It is said Ernest Hemingway took up a challenge to write a short story in just six words - can you do the same?
Armidale Regional Libraries is running the annual Six of the Best short story competition for the region’s wordsmiths, with entries open from 10 October 2023 to 18 November 2023.
Entries must be exactly six words - no more, no less.
If you think you have what it takes, take the Hemingway challenge today!
Submit your entry here.
To assist teachers, an excel spreadsheet for class entries is now available for you to download and submit. Please return the completed spreadsheet to library@armidale.nsw.gov.au by the closing date. This spreadsheet is only for bulk school category class entries. School entries - bulk submission form (XLSX 6.6MB)
See below for a list of key dates, rules and guidelines.
Key dates:
- Online entries open - 10 October to 18 November
- Judging of entries - 20 November to 24 November
- Winners advised by email - 24 November
- Winners announced - 27 November
- Prizes awarded - 30 November
Categories:
- School students – Levels K-6
- School students – Levels 7-12
- Adult - age 18+
Rules and entry conditions:
- Valid entries must use six words only – no more, no less.
- Entries must not contain: Phrases quoted from titles of other works; text speak or emojis; figures; images; or languages other than English.
- Punctuated contractions (e.g. shouldn’t, can’t etc.) will count as two words in the word limit.
- Appropriate punctuation is allowed.
- Punctuation symbols are not included in the word limit.
- Sentences must begin with a capital letter.
- Entry to the competition is restricted to the first six entries per person.
- One story per entry. If you would like to make further entries please complete another the entry form.
Click here for a full set of rules and guidelines. (PDF 114.9KB)
Examples of past winning entries:
Adult
|
|
|
First prize
|
Archie Denning
|
Bore found; deceased estate in receivership.
|
Runner-up
|
Karina Waite
|
Mum is missing. Bank account drained.
|
Commended
|
Megan Hofman
|
Are you alright? Asked her attacker.
|
Commended
|
Peter Sharp
|
Good dog, old, needs new home.
|
Commended
|
Allana Sliwinski
|
"Who are you?" mum asked again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
K-6
|
|
|
First prize
|
Claudia Huard
|
I plugged myself into the computer.
|
Runner-up
|
Rachel Gooley
|
Cold fire, abandoned tea, door ajar.
|
Commended
|
Ayalla Kanety
|
All sold, but memories still remain.
|
Commended
|
Estelle Samuel
|
The ant, the shoe, sad story.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7 to 12
|
|
|
First prize
|
Sarah Walker
|
She tired of following. She lead.
|
Runner-up
|
Katie Hancock
|
Woke up and was a chicken.
|
Commended
|
Chloe Towne
|
Please. Send help. We are desperate.
|
Commended
|
Kitty Kelly
|
Calm voices make me feel uneasy.
|
Commended
|
Charley Hackett
|
The bag drips above her head. |