A few weeks ago, I posted a link from NPR's website on the ol' facebook page. The link was a transcript of a program they aired on Weekend Edition, where they interviewed Robert Swartwood, on what he calls "hint fiction." Swartwood has just compiled an anthology called Hint Fiction; An Anthology of Stories in 25 Words or Fewer. It's a genre of fiction, inspired by the six-word novel apocryphally attributed to Earnest Hemingway, which reads: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." This kind of story is great for creative writers looking for a challenge, because although this fictional genre is characterized by its extreme brevity, it takes some real creative ingenuity to construct a complete story out of such a small string of words. Swartwood says, "The stories are extremely short, and yet, they feel whole. A lot of these stories could be expanded into longer stories, but as they are, they're complete — which is the challenge and the beauty of the form."
A few examples from the book:
"Through Tiny Windows" by Barry Napier
When they opened the cadaver, they found a house. A couple argued inside. There was rhythm to their words, like the beating of a heart.
"Jermain's Postscript To His Seventh-Grade Poem Assignment." by Christoffer Molnar
"Cull." by L.R. Bonehill
There had been rumors from the North for months. None of us believed it, until one night we started to kill our children too.
Are you intriqued? Want to read more? Okay, here's the scoop: I'm holding a contest, right here on the blog. All you have to do is comment on this post (just a few words: tell me a little about yourself, or just say hi!) to be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Robert Swartwood's excellent anthology. I will also be giving away a copy of the New York Times bestselling Six-Word Memoirs, another excellent and addictive dose of short and sweet writings. You can earn additional entries by Retweeting the link I've posted on Twitter or by liking the facebook page. The contest will end on December 15th 2010. *Don't forget to include your contact info in your comments.*
Promoted at Contest Blogger
Well, I don't Tweet, and I already Like the fan page, so I'll just be content with commenting ;)
ReplyDeleteI awoke, facedown on white sand. Hot wind scorched my exposed back, and I whispered, horrified, "Ah, hell!"
Thanks Alena!
ReplyDeleteI'll play!
ReplyDeleteMy own short story:
Ex-boyfriend: I must have been starving to think there was a meal for me, there.
~Amanda Grace
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ReplyDeleteI love hint fiction, and would love to read either of those books! So great of you to host a giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteHeres a short-short of my own...
He sported that ratty purple blazer like Armani, orange socks peeking out the ends of Blue Light special tennys. No one even noticed my Gucci. What a world!
Sorry, can't help myself :P I know how you like those shorts. Consider that a bonus ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, I am a stalker.
ReplyDeleteNew to your blog, and glad I got here in time for the give away. I love to write, and your site is great! Since everyone else is writing something, I'll give it a try...
ReplyDelete"All you want for Christmas is your two front teethe? That's right, 'cause I knocked 'em out of your head!" Maybe I should take a Pamprin.
Thanks Alena, darling! I want to keep your comments up here, so when drawing time comes round I'm going to discard all but one of your comments here, so that the playing field is even. In the meantime, I'm basking in your blog stalking love! You're a doll face!
ReplyDeleteI mean all but two, since you did like the fb page also!
Ok :) Just so you know, Amanda, I was only posting for fun, not extra entries. I'm only mostly crazy!
ReplyDeleteI'm in!
ReplyDeleteQuick as a flash, President Lincoln drew his derringer, spun in his seat, and shot the would-be assassin.
Yes!! Way to re-write history, Johnny!
ReplyDeleteI'll give 'er a shot. By the way I really like, "Through Tiny Wondows."
ReplyDeleteIn that moment she both contained and harnassed her rage at perfect pitch: Spoon, coffee, lights and feet each became conduits of fury.
(This is a real life story, you should ask me about it :)
Haha, thanks Brooke! I WILL ask you about this story sometime soon!
ReplyDeleteALL you people's stories are super great! !
That's awesome, Brooke! :)
ReplyDeleteWell... here's a shot.
ReplyDeleteI see her everywhere. Somehow virgin in her every self-conscious brush of sweater, sweep of wiry hair, downward gaze. She didn’t belong here.
Oh... that last post was me! ha ha, I posted as anonymous by accident. :)
ReplyDeleteKatie, that is so lovely! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYeah, really like that Katie!
ReplyDeleteIt was actually a part of a short story I wrote for my Existentialism class this semester. I fell in love with the story and I want to make it into a novella! Thanks for your feedback.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Gah! I wanna write a novel!
ReplyDelete