© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
The old motel wasn’t what Norman imagined. He thought an old Victorian in the California countryside converted to an inn would be charming and tasteful. But his room reminded him of “old woman bedroom.” Oh well, at least there was plenty of hot water for a shower. Cheap shower curtain but that part didn’t matter.
“What?” Norman thought he heard something but the shower water was too loud. “You know, if I didn’t know any better…”
The last thing he saw was the shower curtain being ripped aside and the old woman plunging a butcher knife toward his chest.
I wrote this for Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ Friday Fictioneers writing challenge. The idea is to use the image above as a prompt to craft a piece of flash fiction no more than 100 words long. My word count is 99.
As I hope you can see, I was going for a twist on the 1960 film Psycho which starred Anthony Perkins as the infamous Norman Bates. Unfortunately, 100 words isn’t a lot in which to be able to build suspense before the reveal.
To read more stories based on the prompt, go to InLinkz.com.
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That would be most shocking.
Great story ,James .
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Thanks, Moon. Have you ever seen the film “Psycho?” I have to confess that though I have, it’s been decades.
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No, I haven’t . There are whole new worlds unknown to me . 🙂Though I feel it’s going to be way more than a healthy balance for my nerves 😀Thanks for sharing your story though , I got a glimpse , at least 🙂
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Nice role reversal from the original.
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Thanks, Iain.
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Very cleverly done.
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Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Love that idea, twisting the victim and murderer around, the old lady seeking revenge on Norman. Inventive take on the prompt James – nicely done
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Thanks, Lynn.
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My pleasure 🙂
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Haha! Talking about turning tables… Maybe Norman got what he deserved?
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I’d like to think so.
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Unfortunately Norman becomes a victim of Mama in a different way this time around. Nice role reversal there, James.
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Thanks, Varad.
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I caught the reference, so the suspense built easily for me — as soon as Norman mentioned the shower, I was thinking, NOOO! Or actually yeah, try the shower Norman, you deserve it. 🙂 Clever take on the prompt, James!
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Thanks, Joy.
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Totally saw that one coming and cheered Mama on! 😉
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Maybe Mama’s a psychopath, Dale. Thanks.
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True.
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This is really clever James. It would make a great follow up to the original version.
Click to read my FriFic
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Dear James,
Karma comes for Norman Bates. I like it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Rochelle. It seems to be a winner.
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like it!
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Thanks. Old school horror.
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Ha! I can just hear the music, “reet! reet! reet!” and then the blood swirling down the drain. This one brings back memories.
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Glad you liked it. Thanks.
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A nice sense of place and period. I dunno; when your name’s Norman Bates, everybody wants to have a go at you!
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Norman Bates: Attracting enemies since 1960. Thanks, Penny.
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I can’t manage any sympathy for Norman. That shower scene from Psycho remains horrifying to this day. I like that Norman didn’t suspect a thing. Nice writing.
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Thanks, Life Lessons. Probably the reason I won’t watch it again. I don’t think being terrified is very entertaining.
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That was scary, James. For a minute there, I was afraid she might be naked and carrying a bar of soap. Grizzly thought I know. I hope the visual image of that scene doesn’t rob you of sleep. 🙂
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Yuk. That is a scary thought, Russell.
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A very sudden ending I must say.
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With only 100 words to work with, things are often sudden, Bernadette. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Gosh! I would have died of fright 🙂 I guess, Norman lived to tell the tale 🙂
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No, he didn’t.
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Oh! Nice little switcharoo! Well done.
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Thanks, Alicia.
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One of my favorite films. Nice take, James.
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Thank you.
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Excellent twist 🙂
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Thanks (as in twisting the knife). 😉
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Creepy and well said
Click Here to see what Mrs. Dash Says
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Thanks.
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I realised who Norman was from the start but still didn’t see that ending coming! Well written twist
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Thank you, Sir.
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Ah, great scene and very spooky, considering the original. Yes, the name Norman gave it away. 🙂
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Maybe I should have used “Anthony”. Thanks.
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I bet that would have given it away as well. 😀 It was just a perfect Psycho tribute.
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She must’ve heard his “old woman bedroom” thought. 🙂 Great use of 100 words.
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Thanks.
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