Friday, September 7, 2012

Friday Fictioneer 9/7/12



Hi fellow Fictioneers. I just have to say that I adore this week's photo prompt which was supplied by Piya Singh. It took me a little while to start writing because every time I look at the prompt, I found my thoughts turning to the Princess Bride.
My story went a bit long 111 words. It's based on something that happened to Archibald Armstrong. What, you've never heard of him! Good ole Archy was an interesting chap who managed to catch the eye of James the IV (he hadn't yet become the King of England) and got the job as official court jester, one of my personal favorites. It didn't take long for Archy's stunts to become legendary. My story deals with just one of the tricks he pulled on his monarch.

Any and all comments will be appreciated.
Cottage. Photo prompt for Madison Woods, speculative fiction author. 
The Making of  a Legend
Archy didn’t hear the creak and groan of the water wheel, or feel the dampness that settled into his clothing. The only thing that mattered was the paper on the table. He rolled the document and tucked it in his shirt before tugging the jester’s hood over his skull.
             Dust rose in mini clouds around his feet as he hurried down the road. He glanced to the east, the sight of the sun peaking over the horizon causing him to part his lips in a grin that exposed his yellowed and cracked teeth.
                Before it slipped beneath the Western sky he, Archie Armstrong, would be the King of Scotland.

21 comments:

  1. I thing this is a great story. A complete narrative in so few words with some wonderful descriptions.

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    1. You're so sweet. I'm not sure I'd say it's great, but I'm pleased with it. Thank you!

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  2. Interesting story. Would love to know more. Typo alert: The SUNG peaking over the horizon....
    I'm 23 on the list this week.

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    1. I'm slowly (and rather painfully)stumbling my way through a historical manuscript and Archy is one of the characters. At the rate I'm going, I figure I'll have the manuscript written in about 20 or 25 years. Thanks for pointing out the typo, they do insist in sliding into stories.

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    2. They do indeed, Jess. Dusty Richards, author of over 100 Western Novels, calls typos prairie dogs. Once you think you've caught them all another pops up.

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  3. What a lovely little story...

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  4. That phrase about dust rising in clouds around his feet was very graphic. Nicely done and an original take on the prompt.

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  5. Perfect, lovely imagery you have there and a really intriguing start to a longer tale :-)

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  6. Hi Jess, this could be a great opening for a historical fraud novel of sorts. I love these kinds of stories! Very well written!

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    1. Me too, and after struggling with this one for a year, I have a whole new appreciation for the authors that write them.

      Thanks!

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  7. This tidbit makes me want to read more. Looks like a great start to something longer! Have a great day and happy writing!

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  8. Hi Jess,
    Great word flow and use of the language. Wondered if this was an historical-based account. Don't know much abut the history of Scotland. Good use of the document to keep us reading. Ron

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    1. I spent two years researching jesters for a manuscript and ended up using very little of it. Sometimes it comes bubbling out.

      Thank you

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  9. Hi Jess. Thanks for visiting my blog. This is a wonderful description and great word choices. I love the dust rising around his feet and the dampness of his clothing. It made me feel I could be right there along side him. Great! - Amy

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  10. The whole story flows wonderfully, Jess, and drew me right in. I love history, so I wonder what happened. Too bad I'll have to wait 20+ years!! :-0

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    1. I thought writing was hard before, but this project seems to have taken it to whole new levels. It's freaking difficult! I'm hoping the fact that my brain has started playing with the characters again is a good sign.

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  11. this is excellent, although I think the next 24 hours would be full of surprises.

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  12. Yes, it's excellent. The best one I've read so far.

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  13. I love history and want to know more about this jester, Archie Armstrong (what a great name)...but don't wish to wait another 20+ years. So please continue this saga. Thanks for visiting and commenting on mine.

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