Before Social Media – Friday Fictioneers

~ Amy Reese

I finally got my act together and put together a story for Friday Fictioneers. I love this prompt, courtesy of Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, who also the lovely hostess of Friday Fictioneers. It also happens to be Rochelle’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Rochelle! I hope you’re enjoying yourself and relaxing. Rochelle’s book Please Say Kaddish For Me was recently published. It’s getting great reviews. Check it out!

The challenge is to write a 100-word story based on a photo. Why not give it a try? All are welcome.

bay-windows
PHOTO PROMPT – © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

(100 words)

Lana loves to put on a show. Ivy and Alex put on shows for each other. William, a student, hides behind drawn blinds. Octavia, lost in her own apartment, is on a strict pill diet. Lloyd, the overachiever, wakes before dawn with his stocks and treadmill. Sheamus, this guy never leaves his apartment, never sleeps. He’s always watching; across, below, inside. Conveniently across from his vantage point, a reflective window shines light on their misery.

It’s the perfect mix of joie de vivre and desperation. With penthouse views, Lloyd sips his brandy, watching the watched. Misery is calling his name.

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For more stories from the Fictioneers, click here.

60 thoughts on “Before Social Media – Friday Fictioneers”

  5. What a cast of characters. I love the little snippets giving insight into each one’s world. Not too sure about Lloyd, however. There’s something dark going on there. Very clever.

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    1. Thanks, Margaret. I wanted a good variety of characters. It was hard to know exactly what to say. I think they all have their challenges! You’re right about Lloyd. He’s the dark one in the bunch. Thank you, Margaret.

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      1. Dear Amy,

        The only way to get an autographed copy is to get it directly from the author. 😉 Just send a check for 18.99 plus 3.50 for shipping to my address (I will email it.) Thank you for asking. 😀

        Thus far I’ve ordered two lots of twenty from the publisher and it looks like it’s time to order the third. Not a bad thing at all.

        shalom,

        Rochelle

        Liked by 1 person

  15. I don’t know what’s sadder, staring on a smartphone all the time, or stare at people in the building. This is a great story, full of the potential of many more stories. And yes, I got the rear window feel, too.

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    1. Staring at the smartphone has become such a commonplace thing, it’s almost expected, isn’t it? I guess people feel safe looking at their phones instead of each other. I think it is sadder to me. But, I know I couldn’t live in a fish bowl. I like my privacy too much. Thanks so much Gah for your lovely comments. 🙂

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      1. I’ve never even thought about it being a substitute for looking at each other. Interesting observation, and rings true. It’s also something to do with your hands. It’s still silly, and sad though. We have drapes, blinds and shutters. 😀

        Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s a good question, Dawn. I think knowing that you’re being watched would make it really similar, because with social media you know you are on display. People love that or they don’t.

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    1. It seems like the perfect stage for all kinds of mischief, doesn’t it? I know with social media there are people that are quite present and also many lurkers, too. Ooh, maybe I don’t want to think about that. 🙂 Thanks, Jan.

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  19. Your story is the “perfect mix of joie de vivre and desperation.” All those people, all those lives, all that watching! Sheamus gave me shiver, but Lloyd totally freaked me out.

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  21. I enjoy observing people in public places. At the airport, I watch people walk by and wonder what their story is. Some of them make great characters for my stories, or something in the mannerisms or behavior catches my eye and sticks in the brain. You’ve created some fascinating characters here.

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    1. I love people watching, Russell. It never gets old. Everyone has a story to tell. It’s great practice to watch and observe, and I suppose you never know what will stick and come out in a story. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. I’m so pleased you liked my characters.

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