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Announcing... Bumbershoot's Hemingway Challenge

Let's face it: books are long. They're chocked full of big words that frankly, we simply don't have time to read. Now more than ever people want the good stuff, and they want it fast. Just look at instant coffee, instant messaging, and instant photos for proof.

With that in mind, we're proud to present the "Hemingway Challenge," a literary contest inspired by the legendary author who once penned an entire story using just six words. Here's how it turned out: "For sale: baby shoes, never used." No Cliffs Notes necessary.

So there you have it. What kind of narrative can you produce in just six simple words? Try your hand at the Hemingway Challenge and share your story with the world (or at least everyone on myspace). All you have to do: write your novel in exactly six words, post it on our Myspace page as a comment, and register it (we need to be able to contact you if you win!) That's it!

Here are some killer stories from writers who have already taken the challenge.

Satan—Jehovah—fifteen rounds. A draw. —Norman Mailer

You? Her? No dice, fat boy. —Pinckney Benedict

Shiva destroys Earth: "Well, that's that." —A.G. Pasquella

Eyeballed me, killed him. Slight exaggeration. —Irvine Welsh

Poison; meditation; skiing; ants—nothing worked. —Edward Albee

Tossed remorselessly, whiffle balls sure hurt. —J.T. LeRoy

She gave. He took. He forgot. —Tobias Wolff

One grand prize winner will receive a pair of Gold VIP Passes to all three days of Bumbershoot 2007; two (2) passes to the exclusive, invitation-only Bumbershoot Music Lounge; CDs from select Bumbershoot artists; a special edition of the 2007 Bumbershoot official poster; and other Bumbershoot merchandise!

Entries will be accepted August 1–17, 2007.

Happy writing!

posted August 03 '07 at 03:52PM by Shaun in bumbershoot, competition, contest, contests, literary arts, myspace

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