Things have been so s-e-r-i-o-u-s around here lately. I need some fun! Let's have an impromptu contest.*Please note I have changed the timeline on this contest. We will go through Friday at midnight.*
Hemingway once said he could write a complete story in six words. He wrote:
For Sale: baby shoes, never worn.
It's said he claimed it was his best work.
Now it's your turn! Write a story in six words. Put them in the comments. Enter as many as you want. I'll take entries through
It's extra fun if you make it a story of your life (currently or otherwise). Sometimes it's also fun to put a title on it.
Show us what you've got!
Posts
149 comments:
Brevity is not my strong suit. I actually wrote a whole post on it on my blog.
Sleeping
Parents love it; children hate it.
[Eh, that one's not really a story; it's just what's (not) going on in my house right now. How about:]
Disability
Keeping her was the right choice.
For Sale: Family Bible, never opened.
I'll tell that story in five words, Bob. :-)
My mother is a man.
Guilt
His first breath was her last.
Missed Appointment
He overslept. She leapt. He wept.
Some Day, My Prince
She was paralyzed until his kiss.
Writer's Life: write,rewrite,revise.
Repeat.
SHALLOW SEDUCTION
Take me. I'm yours - for tonight.
"Behind Closed Doors"
Leaving him healed my scars... forever.
Marital Adjustments
Men: Grand Canyon; Women: Colorado River
My attempt failed...but succeeded, too.
Nothing mattered anymore--only the book.
Staring down at him, I knew.
.05% FAILURE RATE
Baby held close, inside and out.
THE STORY OF MY LIFE
A little one dreams big stories.
Ship's in! But it's an ark.
my life story:
Birth parents found, fairy tale ending.
Shipboard Defender
Outward - top rack. Homeward - cargo hold.
This is harder than it looks. :)
Loss. Grief. A writer is born.
Scarred hands. Scarred feet. New life.
A prophecy. A decision. Quest begins.
Hope:
Unseen, made tangible when he sings.
My Life:
So stubborn I refuse to die.
My Mother:
Wherever there's music, there she lives.
I couldn’t stop myself. Here’s my collection of six word stories.
THE ROMANCE STORY
Unlikely pair. Worlds collide. Lives unite.
THE WOMEN’S LIT STORY
Empty arms filled by stranger’s gift.
THE THRILLER STORY
Quiet night. Your house. I’m inside.
Here's to a five page critique. Thanks Rachelle!
Her hair silvered when he spoke.
He lost, found, then lost her.
Wow, some creative minds at work! I just did a six word memoir at my blog, but a six word story? Hmmm...this I will have to think on...
SET LOOSE
Debt didn't surrender without a battle.
2:15 AM
The gun smoked. So did Jack.
Coming Back
Katie didn't go home. Not really.
Wrong To Live
Amidst dying battlefield comrades, Josiah hid.
My Life So Far, by Bryn Dalaigh, Immortal
Being immortal rocks.
In my rage, I found peace.
REDEEMED
He died smiling at new life.
DREAMS
"I can't," he said, so didn't.
TO LIVE
Stand. Walk. Fall. Stand. Walk. Repeat.
Curdled milk and oatmeal. Dang Faries.
DOMESTIC CHANGES
Opportunity knocks. Enters family of four.
In over my head. Try anyway.
My wife understands me. Uncomfortable silence.
Cheese gone. Mouse? Not this time.
High hope. Titanic struggle. Sad conclusion.
In '83, little brother hated Orwell.
HOPE AND A FUTURE
Deceived into love. Forgave into eternity!
I loved "The gun smoked. So did Jack." Awesome.
Parenting: Raising kids, letting them go.
Pregnancy. The greatest discomfort produces life.
HASTA LA PASTA
My fat clothes shrank. I didn't.
Wanted: 6 word story. The End.
=====
Cute puppy for sale. Bye-bye shoes.
=====
Loss
No longer two, but one.
Election Year
So many words, so little said.
Against the Odds:
Marriage, four kids, still in love.
He kissed her, one last time.
Dying, breathing, living - in that order.
I do. What other words matter?
The vampire smiled; the sun rose.
He shot the eight and scratched.
She lied. He knew it. So?
My life in three short stories:
Two daughters: gymnast, equestrian. Empty Checkbook.
Announcing: I'm an agent! Writers descend.
I'm so tired I can't keep
In death, I discovered life.
THE MORNING AFTER
My passion faded to bitter regret.
Bureaucrats cause expense. I'm already broke.
My Life in 2 Acts:
Write: no money. Job: no time.
I'm not good at 'short and sweet', but I can't pass up the chance of a critique from Rachelle, so here goes...oh and I've got 4 projects on the go so I won't even attempt to explain my mindset when I wrote these:
News headline:
From Starvation to Gluttony; Parents Sued.
Bumper Sticker:
Foster Care Parents are Freedom Fighters
Definition of boredom:
Polygamy wife: less work, less play.
Personal Ad:
Wife wanted: all work, no play.
:-)
My memoir:
Love story with illegal immigration twist.
Near death, she ate dessert first.
Light From the Grave
Family Humor: Life's Best Vacation
Uh-Oh
You're kidding. It expired when?
Snow in May? My tulips weep.
Vapor in the Wind
I came, I tried, I failed.
This is a challenge :) Here's my effort:
Every morning, I regret loving him.
Here's a little Old Testament scripture and a little New Testament scripture, condensed into a six-word story:
Cain slew Abel.
Abel still speaks.
[From the books of Genesis and Hebrews]
Black Widow
She took his breath away. Literally.
Ignorance
He swallowed the blue pill instead.
Re: Evolution
"Darwin was wrong," said the monkey.
The Cost of Love
One almost-kiss nearly killed him.
How I Became a Cannibal
Boat capsized. Two survived. "I'm hungry."
Plague
Only one infected rabbit got away.
The Modern Church
Man finds God, then misplaces Him.
The Thing that Brought Melville Back from the Dead
"Call me, Ishmael. Or email me."
Circus Freak
She ate donuts for a living.
Running free, running naked, running away.
Even if I could, I wouldn't.
She kissed the tombstone. And smiled.
She liked him, but not enough.
All protests died at his words.
I write blogs. You comment. Fun!
Never attempt to repair chainsaws again.
Body size 16; Closet size 8
Heck, why not try it!
Wanted
Undiscovered writer seeks previously unknown agent.
Image Blues
My self-image? Like vintage Levi’s—authentic.
My Dream.....
The stimulus check's in the mail.
From Diane
Memory loss. What? Memory loss. What?
Immortality gained. Chronic boredom sets in.
Then I woke up. Just kidding.
Another fun writing exercise! Thanks, Rachelle. Here are my three efforts:
1) The cross made His flesh edible.
2) Boxing that I Am might applaud.
3) For successful vine cultivation, armor required.
Becky
THE BACHELORETTE PARTY
Mischief brings trouble. Send bail money.
Dad never taught me to throw.
Ashes on Floor; Fire Extinguished
#1: Attend meeting? Nah, release the virus.
#2: You mean, I'm not really black?
#3: And electric shocks make her happier?
#4: So Earth's gone, get over it!
She turned my head-we're wed.
Makings for Three Has-Been Chili.
Where did I put that uzi?
She turned my head-we're wed.
Met on Monday-Stood up Saturday.
Turned my head-then my heart!
She was hot-I was not.
We wed-49 years ago.
Looks kinda permanent so far.
Anyone can sing-whoops...
Will write for food, gift cards.
Did Hemingway do this-a-way?
Famous last words-I do.
Fairy Tale Beginnings
Once upon a time-if elected.
Barack Obama hates-the Wright stuff!
FOOTBALL '07 IN NEBRASKA
Cornhuskers lose. Callahan fired. Enter Pelini.
"Stolen virginity? What lies! Stone her."
Tornado kills wicked witch. Munchkins rejoice.
Oh, wait, that's been done. Okay, how 'bout these:
"2010"
America goes cashless; Geek Squad rejoices.
"My Goals 2008"
Wanted: maid, agent, and missing socks.
Since everyone else is doing more than one: Here's a couple more.
* Hitler smiled. So many lives ruined.
* My marriage shattered with the vase.
* "Listen up, kid. Crime does pay."
* The forgotten child played checkers alone.
* "It's not my time," she screamed.
Here I was, finally, in Paris!
It is a dream job, actually.
He'd have to woo me again.
I looked up, feeling dangerously intrigued.
Walking in a fog of love.
Parrots won't eat human flesh, apparently.
After dawn, he called her anyway.
The band rested. No one stayed.
"I've got work, just no place."
"Is he crying?"
"Not for real."
Raymond didn't care who she loved.
It must have been the pastis.
Please tell me that was sweat.
In a phrase, I love you.
When God cried, we all won.
My Mommy Life:
Days of whines and runny noses.
Alone
Farewell and gone . . . never having loved.
The Choice
Drunken son, exhausted husband, broken mirror.
The Rejection
Danced all night long. Still alone.
Puggle Love
Met at dog park; wagged home.
Baby at sixteen, never been kissed.
This didn't happen to me but I thought it might be a poignant description of the rape of a young girl.
My life in the past two days:
Article rejected; so disappointed. Try again.
ODE TO APRIL:
My success became their tax fodder.
In the end, it doesn't matter.
Critique? Gift Card? Hard to Choose
Critique? Gift Card? Hard to Choose
Well, it's sad but true: I need an editor even for a six word story.
Correction to my number two offering. It should read with an em dash:
Boxing—that I Am might applaud.
Becky
"The Wordless Book"-my next offering!
Co-Authored with; "The Prince of Preachers.
A wordless book with blank illustrations.
Buy it and, we both win!
Will write for food, drink, etc.
Buffet your body-call Jenny Craig!
His sacrifice gave me life forever.
She closed the book, and smiled.
He knew what he must do.
It hurts to know she's happy.
And they lived happily ever afer.
She gave. He took. Both lost.
Career soars! Family suffers. Worth it?
THE BIG BOOM
"Goodbye, world." He pushed the button.
Dead vagrant found clutching winning ticket.
"Motherhood"
Driven to succeed, failing miserably.
"Weekend"
TP flung, trees draped, squealing tires.
"Spring Day"
Empty swing, bloody boy, healing kisses.
"Rejection Letter"
I got so bored, I quit.
"Adoption"
Her gift, my gain, ever more.
Note to self: Brevity wins points.
Speeding car. Indecisive squirrel. Crying child.
Bear's dead. Wounded sailor kissed woman.
Or maybe...
"Bear's dead." Wounded sailor kissed woman.
girls, girls, girls-my baby's gone.
You are now in-the future.
McCain committed adultery-married adulteress.
Don't stone Cindy-her punishment-McCain.
Some settling of contents, did occur.
Sold by hate, not by alum.
Mute boy resuscitates bully, speaks volumes.
frydwords - a memoir ...
Reluctant geek, now deep fries words.
Control, alt, delete. Escape, scroll, repeat.
Objects in mirror, bigger to fear.
Submitting ejections, agent kindles, novel selections.
American Idol can't hold a Kindle.
Okay, I think I've had one serving too many of rhyme cereal today.
1. Childhood ended as the casket lowered.
2. "Motherhood"
Working for tomorrow, thoroughly tired today.
Lost. Found. Forgiven. Forever Loved.
Surprise! (Ray Bradbury and Monty Python’s Little-Known Literary Collaboration)
“Mars landing successful. Look! Cute rabbits…”
Beethoven’s Ninth
"Stunning, Ludvig! Can you hear me?"
Ringo’s Scar
Paul wasn’t the one who died.
Frantic
Her child was in the stolen car.
A Quest for Love
“All I knew was her voice.”
Smarter than We Thought
Look! The dolphin left a note!
Death Becomes Him
“Strike me down. I will arise.”
The Price of Arrogance
"T-Rex! Yes, we have a T-Rex!"
[Oops. Minor edit to previous post due to mathematical error.]
Frantic
Child was in the stolen car.
My only son, missing in action.
Roommate wanted: No hitting or screaming.
Stomach butterflies. Bare shoulders. First prom.
I can read! New worlds await.
Free kitten. Fifteen-year buddy. Thanks.
"It is finished." And...it is.
He didn't have her at goodbye.
---
Happily ever after came on Tuesday.
The world ended. I'm so sorry.
Too much competition! Pick me! Me!
(heh, couldn't resist the irony of a whole new self-serving 6 word story)
Marylin?
A star born. Died. Left no note.
1.Rising from the ashes, she flew.
2. My Prince arrived in frog form.
3. Pride kept his tongue - she left.
I hate that 'finding yourself' thing.
Wanted: Someone I can laugh with.
He slept. She wept. Innocence stolen.
Darkness. Voice whispers, “Light.” Day One.
Pig-pooh hug. Welcome home, child.
Life-package falls. Dies. Seedling sprouts.
WHAT HAPPENS...
Vegas kept its secret. Crisis averted.
Hushed room. Baited breath. newborn cry.
I've learned four things from this post and its responses:
That really was Hemingway's best story.
None of us are Hemingways.
Some people can't count to 6.
Titles for six-word stories are simply a means of obfuscating the fact that one couldn't write the story in six words.
Big words eventually revealed his loneliness.
and finally; the preacher began.
"and in closing"-the preacher began.
Contact God; by Knee Mail.
The agent grimaced-as she read.
All-Points Bulletin
Woman disappears. Paperless trail. Deadline looms.
Joseph Selby said:
None of us are Hemingways.
Thank goodness. Hemingway is dead.
Titles for six-word stories are simply a means of obfuscating the fact that one couldn't write the story in six words.
I agree, but it's Rachelle's contest.
Armor seeks new owner. One hole.
He loved. He died. We're saved.
Outside of fairytales, true love lives.
Slay the giant, gain a kingdom.
Past brought pain. Future brings hope.
A priceless painting. Treasure found inside.
Book sold. Marketing Genius. Best-seller!
Rollerblade, stairs. Dad falls. Kid hides.
Wife loses her memory. Husband stays.
Getaway for two. Someone is killed.
The ring removed. Lifetime of love.
Found a puppy. Heart is healed.
More are possible. Work to do.
Two go out. One comes back.
Queen of Quirky.
She stubs her toe. On life.
When phone doesn't ring-it's you.
Did it again; with same result.
He dropped it; she, under stod.
"Why," he asked-he shouldn't have.
His name, before Jesus-"The Word."
By Preaching-you learn to preach.
There's something I should be doing?
FINAL DRAFT
He dropped it-she under stood.
The letters in Red, never dead.
Tonight, I will finally go home.
Ernest Hemingway: one shot too many.
Title: I Can Do It In Four
For Sale: Drum set.
Editing from above, plus an extra.
Marital Adjustments
Husbands: Grand Canyon; Wives: Colorado River
------
Edits made. Contest won. Critique submitted.
Ignoring the shame, he suffered all.
Death, in the nick of time.
The cats will be yelling tonight.
Quick! Give me all your coffee.
Dead diciples-don't lie!
As usual, I'm bringing up the rear. Hey, that could be one of the entries! But, let's try these instead. (I love these contests).
Once upon a time began today.
Goal? Post. Score. Cheer. Critique. Yay!
Daddy died. Mom lied. I tried.
Collecting words to feed my soul.
Didn't dance all night--three kids!
Shattered dream, rugged cross, hope redeemed!
Crawled, walked, ran, drove, rocked, rested.
Backstage is as drama-filled as on.
I have been changed for good.
I'm heading somewhere over the rainbow.
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