Karen Nelson Joins Flash Fiction Chronicles Crew

If you follow something long enough, eventually it’s yours.  (Or is that stalking?)  At any rate, I’m so glad that my time spent following the fascinating articles and up-to-the-minute Market Updates at Flash Fiction Chronicles has opened new doors.

FFC’s online magazine has been helping writers understand and explore the craft of writing for more than four years.  It’s impressive host of guest interviews and articles offers advice on everything from craft to publishing tips.  With such talent in play, it’s easy to see why I’m so pleased to have been named the Technical Editor for Flash Fiction Chronicles!

I’ve already met a wonderful network of hard-working and gifted individuals.  Being in charge of editing and formatting material for the e-zine has afforded me an opportunity to use my technical skills, while getting a first look at upcoming material.  (I love a sneak peek, don’t you?)

I look forward to the months ahead, and to reading many great submissions from Flash Fiction fans and experts!

Be sure to check out the website at http://www.everydayfiction.com/flashfictionblog/ and subscribe to this FREE magazine to keep up on industry news!

Flash Fiction – “Tijuana Trail”

  No one would steal his car on the streets of Tijuana.  It made the search so much easier.  He wondered what one of them would say, when finally found – the girls whose pictures he tucked in the door.  He flicked his thumb around the edges of the latest addition.  A girl called Rita.  No parents, no friends to miss her.

He’d been a California detective for thirty years.  Each one of the faces on his left had disappeared on his watch.  It was another day off, and another day following the trail.

Photo credit belongs to Beth Carter, fellow Friday Fictioneer, for this amazing photo!

I first thought of Tijuana, Mexico when looking at this photo because of the experience my parents had when visiting a health clinic there.  Needing a ride over the border from San Diego, they got a “taxi” that was anything but shiny and yellow (although not as bad as this!).  The driver explained that his car was specifically for this purpose, as any nicer vehicles soon lost their hubcaps, radios, and anything else that could be appropriated.

Many thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting the Friday Fictioneers!  Each Friday brings a new photo prompt and the challenge to write a story in just 100 words.  Follow the group on FaceBook or via Twitter – #FridayFictioneers.  Please visit more Fictioneers for some Friday Flash fun!

Friday Flash Fiction – “Duelling Basses”

“You, uh…you been comin’ here long?”

“Yes, Frank.  We’ve stood in this closet every weekend for the past eight years.”

“How’s your sixth-grader doin’?”

“Oh, you know.  They’re all the same – too short to reach the tuning pegs, clumsy with the bow, embarrassed to be seen standing behind the cellos.  If only Sasha hadn’t moved, I’d be in the youth symphony by now.”

“I got a girl this year.  Big hands.  Could be good.”

“Well, it’s all pointless anyway.  It’s not like they can take us on the bus to practice at home.”

“I dunno.  Sometimes they surprise you.  Come in after school.  Pick a little.”

“Hear that?  The alarm’s set, building’s empty.  Play me that Rachmaninoff piece, Frank.”

“Anything for you, Joan.”

If you want to gain a new perspective on classical music, take a moment to enjoy the video below – “Stronger”, as performed by Time For Three.  I had the privilege of seeing these talented young men in concert this past year, and they are amazing!  Bassist Ranaan Meyer is especially gifted, and turns the double bass into a whole new art form.

Many thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting the Friday Fictioneers!  Each Friday brings a new photo prompt and the challenge to write a story in just 100 words.  Follow the group on FaceBook or via Twitter – #FridayFictioneers.  Please visit more Fictioneers for some Friday Flash fun!