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8.6.17

THE FANS - one hundred words for Friday Fictioneers

THE  FANS

Maggie and Nell were Valerie’s staunchest fans, reading each book the moment it came out and discussing every bodice-ripping page over glasses of Prosecco.

When Valerie died they wore black arm-bands and planned a pilgrimage.
After months of research they found the place, but the caretaker was reluctant to admit them.
“We only want a quick peek,” Nell pleaded, but Maggie’s fiver was more persuasive. He pocketed it swiftly. “Don’t touch anything.”

They walked down the brick path, found Valerie’s retreat beneath rampant roses, and stepped inside reverently.

After a long silence, Maggie said, “Well, she always did love nature.”

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This week's photo prompt comes courtesy of Sarah Potter via Rochelle's blog  https://rochellewisoff.com/  If you follow the Blue Frog link from there you will find many other interpretations of the same photograph.
But first, please do leave a comment on mine, if only to prove I am not talking to myself!

36 comments:

  1. I'm glad her fans enjoyed the books before her death - not after.

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  2. Love this take. And their reaction!

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    1. Thanks Dale - I reckoned it was time for a light-hearted one!

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  3. Everyone needs a retreat.

    (not sure that was worth waiting for, Liz)

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    1. My comment, not the story!

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    2. I would love my own shed, though without the invaders!

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  4. You managed to paint a very vivid picture with the two of them, so irresistible. Lovely story, indeed.

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  5. In the end seeing their idol's retreat meant more to them then it's condition. Nice one.

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    1. They got what they wanted - atmosphere.

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  6. Such a lovely story , Liz. Loved it.
    Best wishes ,
    Moon
    https://aslifehappens60.wordpress.com

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  7. Dear Liz,

    Sweet story. Valerie left a legacy, didn't she? Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. Thanks Rochelle - Valerie had two fans, at least!

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  8. This is a great idea, quite different from any of the others I've read with this prompt. I love the unscrupulous caretaker pocketing the fiver ;-)

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    1. Judging by the state of the place, he wasn't very conscientious anyway!

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  9. Maybe for a ten-spot he would have shown them the wood shed too. :) I could see writing in a place like that.

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    1. OoH Naughty Russell! I would love such a hideaway too. Right now my OH is watching cricket on his own laptop, in the same room, with sound. Grrr!

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  10. Delightful. I think Valerie's room is wonderful. We all choose the perfect place to write ~ for ourselves, anyway.

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    1. When I lived abroad I would go to a cafe to write. Although I speak Spanish, it was easier not to hear it.

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  11. Oh, very nice :) Sometimes we're better off just keeping our dreams.

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    1. They seem to have handled the shock pretty well!

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  12. I think that it means she was very very focused on her writing (and very little else)

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  13. i can relate. when i visited the parsonage where emily bronte grew up, i felt the same emotion.

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  14. Lovely they adored her work so much - would that we were all 'Valeries'! :)

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  15. She seemed to love nature in the extreme. Whatever she experienced it seemed to work for her. Good writing, Liz. :) --- Suzanne

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  16. I love the way you take a picture and weave a story from it, Liz. I must say, I find using a visual stimulus very inspiring too. Books and Prosecco are a great combination, by the way!!

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