This past month, students from OLu’s Honors Writing Experience class delved into the world of six word stories. A six word story is exactly what it sounds like: in just six words, the writer conveys a complete narrative.

Ernest Hemingway originated the six word story tradition with his heartbreaking tale: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” OLu students were challenged to deliver six words like his, simple yet telling.

Here are a few examples:

“Running on empty, I keep going.”

–Lauren Doctor

“Extinguishing his pain ignited their agony.”

–Daniela Lanning

“Distant cries; shots fired; deadly silence.”

–Grace Funk

“Raced to Chick-fil-A; it was Sunday.”

–Megan Schellhase

“See you later” — September 11, 2001

–April Zhang

Submit your own six word story here:

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