“Baby shoes for sale. Never worn.” Hemingway wrote this six-word tale that has become the ultimate short, short-story. The reader can fill in the blanks. I wonder how many variations of a theme these few words have inspired.
Grant Faulkner honed his skills to write short, 100-word essays and writes in the August 2015 issue of The Writer magazine:
“A flash writer has to paint characters in deft brushstrokes, with the keenest of images in such limited space. Shorts require immediacy; they’re a flicker of light in the darkness, a prick, a thunderclap . . . Paring down my writing and focusing on what goes unsaid and unexplained help me build suspense.”
Faulkner says, about Hemingway’s six-word story, “The story moves by implication– the empty space around those few words invite the reader to fill them, transforming the reader into a co-author.”
If this type of writing appeals to you, start writing now. Faulkner’s 100 word story will accept submissions after September 15. Hone your short story skills now and be ready to submit.
Just Write!
justinefos
For Wayne:
There is no joy
like that of a
nine year old boy
Riding along beside
me
Chatting of this and
that
Throwing rocks into
the river
As if intending to
change the
river’s
course
The delight in showing
his mom
The daring places
he can ride his
new bike
Down steep paths
Saying – look — I’m
not afraid
How about you?
I pray you will always
want to share
Your adventures with
me — I Love You
On The American River Bike Trail
Rancho Cordova, CA
1-23-83
How Quickly 30+ years have flown
You still live your life unafraid
And you continue to share your adventures
with your Mom
I am no longer afraid to watch you soar!
© M. Justine Foster
August 11, 2015
mcullen Post author
Lovely, Justine. Enjoy the time travel back and to the present. And oh-so true. Thanks for posting. 🙂