This week Charli’s August 13, 2014 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) show the underlying motivation of a character. He or she may not even understand the motivation fully, but let the reader grasp it. It can be an external or internal motivation (or both). Maybe it’s a decision, a revelation or the beginning of disaster. Maybe it shows fortitude or reveals fear. Let motivation drive your flash this week! Respond by noon (PST) Tuesday, August 19 to be included in the compilation.
Janet wanted children but time was ticking. George good father material. Her joy soared as George dropped to his knee holding the ring case. He knew which order she wanted.
He opened the case exposing the huge diamond encrusted ring and proposed.
Janet turned away. She’d have to say ‘no’ despite having waited years for this moment. She couldn’t wear that. She mustn’t love him if she couldn’t wear it but then he mustn’t love her to buy her such a gaudy ring. What would she do now?
“No I can’t.” Tears fell as she ran from the room.
About Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist
I began my working career as a reluctant potato peeler whilst waiting to commence my training as a student nurse. On completion I worked mainly in intensive care/coronary care; finishing my hospital career as clinical nurse educator in intensive care. A life changing period as a resort owner/manager on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu was followed by recovery time as a farmer at Bucca Wauka. Having discovered I was no farmer and vowing never again to own an animal bigger than myself I took on the Barrington General Store. Here we also ran a five star restaurant. Working the shop of a day 7am - 6pm followed by the restaurant until late was surprisingly more stressful than Tanna. On the sale we decided to retire and renovate our house with the help of a builder friend. Now believing we knew everything about building we set to constructing our own house. Just finished a coal mine decided to set up in our backyard. Definitely time to retire we moved to Queensland. I had been writing a manuscript for some time. In the desire to complete this I enrolled in a post grad certificate in creative Industries which I completed 2013. I followed this by doing a Master of Arts by research graduating in 2017. Now I live to write and write to live.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Where do you even GET ideas like this ? – they don’t come to me …
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I’ve struggled to start the last two. The ideas don’t flow when it’s fiction but once started they seem to take on a life of their own.
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She should have taken the ring and then run…! Lovely story, Irene.
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Thanks Geoff.
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When our motivations clash, which one wins? I agree–I couldn’t go for the gaudy! And here I thought I was the lone female who felt that way. Your humor always bubbles through, Irene!
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Thanks Charli. I’m a disappointment when it comes to giving me jewellery – I just couldn’t be bothered with it. My girl friends pour over the ear rings and other items at markets and shops where I don’t give them a second glance and am relieved that I don’t have the hassle of having to decide each morning what item I will wear. Too many other things I’d prefer to do. 🙂
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You have captured the complexity that is to be human. Sometimes we can’t understand our own motivations, let alone the motivations of another!
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Too true Norah. It was a difficult one for 99 words so glad it came across the motivation, the wavering, the loss of understanding, questioning the validity of everything, a decision contrary to what was expected. I think we all do it over things that matter as well as things that don’t matter and the self speak is interesting to listen to.
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So many questions raised in 99 words. Lots of real human emotion and reasoning…. good job, Irene.
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Thanks Noelle.
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I love the way you come up with these ideas for Charli’s Flash challenge Irene. Here I am, Tuesday lunchtime (British time thank goodness!) and yet to come up with anything…
Great twist and so much written here in just 99 words. Very well done 🙂
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Thank you. I find it such a struggle to do fiction. Once started it is okay but a story that hasn’t happened doesn’t come easily.
I’m glad you enjoyed it though. Cheers 🙂
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I love doing the flashes even though I struggle with ideas but I seem to be writing more BOTS – thanks to you and your explanation of them! At least I can take the idea and then write what I want using my imagination. I think you do a super job with your fiction, Irene,I really do. I always enjoy reading it 🙂
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Thanks Sherri.I need the encouragement as I struggle so much with fiction but each one gives me the confidence to try again. I loved your flash too but it wasn’t posted on your site when I went to look at it there. It might be there now but if not give yourself a big tick. 🙂
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