Bowl readers over with six of the best

The shortest short story competition, Six of the Best, is again being held by Armidale War Memorial Library, issuing a challenge to write a great tale in just six words.

Entries are now open for this year’s Six of the Best, after last year’s inaugural event attracted more than 350 submissions.

The competition was inspired by the legend the great American author Ernest Hemingway, known for his economical use of words, won a bet by writing the six-word story “For sale: baby shoes. Never worn.”

Armidale Library Manager Ian Greenhalgh said: “We encourage everyone to try their hand at being storytellers and masters or mistresses of brevity.

“Everyone has an interesting story to tell and we hope many of them come to light for Six of the Best.

“Like many great games, the task of writing such a short story makes it both easy to get involved but also a great challenge to master. Each word must be carefully chosen to create a compelling tale.”

Two schools categories have been added this year to provide further incentive for people to get involved.

Entries close on 28 September and the winners will be announced on 15 October.

Visit yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au/six-of-the-best to enter and for further information.

Here are last year’s winners and highly-commended entries: •Her apology brought shame to everyone. Su Woodward •He was a girl at school. Sooz Heinrich •She was never considered a scientist. Lou Goggin •Her last words were her first. Jess Cochrane •“Hi.” She walked away, unnoticed, unharmed. Kate Andrews •The peephole revealed an imaginary life. Kate Andrews •That bag is ticking. Call Martin. William Bennett •Sadly, no bridges left to burn. Ben Gooley

Published on 28 Aug 2018