This week's 100 word challenge was straightforward. Julia Skinner's prompt was to include or be inspired by one or all of the following: the powers that be/the apple of his eye/the writing on the wall
You can find further details for this weekly writing challenge at http://jfb57.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/100-word-challenge-for-grown-ups-week-20/
and a link to the others at
I used to begin by reading all the others; but this was putting me into a state of panic so now I have a go at mine first and read the others at my leisure over the coming week. There are some fabulous writers out there and I always enjoy the diversity of their writing. I am trying to encourage the children in my class to take part in the childrens' one but not having as much success with that as I'd like. Am loving working part-time (went to the gym, had my hair done, caught up with a friend today and did this!) but am realising that it is almost impossible to have the same impact on the children when you aren't there all the week. Early days yet- not even been a full term so I am sure that it will continue to evolve and develop. In the meantime, here is my effort for this week's 100 words for grown ups.
She's the one that I want.
She was the icing on the cake, the apple of his eye; yes she was THE ONE.
Fred had been waiting for this moment since he’d been knee-high to a grasshopper. Fate, destiny or luck? She would be his forever. He wouldn’t let the powers that be stand in his way any longer, the writing was on the wall. Now there’d be no turning back.
He fastened his helmet and kick started the antiquated Harley. There was plenty of life in the old dog yet. With a final backward glance he sedately rode out of the hospital grounds on a journey of a lifetime.
Fabulous writing as always, Anna. Love the twist at the end, and you can't help but admire his spirit!
ReplyDeleteBy the way - keep persevering with the children's 100WC. I finally convinced one of mine to give it a go this week (he's number 65 if you have time to leave him a comment and don't mind). I only see him once a week, so I can fully sympathise with your thoughts on not being full-time but keep encouraging them. Once one does and gets all those lovely comments, I'm sure the rest will be clamouring to join in!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sally-Jayne. Have commented on your lad's 100wc. I will keep persevering with mine...drip drip drip approach!
ReplyDeleteThis was truly terrific Anna. You had me going, believing it was a girl, but I think this is even more fabulous and delectable. Heading over to comment on Sally-Jayne's student's post. I'm enjoying being on Team 100WC for the kids and hope I can help you all encourage them to write more.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna,
ReplyDeleteReally glad you posted! I liked your story and look forward to reading another one next week.
In school, I've included the 100 word challenge as part of not only our Quad blogging, but also our homework tasks and the children have to post to the class blog.
Its amazing how much just 100 words can say.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first week I have read other entries before posting mine and now I wish I had waited until after posting. They are all so very clever.
I really enjoyed this. I could hear that Harley fire up. Great writing.
ReplyDeleteGreat! Really loved the way the piece led me to believe it was a mere woman but the end left me in no doubt that the Harley was far more important than any woman would be!
ReplyDeleteWell written!
Oh. I thought he was heading off on the Harley to *see* the girl, declare his love and start that special journey...
ReplyDeleteWorks just as well for me! Well done!
Thanks Lisa, began by thinking about a woman but thought the bike was more fun! Glad you liked. I love being part of team 100wc too...some of those children are incredible writers :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Jim, thanks for your comments. Will keep trying with the 100Wc with my class...we are having a big shake up of homework!
ReplyDelete@hurtling towards60...thanks for your comments. I've really enjoyed reading your entries...we all do this with a very supportive ethos so, don't feel intimidated...its a great way to share ideas and improve writing on a personal level. I love the challenges :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks Ali, it was going to be a girl who didn't reciprocate but thought a Harley was less predictable.
ReplyDeleteLynda, I thought Fred could whizz off and live his last days in a blaze of glory.
ReplyDeleteDughall, you romantic you! Maybe she was waiting for him somewere :-)
Middle-aged men everywhere will relate. Not me of course. Too young. *ahem*
ReplyDelete(Knee high to a grasshopper is a great phrase)
So much drama and life conveyed in 100 words. Doesn't seem possible.
ReplyDeleteLove the Harley twist at the end, my mind is racing thinking about where he is going and what fantastic things he has planned for the rest of his life!
ReplyDelete@himupnorth thank you for your comment. I am pleased you like it. I love these phrases, I'm sure I drive my class crazy as I drop them in here and there.
ReplyDelete@Hermelnessspeaks thank you. I would love to write a novel some time...these challenges are a fabulous way to try out different writing styles
@Tinuke Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I'd like to think he saw out his time cruising.
What a way to go!
ReplyDeleteAnna, what a picture you have painted! I see someone in a mental institute who simply MUST have her. Possess her. Am I right?
ReplyDeleteWhat great writing, really enjoyed this and wish him all the best on his journey. I really felt for him x
ReplyDelete@Midlifesinglemum Thanks for visiting! Indeed a way to go ;)
ReplyDelete@Bill I had been thinking of him being in an institution of some sort, but did not want to be stereotypical or inadvertantly cause offence so the Harley was his chrome-bumpered apple of his eye. Thanks for reading.
@Susan thank you for you comments. I wanted him to have a happy and fulfilling end to his life. :)
I love the ending because you have let your readers 'fill in the gaps' of what happens next and what was wrong with him. Super writing Anna. Hope the comments about 100WC have helped too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Julia. Will keep persevering with the 100WC.
ReplyDeleteBrill! Great piece, loved it! G Sussex
ReplyDelete