IAIN KELLY

DEFINE OBSTINATE

‘Is he still out there?’ Frank asked.

Agnes turned away from the window, ‘He won’t give in. I did tell him the weather forecast.’

It was admittedly crowded in the house, but it made for a cosy atmosphere for their annual reunion.

A howl of wind rattled the windows.

Outside Archie clung to the gazebo as it threatened to take off. He had paid for the damn thing, and he would bloody well put it up.

An hour later he stood under the twisted awning, drinking contentedly from his bottle of beer.

Everyone else remained inside the warm house.


demolished-purple-tent
Copyright Jan Wayne Fields

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

Read more short stories featuring Agnes and Archie: THE AGNES AND ARCHIE STORIES


STAT OF DENIAL INITIAL RELEASE IMAGE
I’m excited to announce my second novel, ‘State Of Denial’, a sequel to last year’s ‘A Justified State’, will be published on the 27th September 2019.

You can watch the teaser trailer for ‘State Of Denial’ below:

The Amazon Kindle version is available to pre-order now through the following links:

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk    Amazon.ca    Amazon.com.au    Amazon.in

The paperback version will be published simultaneously on the 27th of September.


Thank you to all those who have already bought and read ‘A Justified State’ and for the many kind reviews and comments. I hope you will enjoy the sequel and how the story continues just as much.

For those who want to see how the story begins, ‘A Justified State’ is available now on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle:

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk    Amazon.ca    Amazon.com.au    Amazon.in

cropped-justified-new-banner-1.jpg

 

97 responses to “DEFINE OBSTINATE”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar

    At least he’s not insisting on throwing meat on the barbie. Good character piece, Iain

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      With more than 100 words, he may well have done. Thanks Neil

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Tannille Avatar

    Too stubborn for his own good. Everything is better with beer.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      One day his stubbornness will be a positive virtue – but not today 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Anita Avatar

    Archie has his own reasons for sure.
    When he made his choice, he must endure!
    Congrats for your novel! Best wishes 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Anita, I hope you get the chance to check it out 🙂

      Like

  4. Susan A Eames Avatar

    This really made me chuckle. Thanks, Iain.

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Susan, nice to spread a little chuckle 🙂

      Like

  5. Sandra Avatar

    I think I know a man like that. Oh wait… do I know any men who aren’t like that?

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      And we are proud to be so 😉

      Like

  6. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    Some people won’t listen to reason no matter what. I could picture him out there with his beer and his attitude. Good one.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Rochelle – this is of course based on myself! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Michele Jones Avatar

    Some people never learn. Great use of the prompt.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Michele, much appreciated 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Dale Avatar

    A little cutting off the nose to spite one’s face going on here! Love it. And we kinda sorta were on the same page, eh?

    Oooh! Looking forward to Part 2!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Dale, yep, similar themes this week!
      Glad you are looking forward to it – hope it lives up to expectations! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale Avatar

        I’m not worried 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  9. J Hardy Carroll Avatar

    Love this character. You could really see him.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, much appreciated

      Liked by 1 person

  10. granonine Avatar

    Hilarious 🙂 I think your guy is related to my guy.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I think most guys have a little bit of this in them 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. granonine Avatar

        I think you’re right 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

    You describe Archie so well! He sounds a bit like some really stubborn people in my own life. =) Cheers to him, following through and all. Even at risk to his own safety.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      He’ll view it is a task completed, just like he said he would! Thanks Brenda

      Liked by 1 person

  12. ceayr Avatar

    Away inside, ya numpty!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You know that’s not the attitude when holding a West of Scotland BBQ 😉

      Like

  13. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar

    There’s one in every extended family … 😉
    At least he’s out, doing his thing, rather than in, moaning about NOT doing his thing … 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      That’s true – keeps him out the house and occupied! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    You have to admire his determination! At least he was drinking contentedly.

    Enjoyed book one – looking forward to number two!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Keith, hope it lives up to expectations – have a beer while reading it 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Danny James Avatar

    Way to stick with it mate!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Danny James Avatar

    Way to stick with it mate!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      There’s something admiral about his efforts! Thanks Danny

      Like

  17. deborahsdeliberations Avatar
    deborahsdeliberations

    LOL. I love your Archie stories.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Deborah 🙂

      Like

  18. aheartforafrica641064503 Avatar
    aheartforafrica641064503

    Ha ha. I’ve missed Archie.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you – it’s nice to be missed 🙂

      Like

  19. pensitivity101 Avatar

    Could well have been us, we were determined to have our first BBQ in our new house, and it bucketed down, so we got an umbrella.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It’s the British way of BBQ-ing! 🙂

      Like

      1. pensitivity101 Avatar

        Our neighbours thought we were nuts…… this was confirmed with the snowman on Christmas Day when there was no snow. There had been at 6am when we first got up!

        Liked by 1 person

  20. notestowomen Avatar

    Thanks for the chuckle, Iain. Got to love Archie who doesn’t give up. Good for him.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much, glad it gave you a laugh

      Like

  21. msjadeli Avatar

    Humorous story, and I like the video on your new book.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, hope you get the chance to check the book out too.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. msjadeli Avatar

        You’re welcome, Iain.

        Liked by 1 person

  22. Nobbinmaug Avatar

    There’s a time to be stubborn, and there’s a time to have that beer on the couch. I hope Archie’s learning the difference.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Never defeated is our Archie, even when he really should accept it!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. anuragbakhshi Avatar

    Maybe he was doing it just to be away from that crowd of ‘friends’ 🙂

    All the best for your new book Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      That could very well be his motivation! Thank you, hope you get a chance to check it out.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar

    A very familiar British BBQ scene well told! Funny as it is true! BTW I just finished reading A Justified State, and am delighted to learn the second of the trilogy is out soon, I very much enjoyed the book and am eager to learn what our characters get up to next. I’ll write an Amazon review when I get back from holiday.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Excellent, thank you so much for reading it, and look forward to your review, always like to get a bit of feedback. Hopefully the 2nd one will live up to the first!

      Like

  25. Shweta Suresh Avatar

    Maybe he was just looking for a reason to get away from the reunion!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Very true, a good way to look at it! 🙂

      Like

  26. Abhijit Ray Avatar

    Someone has to protect the gazebo. Not everyone can stay in the warm and cosy room.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Very true, thanks Abhijit

      Like

  27. Liz Young Avatar

    Well, as long as he was contented …

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      He’s a simple man with simple needs 🙂

      Like

  28. patriciaruthsusan Avatar

    A good story, Iain. If the wind blows any harder he’ll be searching the area for pieces to put back together. Well written. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      He wouldn’t let that stop him! 🙂 Thanks Suzanne

      Liked by 1 person

  29. draliman Avatar

    I’m with Archie. Can’t let a bit of weather stop you, especially in this country!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      We’d never start camping or BBQs if we let the weather stop us!

      Liked by 1 person

  30. bearmkwa Avatar
    bearmkwa

    I’d call him a D* fool. Then again, I’ve watched things fly that should never be able to be airborne.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      One man’s fool is another’s hero…or something like that! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  31. plaridel Avatar

    i sure hope he got his money’s worth. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You can bet he made sure he did!

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

    LOL…I think I know that guy!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It seems everyone knows someone like him! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

        A relatable character…good job!

        Liked by 1 person

  33. 4963andypop Avatar

    The very definition of obstinate. But as long as he is onlt harming himself, let him be!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Very true, no one else was harmed 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  34. James McEwan Avatar

    This made me laugh. I can remember how often our BBQ party ended up standing the garage waiting for the rain to stop. so true.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      And usually it is the man who is left alone in the rain to cook the BBQ while the guests wait in the dry for the food to arrive! Thanks James.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar

    Well.. at least he had his version of fun… maybe the company wasn’t that great anyway

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Like many, I think he prefers his own company. Thanks Bjorn.

      Like

  36. Laurie Bell Avatar

    Haha talk about stubborn. But he made it work for himself. This gives a real sense of reality, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Laurie 🙂

      Like

  37. Russell Avatar

    I can sympathize with the man. He did pay for it, and I’m certain he had plans when he did. Plans that nothing, not even Mother Nature, was going to put a stop to!

    So great that the second book is coming soon! I’ll be picking it up for sure.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Russell – can’t let a bit of inclement weather ruin the BBQ!

      Glad to hear, hope you will like it as much as the first. Just putting the finishing edits to it now 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  38. JoHawkTheWriter Avatar

    I know this fellow well. He’ll eventually be vindicated.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      In his own mind, he already has been! Thanks Jo 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Nan Falkner Avatar

    A drink in the hand softens can help during a storm. So what if you lose a canopy that you rented, Have another drink and you won’t be so sad about all the money this is going to cost you! Fun story!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Nan 🙂

      Like

  40. Rowena Avatar

    Loved this, Iain. LIke other readers, I felt like I knew Archie. Couldn’t exactly attribute him to someone I know but he’d fit in real well. I could well see myself being a bit like that. You fork the money out and hook or by crook you’re not going to waste it. I have this problem cooking for parties and having all these homemade cakes etc left over at the end and it almost makes me feel sick having so much waste and I try to eat what I can but shouldn’t. Put stuff in the freezer. Give it away. There’s defintiely a bit of Archie in me.
    Congratulations on the book.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I too am a bit like Archie – this is slightly based on a real time when we had a full house of guests, bad weather, and a gazebo I still managed to put up in the rain and wind. Fortunately it didn’t end up in such a bad state as the one in the prompt!
      Hope you might get a chance to check out the book, looking forward to hearing what people think of it, Best, Iain

      Like

  41. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    Having one’s own personal space is a very valuable item, I am off to the garage, no beers unfortunately

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Mike – enjoy your own space 🙂

      Like

  42. lisarey1990 Avatar

    Great character. Best of luck with the book. Will check it out at some stage for sure. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Lisa, hope you will enjoy it as much as the first one 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  43. Lynn Love Avatar

    Ah, the joys of the British weather and the gazebo. Why do we do these things to ourselves when it rains so damn much? Made me smile, Iain. And best of luck with the new book launch – fantastic news

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Lynn – this summer seems to have been particularly ‘British’ in terms of weather! Hope you get the chance to check out the new book when it arrives 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lynn Love Avatar

        Hasn’t it, though – pouring with rain, scorching hot, all over the place! I’ll be watching. come the end of September – very best of luck with the new book, Iain. Well deserved 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar

        Thank you Lynn 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Lynn Love Avatar

        My pleasure, Iain 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  44. Jade M. Wong Avatar

    Some people are truly just so stubborn to their own detriment. I hope he doesn’t regret his decision to stay outside!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I think he will decide he has been proved right in the end! Thanks Jade 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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