In Keith’s words. “Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”

Keith’s post link. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/02/05/kreative-kue-418/

The photo.

Showtime by John W. Howell © 2024

“I don’t understand.”

“Ma’am, you must buy a ticket to watch the movie.”

“What about this boy here. Does he have a ticket?”

“He has a student pass.”

“Ah ha. So, he has no ticket.”

“Well, not per se.”

“So,  you have decided to discriminate against seniors. Is that what I hear?”

“Not at all. Everyone has to have a ticket. You can’t just walk in here and expect to see the show for free.”

“I think my age qualifies me to do that very thing.”

“What if everyone felt that way? We would go broke.”

“I’m not everyone. Besides, judging by the audience’s size, you will go broke anyway.”

“The show doesn’t start for twenty minutes, so don’t judge the size of the audience until it does.”

“Back to my original point. Don’t seniors deserve a break?”

“Do I need to call the police?”

“If you do, I think the publicity will kill you. I can see reading about you throwing an old woman out of the theater just because she is too destitute to afford a ticket.”

“You are not destitute.”

“How do you know?”

“Cause your name is on the theater building.”

“How do you know my name?”

“You are the second richest woman in the state. Your picture is everywhere.”

“So I own this place?”

“Yes, you do.”

“Here, take this twenty.”

“What changed your mind?”

“Only a fool would try to cheat themselves.”

“I’ll get your change.”

In Keith’s words. “Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.

Link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/01/29/kreative-kue-417/

The photo.

The Cover by John W. Howell © 2023

“Yeah, hello.”

“Is this Cover Mania?”

“Yeah, who’s calling?”

“Jason Killing, best-selling author.”

“Who?”

“You guys did a cover for my last thriller.”

“So I can find your file. What’s your phone number?”

512-555-5555.”

“Uh huh, and the last four of your socials?”

“6666.”

“Address?”

“12 Bird Dropping Lane.”

“That’s Waco, right?”

“Right.”

“What can I do for you?”

“I received your draft cover for my next book.”

“Okay.”

“It is beautiful, but I’m not sure you hit the mark.”

“What’s the problem.”

“The story is about a CIA agent who goes rogue.”

“And?”

“I don’t see how a cowboy on a horse in the desert with a lovely sunset fits the story.”

“Let’s think a moment. Where is your story located?”

“Las Vegas.”

“Okay, that’s out West in the desert.”

“But most of the action takes place in the city.”

“Doesn’t your character need to rest?”

“Um, I hadn’t thought about that.”

“How about a nice relaxing ride at sunset.”

“I suppose that could be worked in. But I think we need more action.”

“Life is so complex. Don’t you think people will look forward to a peaceful scene?

“But that’s not what the book is about.”

“Maybe a rewrite is in order.”

“I’ll have to think about that.”

“Don’t wait too long. I have a Sci-Fi author who needs a cover.”

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”

Link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/01/15/kreative-kue-414-2/

The photo

Hobby by John W. Howell  © 2023

“I’m going to show you again.”

“This is hard work.”

“It is not hard work. Shoveling coal is hard work. You just have to get your mind into it.”

“Okay, I’ll try.”

“That’s the attitude I’m looking for.”

“Okay, so you want to make the water calm and deep blue.”

“Why?”

“So you can have an artistic reflection of the trees.”

“What trees.”

“The ones you are going to place by the water. Also, calm water allows you to reflect the clouds you will place above the trees and water.”

“So here’s the water. What do you think?”

“I think it is almost perfect.”

“Almost?”

“Close enough for a student. Now place the trees.”

“I have to be careful with them.”

“You are doing well. I like the variety.”

“Oh, thank you. The clouds want to run away.”

“Yeah, I should have warned you. You have to stick them up quickly. Looks like you are getting the hang of it.”

“What about the sky?”

“Choose a lighter blue than the water. It will be a nice contrast.”

“How’s this?”

“Look at you. You’ve done it. How does it make you feel?”

“You know, I think I could do this forever.”

“I know the feeling. I’ve been at it a long time.”

“What do you call this anyway?”

“The process?”

“Yes.”

“Creation. Also, we need to hurry, my son. We only have six days to do the whole thing.”

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”

The photo.

A link to Keith’s post: https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/01/08/kreative-kue-414/

Wake Up by John W. Howell © 2023

“Sir. Wake up. Open your eyes.”

“Huh. W-who are you?”

“Someone who saw you fall.”

“That light is so unusual.”

“You took a bad fall. Do you remember it?”

“The last thing I remember is looking out over the ocean.”

“Well that rock you were standing on let go.”

“I fell all the way to the water?”

“Not quite. You landed on this outcrop of stone.”

“Why can’t I see anything but the light?”

“Don’t worry. You will in a few moments.”

“How did you reach me here?”

“Truth? I had to jump here from where you fell.”

“So we both are stranded?”

“Not exactly stranded. We’ll be okay.”

“I’m beginning to see more the light is fading.”

“See I told you that would happen.”

“How far are we from the water?”

“Looks like about a thousand feet to me.”

“That cliff was two thousand feet above the water. That means I fell a thousand feet?”

“Your math is pretty good.”

“Wait. Why am I still alive after falling that far? I see you now and you are dressed like a hippy.”

“Some would say a shepherd.”

“What? Did you say shepherd?”

“I did.”

“So that fall . . .”

“Means you have no more worries. It’ time for us to leave.”

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”

You can visit Keith’s post. Here’s the link. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/kreative-kue-413/

The photo.

Chores by John W. Howell © 2023

“Uncle Trevor. What are you doing up there?”

“Just doing my chores, son.”

“Chores?”

“Yup. Mom told Me I should be more useful around the house.”

“I hate to mention this, but we’re dogs.”

“Oh, I know fully well what we are. That doesn’t stop Mom from wanting a little help.”

“What about the upright white-haired one?”

“Dad? Come on, he’s busy with his writing and art.”

“So it is up to you to help out?”

“That’s right. I wouldn’t plan on overstaying your welcome either ’cause you might be in the same pickle.”

“Yeah, I’m leaving tomorrow. Let me ask you a question.”

“Shoot.”

“How are you going to put away the dishes? You have no thumbs.”

“Put away the dishes?”

“That’s what you are doing, right?”

“Oh, heck no.”

“What then.”

“I just chased a gopher into the open dishwasher, and I’m trying to get it out.”

“A gopher? How did one of those get in the house?”

“Through a hole in the screen.”

“And you saw it come in?”

“Not exactly. I had it in my mouth and came through the door. I wanted to show Mom how handy I was.”

“You said there was a hole.”

“Not before I came through.”

“She’s going to love this.”

“Sush. I see him.”

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”

Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/12/18/kreative-kue-412/

The Photo

My Horse by John W. Howell © 2023

“So I told the stable master that you need a new stall.”

“Why would you do that. Mine’s perfectly okay.”

“I think it is too small for you.”

“Are you saying I’m fat?”

“No, not at all. You are a big horse, is all.”

“I like the cozy stall.”

“But wouldn’t it be nice to just be able to stretch out?”

“I get to do that all day. Look at us now.”

“I mean when you’re sleeping. Wouldn’t it be great to totally relax?”

“I hate to say this, but when I’m sleeping, I am totally relaxed.”

“I wish I could do something for you that would make you more comfortable.”

“Well, there might be one thing.”

“Oh, yes. Just tell me what it is.”

“If we could ditch the person with the lead rope and ride wild like the wind, I would be more comfortable.”

“Aw gee. I don’t have the riding skills for that kind of riding.”

“All you would have to do is hang on.”

“That’s just it. I don’t have the leg strength yet.”

“Well, if you had the strength, does it sound fun?”

“Yes, it does.”

“Great. We’ll put that on the agenda.”

“One thing, though.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t tell my Dad.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t speak, Dad. Only kid.”

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”

Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/12/11/kreative-kue-411/

The Photo.

Slow News Day by John W. Howell © 2023

“And now our reporter Max Fly in the Far East has a story about an obscure music maker.”

“That’s right, Bradley. I am here in Thailand with what has been reported as the only miniature bed of nail player in the world. Let me introduce you to Chakan Chokdee. Hello, Chakan.”

“Hello Mr, Fly.”

“You can call me Max.”

“Ah. Hello, Max.”

“Your English is perfect. Where did you learn it?”

“Stanford University. PhD in biostudies.”

“So, tell our audience about your instrument.”

“Yes. This is a miniature bed of nails, and instead of taking a nap on it, I play it.”

“And how do you do that?”

“Well, you hold it like this and pluck each nail.”

“Can you play it for us?”

“Sure, what would you like to hear?”

“For this demonstration, how about something traditional.”

“Ah, let me see. Yes, here is a traditional song.

Pluck – You say you are lookin’ for trouble?

Pluck – Well, son, you’ve come to the right place.

Pluck – Notice that I have this fist of iron.

Pluck – That’s got a reserved sign for your face.”

“Now that is an interesting folk song. What’s its name?”

“It is an ancient song that tells a story of cultural conflict.”

“I can imagine. What’s it called?”

“Mæ̀ k̄hxng khuṇ s̄wm rxngthêā būth t̀xs̄ū̂“

“Hmm. I wonder if you could translate that for our worldwide audience.”

“I’m not sure it would mean the same in English.”

“Give it a try.”

” Okay. The exact translation is Your Mother Wears Combat Boots.”

“I think we can understand that just fine. Back to you in the studio, Bradley.”

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”

Link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/12/04/kreative-kue-410/#respond

The photo.

Sea Chanty by John W. Howell © 2023

Me and my wheel. Do what we will.

Guiding this scow. Up here at the prow.

Alert for pirates, Alone with no shipmates.

Some say I’m crazy. Some just say lazy.

I love the sea. The sea loves me.

Them I ignore. Three fingers I pour.

Rum is my friend. Let’s do it again.

A tip to the sky. And Islands passed by.

A toast to the rich. That worry unhitch.

I love the sea. The sea loves me

Here’s to me, poor. With no office door.

A salute to my shirt. No cares for the dirt.

My smile never stops. This job is the tops.

No timeclock to punch. A three-hour lunch.

I love the sea. The sea loves me.

Not that much in pay. But a four-hour day.

So, the lubbers on land. I wave, and I stand.

I give you a smile. And then, all the while.

I know that I’m fine. With a fish on the line.

I love the sea. The sea loves me.

Keep me in mind. For your charter, next time.

Till then, I’ll be here. Nursing this beer.

I love the sea. The sea loves me.

i