June 10, 2009

Up for a Challenge?
















Six-Word Stories

As legend tells it, Hemingway scribbled his famous six-word story on a paper napkin in New York City’s Algonquin Bar. Later, he named the six words among the best he had written:

For sale: baby shoes, never worn.

Others, since, have tried the form:

Longed for him. Got him. Shit.
—Margaret Atwood

From torched skyscrapers, men grew wings.
—Gregory Maguire

Well, I thought it was funny.
—Stephen Colbert

Revenge is living well, without you.
—Joyce Carol Oates

Narrative Magazine's Literary Puzzler invites you to try your hand at a six-word story. They are looking for lines with artistry, entertainment, creativity, and entire worlds formed from just a few words. They will choose a first-, second-, and third-place winner from all submissions received by Monday (June 15th) noon, Pacific Daylight Time, and publish their names and entries next Tuesday. All winners will receive a three-month pass to Narrative Backstage.

Share your Six Word Stories here and I'll post them next Tuesday (and send them to Puzzler for a chance to win).

3 comments:

drollgirl said...

i don't know how i could top colbert's quote, but i'll see if i can come up with something!

Dan Johnson said...

All I ask? One last chance.

Lianne said...

Sixty years. She talked, he snored.