Inspired by Wired's effort to have known writers write 6 word stories I think we can tap the Board collective here for some gems. From the article: [quote:b930612a28="WIRED"]We'll be brief: Hemingway once wrote a story in just six words ("For sale: baby shoes, never worn.") and is said to have called it his best work. So we asked sci-fi, fantasy, and horror writers from the realms of books, TV, movies, and games to take a shot themselves. Dozens of our favorite auteurs put their words to paper, and five master graphic designers took them to the drawing board. Sure, Arthur C. Clarke refused to trim his ("God said, 'Cancel Program GENESIS.' The universe ceased to exist."), but the rest are concise masterpieces. Failed SAT. Lost scholarship. Invented rocket. - William Shatner Computer, did we bring batteries? Computer? - Eileen Gunn Vacuum collision. Orbits diverge. Farewell, love. - David Brin Gown removed carelessly. Head, less so. - Joss Whedon Automobile warranty expires. So does engine. - Stan Lee Machine. Unexpectedly, I’d invented a time - Alan Moore Longed for him. Got him. Shit. - Margaret Atwood[/quote:b930612a28] Read the article for all of them. The rules are simple: 6 words. Full story. So, I've done the adapation of Arthur C Clarke's "God said, 'Cancel Program GENESIS.' The universe ceased to exist.": "God cancels GENESIS. Universe collapses"
That Hemingway one is really sad Really like the one by Eileen Gunn though. My offering... "Their lips met. Time froze. Magic." "Cold, alone, a soft breath, silence..."
Here's one to counter KK's : Warm bed, open arms. "Love You." And a topical one for today : Rhubarb crumble. Vanilla Ice Cream. Yummy.
Skipped class, lost syllabus, failed test. and a seven word one-- Global warming proven. New beachfront properties available. --edited to add a second
I think the power of something like this is in how something small and everyday can imply a huge range of emotions. That's the power of Hemingway's story and also why I like this one: [quote:2ce36137e9="KaptenKaries"]Fear of bruises showing, skipped PE.[/quote:2ce36137e9] My first attempt: Leaves fall in front of me.
Thanks CY, that was what I was going for. I got inspired by how Hemingway illustrated miscarriage and thought I'd give a go at child abuse.
[quote:249ee93a2d="QuothTheRaven"]Here is my story (sorry, I couldn't make it 6 words): Phone line down, no internet. Damn rain.[/quote:249ee93a2d] You could take out 'line' and it would still make sense.
I think for it really to be effective, it doesn't directly tell you what is going on. "For sale: Baby's shoes; never worn," does not imply a baby died, but this much is obvious if you read it.
