A Few Words on “6 Words”
To make a long story short…..
The idea of the 6-word story goes back to an Ernest Hemingway legend that has a 20-something Papa and some fellow writers sitting around a table in the famed Algonquin Hotel restaurant when he makes a bet with them: He can write a story using only 6 words.
Money and doubt are tossed into the center of the Round Table.
Hemingway grabs a cocktail napkin, jots something down, and passes it around for their inspection. All begrudgingly concede and he self-assuredly collects the pot. The 6 words that started it all: For sale: Baby shoes; never worn.
Through the years, scholars have debated the legitimacy of this event: Was it the Algonquin or Lüchow’s? Did this actually happen in the 1920s or was it merely fabricated over a half-century later? Did that 6-word tale exist decades before this was even said to occur?
Whether apocryphal or not, it’s such a good story and an even better writing prompt. It has sparked numerous contests, several books, and untold English assignments around the country. Over time, it has been called by many names, too: Flash Fiction and Twit(ter) Lit and 6-Word Memoirs … but the exercise in concision remains the same –6 words, no more, no fewer; hyphenated words count as 1; and titles don’t count toward the total.
For our issue, we received submissions from students, staff, and faculty, and the results are truly amazing! We are extremely gratified by this campus effort and can end here with these 6 words: “Papa would be proud of these!”
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* Public Domain Photos: Algonquin Hotel, Ernest Hemingway (circa 1927)
3 The 6-Word Challenge #1 by Caliban Wylde ............................ 10 The 6-Word Challenge #2 by Ann O’Nymis ............................. 10 Hemingway’s Iceberg Theory of Writing by Caliban Wylde ................ 10 Six-Word Essay Thoughts and Edits by F. Amos Arthur ................... 10 A Short Story by Caliban Wylde....................................... 10 A Short Story by Ariel Grace Arden .................................... 10 A Short Story by Ann O’Nymis ........................................ 10 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 10 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 11 Appeasement Always Works by J. Schultz .............................. 11 Concrete City 2.0 by Ann O’Nymis .................................... 11 Happy Birthday? by-Ariel Grace Arden ................................. 12 Best Birthday Ever by Ariel Grace Arden ............................... 12 The Last Birthday by Ariel Grace Arden ................................ 12 Looking into the Future by Amber Kocher .............................. 12 Inspiration Quartet (x4) by Jamie Monahan ............................ 13 Mountains by Megan Jones .......................................... 13 Belongingness by Megan Jones ....................................... 13 Own Worst Enemy by Ariel Grace Arden ............................... 13 Not Today by J. Schultz ............................................. 14 Mars Mission Zero by J. Schultz ...................................... 14 Test Results by Ann O’Nymis ......................................... 14 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 14 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 14 TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 Religion by Cody Cragle ............................................. 15 The King by Jack Nichols ............................................ 15 Untitled by Alexis Wombacker ........................................ 15 Untitled by Jacob Terrana ........................................... 15 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 15 Scars by Yarielys Puntiel ............................................. 15 Nephew’s Safe Return by Sharon Shea ................................ 16 Untitled by Alexis Wombacker ........................................ 16 To My Nephew by Caliban Wylde ..................................... 16 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 16 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 16 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 16 TRAFFIC LIGHTS Writer at a Traffic Light by Caliban Wylde .............................. 17 Red Light Blues by Caliban Wylde..................................... 17 Road Rage by Caliban Wylde ......................................... 17 Turning Green at the Reds by Caliban Wylde ........................... 17 Untitled by Sarah Rodriguez ......................................... 18 Untitled by Cassie Laudenslager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 A Year without You by Yunely Moya ................................... 18 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 18 Life and . . . by LA Martin ........................................... 18 For Zach by Julia Kocher............................................. 18 Untitled by Corey Pagnotti ........................................... 19 An Analogy of Love by Buddhi Koirala ................................. 19 Untitled (x3) by Stephanie McCauley .................................. 19 Letting Go by Taylor Goss ........................................... 19 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 20 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 20 Untitled by Analin Adames ........................................... 20 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 20
5 Always Next Year by Phillie Phanatic .................................. 21 Phillies ’22 by Ann O’Nymis .......................................... 21 Pittsburgh Steelers by Thomas Zimnoch ............................... 21 What If He Sees Me as I See Myself by Juan Marte ...................... 22 Untitled by Sarah Warke ............................................ 22 Untitled by Corey Pagnotti ........................................... 22 True Love’s Story by Zachary Brannigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 22 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 22 The Unfairness of Life by Melanie Romero ............................. 23 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 23 Job Perk by Ann O’Nymis ............................................ 23 Will It Be Enough #1 by Caliban Wylde ................................ 23 Will It Be Enough #2 by Caliban Wylde ................................ 23 Untitled by Analin Adames ........................................... 23 Trump by Sally Gorgas .............................................. 24 Episode Sicks by Ann O’Nymis ........................................ 24 trumped (adjective) by Ann O’Nymis .................................. 24 Media’s Trump Card by Ann O’Nymis .................................. 24 Plausibly Deniable False Exigency by J. Schultz ......................... 24 Rusting Wrecks Strewn among the Sunflowers by J. Schultz .............. 24 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 24 Distance by Kelly Hopkins ........................................... 25 On Love and Leftovers by Ariel Grace Arden ............................ 25 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 25 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 25 Untitled by Corey Pagnotti ........................................... 25 Untitled by Corey Pagnotti ........................................... 25
6 Christine F. by Bldg. 9 Bards ......................................... 26 Moving Out by Corey Gulvas ......................................... 26 The Leggy Loser by J. Schultz ........................................ 26 Odes to the Afternoon Nap (x5) by Ariel Grace Arden .................... 26 Morning Smiles by Leela T. .......................................... 26 A Real Snoozer by J. Schultz ......................................... 27 The Endless Woof by J. Schultz ....................................... 27 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 27 Untitled by Madam Grinch .......................................... 27 Coffee and Conversation by Colleen Lavelle ............................ 27 Aging Process by Buddhi Koirala ..................................... 28 Seasons by Nickolene Espinal ........................................ 28 Time Flies by Calie Scott ............................................. 28 Spin Cycle by Janiika Adams ......................................... 28 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 28 Untitled by Leslie Fernandez ......................................... 29 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 29 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 29 Untitled by Corey Pagnotti .......................................... 29 Fleeing Creators by Megan Jones ..................................... 29 Untitled by J. Schultz................................................ 30 Resorting to Desperation by J. Schultz ................................ 30 Childhood by Christine Ferrato ...................................... 30 Untitled by Donna Stobodzian ....................................... 30 Untitled by Stephanie McCauley ...................................... 30 Untitled by Stephanie McCauley ...................................... 30 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 30 Technology by Janiika Adams ........................................ 31 Moms by Janiika Adams ............................................. 31 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 31 Home Early/Breadcrumbs to Hell by Caliban Wylde ..................... 31
7 Of Choice & Consequence (x4) by Ariel Grace Arden ..................... 32 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 32 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 32 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 32 The Devil’s Pawn Shop by Ann O’Nymis ................................ 32 U Take What U Can Get by Caliban Wylde ............................. 32 ON FOOD Ed Said (x5) by Ed Ackerman ......................................... 33 One Smidgen Too Many by J. Schultz ................................. 33 Slice of Progress by J. Schultz ........................................ 33 Of Scoops, Scurvy and Scaffolds by J. Schultz ........................... 33 Hunger Banquet ’22: A Shameful Paradox by Ann O’Nymis ............... 33 Hunger Banquet ’22: Empty Bowls by Ann O’Nymis ..................... 33 ON FOOD: continued... Thanksgiving: Recipe for a Better World by Caliban Wylde ............... 34 Thanksgiving: The Turkey’s Last Words by Caliban Wylde ................ 34 Thanksgiving: The Call Back by Caliban Wylde .......................... 34 Thanksgiving: Leftovers by Caliban Wylde ............................. 34 Thanksgiving: Another Piece of Pumpkin Pie? by Caliban Wylde ........... 34 ON RELATIONSHIPS: Ed Said (x5) by Ed Ackerman ......................................... 35 Untitled by Ariel Grace Arden ........................................ 35 A Hell-Made Match by Caliban Wylde ................................. 35 An Honest Beginning by Caliban Wylde ................................ 35 Whiplash of the Heart by Caliban Wylde ............................... 35 Flash Fiction by Ariel Grace Arden ..................................... 35
8 ON TEACHING: Ed Said (x3) by Ed Ackerman ......................................... 36 Teachers by Ed Ackerman ........................................... 36 Yes, Always by Ed Ackerman ......................................... 36 Temporary Lecturer Lands in Traction by J. Schultz ..................... 36 The Little Planetarium of Horrors by J. Schultz ......................... 36 Teachers’ Lounge #1 by Caliban Wylde ................................ 37 Teachers’ Lounge #2 by Caliban Wylde ................................ 37 Teachers Lounge #1 by Caliban Wylde ................................ 37 Teachers Lounge #2 by Caliban Wylde ................................ 37 TL: Professor Sisyphus at Tartarus College by Caliban Wylde ............. 37 TL: Wounded Warriors by Caliban Wylde .............................. 37 ON BOOKS: Ed Said (x10) by Ed Ackerman ........................................ 38 Children’s Book Drive by Ariel Grace Arden ............................. 38 Every Shakespearean Tragedy by Caliban Wylde ........................ 39 Stephen King’s Rita Hayworth & the Shawshank Redemption by Caliban Wylde ....................... 39 The Shining by Caliban Wylde ........................................ 39 Cujo by Caliban Wylde .............................................. 39 Needful Things by Caliban Wylde ..................................... 39 The Green Mile or Dolores Claiborne by Caliban Wylde .................. 39 The Body by Caliban Wylde .......................................... 39 IT by Caliban Wylde ................................................. 39 ON WRITING: Ed Said (x5) by Ed Ackerman ......................................... 40 Six Words I Believe Should Be Banned by Ed Ackerman .................. 40 Tell Your Story by Maryann Kovalewski ................................ 40 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 40 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 40 Untitled by Jc Fairchild .............................................. 40
About Ablaze:
Ablaze is the digital journal of writing at LCCC. We publish the work of students, staff, and faculty across a wide range of genres, including short stories, poems, essays, research papers, and features.
9 ON MUSIC: Ed Said (x6) by Ed Ackerman ......................................... 41 Revolution$ per Minute by Thom Shubilla ............................. 41 ON MOVIES: Ed Said (x7) by Ed Ackerman ......................................... 42 The Silver Screen by Thom Shubilla ................................... 42 Casablanca by Caliban Wylde ........................................ 42 The Wizard of Oz by Caliban Wylde ................................... 42 Spider-Boy by Caliban Wylde ........................................ 42 Batman by Josiah Mieses ............................................ 43 Batman Begins by Caliban Wylde .................................... 43 The Dark Knight by Caliban Wylde .................................... 43 The Dark Knight Rises by Caliban Wylde ............................... 43 The Batman by Ann O’Nymis ......................................... 43 Fight Club by Ann O’Nymis ........................................... 43 Sequels by Ann O’Nymis ............................................. 43 Stars Wars (x2) by Caliban Wylde ..................................... 44 The Empire Strikes Back by Caliban Wylde ............................. 44 Return of the Jedi by Caliban Wylde ................................... 44 Star Wars: Prequels (x2) by Caliban Wylde ............................. 44 Star Wars: Sequels by Caliban Wylde .................................. 44
©2023, Ablaze Our Staff: Dr. H Ed Ackerman Robert Bogdon Kim Hess
The 6-Word Challenge:
Writing 6 words exactly is very.
--Caliban WyldeMaking English teachers count on fingers.
--Ann O’NymisHemingway’s Iceberg
Theory
of Writing:
to make a long story short.
saying more by using fewer words.
the story is just the tip.
--Caliban WyldeSix-Word Essay Thoughts and Edits
Articles and prepositions not needed here.
--F. Amos ArthurA Short Story:
long story short: the depression won.
--Caliban Wyldelong story short: I never married.
--Ariel Grace Ardenlong story short: the addiction deepened.
--Ann O’NymisUntitled
Weirdness unwinds like a twine ball.
--Jc Fairchild
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•
•
•
Rabbit pops to games of hopscotch.
--Jc Fairchild
Appeasement Always Works:
Holiday disaster averted; child given doll.
--J. Schultz
Concrete City 2.0
pristine woods paved for … more warehouses?!
--Ann O’Nymis11
Untitled
Happy Birthday
some people age others grow old.
Best Birthday Ever
getting to celebrate it with you.
Last Birthday
you never know which it is.
--Ariel Grace Arden
Looking into the Future
I am going to move mountains.
--Amber Kocher
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--Ariel Grace Arden
--Ariel Grace Arden
Inspiration Quartet
• Nothing is impossible to get over.
• Stay on the path to success.
• Life is what you make it.
• On the road to somewhere new.
--Jamie MonahanBelongingness
To the mountains, where I belong.
--Megan
JonesOwn Worst Enemy
We often make our own mountains.
Mountains
Mountains - They grow unnoticed but naturally .
--Megan Jones--Amber
Kocher13
Not Today
Armageddon postponed due to staffing issues.
--J. SchultzTest Results
Oh, sh--! The strip turned blue!
--Ann O’NymisMars Mission Zero:
Boom! Crash! Hull breech –abandon ship!
--J. SchultzUntitled
Quiet by youth, loud by death.
--Jc FairchildUntitled
Lost in life but being found.
--Jc
Fairchild14
Religion
God is with us no doubt.
--Cody Cragle
The King
When He returns, we will bow.
--Jack NicholsUntitled
Each scar tells a different story.
--Jacob TerranaUntitled
We grew up earning playground scars.
--Jc Fairchild
Untitled
The wounds healed; the scars remained.
--Alexis Wombacker
Scars
Her scars don’t define her beauty.
--Yarielys Puntiel15
--Alexis Wombacker
--Jc Fairchild
--Sarah Rodriguez
--Stephanie McCauley
--Jc Fairchild
Adames
--Colleen Lavelle
--Jeff Schultz
--J. Schultz
--J. Schultz
--Ed Ackerman
--Thom Shubilla
