You just never know what you’re wandering into around here.
Ready for some more flashy fiction compliments of Rochelle and the Friday Fictioneers?
This week, the genre is historical fiction and the picture prompt is courtesy of Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The woman can write and take pictures!
The Best Real Estate Ad … Ever
New Price! Motivated Seller!
Cleveland, Ohio. 4308 Franklin Blvd.
4 BD, 4.5 BA, 2,625 sq ft. 20-room historic sandstone Gothic castle built in 1860. One of a kind, rustic mansion with old world charm. Lots of character! Original everything! 1999 fire only adds to unique atmosphere and patina of wooden doors that close on their own! This is no drive-by listing. It’s a must-see property. A must-hear one, too! Listen carefully for babies crying. No babies. Just crying. It’s perfect for discouraging extended company.
Free pest control and exorcisms for one year.
$399,900 or best offer. Owner financing available.
*****
This story (all 99 words) is inspired by one of America’s most famous haunted houses: Franklin Castle in Cleveland, Ohio.
It was built in 1881 for Hannes Tiedemann, an immigrant from Germany who made good in the US. Tiedemann may have gained significant wealth, but people, especially children, were dropping like dead bodies around him in his castle.
It is currently being subdivided for multiple occupancy. Makes sense. It is already occupied by several different souls already, right?
No, this is not the set for the Munsters. It’s The real Franklin Castle in Ohio. Maybe a color picture would have made the place look less spookier…
Do you believe in the paranormal? Do you believe in the normal? Think about that and let me know…
Lorna's Voice 
Jun 24, 2015 @ 17:54:55
Thanks! 🙂
Jun 24, 2015 @ 04:58:00
Lots of company in that house. Fun story, Lorna.
Jun 23, 2015 @ 22:05:06
Thanks so much! I was aiming for something out of the box! 🙂
Jun 23, 2015 @ 10:24:35
I’m from Akron and one of our TV channels used to come from Cleveland. I’ve heard of that place. No way would I even get close. Great ad, Lorna. Really creative was to write the story. Well written. 😀 — Suzanne
Jun 22, 2015 @ 11:21:29
Also known as the graveyard shift…
Jun 21, 2015 @ 20:09:13
Sure — we can both work the midnight shift.
Jun 21, 2015 @ 14:31:17
Ha! Want to go into business together? 😉
Jun 21, 2015 @ 14:30:17
I like the way you think! 🙂
Jun 21, 2015 @ 14:29:21
Yeah, me, too!
Jun 21, 2015 @ 12:04:27
Babies crying would keep me away.
Jun 21, 2015 @ 07:25:36
So what if I believe in both the paranormal AND Normal ANNNND want to buy that house?
Jun 20, 2015 @ 23:03:19
You might consider working for Adam’s Family Real Estate. “Our agents are a real scream; book your midnight showing by calling …….” 🙂
Jun 20, 2015 @ 20:36:50
Maybe because it’s in a haunted house?
Jun 20, 2015 @ 20:36:17
Yeah, what you said… 😉
Jun 20, 2015 @ 20:34:37
I won’t disappoint… 🙂
Jun 20, 2015 @ 20:34:12
Thanks so much. I wanted to do something different…
Jun 20, 2015 @ 20:31:45
Who’s clever now? 🙂 Good one!
Jun 20, 2015 @ 20:28:50
Thanks! I didn’t know the picture was taken in a supposedly real haunted house when I wrote this. Spooky, huh?
Jun 20, 2015 @ 20:25:58
Thanks so much! 🙂
Jun 20, 2015 @ 20:25:42
I agree! I’m told there are gargoyles aplenty decorating the exterior of this place!
Jun 20, 2015 @ 20:24:54
All it ever takes is one right buyer… 😉 Where is Morticia when you need her?
Jun 20, 2015 @ 20:24:02
If only I were a real real estate agent! 😉
Jun 20, 2015 @ 20:23:27
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed your little visit here! 🙂
Jun 20, 2015 @ 17:17:24
Truly engaging story and very effective humorous writing. Great job, Lorna!
Jun 20, 2015 @ 17:03:36
Hey, I’m sold. Haunted houses usually cost more. 🙂
Jun 20, 2015 @ 16:30:42
Oh with the right buyer this will sell immediately.. 🙂 no prob
Jun 20, 2015 @ 16:20:01
A snip at half the price!
Jun 20, 2015 @ 13:21:57
Very clever and well done, Lorna!
Jun 20, 2015 @ 10:59:16
I love this!
Jun 20, 2015 @ 08:54:40
I think the buyer won’t have trouble getting a ‘mort’gage. Clever.
Jun 20, 2015 @ 03:53:11
Cheap at the price, with hauntings at no extra cost.
I like this done as a estate agent listing – very cool!
Jun 20, 2015 @ 02:40:55
Looking forward to them. 🙂
Jun 20, 2015 @ 00:59:25
You are so right. Unfortunately our norms are outdated and hence the abnormal has become normal.
It is a whirlpool of thoughts and perceptions that is devoid of linearity.
Jun 20, 2015 @ 00:55:24
There’s just something about that chandelier that screams “spooky” isn’t there?
Jun 19, 2015 @ 21:06:37
I’m up for it. Ghosts don’t scare me. As long as they don’t the slimy stuff in my hair. That’s just gross!
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:45:34
What about a pair of unnormals? I guess that would be you and me and Perry makes three. We might make a great team of ghostbusters. A little slime never hurt anybody.
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:36:46
Thanks, but I’m here to tell you that I’ve had some experiences that I don’t know how else to explain but that something in the paranormal realm was a happening…
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:32:32
All my encounters (and I have had a few) were non-threatening. Strange, but fascinating. I’ll share them someday.
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:31:14
I’m a believer, too. I have to be. Too many encounters not to believe. 🙂
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:30:33
Oh, good. You’re a believer. I have a few real ghost stories of my own. I have to share them…around Halloween…
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:29:26
I’m going to wait until Halloween and tell my real live ghost stories (an oxymoron, I know)! So hang tight…
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:28:00
If the abnormal is what we encounter the most, wouldn’t that make the abnormal normal? Oh, my head hurts… 😉
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:26:37
Thanks! I had fun with it.
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:26:18
Wonder if any of the calls were from dead people? 😉
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:24:54
Oh, I could tell you some stories…Hey! Maybe I will! 🙂
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:24:18
I’m sure there would be plenty of ambient inspiration there…
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:22:15
Thanks, Rochelle! 🙂
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:21:43
Good one! 🙂
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:20:22
Good point! 🙂
Jun 19, 2015 @ 17:20:00
Especially if they are friendly!
Jun 19, 2015 @ 13:47:03
Hehe. What a great bargain, with the free exorcism. Everyone needs a ghost in the house.
Jun 19, 2015 @ 12:58:48
I absolutely don’t believe in normal. Look at my friend (including my online friends!)
Jun 19, 2015 @ 08:45:26
But has it been repossessed before…nice one http://www.southpeelhomes.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/quiet-niehgbors-sign.jpg
Jun 19, 2015 @ 07:13:46
Dear Lorna,
Now there’s a delightfully honest real estate ad. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Jun 19, 2015 @ 05:48:20
Actually, it’s kind of silly, thinking that the only dimension is the one we see. Just as silly as thinking we’re the only sentient beings in the universe, you know? Here’s to seeing what’s in the shadows…para or otherwise.
Jun 19, 2015 @ 05:20:15
Wonderful. Methinks it’s an ideal horror or paranormal writer’s retreat!
Jun 19, 2015 @ 04:03:35
Great ad and I found your inspiration fascinating. Re your question — normal is different for everyone so I believe in my own reality and that could include the paranormal with a great deal of scepticism.
Jun 19, 2015 @ 02:44:31
Wonder if the ad got any calls 😀
Jun 19, 2015 @ 02:20:36
Clever idea and very funny: well done.
Jun 19, 2015 @ 01:16:01
Great take on this one.
I do believe in both normal and paranormal as they are good tools for writing on these prompts. However, it is the abnormal that is most frequently encountered in life.
Jun 18, 2015 @ 22:57:12
Ok, I’m listening…(reading) 😐
Jun 18, 2015 @ 22:22:39
Nice ad and story! I’m partial to ghost stories. Ghost, spirits are real. I saw/sensed them when I was a child.
Lily
Jun 18, 2015 @ 22:18:52
Well, you probably know my answer to your question of whether I believe in the paranormal. Yes, I do. It makes for some great stories anyway. I absolutely believe in ghosts. I love your take. I’m sold! Great ad. I’m moving into the haunted house.
Jun 18, 2015 @ 21:27:52
do i believe in the paranormal? i guess it’s possible. i’m just scared to find out. 🙂
Jun 18, 2015 @ 21:07:53
Made me laugh!
Jun 18, 2015 @ 20:35:14
This was so well done, love it. I’m not partial to ghosts, or spirits, or the paranormal. Don’t know if it / they exist, and I don’t want to find out. I like being ignorant in this regard. Too scary for me! You know the camel with it’s head in the sand, that’s me! 🙂
Jun 18, 2015 @ 20:18:11
Thanks! The best part is that this picture was taken in a haunted house but I didn’t know that until after I wrote the story. Spooky, huh?
Jun 18, 2015 @ 20:17:25
Well, then, I have some stories to tell… 😉
Jun 18, 2015 @ 19:51:32
I also believe in both.
Jun 18, 2015 @ 19:45:40
Nice!
Jun 18, 2015 @ 18:11:21
The best part is…I found out after I wrote this that Rochelle took this picture in a supposedly haunted house. My psychic powers are still working! 😉
Jun 18, 2015 @ 18:10:26
I’m with you, Peter! But you knew that already… 🙂
Jun 18, 2015 @ 18:09:53
Good explanation. I can’t put my finger on “normal.” Maybe that’s why. But I know I’ve had encounters with things I can’t quite explain–thus paranormal…
Jun 18, 2015 @ 18:08:23
I can’t quite get my mind around normal, but I definitely believe in the paranormal. I’ve had too many up close and personal encounters to say anything but, yup, something out there sure does exist. I can’t explain it, but I’ve experienced it.
Jun 18, 2015 @ 16:53:48
I believe in both!
Jun 18, 2015 @ 15:59:00
Love the unique ‘Ad’ format for your story! Paranormal may become the new normal….it’s normally changes constantly 🙂
Jun 18, 2015 @ 15:41:49
I’ve been accused of being everything but normal, so I suppose I have to accept the paranormal or I’d have no one to hang out with !
Jun 18, 2015 @ 15:09:27
Reading the history, I’ve no doubt it’s haunted. Nicely done.