Flash Fiction Friday 2-1-13: "Unspoken"

Word Limit = 300 words
Key Phrase = hazy
Extra Credit = Figure out who's taking the picture, or, tell us where the husband is.

The air was heavy, thick, redolent with citrus and jasmine, cigarette smoke, and a darker, more primal scent overlaying all. The ceiling fans spun lazily, doing little to stir the haze. I cared not; my attention lay elsewhere.

All night I'd watched them, mutely appraising. Watched them queer the pitch for every sad bastard who came along and thought the exposure of skin was a license for grabbing, or assumed they must be available merely because they were unoccupied. Watched the interlopers slink away, torn in small pieces by razor tongue and the thousand-yard stare from dead, dead eyes.

Once or twice I caught the hooded gaze of the one in red. The glitter of those eyes was absolute, would admit of no authority, no passions. It belied the animal hungers so plain in every deliberate movement she made. The blonde – caressing her friend's shoulders slowly, once in a while leaning over to whisper inarticulate nothings – studiously refused to look at me at all. Her nipples stood tall, her breasts were drawn tight; occasionally she would trail a hand down between her legs and touch herself, and her eyes would close in heavy-lidded pleasure.

And then the one in red seemed to come to a decision. She raised her head and looked at me, deliberately, insolently. Her hands went to her dress and slid it up, up, till I could see all too easily the dusky rose of her cunt. It glistened like a promise.

I looked at her. “Why?” I wanted to know. “What makes me different from the rest of them?” I indicated the room with a slow sweep of my hand.

Her red red mouth shaped the words precisely. “I admire restraint,” she breathed. “Makes it more fun breaking that restraint.”

Director's Commentary:

This was a fantastic photo. It has a very noir-ish feel to it and I tried to inject a bit of that into this piece. I get the impression that this is one of those parties where just about anything goes, but the host (or hostess) won't tolerate any excessive familiarity unless the recipient is clearly interested. I think these two would have to put up with a lot of offers all night, and so I was curious how they might react to a man who deliberately did *not* pursue them. It seems he's won the cigar.

Who took the picture? Perhaps it was a photographer who the hostess has paid to capture interesting tableaus. There is a sense of coiled promise in this particular layout; even if it were live video, I doubt you would see much more movement than what's captured here. It's all being spoken with body language; all the communication is wordless.

Thanks to Advizor for putting together this week's Flash Fiction Friday. Go check him out, won't you, to see who else is playing.

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 1-25-13: "Lighthaze"

 

FFF for Friday Jan 25

The light was overwhelming. Even through the loosely tied scarf, it permeated her, suffused her.  Wrapped loosely in white linen, she breathed steadily, evenly, while he completed his task. Anticipation coiled lazily in her stomach, twisting, twisting. The rough texture of denim on her bare ass only heightened the sensation.

She blew a tendril of hair out of her mouth and he smacked her flank lightly. "Hey," he admonished. "I said no movement." She smiled to herself at the tremble in his voice. Betrayed by his own lust.

She heard his buckle being undone, then the purr of the zipper. He knelt, straddling her legs. Groaning, he pressed against her. Groaning, he slid home. A small sound escaped her, a soft sigh of acceptance. She planted her hands more firmly against the wall and rocked back against him. Ragged breathing was her only response. Her forehead dropped, pressed against the cool of the headboard, rested there.

Abruptly he stiffened, emitted a strangled cry. She felt him flooding into her, and rejoiced.

After, he lay alongside her, stroking her lightly. His hands were rough but tender.

"I wasn't....too hard on you, was I?" he asked, wanting reassurance. She rolled her eyes behind the blindfold. Barely thirty seconds, she thought, no, I don't think that was too much.

But she smiled, and said, "You did fine, honey. We'll try for longer next time."

***************

Word = Dark or light (but not both in the same piece)
Word Length = 300 for 1, 150 for 2, or 75 for 3
Extra Credit = Where did she go to college?

Director's commentary:

I absolutely love the lighting of this shot. Something about the way the guy in this photo is fumbling with the knots and the posture of her body suggested an inexperienced guy who wants to play around with some bondage. I thought I'd have some fun with the idea that he got so excited by it that he only lasted a short time. Who's the woman? Is she his girlfriend? His wife? His mistress? A call girl? You decide. To me, she's his wife, indulging him and turned on by the idea, but a little disappointed at the execution. Well, not everything in the bedroom works out perfectly. That's why you practice until you get it right for all participants. :)

Where did she go to college? She looks like a Vassar girl to me. Don't ask me why.

Thanks to Advizor for putting this one together. If you want to see who else is playing, drop by his page.

Happy FFF! 

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 5-25-12: "Auto-Eroticism"

(Source image: "Hillary" by Bradley Thurber)

The rain was slashing sheets across the windows of my Chevy. The engine ticked, cooling. Jazz played softly on the radio, the players noodling around, no particular destination in mind. The scent of the leather seats was strong.

"So," she said, looking at me calmly. "How long's it going to be?"

"Before what?"

"Before you make your move, you adorable idiot. You knew we wouldn't see anything up here, not with it raining like this."

"Um. Well, I....."

"Oh, shut up." She leaned towards me...and kept leaning, down into my lap. Her fingers worked quickly at my zipper and in a twinkling, she had me in her mouth. I groaned, and my hands wound into her glossy black hair.

She looked up and grinned at me, letting me slip free. "That's better," she breathed.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 100-135 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...the scent of [noun]..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:

I've always wanted to have sex in a car, but none of my partners has ever been interested. Maybe some day. I looked at the gamin grin on this girl's face, and the rest of the scenario fell into place effortlessly: a rainy night, parked on a secluded embankment high above the city, soft jazz on the radio, and some steamed-up windows. Mmmmm. Delicious...particularly if your partner happens to be as bold as this one appears to be. Please, no references to "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights".

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. 

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 5-18-12: "Damn the Consequences"

(Image source: "On the Stairs" by Samantha Wolov)

She was writhing, moaning, underneath me. Her skin was superheated, the lace on her bra cups rough and scratchy against my chest. Her lips were hungry, her restless hands everywhere on my body. She yanked at my jeans; I tore her underwear aside, fumbling, desperate. My fingers sank deep into her with one exploratory push, immediately soaked. She gasped and cooed against my neck, wrapping her hand around me, squeezing, tugging me closer.

I slid deep with one effortless thrust and she wrapped her legs around me. The red haze descended and I started pounding away at her, her shrieks and yelps already rising up the scale.

“Take me upstairs,” she'd said. We hadn't even made it halfway.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 68-122 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...rough and scratchy..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:

Some of the best sex I've ever had in my life has been when my partner and I just couldn't wait to have each other. Standing against the wall, bent over a couch, just inside the front door or (as in one particularly memorable occasion) halfway up the stairs. Not a fantasy, this one, but drawn from life. It was fucking incredible (or perhaps I should say incredible fucking).

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. 

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 5-11-12: "Foreign Affairs"

(Source image unknown; provided some time ago by the lovely Lexi)

Summer in a strange country, wandering the streets, penniless, lost and dejected. I strolled aimlessly, not knowing what I sought.

It certainly hadn't been this. Dark hair, dark eyes, tanned skin; a hint of mischief in the crescent whiteness of her smile. She crooked her finger at me and I followed, helpless.

Down a blind alley, she pulled me against a wall. I tasted pomegranates in her kiss, licked the salt of her sweat from her nipples. She arched a leg high and gasped quietly as I sank into her.

I was still lost, but at least I'd found this.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of less than 100 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...a hint of mischief..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track: 

The woman in this picture seems just the kind of mischievous imp I'd like to spend a couple of days getting to know while visiting a foreign country. I've never traveled extensively outside the U.S., but I had little trouble imagining someone who was down on his luck, had had a series of misfortunes or was otherwise unable to leave the country, yet couldn't find a means to sustain himself, wandering the streets, penniless and alone. I wondered how I would react if I were him. I wondered how she would notice. I wondered how she might introduce herself, and this, with very little changing or editing, is the result. I hope you enjoyed it. 

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. Thanks to Lexi for providing this week's photo!

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 3-16-12: "Our Place Always Smelt of Roses"

(Source image: "Forbidden Embrace" by Igor Vasiliadis)

"It's hopeless, then?"

"Oh, I wouldn't say that. The Chancellor may have forbidden it, but as long as we're careful to not reveal anything in public, we should be all right."

"I don't know. I love you, but I don't want to get popped into one of Creedy's black bags, either."

Valerie smiled. "Then we'll just have to be sure we do all of our loving here at home, where we're safe from prying eyes."

They sank down on the bed, clothes already falling free, and met in a tender, bruising embrace. Superheated skin met silken skin; fingers explored, caressed; tongues twined and danced. They molded together, melting and merging, casting caution and fear to the wind.

Forbidden or not, there was just no way they could deny this intensity, this connection.

This love.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of not more than 160 words. Additionally, I provided a key word I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...hopeless..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track: 

The title of the picture determined where I went with this one. "Forbidden Embrace" gave me an idea, and then I took inspiration from elsewhere. Readers of Alan Moore and David Lloyd's seminal graphic novel "V for Vendetta", or for that matter viewers of the Wachowski Brothers' excellent film adaptation, will no doubt recognize where I got Valerie and her lover. If you haven't read the graphic novel or seen the movie, do so. Both are well worth taking in; although the story's crackdown on lesbians and gays is only a small part of the greater picture, I think it says a lot that when we start taking away rights from gays and lesbians and telling them they aren't free to love who they choose, it's only a short couple of steps from there to a totalitarian regime where no one is safe and nothing is allowed without the consent of the government. Fuck that.

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Please note: This will be the last FFF challenge (and probably the last post) from me for some time until probably mid- or possibly late April. I have some personal issues to deal with as well as severe crunch time at my workplace and can't devote any spare time to larking about as I might wish. Thanks for your understanding.


-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 2-17-12: "A Ballet on Silk Sheets"

(Source image: unknown title, photo by Mina Bast)

"Now," she said. "Take me now. The rose is nice, and the dinner was excellent, but now I want dessert."

Time stretched, folded, twisted like taffy. She rocked atop me, hips moving slowly; then her legs were up over my shoulders as I thrust deeply inside; then she was gripping the bedframe as I pounded her from behind. A dance of decadence, a symphony of sensations, musk and sweat, heights of pleasure, cries of joy.

Afterwards we lay, spent, tangled together, hearts hammering. She sighed softly, contented.

"Happy Valentine's Day, love," I murmured.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of less than 100 words. Additionally, I provided a key word I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...folded..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:


I originally intended this to be much more raw and primal, more about animal lust than romantic love -- but then I saw the rose, and suddenly my viewpoint shifted in another completely different direction. I hope your own Valentine's Day was at least this lovely and more. If it wasn't, well, I hope you'll have some fun soon.


If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Please note there will be no challenge next week and possibly the week after that. I will be occupied with personal and business matters and won't have the time or access to devote to FFF. Check with some of the other participants if you like, and be of good cheer; I shall return. 

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 2-10-12: "A Rose in the Battleground"

(Source image: "Offering" by Valery Bareta)

“It's no use,” she wept. “I'll never be any good to you.”

He smiled. “Don't be ridiculous. Your body knows what it wants. You just have to give it time.”

She shook her head, crying harder. “Dammit, just go. You've been so patient, I can't stand it.”

He stooped and lifted her effortlessly. “Not a chance. You're worth far too much to me for me to just leave now, when you need me so much.”

Wrapped in the warmth of his embrace, feeling the proof of his passion against her thigh, she felt suddenly light as a feather. Maybe he wasn't wrong, at that.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 64-123 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...light as a feather..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:

This picture spoke to me very strongly. She looks so vulnerable, so broken, that this story sprang to mind almost fully formed. Clearly she was having issues of some kind and he, being the patient sort who recognizes a gem when he sees it, thinks she's worth the trouble. I like happy endings. I hope you do too.


If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. 

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 2-3-12: "Crystalline Dream"

(Image stolen from Lexi some time ago; title unknown, artist probably Adam Spizak)

She looked, curiously, at the pill in her palm. This was going to take her to places undreamed?

Almost without thinking, she put it to her mouth, swallowed.

************************************************

Waves of liquid light, sweeping, rising. Crystalline fire spiraling along her nerves, setting them aflame. Skin singing with sensation. A great gulf, filling with burning ice.

Scattered notes dancing in the swirling wind. Mighty gears turning, meshing, driving her higher. Globes of ecstasy, bubbling up and through her. Building and foaming, gyring and twisting, lithe and effortless. Floodflames as she neared the tautened edge, then crossed it in screams of wonder and joy.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 85-105 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...crystalline..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:

This artwork fascinated me. Even though I've never done any hallucinogenics, it seemed to be a pretty good representation of how one might seem. I crossed that with my hazy ideas of what I think the female orgasm might feel like, and then stirred briskly with lyrical and poetic writing. The result, I think, speaks for itself. I hope you enjoyed it.

Understand that I don't advocate recreational drug use -- it seems to me to be an easy way to get lost in an "outside" world, while losing touch with the real world and, incidentally, blowing lots of money -- but I can't help but wonder what an acid trip, or a mescaline trip, might do for someone who was already sensually-minded.

The title comes from the song of the same name by Shadow Gallery. Prog-rock is very good at describing dream worlds, so it makes a good soundtrack.


If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Apologies for the late entry -- this did not auto-post at midnight for some reason. I've added three of the participants that I've seen so far since they couldn't add theirs without this being here!

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. Thanks to Lexi for providing this week's art.

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 1-13-12: "Reflected Desire"

(Image provided by David; artist, Helmut Newton, title unknown)

There were no restraints, no checks on her motion. Just the sure and certain knowledge that if she moved so much as an inch, he'd be gone like smoke. “Be still” he'd said, and he meant it.

With nowhere to turn, she gazed at her reflected form. Her arms ached. Her legs burned from the strain of holding herself so erect. The heels were killing her...but damn if they didn't sculpt the hell out of her calves. Her skin gleamed, pale and pearlescent. Her frame was spare and taut, muscles drawn in sharp relief. Her breasts stood tall and proud, nipples pointy, hard with excitement. She felt her breath quicken as she realized that she was maddeningly desirable. Her mouth watered, and she felt herself getting wetter by the second.

And she realized: This. This is what he was waiting for.

In a cracked and failing voice, she breathed, “Take me now...please?”

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 85-188 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...cracked and failing..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday break. My own was a mix of business and pleasure, with more of the latter than the former, fortunately.

This little vignette was almost effortless for me, with my fingers racing on the keyboard to catch the words before they escaped. It makes me happy when it's that simple. Then again, a picture like this truly is worth a thousand words. To me, she looks a bit strained from holding that position, but I think there's also a fair amount of excitement and anticipation. Let's see if any of you think the same! 

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. Thanks to David for providing this week's photo.

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 12-9-11: "Breakfast Surprise"

(Image source: "Sunny Sunday Morning" by T.C. Reiner)

She staggered out into the kitchen, drawn by the aroma of her Elixir of Life. Her head was still pounding after last night's pounding, but she'd have done it all again in a second.

And might still, she thought speculatively, watching his ass work as he moved about in front of the stove. He wore an apron and nothing else.

“Ah! You're awake,” he said calmly. “Breakfast first, then dessert.”

“Dessert?” she wondered as she poured, still half awake.

“Why, yes,” he said. “First we get our strength back...then I attack you again and have you for afters.”

She shivered deliciously, feeling the clockwork mechanism get started, the floodgates opening again. “Wonderful,” she smiled, and sipped from her cup.

And choked, convulsed, sprayed the mouthful all over the kitchen. He whirled around, spatula held high, shouting, “What? What is it???”

“Burned coffee,” she coughed.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 60-160 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...burned coffee..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:

I'm not quite sure where I got the key phrase; it just popped into my head. Likewise, my approach on this one. I'm a big fan of sex after breakfast (or sex before breakfast.....or sex in the middle of breakfast) so I guess this isn't a big surprise. I don't do much good in the kitchen but I do well with breakfast stuff, and I do like to feed my partner the morning after a long night of fun. And yes, I've done the "apron only" thing once or twice.

Still, I know a few people who can't get started without their morning coffee, and even a prelude of foreplay would go awry if the coffee was burned. Not having a taste for the stuff myself, I wouldn't know. I hope you enjoyed this one.

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Please note that this will likely be the last FFF for the year. Starting early next week I will be traveling for the remainder of the year and my Internet access on private computers is going to be extremely spotty. You may see a post here and there, or I may leave comments once in a while, but don't count on it.


Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year. I'll see you all in 2012.

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 11-18-11: "Over Too Soon"

(Source image: "Monday" by Darren Hopes)

“It isn't fair, is it, Basil?” she mused aloud. “The weekends are just too damn short. Monday always comes too soon.” She grimaced. “If only some of my clients would too. Then I wouldn't be so sore, even after a weekend off.”

She sighed, and stubbed her cigarette out on the front stoop. “Ah well. No use moping; I'd better get back to work.” She stood and stretched, resigned to another week of empty embraces and unforgiving beds, of panted promises and protestations of love that never amounted to anything.

She drew back her shoulders so her breasts stood up nicely, and flashed a smile at the gentleman walking down the street. “Good morning, fine sir. Fancy a bit of a frolic?”

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 86-136 words. Additionally, I provided a key word I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...resigned..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track: 

There was something a bit sad and lost about the woman in this artwork. I wanted to capture some of that in this little tale but when I started writing it went somewhere a bit different. She seems more fatalistic than sad, more resigned to her job than trapped by it. I suppose there could be worse ways to be making a living.

I'm not sure where I got the name "Basil" from. The cat just looks like a Basil to me.


If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. 

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 11-4-11: "On Sale Now"

(Image source unknown but was titled "Entertainment Center")

“Thirty thousand? You gotta be fucking kidding me,” Howard laughed.

“I assure you, sir, it's worth every penny,” the salesman rejoined. “It has everything you need for a solitary evening of Monday Night Football.”

“Well...it is very well constructed,” Howard mused. “So lifelike...hey!” He jumped back as if his fingers had been burned. “It's warm to the touch!”

“Of course, sir!” the salesman said eagerly. “We strive for realism in our models.”

He shot Howard a knowing glance. “Would you care to try it out?”

Howard licked his lips, feeling his cock start to throb. “I, um...do you have a private room?”

The salesman smirked. “No need, sir. We've seen it all before.”

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 75-125 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...so lifelike..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:

I really really didn't like this picture, so I compromised by turning it into a display at a big-box store and making the guy who was buying it into a loser who can't get a girl of his own and has to pay thirty thousand for his "entertainment center". And then took it even more over the top by suggesting that there are so many of these sold that the customers "trying them out" in public was so common that the salesmen had become inured to it. The ridiculous approach was the only one I could come up with to make it palatable for me. I hate nude photos or porn that objectifies women.

Sadly, I think the fact is that something like this would be a big success. What a world we live in....

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. 

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 10-28-11: "Sex on Dark Wings"

(Source image: "Battire" by Gernot)

The night air was heavy with promise. I breathed hard as I stroked, loving the exposure, feeling the explosion build.

Then, behind me, the tenebrous whir of leathery wings. I turned; she alighted. Skin pale as the moon, round heavy breasts, tresses of ebony, lips red as blood...delicate black wings.

“So glad I chose this rooftop to begin my hunt this evening,” she murmured. And began walking toward me, her gaze devouring my every inch.

“Uh.” Play the host, that's what you do for unexpected guests. “Uh, can I, would you like a drink? Some wine?”

“Oh no,” she purred, still moving in that slow stalk, eyeing my hardness deliberately. “I do not drink.....wine.”

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today, this near-Halloween day, was to use the slightly spooky picture above and write a flash fiction of 80-120 words. Additionally, I wanted you to use this H.P. Lovecraft word in your fic:

"...tenebrous..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:

Truthfully, from the instant I chose this photo there was really no question about what direction I was going with it. The idea of the temptress, the succubus, the sexy female vampire -- all of these get plenty of play in many an erotic fantasy, and I'm no different. Maybe I wouldn't react so calmly if I was caught on a rooftop with my cock in my hand by a bat-winged temptress who obviously wanted fresh meat, but not blood, but hell, who knows?

And yes, I know her lips are black and not red. Sue me. :) 

Happy Halloween! If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. 

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 10-21-11: "Aural Sex"

(Source image: unknown title by Beau Monde; website link broken)

“Just listen,” he said. “I think it's the best I've done yet.”

She put the headphones on, and...

...was lost, utterly, swept away and undone. Bass throbbed in her bones. Panoramic strings of notes curled around, holding her close. Point-counterpoint bore her along, synth waves buoying her up, steadying. Images flared in her brain, slow-sweet moans, lisping sounds of bodies locked together, slippery with sweat, fumbling towards ecstasy, cramped with desire, rigid in pained delight.

“Well?” he asked.

She couldn't speak. She just nodded.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 38-98 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...pained delight..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:

No, I don't have any idea where the key words for this week's challenge came from. They just jumped into my head unbidden and refused to leave till I put them down as part of the challenge. I hope they weren't too much of a burden for the rest of you.

I've been musing over the idea of music as a sexual experience. There have been times when the song I was listening to was so transcendent, the notes so just right, the environment so enveloping, the power and wonder of it all so extreme that it was almost a religious thing. Quite a trick, for an atheist. And it occurred to me that with very little alteration, what is religion to some could be sexual for others. Music gets a lot of people horny, but what would music sound like if it was the very representation of the sexual experience? I tried to capture some of that in this very short piece, and think I succeeded. Opinions may differ.

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. 

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 10-14-11: "Worth a Thousand Fantasies"

(Source image: "Framed" by Marcus J Ranum)

The instructor adjusted the frame, then stepped back, satisfied. “There,” he said. “Thirty minutes.”

Lyla settled back on her heels. Now that the time was actually here, she searched for a hint of her earlier panic, but it was nowhere to be found. Serene as a Hindu cow, she sat there, an object before their gazes.

The pose she'd chosen allowed her to glance around without disturbing her arrangement. She saw marked admiration in every glance, and caught some of that excitement herself. Her breasts drew tight and her nipples stood tall. Between her thighs, the insistent pulse mounted high.

“I love art class,” she thought.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 80-112 words. Additionally, I asked that you include the emotion of "calm" somewhere in the piece.

Nobody's checking word counts, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:

Not much to say this week, other than to say that I think the young lady in this photo is just lovely. I want to run my hands over that lovely smooth skin, caress those sweet curves. I love her purple hair, too, and wish I'd found some way to work that into the story. 

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. 

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 10-7-11: "The Treatment Was Successful...."

(Source image by Vlad Gansovsky, title unknown)

“........at least, that's my opinion. You should give it a try!” Lisa said cheerfully.

Paul and Jane looked at each other tentatively. Jane licked her lips.

“What would it hurt?” she mused.

“Might even be fun,” he said.

“Okay, let's try!” And with that, she began tearing enthusiastically at his clothes. He growled and yanked her sweater open. Buttons flew everywhere and her breasts spilled into his hands. He dove in, sucking and licking as if his life depended on it. She pulled his slacks and boxers down, his cock flopping free and then rapidly swelling as she gave it a tongue bath. His hands were all over her, twining in her hair, grabbing her ass, slipping between her legs to find her, surprisingly, just as ready as he.

She jumped into his lap, lifting and sinking down with a groan. He gasped too as she started bucking, riding him wildly.

The lobby door opened, the receptionist glancing down at her clipboard. “Mr. and Mrs.....Johanssen, was it? Dr. Ruth will see you now.”

Lisa sipped at her coffee, glancing at Paul and Jane. They hadn't even heard. “I don't think they need to see the doctor anymore,” she said.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 78-208 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...enthusiastically..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:


This one was fun. I looked at this picture and immediately thought "doctor's office!" And my imagination was off and running. At first I thought Paul and Jane were just bored and killing some time while they waited (you know how it is when you're waiting at the doctor's, the wait is interminable). Then, I'm not sure why, I took a closer look at the woman sitting next to them. She didn't look bored to me, but a bit smug. With that, my take on the picture solidified. This wasn't just any doctor's office, but a sex therapist's, where Paul and Jane were supposed to be meeting with the doctor to discuss their problems. But the woman sitting next to them had struck up a conversation with them, and given them a bit of good advice (more likely just a bit of common sense), and pretty soon they discovered they don't have any problems after all.

It's purely coincidental that they chose to try it out right then and there, of course. Has nothing to do with the fact that I think it would be really hot to have sex in a doctor's reception room with nobody caring. (God, I really am becoming an exhibitionist at heart).


Trivia: "The Treatment Was Successful......" is from that line of the old joke. The next line, of course, is ".......but the patient died."  For those who actually know the joke, I thought it would add a bit of urgency to the story even before you read it. The use of "Dr. Ruth" was just so it was clear they were visiting a sex therapist. Both of these things are what's commonly known as "overthinking it", incidentally.

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. 

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 9-30-11: "Successful Campaign"

(Image this week provided by Lexi, original source unknown...but doesn't it look like an advertisement?)

She was tall and slim, dark and pretty; he, short and round, bearded and bespectacled. They stared out the windows, side by side, looking down at the world below. Their vantage point accorded them a 360-degree view of the teeming streets.

“How does it work?” she wanted to know.

“I haven't the slightest idea, really. The neuroanatomists and chemists and physiologists who developed it could explain it, but every time they tried, my eyes glazed over.”

“Not interested in the technical side of things, eh?”

“Guilty as charged. All I care about is, does it work?”

“I guess we'll know soon enough, won't we? The transmitter was hooked up last night.”

“Where is it?”

“Ground floor level, disguised as a streetlamp.”

Her hand reached out, closed around the switch on the pedestal nearby. She hesitated.

“Is this right?”

His hand closed over hers, squeezing it gently. “Our culture is too repressed. There's too much emotional hurt and baggage attached. Sex should be fun between two people – or more than two. All we're doing is giving them a little help.”

“We'll see,” she murmured, almost inaudibly. And threw the switch.

In the streets below, a low murmur, a sigh of need, a ripple that passed over dozens of people. Skins flushed, hearts raced, mouths watered. Eyes met, and lingered. Chance contacts in the crowds unaccountably lingered. And lingered. And swiftly became caresses.

And the first of the impromptu couples dropped to the ground, tearing frenziedly at their clothes, clasping each other in passionate embrace, drawing each other down and into mergence. The murmur of need rose from a thousand throats, and everywhere, everywhere the lust storm rippled outward. Men embraced women. Women twined around others. Men coupled with other men. Women pounced on men who were already coupled with others. Threesomes, foursomes, couples. Everywhere you looked, love was being made. All surrendered to their animal instincts, lost in their pleasures, and enjoyed it as never before.

They barely noticed the bacchanal far below. In their cold, sterile boardroom, they were doing a little celebrating of their own.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 130-354 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...lost..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:

I absolutely loved this picture when I found it in Lexi's stash. Had planned to use it weeks ago, but, well, you heard what happened and I won't dwell on it. Instead, I'll just note that I wish it weren't necessary in our story for scientists to come up with a gadget that breaks down our barriers, something that helps people be less repressed. I think it would be marvelous if our society was free and open enough for people to feel able to couple in the streets like this, to take their pleasure wherever they chose, without fear of reprisal or censure.


Regrettably, I just couldn't come up with any scenarios that spoke of such a utopia. So I resorted to science fiction, imagining this gorgeous scene as the field test of a libido-enhancing gadget. I think it's meant to be advertising the condoms (Fallux?), but regardless of the picture's source, I'll just say that I really enjoyed looking at this one. Such a fantastic scene of unfettered joy and pleasure. Now that's fucking hot.

******************

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. Thanks again to Lexi for providing this week's photo/advertisement.

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 8-26-11: "It's All About Me"

(Photo this week provided by Red; originally from http://carmenicadiaz.net)

“Oh god. Nearly there,” she moaned.

“That's what you said half an hour ago,” he muttered, voice muffled by her muff.

“No, really, I mean it this time, I.... I...... IIIIiiiieeeeee!!!”  her voice rose to a shriek.

Suddenly she sat up and pushed him away. “Wait, stop, stop!”

“What now?” he groaned.

“I need a picture for my blog. Just let me grab the camera, it won't take long.”

“Yeah. Right.”

“Lens......focal length......exposure time......okay, good. Now I just need to find the perfect angle.”

She looked down at his aggrieved expression. “Well? What're you waiting for? Get back to work.”

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 80-110 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...the perfect angle..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:


When I first saw this pic, it had a mischievous, silly feel to it, as if she'd grabbed a camera while he was doing her in the bathroom and snapped a quick, blurry pic to titillate herself with when she was alone, bored, or what have you. I even tossed around a few phrasings in my head for when I got ready to write it.

Then, when I looked at the pic again, ready to start writing, it wasn't that way at all. Instead, it was a prima donna "blogger girl" who had an overinflated opinion of herself and thought she was the center of the world. Everything had to be about her "blog" and not even an impromptu bit of sex in the bathroom was exempt. The look on her face, I realized, wasn't a look of ecstasy, it was a look of preoccupation and mild annoyance that he kept jostling her just when she was about to snap the shot. I even got a bit angry at her for being such a bitch and obsessing over her stupid camera.

Don't ask me why it struck me this way and why I had such a visceral response. I swear I didn't see it that way the first time.

Disclaimer: I am, of course, not referring to any of you. None of you folks is that prima donna-ish. 

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. Thanks to Red for providing this week's photo.

-- PB

Flash Fiction Friday 8-19-11: "Delicious"

(Image this week provided by Advizor; original source and title unknown)

"Sorry about the eggs. I'm really a bit rubbish at cooking."

"Mm. I have had more palatable breakfasts."

Curls of smoke drifted up from her cigarette as she gestured, lazily. "Mind you, that could be because this isn't what I wanted for breakfast."

I raised an eyebrow. "And you did want....?"

She rolled her eyes so hard they spun round in the sockets. "You, you idiot."

I blushed like a schoolgirl, but managed to squeak out, "So, um, why don't we get you what you really wanted?"

"Why indeed?" she purred.

(Click for details on FFF!)

Your challenge for today was to use the picture above and write a flash fiction of 69-99 words. Additionally, I provided a key phrase I wanted to see used somewhere in the submission:

"...curls of [noun]..."

Nobody's checking word counts, or for the key phrase, but you're only cheating yourself if you break the rules. Unless you're doing it to earn a spanking (in which case, see me after class).

Special Bonus Director's Commentary Track:


Try as I might, I couldn't think of any other reason these two might be still nude or half-nude at the table unless they were so keen to get back to the bedroom that they hadn't bothered to dress. There is a rather pensive look on the face of the one on the right, but I consciously chose to ignore that, preferring to go with the "barely contained lust" approach. Besides, I've written too much lately that's been dark and/or turbulent and/or depressing and/or pensive. Rather have something cheerful.

This is, I think, the first thing I've posted here where I'm actually writing from the female perspective. I just can't think of the "I" in a story and have it be a female and make it seem right. Hopefully I did all right with this one. 

If you are playing along this week, please leave your link below using the widget. It will appear in the text of the post itself, not in the comments, so everyone that's playing will be listed here. This frees me from having to chase people down to find out if they're playing or update the Friday post several times for late entries. Your cooperation is appreciated.

In any case, the participants list is below. Go check them out, and thanks to all who played along.



Check back here on Monday for the next challenge! And if you have any photos or artwork you'd like to see in a future challenge, please send them my way. Thanks to Advizor for this week's photo!

-- PB