plans: Within the coming week I hope to have kicked the mental blank that is happening with my projects, I will also be adding (hopefully -I know I have been saying that for a while) a storyline to the ongoing saga over at DiRosaYikici. Resident guest blogger Patrick Tulley will be about tomorrow and my next post will be on Tuesday where I will be issuing you with another Triptych Challenge and also collating all the entries for you to read (you are in for a treat!) -you still have time to enter just check out the prompts over here. Till then have fun!
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
***
Did I achieve the challenge set? What gets your creativity flowing? How are your ROW80 goals going? Down in the dumps or are you soaring high in the sky? As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -’as all good discussions start with just one word‘.
Pdf document: Ferocious Fireworks
Challenge Taken : St Pauls at High Tide
Saturday’s Showcase Sketches:
I know I have been delving in some different forms of creativity lately (I have my moments) –I had some fun with them all (they helped me with the tough two weeks that have passed by); now I wanted to get back to the challenges I love taking part in. In keeping with the yikici tradition, (you can’t expect me to not follow tradition! *stares in disbelief*) I have combined three challenges together (no need to sound surprise –I will gasp when I successfully combine like a hundred challenges together! )
If you are wondering about my ROW80 goals, I will provide an update following the details of the challenges set and of course the story below.
(As always, there is a pdf document at the bottom of the post for those who may find this a difficult read.)
The challengers and challenges are as follows:
- Billie Jo Woods’ rules are:
‘For this challenge you can write in any genre you wish but your piece must include some sort of twist on the traditional fight for freedom or independence story. Perhaps your protagonist has to keep their independence or freedom hidden from others or perhaps they gain their freedom from mutant robots taking over the world, as long as it veers away from the typical independence story it should fit in with the challenge. Keep your word count under 1000 words for this one.’ The deadline is July 31st 2011.
- Sonia G. Medeiros’ rules are:
‘This month’s challenge is to write a piece of flash fiction in 500 words or less. The challenge is to write a story that prominently features a moon (our moon, an alien moon, whatever)… It can be science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, etc. It can be a myth about how the moon got into the night sky or a what the moon really is. It can be an apocalyptic tale about the moon’s demise. Whatever you like.’
- Moi (AKA Öζιξμ)’ rules are: To write a flash fiction using one of the three prompts provided here.
Your three prompts for the next four weeks are as follows:
Image sourced from: http://www.tate.org.uk
- Four lines of poetry:
Tear out a page of the book and make an aeroplane.
Launch it. For an instant it seems that you have fashioned
A shape that can outwit air, that has slipped the knot.
But no. The earth turns, the winch tightens, it is wound in.-Defying Gravity by Roger McGough
***
This challenge was a tough one. I pondered a lot (it was constantly in the back of my mind brewing; then yesterday a light shone –I slept on it; today something special has taken shape; I hope you enjoy all the elements I have tried to weave into the story (twisted independence, moonstuck, the painting, the poem and Mannerism) as well as the story itself). Without further ado I present to you St Pauls at High Tide –oh before I forget, the word count is 449 (with the title it is 454). Enjoy!
ST PAULS AT HIGH TIDE
I have been anxious for some time now; the time neared slowly every day with every tidal rise of the moon; my dreams of the Venetian setting encapsulating the London landscape close to being realised. They knew nothing of what was coming, what to expect; I began scheming, planning changes; something to upset their plans, something to make a mark, to remember, to commemorate.
I waited patiently…
The banks forceful restrictions
Pinned me down a route I had to go
No choice, no freewill but brute force
Years I followed these orders
Years I hoped secretly that it was true
I brushed against their sides
Testing, flexing, searching…
The moons pull hypnotising my every move
I still waited, dreaming, planning…
I gushed with excitement as I flowed
Bigger, grandeur in body
Brimming over my rocky prison banks
Stretching across the streets
My escape, my independence, my joy
The blue moon shone bright
The blue moon overbalanced the tides
The blue moon set me free…
…St Pauls at my feet; my dreams came alive.
That was a momentous day; they never knew what hit them; like a monsoon but with much gusto –not raining from the heavens; a tsunami breaking free, drowning the streets, overflowing into buildings, homes, washing ashore bodies –human or otherwise; a sea amongst a city; a city submerged with the sea. They floated; I swam. Then there was some who flew with my torrential impact; a surprise honoured by the moon; I –grateful for my release…
The imprisonment soon began; swiftly as had my freedom; the blueness of the moon faded; replaced by its normal pallor glow. It dragged me back to the treacherous banks; the bars of my enslavement, no amount of rebellion I muster now will help my cause. My only strength came with the blue moon and now that is fading… I will wait, wait again for its marvel; it surely will not be long before it is set back in motion –after all, there is a reason why they say ‘once in a blue moon’. No matter how rare that is, it will happen again and when it does, I will be waiting…
There is one solace in all of this; my escape was marked in history and captured in paint; the artist much in awe of my capabilities used brushstrokes evocative of my waves; a reminder of what happened and what might be. The irony, I am caged in once again within the narrow banks and now the within the limits of the canvas and the gilded frame. Then hazily I wonder as my memory fades; was my escape from the actual riverbanks or from the mystical magic of the painting…
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
ROW80 UPDATE:
It has been a week since my last update; therefore, I think I best let you know how it has all been going…
This week has been tough (yet again) but not as bad as I have managed to lift my spirits and stick to some of my goals as set below last week:
This is my now amended ROW80 Goals:
- Email BETA Readers my current WIP (for feedback).
- Start outline for new project (novella/script).
- Try to write 0-500 words per day towards WIP (a reality-check was in order here –pressure taken off in order for my muse to roam freely).
- Should I feel stuck with point three I will consider how well I have done with my blog posts –as a means to stay positive –any achievements’ considered for acknowledgement right? *looks up expectantly*
- Each day I will set aside a 15-30 minute editing session, before I start my writing; reworking the previous day’s works (still a ploy to get myself back into the flow of things).
THEN (When responses come back from my lovely BETA Readers:
- I will rework the first three chapters of my WIP.
- I will start to contribute towards the above set word goal (maybe alternate with the WIPs for a bit of variety and also it’s good my muse can just tackle something different every once in a while).
What I have achieved:
Sunday and Monday, I was away from home (so that was my two free days). On Tuesday I posted a blog article (ok it was a copy and paste job –but I am not going to moan, as I was still a wee bit low then) I also wrote 122 words towards my WIP (added some special spells). Wednesday I continued with outlining for my WIP. Thursday I wrote an article on Copyright for my blog (forgot to post it so I posted on Friday instead). Friday I decided to take a peek at my initial research for my WIP therefore, I printed it off and began to go over it when I needed a break from the screen. Today, well, asides from writing this post (which now hit 1,449 words) and enjoying a cuppa of lovely brewed (by my standards) tea; I will continue with going over the research and also feedback from my betareaders. I hope I add some more words to my WIP tonight.
I have just realised; since I am working on two WIP, I need to differentiate between the two so you know which WIP I am talking about here’s a little clue:
- WIP One (The initial one I started with) is titled Becoming: Mystical Realisations (I’ll call it Becoming for short).
- WIP Two (The one discussed on Manon Eileen’ #writepsych) is not fortunate to have a title yet so we can call it WIP2 for now.
Well, that is all for today, I will now be working on Becoming; I hope you enjoyed the flash fiction above (I just felt like I needed to have fun after these past two weeks and celebrate my enthusiasm by indulging in these challenges –for me it is an indulgence). Upcoming Plans: Within the coming week I plan to tackle Ken Broad’ Challenge (I am determined to combine all four images –why don’t you join me to see if I succeed.) and also add a storyline to the ongoing saga over at DiRosaYikici. As you know resident guest blogger Patrick Tulley will be about tomorrow and my next post will be on Monday. I plan to share with you my thoughts about challenges and why I love them so much on Wednesday and also provide you with another ROW80 update –so keep your eyes out if you want to know what goes on in my quirky mind. Till then have fun!
Copyright © Ozlem Yikici 2011 & Copyright © doodllz™ 2011. All Rights Reserved.
***
Did I achieve the challenges set? Did you get lost within the vivid landscapes or did you sail above the waves? Let me know what works and what does not and perhaps how it could be made better… As you already know, thoughts and comments are encouraged as always -even if it is just a word -as all good discussions start with just one word.
Pdf document: St Pauls at High Tide
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 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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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/moon
The 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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