It’s Friday Fictioneers time. Thanks to Rochelle for providing a weekly picture prompt and hosting the show.This week in response to the prompt I’ve come up with two stories, and I’ve decided to post them both. If you’re wondering how the first one links to the picture, consider its title, then reverse it.
*****
Copyright – Kent Bonham
Story 1: Kart
Walter was bookish. At his old school he’d fitted in; now, he was just the nerdy new kid.
‘They race go-karts,’ he complained. ‘They’ll never like me.’
Dad had stepped up, and together they built a kart. It was magnificent.
‘You’ll slaughter them in this, Walt,’ Dad beamed.
Next race day he took position, engine revving. Ben, the current champion, nodded towards him. Uncertainly, Walter acknowledged. At the signal the karts shot forward. Walt took off.
When he came to he wondered how he’d crashed, backwards, into the wall. Then he spotted Ben’s followers nearby, doubled over, laughing hysterically.
*****
After watching this video, I’m surprised anyone wants to venture onto a go-kart race track. It’s hair raising.
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Story 2: Dark Side
‘Louise, this is madness. It’s suicide,’ Joe warned. But Louise was tired of playing safe. The darkness was out there. She had to confront it.
She started out at midnight, in a derelict graveyard, stumbling ahead through deepest gloom, some garlic and a wooden stake at the ready. What would happen? Would there be a low moan, somewhere near? A darting shadow? Could she do this?
Morning revealed the carnage: Louise was stretched on the floor among crumpled pages.
Joe would smile as he read her email: ‘You’re right. I can’t do it. I’m starting another romance novel. Outline’s attached.’
*****
Where on earth do some superstitions come from? Here’s one interesting piece about possible origins of various monsters of the night.
The science behind the myths: Are there clinical explanations for vampires, zombies or werewolves?
And here’s another about garlic folklore.
http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_april_3_garlic_folklore.asp
Onto the page 
I can relate to The Dark Side! Nicely done.
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Thank you. I can relate to the crumpled pages, too.
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Ha, good for you two! Go carts, well anything on wheels – dangerous! Writing horror scenes can scare the crap out of you. My first murder scene had me shaking! Well, done, and thanks for the links – love that!
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Thanks for your feedback. I haven’t yet attempted to write a blow by blow murder, or horror, scene, but I don’t imagine I’d enjoy doing so. And I get in a bit of a panic when my husband goes for a ride on his pushbike around the neighbourhood! Watching a few of the racing videos to find a suitable one made me wonder why anyone would do it.
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Oh.. to go in reverse.. what a sad thing.. and when writing stick to where you are.. (I would not be very good at romance I think)
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Thanks Bjorn. Poor Walter – I think he’ll stick to what he’s good at, too. Both of my characters went into reverse this week.
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Stick with horror, that is far more entertaining than romance any day.
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I don’t know if Louise has got the knack, somehow. Joe was right – Louise was on a good thing, she needed to stick to it.
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Wish there would have been a fair race instead of that. But any lengths to win I guess.
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Yes – a fair race would have been nice for Walt, and my story would have had a happier ending. Thank you for leaving a comment.
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I could identify with the main characters in both your stories. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my stories (mostly written in my head, not on the screen) that I am surprised to discover to discover where I actually am.
I enjoyed both stories. I think Walt needs driving lessons. Louise should switch to mystery rather than romance!
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I’m glad you could identify, and that you enjoyed my stories. I can identify very much with your observation about being lost in the story going on in your head. There’s a whole world in there, isn’t there? It’s a good place to be. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.
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Loved the vampire vs romance story. But if she could do both simultaneously…
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Now there’s a thought. I wonder if she’s versatile enough to carry that off. Perhaps she needs a more adventurous publisher. I’m glad you liked the story, and thank you for saying so.
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Two fabulous stories this week, Margaret! I was later than usual at coming to the party and only just began making the rounds, but this photo seems to have gotten creative juices flowing in an amazing way. I’m thoroughly enjoying the results–especially with the surprise “two fer” you served up.
All my best,
MG
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Thank you for such a nice comment, Maree Gail. There are some great stories this week, I agree. I don’t understand why some weeks I get two ideas. It’s happened a few times now, and mostly it’s with prompts that I initially think I’ll never be able to write about.
Cheers,
Margaret
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Dear Margaret,
Two stories and both of them winners. (Sorry Walter wasn’t.) Good choice to stick with romance on Louise’s part, but it never hurts to try a different genre once in a while. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, once again, Rochelle. Perhaps Walter should stick to what he’s good at, while Louise should persevere with trying new things.
Cheers,
Margaret
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Both great stories! I feel sorry for poor Walter, though if he laughs it off it might gain him some acceptance.
Maybe your novelist will give horror another go some time in the future. But not today!
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I’m glad you liked the stories. I felt for Walter. Perhaps I identified with him a bit, too. I can remember being last to the finish line in many an athletics carnival at school, and being the one nobody wanted in their softball team. Fortunately I did have a few like-minded friends. Thank you for commenting.
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Kart was fun but I really liked The Dark Side – all the melodrama that goes with writing. Bravo.
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Thank you, Patrick. You’re so right about the melodrama. What’s the electronic equivalent of crumpling up pages and throwing them on the floor, I wonder? Hitting the delete button isn’t nearly as dramatic or expressive.
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both stories are excellent. A+++
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Why thank you. I’m very happy with that response.
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Both stories are completely satisfying. Well done, Margaret. I don’t mind the simple, innocent cars that go around a track. The dark side isn’t for everyone. I like how she woke to crumpled pages.
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As long as they keep going around the track I guess it’s ok, but youtube has lots of scenes of mayhem and confusion and catastrophic collisions. I don’t think it’s the place for Walter. Louise, on the other hand, should persevere – she’s in a rut. Thank you for your encouraging feedback, Amy.
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I’ve just seen a 13 second video of my grandson go-karting – he didn’t crash but then his dad was watching every move.
And when I write a dark story my readers wonder where I found the idea, given that I’m so nice!
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I hope your grandson never crashes, and I’m sorry if my comments or video clip made you nervous. I’m sure plenty of people ride go-karts safely. I think it’s good to surprise readers with the stories we think of – keep them guessing and wondering what murky thoughts are really lurking under our very nice exteriors.
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This is the most original tale I’ve read this week. Loved it!
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Why thank you! I’m very happy to read that. I really try not to be predictable in my stories, but it’s quite a challenge.
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Two very different stories, but both are so visual and real. Nicely done!
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Thank you, Lorna. I don’t know why I occasionally manage to come up with two – at the start of the thinking process each Wednesday I usually feel like I’m never going to get any ideas at all.
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I should be so lucky…
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Both are brilliant. I can so identify with that kid, and the second just cracked me up. Thanks for the links, they are great, too.
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I’m sorry you can identify with Walter in his youthful angst – but I know that when he grows up he becomes a huge success in his chosen field of writing, so be encouraged. And I’m glad you enjoyed my second story and the links. Thank you for your lovely comment.
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I wouldn’t allow a youngster of mine to put their life at risk on a Go Kart track. There’s little protection if it crashes. They could be crippled for life or worse, killed. The dark side was funny. I loved the twist at the end. Well done on both stories, Marg. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. I must admit I’m the biggest coward when it comes to physical activities. I like to be safely on the ground and moving slowly. I also like to paddle around in my kayak, but not too far from shore and only when it’s calm. Boring, I know. I’m so glad you liked my stories. They’re one way of living dangerously while staying safely tucked up somewhere comfortable.
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