To Everything There is a Time, by Gordon Lawrie

4/10/2019

"Tell us another story, Grandpa, go on."

The old man sat in his bedside chair: it had taken a superhuman effort to get up and dressed for his grandchildren's visit. They loved his stories, the clever ones and the scary ones, but they particularly loved his funny ones. Each was exactly one hundred words long, and each was completely new. He'd never let them down.

But now he was exhausted and aware that he was nearing the end. It was time.

"Go on, Grandpa, another one!" they said again.

He sighed. "Sorry kids, I think I'm storied out this time."

Since Friday Flash Fiction really took off back in September 2013, I've posted a 100-word story every Friday without fail. I've posted stories on other days, too, as well as some longer stuff, a few poems and contributed to a few long-defunct (but fun) other threads, too – a total of well over 500.

However, I’m finding it hard to keep coming up with new ideas, and I’d rather not post stuff which isn’t up to FFF standard. This story is simply an admission that I need a break. I’m delighted to continue as editor if no one objects, and Comely Bank Publishing will carry on sponsoring FFF. I’ll carry on posting the odd story if an idea comes into my head.

Thanks to all. You guys are great.

12 Comments

Sandra James

4/10/2019 08:35:03 am

Thank you Gordon for all your hard work. I'm new to the site (thanks to my friend Mary Wallace) and love the challenge. I am sure everyone appreciates what you have set up, giving so many the chance to practice, improve and see their work in print.

Mandira Pattnaik

4/10/2019 10:05:24 am

I'm new to the site like Sandra and yet, in such a short time, I feel very attached to this site.
Reading your piece was heart breaking.
Really appreciate your patience with people like me.

K. J. Watson link

4/10/2019 10:12:22 am

Thank you for establishing and maintaining this site, Gordon. I've been submitting pieces for just a few weeks and you have kindly published them all. This means a great deal.

Kim Favors

4/10/2019 06:01:15 pm

Taking a break is understandable, but when that "odd story idea" comes along, Gordon please do share. I'll miss your Friday offerings. Don't be gone too long.

Pamela Kennedy

4/10/2019 06:52:13 pm

I share the same sentiments as those already posted, but especially, "Don't be gone too long," You are too creative to be quietly sitting. And thanks for giving me the opportunity to become a part of this wonderful group.

Gordon Lawrie link

4/10/2019 07:08:21 pm

Oh wow, thank you! What nice responses.

I'm not going away, I promise. It's simply a statement that the well's run a little dry. That story has actually been sitting scheduled for a couple of months and has been knocked back week after week because something has popped into my head at the last minute. That simply didn't happen this week, but I'm sure it will in the future.

I also need to focus on (believe it or not) three other completed manuscripts which need editing before deciding if they merit publication or dumping in the bin.

Alison Ogilvie-Holme

4/10/2019 09:27:54 pm

Gordon - I am so grateful for the opportunity that you provide for all of us! FFF was the first site to publish one of my stories and I truly appreciate it!

Jane Reid

5/10/2019 02:02:32 am

Gordon you deserve a break,and I wish you a good and refreshing one. You have done stalwart duty for FFF. I was happy to hear that you will continue the site. Although I am no lo9nger active (ran out of ideas too, and involved in other things),I still read it regularly. And I will hope to hear from you, at least now and then, on FFF.

Jim link

5/10/2019 10:39:26 pm

Though I will miss your witty, insightful, and often thought provoking stories (but only for a while, as you promise to pop in now and again), I, too, understand, as now and again the well does run dry, or, equally as bad, the remaining water at the bottom isn't quite drinkable.Enjoy your hiatus, know that you'll be missed, and YES, please continue as editor - I can't imagine there'll be an objection to be found.
Thanks
Jim

Mary Wallace

6/10/2019 01:51:27 pm

I feel like I know you personally Gordon perhaps because of my regular stuff ups. I love this site and I am so grateful for the opportunity. Glad you aren't going anywhere, I expect to introduce you to stories from a new FRED in the near future.😊

Don Tassone link

7/10/2019 01:31:01 pm

I'm so glad you'll be continuing as editor, Gordon, even as you create a little space for yourself. "Music is the space between the notes." The song goes on. Thank you.

stella murovic

7/10/2019 10:12:30 pm

Thank you Gordon for giving me a chance to express myself in the Friday Flash stories - I started writing stories (as opposed to stream of consciousness, vignettes, somewhat poems etc) just this past March. I have ALOT to learn but appreciate the opportunity to share some of my writing.
That last story was so expressive and real - THANK YOU!!!

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