Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 2.22

Welcome to the Mid-Week Blues-Buster Flash Fiction Challenge, Year 2, Week 22.

This is a flash fiction challenge. The prompt is a song. You are not required to write about or even mention the song. It’s there only to get the ideas moving around in your brain pan. If you want to write about the song (or the video- it’s all good here) go for it but don’t feel like you have to.
The rules;
500 words, but it’s a slushy 500, meaning you can go up to 700 or as low as 300.
Post your entry right in the comments section of this post.

MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR TWITTER HANDLE NEXT TO YOUR WORD COUNT AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR POST. IF YOU’RE NOT ON TWITTER GIVE ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS OR SOME OTHER WAY TO GET A HOLD OF YOU!

The challenge starts whenever I post this on Tuesday and ends at MIDNIGHT Pacific Time on Friday. You read that right. Pacific Time.

This week’s song prompt comes to us courtesy of the magnificent Macy Gray.
The tune is, “I Try”. Here’s the link; http://youtu.be/XWsJTiMr42Q

This week’s Judge is the creator of the Daily Picspiration blog and ardent Cleveland Browns fan… Miranda Gammella.

The challenge opens the moment you read this post and runs through MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME on Friday October 3rd.

Now… Go write!!!

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Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 2.21 WINNERS

Sorry for the delay in posting.. technical difficulties & all that…

Anyway, Judge Ruth Long did the job & did it well.
So speaketh Judge Ruth;

Six strong stories! So hard to choose top picks. That’s a terrific problem to have.

Jim Locket – The Ballad of Frogtown

Such a fun read and great word play.

Cecilla – Last Man Standing

Beautifully lyrical and powerful.

Alan Young – My Eyes; My Mai Tai

Hilarious read and killer closing lines.

Alex Brightsmith – Tyja

So much tantalizing world and character packed into this.

Mona Bliss – Patti Smith’s Shoes

Puking on Patti’s shoes – enough said.

Eric Martell – Jimmy Fuckin’ McKinley

Great vernacular and nostalgia!

Again, all great stories but now I’m down to the picks. Gah!

Third Place – Alan Young – My Eyes; My Mai Tai

The unexpectedness of a story that focused mostly on snot done with style, wit, and a great last line.

Second Place – Eric Martell – Jimmy Fuckin’ McKinley

A story that gives us a peek into the possible backstory of the song was tons of fun and so well done.

First Place -Mona Bliss – Patti Smith’s Shoes

This piece mimicked the building tension and story of the song and had me both in suspense and laughing out loud.

Mazel tov to all of our Winners.
Bliss – here’s another Winner’s Badge for you;

Thanks to all of our readers & writers and thanks to Judge Ruth Long…

See you on Tuesday…

#SnippetSunday – As Yet Unnamed WIP (Vigilante/Noir) – September 28, 2014

Snippet Sunday is a Facebook group for writers I’ve been privileged enough to have been accepted into.

From the group guidelines;

“Welcome to Snippet Sunday, where writers come together to share a few sentences of their current project–whether it’s a recently released novel, a WIP (work in progress), or an older manuscript that’s being revived. Intended to hook readers, gather feedback and build an author’s fan base, Snippet Sunday is the FB group that does all three.”

Last week’s snippet set the stage for a confrontation. This week, we skip ahead to the start of the fight between Meyer and the Phone Booth…

The Phone Booth led with a left jab, like most right-handed fighters with experience do, smirking as he shifted his weight to load up for the big right.
I slipped the jab, then darted in toward him and to my right as he threw his best punch.
His fist sailed past my head.
His smirk died with the realization that he’d relied once too often on the paralyzing effects of his size and general aura of mayhem.
I answered with a right palm-heel strike to the sweet spot between the point of his chin and the corner of his jawbone.
His head snapped back, spittle flying out of his mouth, and his legs buckled.
I stepped out of the way as he hit the pavement with a thud they probably heard in Brooklyn.
I didn’t hear it. A deep silence drowned out everything but the slow, steady beat of my own heart as I stood over the fallen Phone Booth, reliving what had just happened.
The punch, the move in close, the counterstrike, and the fall all took longer to play out in my mind than they had in real time.

Thanks for reading…

Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 2.21

Welcome to the Mid-Week Blues-Buster Flash Fiction Challenge, Year 2, Week 21.

This is a flash fiction challenge. The prompt is a song. You are not required to write about or even mention the song. It’s there only to get the ideas moving around in your brain pan. If you want to write about the song (or the video- it’s all good here) go for it but don’t feel like you have to.
The rules;
500 words, but it’s a slushy 500, meaning you can go up to 700 or as low as 300.
Post your entry right in the comments section of this post.

MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR TWITTER HANDLE NEXT TO YOUR WORD COUNT AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR POST. IF YOU’RE NOT ON TWITTER GIVE ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS OR SOME OTHER WAY TO GET A HOLD OF YOU!

The challenge starts whenever I post this on Tuesday and ends at MIDNIGHT Pacific Time on Friday. You read that right. Pacific Time.

This week’s song prompt is an obscure, but fantastic, tune by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.
The song is, “The Ballad of Robert Moore and Betty Coltrane”.

Here’s the link; http://youtu.be/wrjmcyaBYoY

This week’s Judge is the Mortuary Mama herself, Ruth Long!

The challenge opens the moment you read this post and runs through MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME on Friday September 26th.

Now… Go write!!!!

Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 2.20 WINNERS

And thus ends Week 2.20 of the Mid-Week Blues-Buster.

Judge Sami-Jo Cairns had some great stuff to read and some hard decisions to make.

Here’s Judge Sami-Jo;

#1. Lisa Shambrook Lisa’s entry was wonderfully detailed, creating near tangible imagery. I enjoyed this from Harry’s perspective. To hear his thoughts, feel the sand beneath his feet, the calm ocean around him while at war with his aggression, to know that the party is beach bound and far enough away to grant solitude. I also enjoyed that he got what he wanted, her forgiveness, her touch, before the struggle began and his joy turns to panic. And she knows. Knows he’s out there reaping what he sowed and that even her new squeeze is unaware. Angelique is a sultry soul with a ‘take no shit’ attitude I want to squeeze her for. This story makes me want more in the best way. Has she done this before? She seems adept at creating her voodoo dolls and moving on in the embrace of another. What else can she do? What did they fight about? And then for my own macabre reasons, who found Harry? Did anyone find him? Did the ocean keep him and Angelique’s secret? Again…wonderful job Lisa. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

#2. Mysoulstears From the beginning, a sense of excitement cocooned this piece. Jennifer’s thrill reached beyond the screen even if I didn’t know what accelerated her pulse, the hairpin a clue without context. The scene set with detail, creating a stage of seduction, willingness, and fun anyone would opt for. Building tension brought with it the sense that not all parties were hip to the reason behind their late night excursion, and this was dragged out beautifully and just enough to keep me hooked. The brutality of his demise was surprising. The hair pins role in play and her lovers end so quick I nearly felt sorry for him. Until we return to the shower and Wrath is at her shadow with thanks for her good work. I enjoyed the lover was allowed his last ecstasy before it was ripped away, that his death was more than her glory, that he was a mission, a checked box in a list of deserving bastards. I especially loved her enjoyment. This may have been someone else’s mission, but no one said a woman had to surpass her own pleasure to accomplish such a task. Again, always questions. How did Wrath find her to do his bidding? How many had she already killed for him? How many more? Does she ever get caught? Great piece, Mysoulstears.

#3. Monabliss Not all vengeance plots have to result in death. Saltwater and Blood was a perfect example of how sometimes it is worthwhile to watch the deserving squirm. To take something from the person they may never get back, to take it within your own power and leave them a weak husk of their former self. Family can be a greater enemy than any stranger, and Benedict proved he earned the binding of his powers. I enjoyed the banter between the main character, Benedict, and Sean, even if Benedict had no lines. His reactions said everything. I also enjoyed the little walkthrough the ritual, and the explanations and role behind each item of the ritual. This piece was as satisfying as it was entertaining. It too made me ask questions. I wanted to know more about what Benedict did to the wolf pack and the damage they caused while under Benedict’s spell. Why would he kidnap his sister? What happened after the ritual? Did he attempt to take his sister out without the use of powers? I see a whole novel behind this scene and would love more.

As it may seem, I didn’t take the lazy way out and choose the first 3 entries for convenience sake. I enjoyed the opportunity to judge this week, though not so much leaving the others out of podium placement. Each story made me want more. Each had their own twist on the prompt and showcased creativity and a love for fiction. Any story that evokes questions is one I’ll keep in my memory bank. Thank you again to Jeff for the experience and to everyone for participating. I may even step in and try my hand at entering in the future. Toodles folks.

Mazel tov to all of our Winners.
Lisa- here’s another Winner’s Badge for you;

Thanks to all of our readers and writers, and thanks to Judge Sami-Jo Cairns.

See you on Tuesday….

#SnippetSunday – As Yet Unnamed WIP (Vigliante/Noir) – September 21, 2014

Snippet Sunday is a Facebook group for writers I’ve been privileged enough to have been accepted into.

From the group guidelines;

“Welcome to Snippet Sunday, where writers come together to share a few sentences of their current project–whether it’s a recently released novel, a WIP (work in progress), or an older manuscript that’s being revived. Intended to hook readers, gather feedback and build an author’s fan base, Snippet Sunday is the FB group that does all three.”

This week’s snippet picks up right where last week’s left off. Danny’s poor impluse control is about to set things in motion for Meyer…

I had to wait for a cab and a rental truck to pass before I followed him across the street.
I looked past him as I walked, noting the Phone Booth’s top-heavy gait and the way he hesitated for a fraction of a second each time he pushed off with his right foot.
His face lit up when he spotted Danny headed his way.
“There he is,” he bellowed, pointing with his right hand, “the man of the hour!”
Right-handed, then. And over-confident.
Danny kept moving, heading for the steps.
The Phone Booth stopped pacing and threw an arm out– the right again– to stop him.
“Hey! I’m talkin’ to you.”
I eyeballed the street, peering into the gaps and shadows as best I could.
An old black man, known for spending his evenings smoking clove cigarettes by the fire hyrdrant halfway down the block, was the only other person in sight.
I took a wide arc approach toward Danny and his new pal, making good use of those gaps and shadows close by the buildings.
Danny looked down at the tree-limb-like arm barring his way.
“Take your hands off me,” he growled.

Thanks for reading!

Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 2.20

Welcome to the Mid-Week Blues-Buster Flash Fiction Challenge, Year 2, Week 20.

This is a flash fiction challenge. The prompt is a song. You are not required to write about or even mention the song. It’s there only to get the ideas moving around in your brain pan. If you want to write about the song (or the video- it’s all good here) go for it but don’t feel like you have to.
The rules;
500 words, but it’s a slushy 500, meaning you can go up to 700 or as low as 300.
Post your entry right in the comments section of this post.

MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR TWITTER HANDLE NEXT TO YOUR WORD COUNT AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR POST. IF YOU’RE NOT ON TWITTER GIVE ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS OR SOME OTHER WAY TO GET A HOLD OF YOU!

The challenge starts whenever I post this on Tuesday and ends at MIDNIGHT Pacific Time on Friday. You read that right. Pacific Time.

This week’s prompt comes from the fantastic PJ Harvey.
The tune is… “Long Snake Moan”.
Here’s the link; http://youtu.be/287ZhHjEBKs

We’ve got a first time Judge this week… say hello to writer & all around neat person, Sami-Jo Cairns!

The challenge opens the moment you read this post and runs through MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME on Friday September 19th.

Now… go write!!!!

Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 2.19 WINNERS

Week 2.19 of the Mid-Week Blues-Buster is in the books.
We had seven writers come out to join us.
Judge Miranda Kate had some decisons to make.
So speaketh Judge Miranda;

Coming in at 7 entries – which was a good turn out for only the second one this season – I didn’t think it would be that difficult to pick the winners, but oh, how very wrong I was! Everyone provided such brilliant contrasting stories, it made my job very hard, and I had to sleep on it more than one night! And finally, today, with the crunch of the deadline, I have made my decision. But it was tough, so all of you should give yourselves a pat on the back for great writing.

First place – and overall Winner – Eric Martell @drmagoo The rhythm of this piece is the first thing to catch you and draw you in, and then the dark story pulls you further as you keep reading to find an answer, and you sort of do and sort of don’t, but it holds you, and compels you to be read. Excellent writing, reflecting the mood of the song prompt well. I kept returning to it again and again, with its multiple depths.

Second place goes to Mona Bliss @MissBliss Where do I begin with why I chose this? By the end you can feel the physical weight of the curse, it is described so well – let alone the story that leads us up to it. The resistance the MC puts up against the devil, comes through, although we don’t ever really know how their deal came about, or why. I also love how the MC is left with the decision making – a choice, but not really a choice – a forced choice, the weight of that alone being a lot to bear, and adding to the curse. A unique story line that intrigued me, and one that could be felt as well: good writing.

Third place goes to Jim Lockett jlockett59@gmail.com I liked the concept of this story, the seeking sanctuary in a church for bloody dealings, and then the twist of bringing in the fortune teller, in the midst of a church setting, juxtaposing the belief systems completely, and how he was guided – by which one we can ponder at our leisure after, is one really the other? It had a touch of humour and was a nice, smooth read. Very enjoyable.

Mazel tov to all of our Winners.
Eric – here’s another Winner’s Badge for your collection;

Thanks to all of our readers & writers… and thanks to Judge Miranda Kate.

See you on Tuesday…

#SnippetSunday – As Yet Unnamed WIP (Vigilante)(Noir) – September 14, 2014

Snippet Sunday is a Facebook group for writers I’ve been privileged enough to have been accepted into.

From the group guidelines;

“Welcome to Snippet Sunday, where writers come together to share a few sentences of their current project–whether it’s a recently released novel, a WIP (work in progress), or an older manuscript that’s being revived. Intended to hook readers, gather feedback and build an author’s fan base, Snippet Sunday is the FB group that does all three.”

This week’s snippet moves the action forward a bit. Danny and Meyer are on their way home– Meyer always sees his friend home before going home himself– after their conversation at the diner. When they arrive at Danny’s West 96th Street building they find someone waiting for them…

A guy the size of a phone booth stood by the stoop. The sweat on his big, shaved head caught and held the shine off the streetlight. The tattoos covering his arms showed as black and red smudges from where we stood. We didn’t need to be closer to identify the symbols and slogans in his ink.
The black wifebeater and camouflage pants completed the look.
Danny loosed twin streams of profanity, one Yiddish, one English.
“Expecting company?” I asked.
“I might have gone down to their pool hall and shot my mouth off,” he grumbled.
The Phone Booth began to pace, looking up and down the street as he moved.
“You might have,” I repeated.
“Doesn’t matter now. What’s the plan?”
“What makes you think I have a plan?”
He let out a big sigh, then stepped off the curb.
“Where do you think you’re going?” I demanded.
He stopped and turned his head back.
“I’m going home. These clowns are not going run me out of my own neighborhood.”
“You’re just going to walk over there? That’s your plan?”
“That’s it,” he growled. “Don’t like it? Come up with a better idea.”
He started toward the building.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mid-Week Blues-Buster Week 2.19

Welcome to the Mid-Week Blues-Buster Flash Fiction Challenge, Year 2, Week 19.

This is a flash fiction challenge. The prompt is a song. You are not required to write about or even mention the song. It’s there only to get the ideas moving around in your brain pan. If you want to write about the song (or the video- it’s all good here) go for it but don’t feel like you have to.
The rules;
500 words, but it’s a slushy 500, meaning you can go up to 700 or as low as 300.
Post your entry right in the comments section of this post.

MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR TWITTER HANDLE NEXT TO YOUR WORD COUNT AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR POST. IF YOU’RE NOT ON TWITTER GIVE ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS OR SOME OTHER WAY TO GET A HOLD OF YOU!

The challenge starts whenever I post this on Tuesday and ends at MIDNIGHT Pacific Time on Friday. You read that right. Pacific Time.

This week’s song prompt is a lovely little slice of darkness by The Dead Weather.
The tune is… “So Far From Your Weapon”.
Here’s the link; http://youtu.be/O4pRru5sANI

This week’s Judge is the Purple Queen herself… Miranda Kate!
The challenge opens the moment you read this post and runs through MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME on Friday September 12th.

Now… Go write!!!