accounting student; needs help; will pay
Six Word Story
Welcome to an exciting writing event brought to you by The Big Read: Whatcom READS!
The challenge is to write an entire story in exactly six words. Ernest Hemingway, a master of allusion and manipulating negative space (or what is NOT present in the story) is said to have started this form. When challenged to come up with a story in six words, he wrote: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn."
Hemingway figures prominently in this year's pick, Tobias Wolff's Old School, a novel tracing the development of a writer. Hemingway was a stickler for prose that was spare, simple and honest. His influence echoes throughout Wolff's prose, and he also appears as a character in the book.
We invite you to try your own hand at these by using the following form. All submissions will be displayed in the column on the right.
Your Stories
Do I have to come back?
i run from you to me
Do we seek Fame, or Love?
Odds of getting this to you?
I Do live in Interesting Times.
I saw her, she saw me.
Honey please put the gun down.
I am here waiting for you
Wikipedia say that chaos is... catdog?
Three foot mouse! Ah!! Bigger cat!
British person with allergy to tea?!
Rockets fired 2010, looped Uranus. Earth?
Alexander, the world. I have you.
Eat, thou, ravenously, if not strangely.
I'm stuck in a visual perpetuum!
We can not just pretend, Margaret?
You know how to speak English?
Dr. Doctor just doctored Dr. Docter.
Fire. All treasures lost. Fresh start.
Fresh organs. B positive. Call me.
Good girl. Bad crowd. Embarrassing tattoo.
"Pass the hemlock, please," Socrates said.
See you soon I miss you!
Sophie dancing. Eat it up.
That day he broke his silence.
Wait, I hear two more heartbeats!
I lived my life. Nothing happened.
Let it snow before I die.
Love life. But freedom comes first.
I journey into the unknown forever
You,me,journey the path of blissful love
I yearn for your sweet caress
Emily,dead,jumped out of the coffin alive
The old ape awoke a man
Quinn! Please Don't Eat the Tulips!
"Don't press that button."
Click. *BOOM*
Busted suitcase. Cash floats over corpses.
Desert Farewells: Postcards on a Cactus
"Come," Devil said "Safety, I promise."
I am the River of Life
The River of life flows endlessly
Life? Almost all things are possible.
Death. I was born to it.
Airlock seal failed. Try walrus instead.
Found love online, but e-mail bounced.
"Three weeks? Is that all, doctor?"
Flashshot too long? Try this instead.
Am I boring you? Well, anyway--
Think charges are bogus? They're not.
Sad smokey -rose evenings of Autumn.
Mirror's eye.Illusion of existence.Soul labyrinth.Impenetrable images.
Yeah, when hell freezes over. Brrrrrr!
Waiting, walking, lift feet and glide.
"How about it?"
"Not tonight, Dear!"
I saw, I conquered, I came
Having let go, love caught me
Love walks through the door, stays.
Mangy coyote henpecked by one feisty
roadrunner
Bookish sorts love such indoor sport.
Mary: "I'm Pregnant!" Disembodied voice: "Oops"
Collie scolds Mynah bird in cage.
Since Dad's death, he collects erasers.
China doll. Missing eye. China Pirate.
He eyed the girl and sighed.
Ground squirrel eyed the camera curiously.
He depressed the needle, then himself.
Birth. No! I have love!!! Death.
i don't think he really cares
Happy groundhog enjoys his winter vacation!
behind me drug my worn shoelaces
Underdog wins in hearts of reality.
Blood serpentined down her honeydew thighs.
Thoughtful poet studiously considered his prose.
Then Buffy staked Edward. The End.
gamma ray, electron, positron, annihilate, photons.
She tried. He didn't. It's over.
The captain waves his hand, farewell.
Hungry cat complains, "Tuna smells fishy!"
Looking for reality, fantasy will do.
Sunrise at the Lake Night comes.
The bait gone; the mousetrap unsprung.
The crows called him thought caw.
The usual? No, not today sam.
Once upon a time, The End.
Help:Minny sasses Miss Walters so sweetly
Mud Girls dancing at Lollapalooza. Funky!
Clearer mind, stronger muscles from Crossfit.
Fabricate. Inculcate. Polarize. War. Fallen Empire
Dirty Dan reads Wolff, not impressed
She finally threw away his letters.
Outside the island lighthouse door, knocking.
Bathroom stall scrawlings warrant appreciative scrutiny.
Couldn't get the cigarettes I wanted.
I forgot that it never happened.
Who made up these stupid hierarchies?
Colorful girl; black and white world.
Secretly still loves old boy bands.
Sometimes sings octave lower than track.
Read the writing on the wall.
Sometimes I miss my parents' cult.
I re-paint over old toenail polish .
Fell down the hole ...
Not Alice ?
I wanted to die. I didn't.
Writer's block fading. Resolution Imminent. Success!
The text read: "Yes, it's positive".
Path ahead. Take it. Mystery awaits.
Thats how this computer became self-aware.
Snowwhite sings, birds follow, deer wonders.
Eyes closed, eyes open, still blind!
Born. Love. Live. Laugh. Grown. Die.
leadership respect privacy and gossip not
connect birth grow shrink stop decompose
Drinking green tea and Jim Beam
Lovestruck farmer kisses sow. Gets flu.
Cookie crumbs all over the computer?
love like you've never been hurt
i lost the game again darn
a man shot his neighbors cat
Eyes meet across a crowded room.
Breath. Wail. Laugh. Love. Mourn. Dust.
I'll be waiting here for you.
Fluffy snowflakes peppered the desert landscape.
Fat corgi bullfights, wins trophy. Bedlam!
Farm Girl, City Girl, Farm Girl
I'm so, so, so sorry (ha!).
Please turn around; I'm a backstabber.
For man, the game has ended.
He hesitated, eyes closed. Then jumped.
I told you so. Now what?
Shivering, I buttoned up my coat.
i am very perfect in everything
Wait nevermind! Don't press that button!
Jim Schmotzer doesn't use correct punctuation.
Loud raindrops broke the traveler's solitude
Her breath caught, tears forming. "Yes."
Lamplit furrowed brow buried in hands.
For Rent: Haunted Doghouse, dog gone
the prostitute gave my money back
Puppy, cute. Puppy poop, not cute.
10011010 10001100 00110100 00110111 10000100 11000111
...get your hands off my daughter.
Disneyland for birthday. Very happy day!
'Twas a dark and stormy night...
I came, I saw, I left.
Rode hard and put up wet
expecting thanksgiving hunt,run turkey run!
watching branches falling; catch ground catch!
Ten tired tigers tried talking tirelessly.
Many masked milkmen made music masterfully.
Too many rights make a wrong.
Dire diagnosis results in miracle cure.
These words are very carefully chosen.
Red dress on the mirrored door.
She remembered everything, except her life.
And she never had sex again.
But mama, is this my this?
He gotta bang out of life!
He gotta bang out of life!
if i only had more words
I have been aced by Kiwis
The truth is, everyone wants something.
To be or not to be
If the gun misfires, start running.
motivate others to excercise, work it
Even though I care I forgot.
He asked for it. Didn't he?
Bad timing. Is it ever good?
"Too close to home," she responded.
daisies, butterflies, laughter: me missing you
the bumpy road always traveled... fun!
careful with that axe you dummy!
No easy answers. Seek clearer contradictions.
One, two, three, four, five, etc.
and circle gets the square again
I want to go to there.
writers blocks, lets build a castle!
Memory interrupts. A voice goes unheard.
poetry in motion, lady riding bicycle
Whispering thoughts while in meditation. Nomaste.
hey u im not a lesbian
sunset painted on ocean's mirror, gasp.
walking to town, one mile left
For many: First drink, Broken dreams
Late night elephant steps. Wasted energy.
loving him while letting him go
I am pregnant; due July 8th
Wandered the planet, ended at home
Motherhood; my life, my inspiration.
Broken System. Cold toes. Hungry Children!
wondered the planet ended at home
the workplace awoke with cyberspace's demise
wind; a tyrant to stubborn leaves
Born trying. Lost in distractions. Standstill.
Young Tobias stole? Which Bellingham drugstore?
trying 'til i get it right
former friend, broken trust, never again
Leaves, shredded papers in the gutter.
Holding Dad's hand, walking to dinner.
Bearded boys who drink too much.
Hippie chicks on bikes with baskets.
lost her life, found her voice
dark, drizzly morning. another opportunity offered.
God knocked? no, just the wind.
commenced life with a broken heart
Ariadne liked the boys too much
Writing is a contest with myself.
wayward boiled egg; sabbath pocket surprise
Nothing much left after her jahtor
last to eat he remembered hunger
I keep the mirrors covered now
I have his dog tags now
remember, be seen, but not heard
Okay, i give up. You win.
Are you sick of me yet?
Laughter's helping conquer tears and fears.
I've been thinking of you too.
No one speaks on the bus.
Broken promises, still they want respect
Live life once, make it last
Ohhhh, Susie! Wups, sorry, Julie. OUCH!
he tried, he cried, he died
Girls can do anything boys can.
So... I told him I'm sorry
life dictates glory as wind combines
Hey Victor! heard your dad left
Break A Mirror, 7years bad luck
Babies are people too including boys.
gotta stop this habit, one more
Come from the sky and invaded
Feel the sunshine standing in rain
I can't wait to move friday.
Fall down seven, stand up eight.
Fall down seven, stand up eight.
And then he nearly died horribly.
These boots are made for walking.
'cause I think I'm going blind
I stood behind her beautiful eyes.
Smoking Causes Cancer of The Lungs
give in, let go, set free.
Writing with left hand; unleashed creativity.
How Meny Licks Dose It Take????
anger causes damage and loss man
gawky boy, beautiful girl, hope endures
gawky boy, beautiful girl, lost cause
Born, grew, thought, traveled, thought more.
Flashing "Open" signs keep me away.
lonely, lost, afraid, guilty, no more
mom's blind, nothing tastes the same
Dueling typewriters in offices across town.
baby sleeping, new video game, bye!
Strangers always ask me for directions.
trees down, powers out, strange day
Common sense isn't all that common.
can't make me, i'll try again
everybody said yes, i said no
Turkeys, Watch Out On T Day
remember the day when it hurt?
Jellyfish are hazardous to your health
together forever in dreams of fools.
Throw the computer out the window
Fighting talking toads in a cape.
I've seen the truth of life
Dead milk shake in my room.
got lost once, decided to stay
talking about listening with open eyes
she died, i lived, who cares
rainbows are for lovers, not you!
SAY Hello to my little FRIEND
why yes i am a superstar
falling down laughing about you dude
forever seen but yet forgotten
Kiss my ass scarface! Bang
no don't pull that pull this
wait a second these aren't mine
Freedom is never Free, Warrior
in my hood i look good
the truth has been spun
deep breaths goes shallow, falls
When you awake, Ill be there
NWIC students, each precious and special
made off like a dirty shirt
empty bottle on the floor, me!
the shirt fits me quite nicely
what is for dinner, my friend
They extended adolescence: maybe stuck forever.
damm, I make good pork chops
find me a book, lets read
The rain, its wet cold puddle
acohol eases the pain of life
struck out, again, can't give up
Can you hear the real me?
my nose drips like a faucet
Inspiration happens when you are tested.
fix your hair, it is messy
Live, love and breathe; be happy!
Mom said, "tie your shoe now!"
Answer the phone, its ringing again
I'am soak and wet,like a sponge
Lost my phone,lost my whole world
My cat got ran over today.
my mother said shes very nice
How many times did I say..
The puppy ran away from home.
Do I need this crisis environment?
"Of course you lost your raincoat."
Whatever happens, don't touch that button.
perfectionism precludes the choosing of six
Imagination is more important than knowledge
Gun smoking, "I'm dead." He thought.
"Ain't a story that's six words..."
"I loved you," said the woman.
"Hey! Don't you put that there!"
A seventh story sat atop six.
His halitosis was to die for.
嘿，我不讀中文!
No! Know? Noooo! *Oh* Nein! Fin!
A pseudopseudo-
hypoparathyroidism diagnosis with bad meiosis.
Beef or ham? Beef or ham!
She strums dust from a guitar.
Lost my place. The world ended.
around in circles. I keep going
Once not enough, twice too many.
Milk-carton girl, in the flesh.
Turtle, recently purchased, outlives young owner.
Inherited: “runaway” dog’s old chew toy.
One fist smashes. Other hand caresses.
Where has my penis been now?
Second place, was the first loser
Children laugh at boys holding hands.
Cheats on test, dooms the world.
"Kiss?" "Kiss." ... and my world ended.
The wind blew, and she listened.
He wept, longing for death's embrace.
craigslist lovers once, a mother forever.
She let go of it quickly.
Once, I thought I was wrong
Teacher's Pet on Run From Cops!
i laughed so hard i cried
A Messaiah born leaves Earth remodeled.
"Oh my God!" cried the atheist.
Enjoyment had after death of Fluffy.
hey! sometimes things are kinda alright...
Running away only complicated his situation.
Have a lovely journey, young one.
I once said never, I lied.
No more alcohol, pour me another.
"Entire county sold out of milk."
Man, Woman, and twenty-seven dead bodies
Six nugget meal and a switchblade.
He fell, but not before meeting...
Pile of hair, mixed with tears.
I lost my way last night...
We're born, we live, we die.
Long hours and minimum wage please
Wrinkled mouth sighs. Another year gone.
Decrepit blurs still plague his world.
Rebuilt bridges fell one last time.
I tried to save them, but...
The man said, "Dance." Fun ensued.
A death, a quest, true love
You heard me. Did you not?
Double entendre: give it to me
Don't cry. Your puppy will return.
Someone said "shoot!" So I did...
16 years since home-cooked spider legs..
I'm lonely in the desert, forgotten
Whispers turned into violently screaming everywhere.
Train missed, unbridled panic, adventures forgone.
Her cries go unheard every night.
She craves love that nobody gives.
While in deep space, plants grew.
Washing the car stole my soul.
Bdweasel will steal your chickens, sir.
He was born inside a volcano.
is this really the end? please...
It was painful when I sat.
Empty trashcans in Larrabee State Park.
That sound, he would never forget.
"Read me!" Blame bookstore; alternate reality.
Moved, remodeled and lived the dream
I was born in Chicago, 1951
We could picnic along the way.
Returning your zucchini, enjoy the fruitcake
Afterward, I understood the grave implications.
compulsiveness precipitates disaster; hindsight feigns wisdom.
Greed. Desire. Passion. Who's driving? Where?
In the end, beginning anew matters.
His whispered secrets made me blush.
Once-elegant, graceful hands twisted by Parkinson's.
His big grease-stained hands hold me.
Her gaze moved across 29 years
And then one day she stopped.
Lovey Dovey was not my destiny.
Small town girl living her dream.
You should see the other guy.
The button-pusher survived the nuclear fallout.
Part of family of eight. Alone.
High self-esteem: then I had children.
The bloody jacket reeked of diesel.
Unbuckled and a bottle. Busted, Buddy.
Finally, the sun was shining bright!
No, I am not she lied.
Despite budget woes, people love libraries.
Expert multi-tasker drinking coffee while typ
She walked into the room again
Lost: My Watch. Reward: Free Time!
You don't see me. I'm here.
Dad said "drive carefully." I didn't.
The Big Read: Whatcom READS! Yippee!
Moved. New school. Butterflies. New friends?
Again, choked by the unspoken word.
Life is not a dream but...
Just once more, he said again.
For sale: baby shoes, never worn
