This weeks’ FF inspiration comes from Lora Mitchell and is hosted as ever by the incomparable Rochelle.
As an extra challenge, Rochelle has asked us to include a genre heading above our stories this week. Which leads me to a great admission – I don’t really know what genre most of my writing falls into. Occasionally, I have been known to write a thriller, chick-lit or something else specific, but for the most part, I just write mainstream fiction. The characters are realistic, live in our own world and do things we could do. The MC is not necessarily female, though, and the focus is rarely her love / sex life, so I don’t think it’s chick-lit. If I think of the books I read which have a similar style, they are not found in one fo the genre sections of the bookshop or library, and the “genre” note on the back of the book almost always just says “Fiction”. So I think my genre is just Mainstream Fiction, but that feels like a cop out.
Suggestions on this, or any comments / crit about the writing are always welcome.
MAINSTREAM FICTION
Fireworks
We’re together under the midnight sky. I can feel his warmth as we move, slowly, carefully at first, then quickly, but still with care. Gasps and sighs fill the air around us.
We come together, perfectly timed. Mine, a flurry of sparks, escalating in a series of stronger and stronger bursts; his, a single world-shaking flash.
I want to enjoy my own moment, but it feels overshadowed by his – always higher, stronger and bigger. It makes me feel a little blue, even in the moment of delight.
When the night is over, what remains falls to Earth, spent and cold.
******
If you were thinking of suggesting the genre “Erotic Fiction” for this story, ask yourself whether this is in fact the story of two people who set up and let off fireworks for a public display, or indeed from the POV of the firework itself (thanks, Ted). Then consider whether you’ve just got a dirty mind 😉
elmowrites 
I think the MC is the firework itself… The blue one. Nice ‘Explosive Fiction’!
Lora’s blog is… LORA’S~JOURNEY
Thanks Ted, link duly added. I’m glad liked the story, and that your mind is pure!
Yup; I’ve got a dirty mind. Clever piece Jennifer.
I would expect nothing less, Sandra! thanks for stopping by!
Love the way you can choose your own point of view. Beautifully told.
Thanks tolly!
This is really sweet and delicately written. I took the fireworks as an innuendo at first so will go back and re-read with a not so dirty mind.
heehee, Emma. Whichever works for you is fine; I like to leave things open!
I read it twice, once from each POV. I think I like the dirty minded angle better, but I’m just a little sparkler fizzling in the shadow of a booming rocket.
You would, Russell. I’m not saying it’s wrong, I’m just pointing out an alternative.
Dear Jen,
Okay, I’ll admit to a “questionable” mind. (blushing) I loved your explanation at the end. Well done bit of writing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
🙂 Praise from the driver is extra special praise. Happy new year!
I began thinking you were going one way, as indeed you intended, but ended with the firework POV. Very well done.
I like both, tea. Either could be “right”
That’s one of the well-written aspects to it.
I think I was of two minds when I read this – I saw both the erotic and the possible literal interpretation. I think I preferred the former to the latter, but may just have a dirty mind. Emjoyed it a great deal, much said in very few words, and more left tot he imagination.
Thanks, Erin. The idea of the ambiguity came into my mind, so I had to give it a go. Don’t know how well it came off, but I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Jen,
Skyrocket in fllight, writing about delight. Hot, hot, hot. Great use of double entendre. Ron
Skyrocket in flight – now there’s a phrase!
Since you made the comment at the end, I know it isn’t just MY dirty mind! lol. VERY good piece. You lead me right down to your comment thinking you were the one with the dirty mind. ha ha
It seems the Fictioneers are a filthy-minded group, linda, so you’re in good company! thank you so much for your kind words – those capitals on VERY make me grin and grin
sheer genius! ^^ and yes, that does happen.lol
wow. thank you.
Just wanted to let you know I nominated you for The Lovely Blog Award.
The rules are at http://mariwells.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/awards/
Strange choice of post to associate with the word “Lovely”, mari, but thank you for the credit. I’ll take a look at your blog and the rules shortly…
I admit my mind went to the dirty. I love the idea of a POV of the firework!
Like I said before, seems like you’re in good company!
I totally thought it was a narrative from the pov of a firework. A lustful one perhaps, but a firework nonetheless.
and I totally believe you
there’s no question i have a dirty mind. but that doesn’t mean i can’t see other things too. like – um – well – nevermind. well done.
lol, Rich, thanks (I think!)
Dear Jen,
I love the multi-layered aspect of this beautifully written story and how it can be read from at least two different perspectives. Couple of question for you. What’s a dirty mind? And who was gigging me for writing ‘smut’ a while ago?
I like the way you played with your readers in this story.
Aloha,
Doug
Smut? Me? This is a story about fireworks, Doug. If you see smut everywhere you look, don’t come crying to me about it!!!